JP7135305B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine such as a pinball game machine and a reel game machine. The present invention relates to a technical field related to gaming machines that can be set based on the above.

Various types of game machines are widely known, for example, pinball game machines such as pachinko game machines and reel-type game machines such as slot machines.
As a game machine, for example, there is a slot machine, in which a set value representing a stage of the probability of winning a game state advantageous to the player can be set based on an operation.

In addition, the following patent document 1 can be mentioned about related prior art.

Japanese Patent No. 5956529

Here, as a game machine, there is a tendency that the processing to be executed by the CPU (Central Processing Unit) is increasing, such as realizing a wide variety of effects in order to increase the interest in the game. is requested.
As described above, there are game machines in which set values can be set based on the operation. be.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to reduce the processing load while preventing fraud in a gaming machine in which setting values can be set based on operations .

A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises control means for controlling the progress of a game operation, and storage means in which information can be read and written by the control means, and the control means provides information that is advantageous to the player. setting means capable of executing a setting process for setting a set value relating to the probability of winning a game state; abnormality determination means for performing an abnormality determination process for information stored in the storage means including the set value; setting mode transition determination means for performing a transition condition determination process for determining whether or not there is an instruction operation to transition to a settable mode in which the set value can be set; Prior to the abnormality determination process by the abnormality determination means, the transition condition determination process by the setting mode transition determination means is performed, and when it is determined by the transition condition determination process that the transition instruction operation is not performed, the To perform the setting process by performing an abnormality determination process and executing a transition program that transitions the execution point of the program to a clearing process program for clearing the stored information of the storage means at the time of startup due to power-on. a first startup mode for executing the clearing process of the stored information by the clearing process program without executing the setting process program ; and the clearing process without depending on the transition program after the setting process by the setting process program is executed. A second startup mode for executing the clear processing of the stored information by a program can be selected , and the clear processing program used for executing the clear processing is common between the first startup mode and the second startup mode. It is programmed .

When shifting to the setting acceptance mode, the setting values may be changed, so in that case, the stored information other than the setting values in the storage means is cleared in order to match the changed setting values. processing should take place. Therefore, when the setting reception mode is entered, the memory means is cleared. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform abnormality determination processing before transition condition determination processing.
On the other hand, if the mode is not changed to the setting reception mode, the abnormality determination process should be performed because the backup restoration process can be performed based on the information stored in the storage means.
By performing the transition condition determination process before the abnormality determination process as described above, when an operation instructing transition to the setting reception mode is performed, the abnormality determination process of the stored information is wastefully performed prior to the transition condition determination process. is prevented from being performed, and the processing load can be reduced.
In addition, since the abnormality determination process is performed if the instruction operation to shift to the setting reception mode is not performed, it is possible to prevent the backup restoration process from being performed in a state in which the information stored in the storage means is abnormal, thereby preventing tampering. can be planned.

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, in a gaming machine in which setting values can be set based on an operation, it is possible to reduce the processing load while preventing fraud.

1 is a front perspective view showing the appearance of a gaming machine as an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a diagram showing the configuration of the game board of the game machine as an embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the gaming machine as an embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a pre-reading forewarning effect in the embodiment; 4 is a flowchart showing main processing on the main control side of the embodiment; FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an initial setting process in FIG. 5; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing power supply abnormality check processing according to the embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the correspondence relationship between each determination condition in terms of operation and the value of the W register when transitioning to setting change processing, RAM clear processing, setting confirmation processing, and backup restoration processing; FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing processing during RAM clearing in FIG. 5 ; FIG. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing main loop pre-processing in FIG. 5 ; FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing main loop processing in FIG. 5; FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a setting change process in FIG. 5; FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a setting confirmation process in FIG. 5; FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a program that implements a process at startup in the embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a program for setting change processing; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the program for setting confirmation processing; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of command transmission processing corresponding to setting change processing in the embodiment; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of command transmission processing during RAM clearing in the embodiment; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of command transmission processing when power is turned on again in the embodiment; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of transmission processing of a setting-confirming command in the embodiment; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of transmission processing of a setting confirmation end command in the embodiment; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of command transmission processing during backup restoration processing in the embodiment; It is the figure which showed typically the list of the command (effect control command) transmitted at the time of starting in embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the main control side timer interrupt processing of embodiment. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing power check/backup processing in FIG. 24; FIG. FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing a setting abnormality check process in FIG. 24; FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing a special symbol management process in FIG. 24; 27. It is the flowchart which showed the special figure 1 start opening check process in FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing special symbol variation start processing in FIG. 27. FIG. FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing a change management process in FIG. 29; FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the jackpot random number determination processing in FIG. It is an explanatory diagram of a jackpot random number determination method of the embodiment. FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing variation pattern creation processing in FIG. 30; FIG. It is the figure which showed the example of the deviation fluctuation pattern table of embodiment. It is a diagram showing an example of a hit variation pattern table of the embodiment. It is a diagram showing another example of the winning variation pattern table of the embodiment. It is the figure which showed the example of the common variation pattern table at the time of a setting error of embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a common variation pattern table for setting errors according to the embodiment; It is the flowchart which showed the main control side main process in a modification. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a program for realizing processing as a modified example; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of specific processing executed in the “setting change post-processing” in the modified example;

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<1. Game Machine Structure>
<2. Game Machine Control Configuration>
[2-1. Main control part]
(Regarding setting value change operation)
(About performance display)
(Production control command)
[2-2. Production control unit]
<3. Overview of operation>
[3-1. Symbol variation display game]
(Special symbol variation display game)
(Decorative pattern variation display game)
(Normal pattern fluctuation display game)
(About hold)
[3-2. game state]
[3-3. About hit]
[3-4. About production]
(Direction mode)
(Notice production)
(Direction means)
<4. Processing of Main Control Unit>
[4-1. Main control side main processing]
(initial setting processing)
(Processing after initial setting)
(main loop processing)
(setting change processing)
(Setting confirmation process)
[4-3. First Summary]
[4-4. About startup processing program]
[4-5. Second Summary]
[4-6. About command transmission at startup]
[4-7. Main control side timer interrupt processing]
(power supply check/backup processing)
(Processing for error management and game progress, etc.)
[4-8. Processing related to special symbol variation display game]
(Special design management processing)
(Special figure 1 starting entrance check process)
(Special symbol variation start process)
(variation management processing)
(Jackpot random number determination process)
(Variation pattern lottery process)
[4-9. Third Summary]
<5. Command correspondence processing of the production control unit at the time of startup>
<6. Modified Example of Command Transmission at Startup>
<7. Other Modifications>

<1. Game Machine Structure>

The structure of a pachinko game machine 1 as an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing the appearance of the pachinko game machine 1, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 3 of the pachinko game machine 1.

A pachinko game machine 1 (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "game machine 1") shown in FIG. A game board 3 (see FIG. 2) is mounted in an attached game board storage frame (not shown), and a game area 3a formed on the surface of the game board 3 faces the opening of the front frame 2. have. A glass door 6 supporting transparent glass is provided on the front side of the game area 3a. Also, on the back side of the game board 3, various control boards (see FIG. 3) for controlling game operations are arranged.

A key cylinder (not shown) for unlocking the door is provided on the front side of the glass door 6. By inserting a key into this key cylinder and operating it to one side, the locked state of the glass door 6 with respect to the front frame 2 is released. , to release the locked state of the front frame 2 with respect to the outer frame 4 and open to the front side.

Under the glass door 6, a front operation panel 7 is pivotally supported on the front frame 2 by a hinge (not shown) so that it can be opened and closed. An upper tray unit 8 is provided on the front operation panel 7, and the upper tray unit 8 is formed with an upper tray 9 for storing discharged game balls.

The upper receiving tray unit 8 also has a ball ejection button 14 for ejecting the game balls stored in the upper receiving tray 9 to the lower side of the gaming machine 1, and a game ball dispensing device (not shown) for dispensing game balls. A ball lending button 11 for making a request and a card return button 12 for requesting the return of the valuable value medium inserted in the game ball lending device are provided. Also, the upper tray unit 8 is provided with a performance button 13 (operating means) configured to be operable by the player. The effect button 13 can be operated (input can be accepted) when the built-in lamp (button LED 75) is lit during a predetermined input reception period, and a predetermined operation (pressing, repeated hitting, long pressing, etc.) is performed during the lighting of the built-in lamp. By doing so, it is possible to bring about changes in the production.

A firing operation handle 15 for operating a firing device 32 (see FIG. 3) is provided on the right end side of the front operation panel 7 .

Speakers 46 are provided on both sides of the upper part of the front frame 2 and on the upper side of the shooting operation handle 15 to produce a sound effect (sound effect). In addition, a plurality of decorative lamps 45 (for example, full-color LEDs for light production, etc.) are provided at appropriate locations on the glass door 6 to exhibit a light production effect by light decoration. A plurality of full-color LEDs (light effect LEDs) as the decorative lamps 45 are provided around the pachinko game machine, that is, around the front frame edge of the glass door 6 in the circumferential direction.

The configuration of the game board 3 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 3 shown in the figure is provided with a ball guiding rail 5 that guides the shot game balls in an annular shape as a board surface partitioning member. The four corners are non-game areas.

Approximately in the center of the game area 3a, for example, in three (left, middle, right) display areas (symbol variation display areas), a plurality of types of decorative patterns (for example, numbers, characters, symbols, etc.) are displayed independently. A liquid crystal display (LCD) 36 capable of variable display operation (variable display and stop display) of a left pattern (corresponding to the left display area), a middle pattern (corresponding to the middle display area), and a right pattern (corresponding to the right display area) is provided. is provided. The liquid crystal display device 36, under the control of the effect control section 24, which will be described later, displays various effects in the form of images in addition to the variable display operation of decorative symbols.

In the game area 3a, a center decoration 48 is provided so as to surround the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 36 in a long way. The center decoration 48 is provided along the front side of the game board 3 to protect the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 36 from the surrounding game balls, and to control the flow of the game ball according to the launch strength or stroke length of the game ball. It works as flow path distribution means that enables distribution of the path to the left and right. In this embodiment, the center decoration 48 is arranged substantially in the center of the game area 3a so that the flow paths for game balls are formed on both upper sides (left and right sides) of the game area 3a due to the presence of the center decoration 48. ing. The game balls hit by the shooting device 32 on the upper side of the game area 3a are distributed to the left and right on the upper side of the armor frame portion 48b, and are divided into the left flowing path 3b on the left side of the center decoration 48 and the right flowing path 3c on the right side. flow something.

In addition, the non-game area near the upper right edge (upper right corner) of the game board 3 serves as various function display portions, and the 7-segment display (with dots) is an upper starting port 34 (for the first special symbol) and a lower starting port. A special symbol display device 38a (first special symbol display means) and a special symbol display device 38b (second special symbol display means) arranged side by side corresponding to the mouth 35 (for the second special symbol). is provided. In the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, a special symbol variable display game is executed by a variable display operation of the "special symbol" represented by the 7-segment display. The liquid crystal display device 36 temporally synchronizes with the variable display of the special symbols by the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, and variably displays the decorative symbols by images, and decorates them together with various advance notice effects (effect images). A symbol variation display game is executed (details of these symbol variation display games will be described later).

In addition, in the various function display units, next to the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, a composite display device (holding composite display LED display device) 38c consisting of a 7-segment display device (with dots) is arranged. Composite is called 5 special patterns 1, 2, display of the number of operation pending balls of normal patterns, state notification during variable time reduction function (during time saving) and during high probability state (during high probability). This is because it is a holding/time-saving/high-precision composite display device (hereinafter simply referred to as "composite display device") having a display function.

Further, the various function display units are provided with a normal symbol display device 39a (normal symbol display means) in which a plurality of (two in this embodiment) LEDs are arranged next to the composite display device 38c. In this normal symbol display device 39a, a normal symbol variation display game is executed by a normal symbol variation display operation represented by two LEDs. For example, as a variable display operation, normal patterns by LEDs alternately turn on and off in a seesaw manner, and by stopping with either side lit up, the propriety of the normal pattern variable display game becomes clear. there is Further, a round number display device 39b having three LEDs (first to third round display LEDs) arranged adjacent to the normal symbol display device 39a is provided. The number-of-rounds display device 39b notifies the specified number of rounds (maximum number of rounds) related to the big hit by a combination of lighting and extinguishing states of the three LEDs.

Below the center decoration 48, an upper starting port 34 (first special symbol starting port: first starting means) and a lower starting port 35 (second special symbol starting port: second starting means) are provided. Detecting sensors 34a, 35a (upper start sensor 34a, lower start sensor 35a: see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of game balls are formed inside each of them. ing.

The upper starting port 34, which is the first special symbol starting port, is the first special symbol in the special symbol display device 38a (hereinafter, the first special symbol is referred to as "special symbol 1", and in some cases "special symbol 1" (abbreviated as )), and is configured as a fixed winning rate type winning device that does not have starting opening/closing means (means for opening or enlarging the starting opening). In this embodiment, due to the action of the game ball falling direction changing member (eg, game nail (not shown), windmill 44, center decoration 48, etc.) in the game area 3a, the left flow path 3b to the upper start port 34 A game ball that has flowed down the path 3c is configured to easily enter (win a prize), whereas a game ball that has flowed down the right flow path 3c has a configuration that makes it difficult or impossible to enter.

The normal variable winning device 41 is configured as a variable winning rate type winning device capable of varying the winning rate of the game ball at the starting opening by the opening opening/closing means. In this embodiment, as a starting opening opening and closing means, a so-called "electric tulip It is configured as a "type" winning device.

The lower starting port 35 of the normal variable winning device 41 is the second special symbol in the special symbol display device 38b (hereinafter, the second special symbol is referred to as "special symbol 2", and in some cases is abbreviated as "special symbol 2". ), and the winning region of the lower starting port 35 is an open state ( winning easy state) and a closed state (difficult winning state) that makes winning more difficult or impossible than in the open state. In this embodiment, when the movable wing piece 47 is inactive, the closed state (non-winning state) is maintained in which the lower starting port 35 cannot be won.

On both sides of the normal variable prize winning device 41, a total of four general prize winning openings 43, three on the left side and one on the right side, are arranged. A mouth sensor 43a (see FIG. 3) is formed. In addition, a movable accessory (not shown) that exerts a visual performance effect is arranged in the area of the game board at a position that does not interfere with the flow of the game ball.

In addition, diagonally above the normal variable winning device 41, that is, on the upper side of the middle part of the right flow path 3c, there is a normal symbol start port 37 (third start means) are provided. This normal symbol starting port 37 is a prize winning port related to normal symbol fluctuation display operation in the normal symbol display device 39a, and inside thereof, a normal symbol starting port sensor 37a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a passing game ball is provided. is formed. In addition, in this embodiment, the normal symbol starting port 37 is formed only on the right flow path 3c side, and is not formed on the left flow path 3b side. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be formed only in the left flow path 3b or may be formed in both flow paths.

In the middle of the route from the normal symbol starting port 37 to the normal variable winning device 41 in the right flow path 3c, there is a special variable winning configured to be able to open or expand the big winning port 50 by a projecting open door 52b. A device 52 (special electric accessory) is provided, and a big winning hole sensor 52a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball entering the big winning hole 50 is formed inside.

A bulging portion (decorative member) 55 bulging out from the surface of the game board 3 is formed around the big winning opening 50, and the upper side 55a of the bulging portion 55 forms a downstream guide portion of the right downstream path 3c. there is When the large winning opening 50 is closed by the open door 52b (large winning opening closed state), the downstream guide portion ( It is adapted to form part of the upper edge 55a). In addition, in the downstream area of the right flow path 3c, in the area above the upper side 55a of the bulging portion 55, more precisely in the game area above the big winning opening 50, a flow path correction plate is provided substantially parallel to the downstream direction of the game ball. 51d is protruded, and functions to attract the falling game balls toward the big winning hole 50.例文帳に追加

The process of entering the game ball into the big winning hole 50 is as follows.
A game ball that has passed through the floating area between the upper surface of the center decoration 48 and the ball guide rail 5 is projected onto the top surface (upper side) 55a of the bulging portion 55 that protrudes from the game board 3 and functions as a guide for the game ball. It flows down along. Then, the game ball touches the right end of the flow path correction plate 51d projecting from the game board 3 surface, thereby correcting the flowing direction of the game ball to the direction of the big winning hole 50 (downward). At this time, if the large winning opening 50 is covered by the retractable open door 52b (closed state of the large winning opening), the game ball rolls on it, and further in a predetermined arrangement (not shown). By the game nail, it is guided in the direction of the tulip-type normal variable winning device 41 (lower starting port 35). At this time, if the lower starting port 35 is in a winning state (starting port open state), a game ball can enter the lower starting port 35 . On the other hand, if the open door 52b is retracted in the game board surface and the large winning opening 50 is open (large winning opening open state), the game ball is guided into the large winning opening 50.例文帳に追加

In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the player aims at the firing position on the side of the special variable winning device 52 (when aiming so that the game ball passes through the right flow path 3c), the upper start opening A game ball is difficult or not guided to the 34 side. Therefore, in the "large winning opening closed state", unless the movable wing 47 of the normal variable winning device 41 operates, winning to the starting openings 34 and 35 is difficult or impossible. The movable wing pieces 47 operate in a more advantageous opening/closing pattern than in the normal state in a game state accompanied by a state with an electric sapo, which will be described later.

In the case of the present embodiment, the manner in which the player should hit to obtain an advantageous situation changes according to the game state. Specifically, if the game state is accompanied by the "state without electric sapo", which will be described later, it is advantageous to hit "left", aiming for the game ball to pass through the left flow path 3b. If it is a game state accompanied by "with state", "right hitting" aiming to make the game ball pass through the right flow path 3c is advantageous.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when there is a winning in a winning opening other than the normal symbol starting opening 37 among various winning openings provided in the game area 3a, a promise is made for each winning opening. The number of prize balls per winning ball (for example, 3 for the upper starting port 34 or the lower starting port 35, 13 for the large winning port 50, and 10 for the general winning port 43) is determined by the game ball payout device 19 (Fig. 3 See). The game balls that have not won the winning openings are ejected from the game area 3a through the out opening 49. FIG.
Here, "winning" means that the winning opening takes in the game ball inside, or the winning opening consists of a pass-type gate instead of a structure where the winning opening takes in the game ball (for example, the normal symbol start opening 37) In the case of , it means that the game ball passes through the gate, and in fact, when the game ball is detected by each winning detection switch formed for each winning hole, "winning" occurs in that winning hole treated as if A game ball related to this winning is also called a "winning ball". If a game ball enters the winning hole, it will be detected by the winning detection switch. Irrespective of this, there are cases where the term "winning" includes the case where a game ball enters the winning opening.

<2. Game Machine Control Configuration>

A configuration (control configuration) for realizing game operation control of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.
The game machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a main control board (main control means) 20 (hereinafter referred to as "main control unit 20") that controls overall game operation (game operation control), and a main control A production control board (production control means) 24 (hereinafter referred to as “production control unit 24”) that receives the production control command from the unit 20 and controls the execution control (appearance control) of the production by the production means, and a prize A payout control board (payout control means) 29 that controls the payout of balls, and a power supply board (power control means (not shown)) that generates and supplies necessary power to the game machine 1 from an external power supply (not shown). ,
A liquid crystal display device 36 as an image display device is connected to the effect control section 24 . Note that the power supply route to each part is omitted in FIG.

[2-1. Main control part]

The main control unit 20 is equipped with a microprocessor containing a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 (main control CPU), and in addition to a control program describing game operation control procedures, various data necessary for game operation control are stored. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 202 (main control ROM) for storing data and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 (main control RAM) functioning as a work area and buffer memory are installed, and the microcomputer is configured as a whole. .
In this example, CPU 201 is a Z80 microprocessor.

Although not shown, the main control unit 20 includes a CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) for realizing periodic interrupts, a pulse output generation function (bit rate generator) with a constant period, a time measurement function, and the CPU 201. An interrupt controller circuit that enables/disables interrupts such as timer interrupts that give interrupt signals, and can output a system reset signal to reset the CPU 201 by detecting power on/off and power failure. A reset circuit, a watchdog timer (WDT) circuit that monitors abnormal operation of the control program, and an out-of-designated area travel prohibition (IAT) circuit that monitors whether the program is being executed correctly within a preset address range , and a counter circuit or the like for generating random numbers within a certain range in terms of hardware.

The counter circuit includes a random number generating circuit for generating random numbers and a sampling circuit for sampling random numbers from the random number generating circuit at predetermined timings, and functions as a 16-bit counter as a whole. By sending an instruction to the sampling circuit according to the processing state, the CPU 201 obtains the numerical value indicated by the random number generating circuit as a random number for internal lottery (random number for judging a big hit (magnitude of random number: 65536)). , the random number is used for the jackpot lottery. The internal lottery random number is obtained by adding a soft random number generated by appropriate software processing and a hard random number, in order to prevent cheating such as hitting a winning game.

The main control unit 20 includes an upper starting hole sensor 34a that detects winning (entering a ball) to the upper starting hole 34, a lower starting hole sensor 35a that detects winning to the lower starting hole 35, and a normal symbol starting hole 37. A normal symbol start opening sensor 37a that detects the passage of the, a large winning opening sensor 52a that detects winning to the big winning opening 50, a general winning opening sensor 43a that detects winning to the general winning opening 43, and an out opening 49 An OUT monitoring switch 49a for detecting a game ball (out ball) discharged from the outlet is connected, and the main control unit 20 can receive detection signals output from these. The main control unit 20 can grasp which winning hole the game ball has entered based on the detection signal from each sensor.

The main control unit 20 also includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 41c for controlling the opening and closing of the movable wing piece 47 of the lower starting opening 35, and a large winning opening solenoid 52c for controlling the opening and closing of the open door 52b of the large winning opening 50. are connected, and the main control unit 20 can transmit control signals for controlling them.

Further, the main control unit 20 is connected with a special symbol display device 38a and a special symbol display device 38b, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for controlling the display of the special symbols 1 and 2. . Furthermore, the main control unit 20 is connected to a normal symbol display device 39a, and is capable of transmitting a control signal for controlling display of normal symbols.

A compound display device 38c and a round number display device 39b are connected to the main control unit 20, and the main control unit 20 outputs control signals for controlling display of various information displayed on the compound display device 38c, It is possible to transmit a control signal for controlling the display of the prescribed number of rounds by the big hit displayed on the number display device 39b.

Further, the main control unit 20 is connected to a frame external centralized terminal board 21, and the main control unit 20 transmits predetermined signals to the hall computer HC provided outside the game machine via the frame external centralized terminal board 21. It is possible to transmit game information (for example, big hit information, prize ball information, symbol variation execution information, etc.).
The hall computer HC is an information processing device (computer device) for monitoring game information from the main control unit 20 and managing the operation status of the pachinko hall gaming machines in an integrated manner.

Furthermore, a payout control board (payout control unit) 29 is connected to the main control unit 20, and when it is necessary to pay out prize balls, a control command (number of prize balls) relating to payout is sent to the payout control board 29 A payout control command that specifies ) can be transmitted.

The payout control board 29 is connected with a launch control board (launch control section) 28 that controls the launcher 32 and a game ball payout device (game ball payout means) 19 that pays out game balls. The main roles of this payout control board 29 are to receive payout control commands from the main control unit 20, to control prize ball payout of the game ball payout device 19 based on the payout control commands, and to transmit status signals to the main control unit 20. is.

The game ball payout device 19 is provided with a supply shortage detection sensor 19a for detecting a shortage of supply of game balls and a ball counting sensor 19b for detecting game balls (prize balls) to be paid out. can receive each detection signal. The game ball payout device 19 is provided with a payout motor 19c for driving a ball payout mechanism (not shown) for putting out game balls. of control signals can be transmitted.

Further, the payout control board 29 is provided with a full detection sensor 60 (in this embodiment, a detection sensor for detecting the state of game balls stored in the upper tray 9) that detects when the upper tray 9 is full of game balls. , a front door open sensor 61 (in this embodiment, a detection sensor that detects at least the open state of the front frame 2) is connected.

The payout control board 29 can transmit various status signals to the main control unit 20 based on detection signals from the full detection sensor 60, the front door open sensor 61, the supply shortage detection sensor 19a, and the ball counting sensor 19b. It has become. This state signal includes a ball clogged signal indicating a full state, a door open signal indicating that at least the front frame 2 is open, a resupply out signal indicating insufficient supply of game balls from the game ball payout device 19, and prize balls. A count error signal indicating an insufficient payout of balls or an abnormality in the ball counting sensor 19b, and a payout completion signal indicating completion of the payout operation are included, and various status signals can be transmitted. Based on these status signals, the main control unit 20 determines whether the front frame 2 is open (door open error), whether the game ball dispensing device 19 is normally dispensed (out-of-supply error), and whether the upper tray 9 Monitor the full state (ball clogging error), etc.

Furthermore, a firing control board 28 is connected to the payout control board 29, and a permission signal for permitting firing can be transmitted to the firing control board 28. FIG. The firing control board 28 controls energization of a firing solenoid (not shown) provided in the firing device 32 based on the output of the permission signal from the dispensing control board 29, and operates the firing operation handle 15. It realizes the shooting operation of the game ball by. Specifically, when a firing permission signal is output from the payout control board 29 (firing permission signal ON state), a touch sensor (not shown) provided on the firing operation handle 15 allows the player to touch the handle. The shooting operation of the game ball is permitted on the condition that the presence of the game ball is detected and the shooting stop switch (not shown) provided on the shooting operation handle 15 is not operated. Therefore, when the shooting permission signal is not output (shooting permission signal OFF state), even if the shooting operation handle 15 is operated, the shooting operation is not executed and the game ball is not shot. In addition, the strength of launching the game ball can be changed according to the operation amount of the shooting operation handle 15. - 特許庁
In addition, when the payout control board 29 detects the ball jam error, it transmits a ball jam signal to the main control unit 20 and stops outputting the firing permission signal to the firing control board 28 (fire permission signal OFF). Until the full state of is eliminated, the control is performed to stop the launching operation.
In addition, the payout control board 29 outputs a launch permission signal to the launch control board 28 on the condition that the launch permission is instructed by the main control unit 20 .

Here, the main control unit 20 is connected to a setting key switch 94 and a RAM clear switch 98, and can receive detection signals from these switches.

The RAM clear switch 98 is, for example, a push button type switch for inputting an instruction to initialize a predetermined area of the RAM 203 .
The setting key switch 94 is a key switch for switching to a setting change mode (at the time of ON operation) by inserting a setting key possessed by the hall staff and performing an ON/OFF operation when power is turned on. Here, the setting change mode is a mode in which the set value Ve can be changed. The set value Ve is a value representing a stage of the probability of winning a game state advantageous to the player.

The RAM clear switch 98 is turned ON/OFF according to the operation of a RAM clear button which is operable with the front frame 2 opened. The setting key switch 98 is provided with a key cylinder into which the above-described setting key can be inserted and removed. When it is turned in the opposite direction from the ON state, it is turned OFF. The key cylinder is provided so that it can be operated by inserting a setting key while the front frame 2 is open. Note that the key cylinder functions as an operator that can be operated by inserting a setting key.

In this example, the above RAM clear button is also used for changing the set value Ve. Specifically, the RAM clear button also functions as an operator for forwarding the set value Ve.

A RAM clear switch 98 and a setting key switch 94 are provided at appropriate locations inside the gaming machine 1 . For example, it is arranged on the main control board 20 .

A setting/performance indicator 97 is also connected to the main controller 20 .
The setting/performance display 97 is configured with, for example, a 7-segment display, and functions as display means capable of displaying setting values Ve and performance information (to be described later). The setting/performance indicator 97 is mounted, for example, on the main control unit (main control board) 20 at a position where it can be easily viewed.
The main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for displaying the setting value Ve and performance information to the setting/performance display device 97 .

Here, the set value Ve mainly defines the lottery probability (winning probability) of at least the jackpot (hit type that will operate the condition device described later) for each stage (for example, 6 stages of settings 1 to 6) The higher the set value Ve, the higher the probability of winning (setting 1 is the lowest probability of winning, and thereafter, the probability of winning increases in ascending order of the set values), which works in favor of the player. there is In other words, the higher the set value Ve, the higher the so-called "mechanical discount (payout rate, payout rate)", which is advantageous to the player.
In this way, the set value Ve is a value that defines the probability of winning a jackpot, a machine discount, etc., and means a value for a grade related to the probability of occurrence of a specific event such as a profit state that acts on a player. , in the present embodiment, the degree of advantage in the game is defined according to each set value Ve.

The set value Ve is set exclusively by a hall staff such as a hall clerk based on the sales strategy of the hall (amusement store). When there are a plurality of types of jackpots, it is possible to appropriately determine which jackpot winning probability is changed according to the set value Ve, or the type of target jackpot. For example, if there are three types of jackpots 1 to 3, the higher the set value Ve is, the higher the winning probability of all the jackpots 1 to 3 may be. The combined winning probability may be increased. Also, the winning probability of some jackpots may be increased. For example, only the winning probabilities of the jackpots 1 and 2 may be increased, and the winning probability of the jackpot 3 may be set to be constant with all set values Ve.

(Regarding setting value change operation)

In order to change the setting value Ve, in this example, the setting key switch 94 is turned ON (operated to the setting change mode side) in a state where the gaming machine 1 is powered off and the front frame 2 is released, and The game machine 1 is powered on while the RAM clear button is pressed (the RAM clear switch 98 is ON). Then, the current set value Ve is displayed on the setting/performance display 97, and the setting value Ve (for example, 1 to 6) can be changed to the "setting change mode".

In this example, the determination as to whether or not to shift to the setting change mode is made in the main control side main process, which will be described later (see step S104 in FIG. 5). When the above operation conditions for shifting to the setting change mode are satisfied, processing for setting change is executed accordingly.

After shifting to the setting change mode, when the RAM clear button functioning as a change operator for the set value Ve is turned ON, the current display value of the setting/performance display 97 changes to "1→2→3→4→ 5->6->1->2->3->...", the range of 1 to 6 can be cyclically switched. When the desired setting value Ve is reached, the setting key switch 94 is turned off, and the setting value Ve is determined, and information on the determined setting value Ve is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 203 .
When the setting key switch 94 is turned off, the setting change mode is terminated and the display of the setting/performance display 97 is cleared.
When the setting change mode ends, the game is shifted to a state in which the progress of the game is permitted.

(About performance display)

The main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for displaying predetermined performance information to the setting/performance display device 97 .
The performance information is information that pachinko halls and related government agencies want to confirm, and typical examples thereof include information on the presence or absence of fraudulent prize balls such as excess prize balls for the gaming machine 1 and information on the original performance of the gaming machine 1. is. Therefore, the performance information itself is information that is not directly related to the progress of the game itself when the player is enjoying the game, unlike the advance notice effect or the like.

For this reason, the setting/performance display device 97 is inside the game machine 1, for example, the main control unit (main control board) 20, the payout control board 28, the launch control board 29, the relay board, the production control unit (production control board (liquid crystal It is provided at a position where the display information can be viewed when the front frame 2 is opened, such as on the control board) ) 24 or a board case (a protective cover that protects the board).

Here, the following information can be specifically adopted as the performance information.

(1) The total number of payout balls paid out due to winning during a specific state (total number of prize balls during a specific state: α) is The information (specific ratio information) based on the value (α/β) divided by the number of pieces: β can be adopted as the performance information.
The above-mentioned "total number of payouts" is the total value of the game balls (prize balls) paid out when entering the winning opening (upper starting opening 34, lower starting opening 35, general winning opening 43, big winning opening 50). is. In the case of the present embodiment, there are three upper starting openings 34 or lower starting openings 35, thirteen large winning openings 50, and ten general winning openings 43. FIG.
Further, which state to adopt as the specific state can be appropriately determined according to the state under which performance information is desired to be grasped. In the case of this embodiment, any state can be employed among the normal state, latent probability state, time saving state, probability variable state, and jackpot game. Also, a plurality of types of states may be measured. For example, a normal state and a variable probability state, and all game states except during a winning game, etc., and the types to be measured can be determined as appropriate.
Also, as the period of the specific state, the period of either the low probability state or the high probability state of the jackpot lottery probability may be employed.
Also, the total number of payouts excluding one or a plurality of specific winning holes from the measurement target may be the total number of payouts (total number of payouts excluding specific winning holes). For example, the total number of payouts may be obtained by excluding the big winning opening 50 from the measurement target among the winning openings.

(2) In addition, only one of the total number of payouts, the total number of payouts excluding a specific winning hole, or the total number of out-balls may be measured, and the measurement result may be used as the performance information.

In this embodiment, the total number of balls paid out during the normal state (normal number of balls paid out) and the total number of out balls during the normal state (normal number of out balls) are measured in real time. The value obtained by multiplying the value divided by 100 (normal payout count/normal out count x 100) is displayed as performance information (hereinafter referred to as “normal ratio information”). In addition, the display value at this time shall be the value rounded off to the first decimal place.
Therefore, the normal payout number, the normal out number, and the normal ratio information are respectively stored in the corresponding areas of the RAM 203 (specified total winning ball number storage area, specified out number storage area, specific ratio information storage area). It is designed to be stored (memorized). However, when the total number of out-balls reaches a predetermined specified number (for example, 60,000), the measurement is stopped once, instead of simply measuring permanently and displaying the performance information. This prescribed number is not the total number of out balls in the normal state, but the total number of out balls during all game states (including during winning games) (hereinafter referred to as "the number of out balls in all states"). This all-state-out number is also measured in real time and stored in the corresponding area (all-state-out number storage area) of the RAM 203 . Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the specified total number of winning balls storage area, specified out number storage area, specified ratio information storage area, and all state out number storage area are abbreviated as "measurement information storage area".

Then, the normal ratio information at the end point is stored in a predetermined area (performance display storage area) of the RAM 203 (this normal ratio information is stored), and then the measurement information storage area (normal payout number, normal out number and the total number of out balls) are cleared, and measurement is started again (measurement of the number of normal payouts, the normal number of out balls, the normal ratio information, and the number of out balls in all states is started). The setting/performance display device 97 displays the previous normal time ratio information (measurement history information) and the normal time ratio information currently being measured. It should be noted that not only the information of the previous time but also the history of the time before last or the time before that (three times before) may be displayed.

Here, in the case of this example, the setting/performance indicator 97 alternatively displays the setting value Ve and the performance information. Specifically, in this example, settings are changed and checked only when the power is turned on. After the set value Ve is displayed on the performance indicator 97 and the setting change or setting confirmation is completed, the performance information is displayed.
It should be noted that the configuration in which the set value Ve and the performance information are displayed by a common display is not limited, and a configuration in which they are displayed by separate displays can also be adopted. In that case, the setting value Ve and the performance information may be displayed in parallel.

(Production control command)

The main control unit 20 can transmit various effect control commands including information on special symbol variation display games, information on errors, etc. to the effect control unit 24 according to the processing state. However, in order to prevent fraudulent acts such as goto, the main control unit 20 only transmits a signal to the effect control unit 24, and a one-way communication configuration that cannot receive a signal from the effect control unit 24 is used. It's becoming

Here, the effect control command defines the function by a 2-byte configuration consisting of a 1-byte length mode (MODE) and a 1-byte length event (EVENT). Bit7 is ON, and Bit7 of EVENT is OFF. When transmitting these information as valid, a strobe signal is output corresponding to each of the mode (MODE) and the event (EVENT). That is, the CPU 201 (main control CPU), when there is a command to be transmitted, sets and outputs mode (MODE) information for transmitting the command to the effect control unit 24, and after a predetermined time has elapsed from this setting, the first time strobe signal. Further, event (EVENT) information is set and output after a predetermined time has passed since the transmission of this strobe signal, and the second strobe signal is transmitted after a predetermined time has passed since this setting. The strobe signal is controlled to be in an active state by the CPU 201 for a predetermined period during which the CPU 241 (effect control CPU) can reliably receive commands.

[2-2. Production control unit]

The production control unit 24 is equipped with a microprocessor that incorporates a CPU 241 (production control CPU), and includes a ROM 242 (production control ROM) that stores production data required for production control processing, and a RAM 243 that functions as a work area and buffer memory. It is composed mainly of a microcomputer equipped with a performance control RAM), and is also equipped with a sound control unit (sound source IC), RTC (Real Time Clock) function unit, counter circuit, interrupt controller circuit, reset circuit, WDT circuit, etc. and controls the entire production operation.

The main roles of this production control unit 24 are reception of production control commands from the main control unit 20, selection and determination of production based on the production control commands, image display control of the liquid crystal display device 36, sound control of the speaker 46, and decorative lamps. 45 and various LEDs (button LED 75 and other performance LEDs (not shown)) light emission control, motion control of movable body accessories, and the like.

The effect control section 24 also includes a display control section (not shown) that controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 36 . This display control unit includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) that controls overall video output processing such as image expansion processing and image drawing, and an image ROM that stores image data (effect image data) for which the VDP performs image expansion processing. A VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily stores image data developed by the VDP, a liquid crystal control CPU that outputs control data necessary for the VDP to perform display control, and a display control operation procedure of the liquid crystal control CPU. It is composed mainly of a liquid crystal control ROM that stores written programs and various data necessary for the display control, and a liquid crystal control RAM that functions as a work area and a buffer memory.

In addition, the performance control unit 24 controls a light display device 45a including a decorative lamp 45 and various LEDs in order to produce various performances (light performance, sound performance, and movable body performance using movable body accessories). , a sound control unit for the sound generator 46a including the speaker 46, a drive control unit (motor drive circuit) for the movable accessory motor 80c that operates the movable accessory (not shown), and the like.

A position detection sensor 82a for monitoring the motion of the movable body role is connected to the effect control unit 24, and the effect control unit 24 detects the current motion of the movable body role based on the detection information from the position detection sensor 82a. The operation mode is controlled while monitoring the position (for example, the amount of movement from the origin position). Also, based on the detection information from the position detection sensor 82a, the malfunction of the action of the movable body accessory is monitored, and if a malfunction occurs, it is detected as an error.

Also, the effect control unit 24 is connected to the switch of the effect button 13 , that is, the operation detection switch of the effect button 13 , and the effect control unit 24 can receive the operation detection signal from the effect button 13 .

Based on the performance control command sent from the main control unit 20, the performance control unit 24 selects (determines) a performance pattern by lottery or uniquely from a plurality of types of performance patterns prepared in advance, and selects (determines) the required performance pattern. To display a desired performance by controlling various performance means at timing. As a result, the display of the effect image by the liquid crystal display device 36 corresponding to the effect pattern, the reproduction of the sound from the speaker 46, the lighting and blinking driving of the decorative lamp 45 and the LED are realized, and various effect patterns (decorative pattern fluctuation display operation, A "drawing scenario" in a broad sense is realized by the time-series development of advance notice effects, etc.

Here, for the effect control command, the effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) generates an interrupt process based on the input of the above-described strobe signal transmitted by the main control unit 20 (CPU 201), and receives and analyzes it. Specifically, the CPU 241 executes a control program for command reception interrupt processing based on the input of the strobe signal described above, and obtains the effect control command in the interrupt processing realized thereby, and analyzes the contents of the command. conduct.
At this time, when an interrupt occurs based on the input of the strobe signal, the CPU 241 performs the processing even during execution of interrupt processing based on another interrupt (timer interrupt processing that is periodically executed). is interrupted to perform command reception interrupt processing, and even if other interrupts occur at the same time, command reception interrupt processing is performed preferentially.

<3. Overview of operation>
[3-1. Symbol variation display game]

Next, the outline of the game operation of the gaming machine 1 realized by the control configuration (FIG. 3) as described above will be described.
First, the symbol variation display game will be described.

(Special symbol variation display game)

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the main control unit 20 performs A "big hit lottery" is performed by random number lottery. Based on the lottery result, the main control unit 20 causes the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b to variably display the special symbol 1 and the special symbol 2 to start the special symbol variation display game, and after a predetermined time elapses, displays the result as a special symbol. Derivation display is performed on the symbol display device, thereby ending the special symbol variation display game.

Here, in the present embodiment, the big-hit lottery based on winning the upper starting port 34 and the big-winning lottery based on winning the lower starting port 35 are performed separately and independently. Therefore, the big-hit lottery result for the upper starting port 34 is derived from the special symbol display device 38a side, and the big-hit lottery result for the lower starting port 35 is derived from the special symbol display device 38b side. Specifically, on the side of the special symbol display device 38a, on the condition that the game ball enters the upper starting port 34, the special symbol 1 is variably displayed and the first special symbol variation display game is started. On the other hand, on the side of the special symbol display device 38b, on the condition that the game ball enters the lower starting port 35, the special symbol 2 is variably displayed and the second special symbol variability display game is started. ing. Then, when the special symbol variation display game on the special symbol display device 38a or the special symbol display device 38b is started, after a predetermined variation display time elapses, if the big win lottery result is a "big win", a predetermined "big win". In other cases, the special symbol during variable display is stopped and displayed in a predetermined "lost" mode, thereby deriving the game result (big hit lottery result).

In this specification, for convenience of explanation, the first special symbol variation display game on the side of the special symbol display device 38a is referred to as "special symbol variation display game 1", and the second special symbol on the side of the special symbol display device 38b. The variable display game is called "special symbol variable display game 2". In addition, unless particularly necessary, "special symbol 1" and "special symbol 2" are simply referred to as "special symbol" (sometimes abbreviated as "special symbol"), and "special symbol variation display game 1" and ""Special symbol variation display game 2" is simply referred to as "special symbol variation display game".

(Decorative pattern variation display game)

Further, when the above-mentioned special symbol variation display game is started, along with this, the decorative symbol variation display game is started by variably displaying decorative symbols (dramatic game symbols) on the liquid crystal display device 36. Along with this, various productions are developed. When the special pattern variation display game ends, the decoration pattern variation display game also ends, the special pattern display device reflects the predetermined special pattern indicating the jackpot lottery result, and the liquid crystal display device 36 reflects the jackpot lottery result. A decorative pattern is derived and displayed. In other words, the result of the special symbol variation display game is reflected and displayed by the decorative symbol variation display game including the decorative symbol variation display operation.

Therefore, for example, when the result of the special symbol variation display game is "big win" (when the big win lottery result is "big win"), the decorative symbol variation display game develops an effect reflecting the result. Then, in the special symbol display device, when the special symbol is stopped in a display mode indicating a big hit (for example, the display state of "7" in the 7 segment), the liquid crystal display device 36 displays "left", "middle", and "right". ” in each display area, the decorative pattern reflects the “big hit” (for example, in each of the “left”, “middle” and “right” display areas, the three decorative patterns are “7”, “7”, “7 ” is displayed).

When the "big hit" is achieved, specifically, the special symbol variation display game ends, and the decorative symbol variation display game ends accordingly, and as a result, the "big win" symbol mode is derived and displayed. After that, the large winning opening solenoid 52c of the special variable winning device 52 is actuated to open and close the opening door 52b in a predetermined pattern. A special game state (jackpot game) occurs. In this jackpot game, the opening door 52b is opened until a predetermined time (maximum opening time: for example, 29.8 seconds) elapses, or the number of game balls that have won the jackpot 50) (maximum number of winning balls: the upper limit of the number of winning balls allowed for a winning opening that is opened or enlarged by one actuation of the accessory: e.g. 9) until the winning area is opened or expanded, and if any of these conditions are met, the big winning opening is closed. round) repeated.

When the big win game is started, an opening performance is first performed to notify the start of the big win, and after the opening performance is finished, the round game is performed a plurality of times with a predetermined prescribed number of rounds as the upper limit. After the end of the specified number of rounds, an ending effect is performed to notify that the big win is over, thereby ending the big win game.

Regarding the information necessary for executing the decorative symbol variation display game, first, the main control unit 20, based on the entry (winning) of the game ball into the upper start port 34 or the lower start port 35, specifically On the condition that the game ball is detected by the upper starting opening sensor 34a or the lower starting opening sensor 35a and the starting condition (starting condition related to special symbols) is met, a lottery will be held to determine whether it is a "big hit" or "lose". If it is a ``jackpot'', the type of the jackpot will be drawn, and if it is a ``lose'', the type of drawing will be drawn. ) 'and (if there is only one type of loss, the lottery may be omitted because there is no need to perform a type lottery for the loss), and based on the lottery result information, the special symbol fluctuation pattern Also, a special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "special stop symbol") to be finally stopped and displayed is determined according to the winning type.
Then, the main control unit 20, as the effect control command to specify the processing state, at least special symbol variation pattern information (for example, information on the big hit lottery result and special symbol variation time, etc.) "variation pattern specification command" including It is transmitted to the production control section 24 side. As a result, the basic information required for the decorative symbol variation display game is sent to the effect control section 24 . In addition, in this embodiment, in order to increase the variety of effects, a "decorative design designation command" including special stop design information (symbol lottery result information (information on winning type)) is also transmitted to the effect control unit 24. It's like

The above-mentioned special symbol variation pattern information can include information designating whether or not a specific advance notice effect (for example, "ready-to-win effect" or "pseudo-continuous effect", which will be described later) will occur. More specifically, the variation patterns of the special symbols are roughly classified into a "hit variation pattern" for winning and a "losing variation pattern" for losing, depending on the result of the jackpot lottery. For these variation patterns, for example, 'reach variation pattern' that specifies the occurrence of reach production described later, 'normal variation pattern' that does not specify the occurrence of reach production, pseudo-continuous production and reach production (overlapping occurrence) A plurality of types of variation patterns are included, such as 'pseudo-continuous reach fluctuation pattern' to be specified, 'pseudo-continuous normal fluctuation pattern' that specifies the occurrence of pseudo-continuous production and does not specify the occurrence of reach production. In order to secure the performance time of the ready-to-win effect and the pseudo-continuous effect, the variation pattern that designates the ready-to-win effect and the pseudo-continuous effect is usually set to have a longer variation time than the normal variation pattern.

Effect control unit 24, based on the information included in the effect control command (here, variation pattern designation command and decorative design designation command) sent from the main control unit 20, chronologically during the decorative design variation display game Decide the production content to be developed (production scenario such as advance notice production) and the decorative pattern to be finally displayed stopped (decorative stop pattern), and display the decorative pattern by fluctuating according to the time schedule based on the special pattern fluctuation pattern. A pattern variation display game is executed. As a result, the decorative symbols are variably displayed by the liquid crystal display device 36 in synchronization with the variable display of the special symbols by the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, and during the period of the special symbol variable display game and during the decorative symbol variable display game. has substantially the same time width. The effect control unit 24 also controls the liquid crystal display device 36, the optical display device 45a, or the sound generator 46a so as to correspond to the effect scenario, and develops various effects in the decorative symbol variation display game. As a result, image reproduction (image effect), sound effect reproduction (sound effect), and lighting and flashing drive (light effect) of the decorative lamp 45 and LED are realized on the liquid crystal display device 36 .

As described above, the special symbol variation display game and the decorative symbol variation display game have an inseparable relationship, and the display results of the special symbol variation display game are reflected in the decoration symbol variation display game. , These two symbol variation display games may be regarded as equivalent symbol games. In this specification, the above-described two symbol variation display games may be simply referred to as "symbol variation display games" unless otherwise specified.

(Normal pattern fluctuation display game)

In addition, in the gaming machine 1, based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol starting port 37 (winning a prize), the main control unit 20 performs an "assisting winning lottery" by random number lottery. Based on the result of the lottery, the normal symbol represented by the LED is variably displayed on the normal symbol display device 39a to start the normal symbol variation display game, and after a certain period of time has passed, the result is changed to a combination of lighting and non-lighting of the LED. stop display. For example, when the result of the normal symbol variation display game is "assist hit", the display unit of the normal symbol display device 39a is set to a specific lighting state (for example, two LEDs 39 are all lit, or "○" and " The LED on the side of "○" among the LEDs expressing "x" is in a lighting state), and the display is stopped.

When this "assist hit" occurs, the normal electric accessory solenoid 41c (see FIG. 3) operates, whereby the movable wing 47 opens in an inverted "V" shape and the lower starting port 35 opens. Or it becomes a state (starting opening open state) that is enlarged and the game ball is easy to flow in, and an auxiliary game state (hereinafter referred to as "general electric open game") that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state occurs. In this normal electric open game, by the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variable winning device 41, until the opening time of the lower starting port 35 passes a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds), or the game winning the lower starting port 35 The winning area is opened or expanded until the number of balls reaches a predetermined number (for example, 4). 2 times) is repeated.

(About hold)

Here, in this embodiment, during the special/decorative pattern variation display game, during the normal pattern variation display game, during the jackpot game, or during the general electric open game, the upper start port 34, the lower start port 35, or the normal symbol start port 37 When a prize is generated, that is, there is an input of a detection signal from the upper starting opening sensor 34a or the lower starting opening sensor 35a or the normal symbol starting opening sensor 37a, and the corresponding starting condition (symbol game starting condition) is established, As data relating to the right to start the variable display game, this data is reserved and stored up to a predetermined maximum number of reserved memories (for example, a maximum of 4), excluding data related to the variable display. The reserved data that is not used for the symbol variation display operation or the game ball related to the reserved data is also referred to as "operational reserved ball". In order to make clear to the player the number of activated balls held, a special held display (not shown) provided at an appropriate place on the gaming machine 1, or a held display provided as an icon image on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36. light up the device.

Also, in this embodiment, up to four operation reserve balls relating to the special design 1, special design 2, and normal design are reserved and stored in the corresponding storage area of the RAM 203, and reserved as the fixed number of fluctuations of the special design or the normal design. In addition, the maximum memory number (maximum reservation memory number) of each operation reservation ball number regarding the special symbol 1, the special symbol 2, and the normal symbol is not particularly limited. Also, all or part of the maximum reserved memory number of each symbol may be different, and the number can be appropriately determined according to the game characteristics.

[3-2. game state]

The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to generate a plurality of types of game states in addition to the big win which is the special game state. In order to facilitate understanding of this embodiment, first, various game states will be described.

The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to execute and control at least four types of game states: a normal state, a time-saving state, a latent probability state, and a probability variable state. These game states are distinguished by whether or not a jackpot lottery probability state (low probability state, high probability state) and an electric chew support state (privilege game) occur (with electric support, without electric support).

"Electric chew support state" means that the opening operation period of the movable wing 47 of the normal variable winning device 41 in the general electric open game (at least one of the opening time of the movable wing 47 and the number of times it is opened) is in the normal state It refers to the "open extended state" extended more than. When the open extension state occurs, the opening operation period of the movable wing 47 is extended from 0.2 seconds in the normal state (under the non-open extension state) to 1.7 seconds, and the number of times of opening and closing is increased, for example. It is extended from the normal 1 time to 2 to 3 times.
In the case of the present embodiment, under the electric chew support state, the auxiliary winning lottery probability fluctuates from a low probability (for example, 1/256) of a predetermined probability (normal probability) to a high probability (for example, 255/256) (normal A pattern probability fluctuation state) occurs, and a 'normal pattern time saving state' that shortens the average time required for one normal pattern fluctuation display game (normal pattern fluctuation display operation time) occurs (for example, from 10 seconds 1 second). Therefore, when the electric chew support state occurs, the common electric open game occurs frequently, and the operating rate improved state (high base state) in which the operating rate of the movable wing pieces 47 per unit time is improved than in the normal state. Hereinafter, the state under the electric chewing support state is abbreviated as "with electric support", and the other case is abbreviated as "without electric support".

In the present embodiment, the “normal state” means that the jackpot lottery probability is a low probability (for example, 1/399) of a predetermined probability (normal probability), and the game state without electric support (low probability + no electric support). To tell.

"Time-saving state" means that the probability of the jackpot lottery is as low as the normal state, but the average time required for one special symbol variation display game (variation display operation time of special symbols)) is lower than the normal state. It is a game state in which a 'special symbol time saving state' that is also shortened occurs and an electric chew support state occurs. In other words, during the time saving state, it becomes "low probability + electric sapo + special symbol time saving state".

The “potential state” is a “special symbol probability variable state” in which the jackpot lottery probability has changed to a high probability (for example, 1/39.9) that is higher than the above low probability, and a game state without an electric sapo (high Probability, no electric support).

"Probability variable state" is a game state in which the jackpot lottery probability is as high as the latent probability state, but the special symbol time saving state and the electric chew support state occur. In other words, during the variable state, it becomes "high probability + electric sapo + special pattern time saving state".

Regarding the game state, focusing on the jackpot lottery probability, if the game state is the “normal state” or “time saving state”, at least the jackpot lottery probability is “low probability state”, and the game state is “latent state” or “variable probability”. state”, at least the jackpot lottery probability becomes a “high probability state”. During the big win, a big win game in which the big prize opening is opened and closed occurs, but the big win lottery probability and the presence or absence of an electric support are placed under the same low probability and no electric support game state as in the above normal state.

[3-3. About hit]

Next, the “hit” in the game machine 1 will be explained.
In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a big win lottery (hit lottery) is performed for a plurality of types of wins. In the case of this example, the types of hits include, for example, "normal 4R", "normal 6R", "variable probability 6R", and "variable probability 10R".
Note that the notation of "R" means the prescribed number of rounds (maximum number of rounds).

The jackpot type is a hit that triggers the operation of the condition device. Here, the "conditional device" is a device whose operation is a necessary condition for the operation of the accessory continuous operation device for performing a round game, and a combination of specific special symbols is displayed, or a game ball is displayed. It means something that operates when passing through a specific area in the big winning opening.

The variable probability state ends the high probability state and shifts to the low probability state when the special symbol variation display game is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 70 times: the prescribed ST number) without winning the jackpot type. , It is a so-called "number-of-times-cutting variable machine (ST machine)", and when the prescribed number of STs is completed, the game is shifted to the normal state from the next game. However, it may be a "general probability changer" that continues until the next big hit is won.
The number of executions of the special symbol variation display game may be the total number of executions of the special symbol variation display game 1 and the special symbol variation display game 2 (the total number of variations of the special symbol 1 and the special symbol 2), It may be the number of executions of either one (for example, the number of executions of the special symbol variation display game 2). Also, the number of times of the time-saving state is not limited to 60 times or 100 times, and can be determined as appropriate according to the playability. Also, there is no particular limitation on the type of hit to be provided, and it can be determined as appropriate.

Here, in this example, a plurality of types are provided for "losing" as well as the jackpot types. Specifically, there are three kinds of loss types: "loss 1", "loss 2", and "loss 3".
As described above, when the result of the win-lose lottery is "lost", the lottery for the type of loosing is performed in the symbol lottery.

[3-4. About production]
(Direction mode)

Next, the production mode (production state) will be described. The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of types of performance modes for producing performances related to game states, and is configured to be able to move between the performance modes. Specifically, there are provided a normal production mode, a time saving production mode, a latent probability production mode, and a probability variable production mode corresponding to each of the normal state, the time saving state, the latent certainty state, and the probability variable state. In each production mode, the background display as the background of the variable display screen of decorative patterns is displayed with different background production, so that the player can grasp what kind of game state he is currently staying in. It has become.

The production control unit 24 (CPU 241) has a functional unit (production state transition control means) that controls transition between a plurality of types of production modes. Effect control unit 24 (CPU241), the specific effect control command sent from the main control unit 20 (CPU201), specifically to the effect control command including the game state information managed by the main control unit 20 side Based on this, the current game state is grasped in a form that maintains consistency with the game state managed by the main control unit 20 side, and transition control between a plurality of types of performance modes is possible. As the specific effect control command as described above, for example, there are a variation pattern designation command, a decorative design designation command, a game state designation command sent when a change occurs in the game state, and the like.

(Notice production)

Next, the advance notice effect will be described. The performance control unit 24 is based on the content of the performance control command from the main control unit 20, specifically, at least the variation pattern information included in the variation pattern designation command, variously related to the current performance mode and the jackpot lottery result. It is configured to be able to control the appearance of such a "notice effect". Such a notice effect is used as a "promotion effect" to suggest (notice) the degree of expectation of whether or not the winning type has been won (hereinafter referred to as "expectation to win"), and to arouse the player's expectation of winning. work. Typical advance notice effects include "ready effect", "pseudo-continuous effect", and "pre-reading effect". The effect control unit 24 functions as a notice effect control means capable of controlling the execution (appearance) of these effects.

"Reach production" refers to a production mode with a reach state (variation display mode with a reach state: reach fluctuation pattern), specifically, to derive and display the final game result via the reach state Say the production mode. The ready-to-win effects include multiple types of ready-to-win effects associated with winning expectations. For example, in some cases, the degree of winning expectation is relatively higher than when the normal reach effect appears. Such reach performance is called 'super reach performance'. Many of these "super reach" have relatively longer performance time (fluctuation time) than normal reach in order to arouse expectation of winning. In addition, normal reach and super reach include multiple types of reach effects. In this example, the super reach includes a plurality of types of reach effects such as super reach 1, 2, 3, and 4, and the winning expectation of these super reach 1 to 4 is "super reach 1 < super reach 2 < super Reach 3 < Super Reach 4” relationship.

"Pseudo-continuous effect" refers to a mode of production accompanied by a pseudo-continuous change display state (pseudo-continuous change) of decorative patterns. It refers to a variable display mode in which a part or all of the symbols are once temporarily stopped, and the display operation is repeated once or more than once, such as executing the re-variable display operation of the decorative symbols from the temporarily stopped state. In this respect, it is different from the later-described "pre-reading forewarning effect (continuous forewarning effect)" that is developed over a plurality of symbol variation display games. Such a "pseudo-run" basically has a rate of occurrence (appearance rate) that increases the expectation of winning as the number of pseudo-fluctuations increases. It is made easy to select an effect for arousing expectations such as reach.

"Forward-reading notice effect" mainly refers to the pending display mode and advance This is a presentation mode in which the degree of winning expectation can be notified in advance using the background presentation or the like of the symbol variation display game executed immediately before the operation reserve ball is offered to the symbol variation display game. In addition, in the pattern variation display game, in addition to the above-mentioned "reach effect", there are various effects such as so-called "SU (step-up) notice effect", "timer notice effect", "resurrection effect", and "premier notice effect". It occurs, and it is designed to excite the game content.

Here, with reference to FIG. 4, the "holding change notice effect" as an example of the look-ahead notice effect will be described.
In the case of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the upper display area in the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 is a display area for displaying a decorative symbol variation display game (decorative symbol variation display effect or advance notice effect is displayed). display area) is provided, and in the lower display area in the screen, a reservation display area 76 (reservation display portions a1 to d1) that displays the number of operation reservation balls on the special symbol 1 side and a special symbol A reservation display area 77 (reservation display portions a2 to d2) for displaying the number of operation reservation balls on the second side is provided. As for the presence or absence of the operation pending ball, that effect is reported by a predetermined pending display mode. In FIG. 4, the presence or absence of the operation retention ball is lit (with operation retention ball: "○ (white circle)" in the illustration), or in the off state (no operation retention ball: dashed circle in the illustration). It shows an example in which information about the number of balls in operation is notified.

The display (suspension display) regarding the presence or absence of the operation reserve ball is sequentially displayed in the order of occurrence (the order of winning). It is displayed as the first (that is, the oldest) active holding ball on the time axis among the holding balls. Further, on the left side of the holding display areas 76 and 77, there is provided a changing display area 78 for showing the active holding ball currently being used in the special symbol changing display game. In the case of this embodiment, the changing display area 78 is configured so that an image in which the icon of the game pending K which is currently being played is placed on the icon of the strike seat J appears. That is, when the variable display of the special symbol 1 or the special symbol 2 is started, the oldest pending a1 or a2 icon (icon image) displayed in the pending display areas 76 and 77 is the pending K during game execution. As an icon, it moves onto the icon of the striker J in the changing display area 78, and this state is maintained for a predetermined display time.

When an operation pending ball occurs, from the main control unit 20, the pre-reading judgment information related to the jackpot lottery result and the number of operation holding balls at the time of the pre-reading judgment (the number of the existing operation holding balls including the operation holding ball that occurred this time) is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (see steps S1309 to S1312 in FIG. 28).
In the case of this embodiment, the pending addition command is composed of 2 bytes, and the pending addition command can specify the upper byte side data that can specify the number of operation pending balls at the time of prefetching judgment, and the prefetching judgment information. lower byte side data.

Here, as can be understood from the above description, in the present embodiment, based on the occurrence of a winning prize on the upper starting port 34 or the lower starting port 35 and a new reserved ball, the prediction of the reserved ball is performed. As a judgment, a jackpot lottery for the symbol variation display game related to the reserved ball is performed. As will be described later, the main control unit 20 reserves and stores information representing the result of the big-hit lottery performed as such prefetch determination in the corresponding storage area of the RAM 203 .
The information of the jackpot lottery result obtained at the time of the prefetch determination is used for selecting (lottery) the pattern variation pattern in the pattern variation display game, and can be rephrased as "variation pattern selection information". Therefore, it can be said that the main control unit 20 carries out the pre-reading determination and holds and stores the resulting “variation pattern selection information” in a predetermined area of the RAM 203 .

When the effect control unit 24 receives the pending addition command transmitted by the main control unit 20, based on the prefetch determination information included therein, as part of the display control processing related to the pending display, "prefetching preview effect" is performed. Effect control processing for is performed. Concretely, a "pre-reading notice lottery" is carried out to determine whether or not the pre-reading notice effect can be executed.
Regarding the pre-reading advance notice lottery, the method of the pre-reading notice lottery for the "holding change notice" in the present embodiment will be described later.

Here, the look-ahead determination information is, specifically, the result of the jackpot lottery (jackpot lottery result at the start of variation) executed when the operation reserve ball is offered to the symbol variation display game in the main control unit 20, This is the game information obtained by pre-reading and judging the fluctuation pattern at the time of fluctuation start. That is, this information includes at least the information (prefetching winning/losing information) that prefetches the winning/losing lottery result at the start of the fluctuation, and the information that prefetches the pattern lottery result (prefetching pattern information) and the fluctuation at the start of the fluctuation. Information (prefetch variation pattern information) obtained by prefetch determination of the pattern can be included. What kind of information is included in the pending addition command to be sent to the effect control unit 24 can be appropriately determined according to the contents to be notified by the pre-reading notice.
In this example, it is assumed that the pending addition command includes prefetch hit/loss information, prefetch pattern information, and prefetch variation pattern information.

It should be noted that the "look-ahead fluctuation pattern" obtained by the look-ahead judgment when the operation reserve ball is generated is not necessarily the "variation pattern at the start of fluctuation" obtained when the operation reserve ball is actually used for the fluctuation display operation. no. For example, representatively explaining the case where the fluctuation pattern at the start of fluctuation is a fluctuation pattern that specifies "super reach 1", in this case, the content specified by the look-ahead fluctuation pattern is called "super reach 1" It is possible to specify that it is not the type of reach production itself, but the "super reach type" that is the gist of it.

In the case of this embodiment, when the pre-reading notice lottery is won, among the holding icons of the holding display portions a1 to d1 and a2 to d2, the holding icon targeted for the pre-reading notice is, for example, a normal holding display (Normal pending display mode) can change from white (normal pending display mode) to pending display (special pending display mode) with blue, green, red, and danger patterns (or special colors and patterns such as rainbow colors) for advance notice display (special pending display mode) System" pre-reading notice effect (also referred to as "holding change notice") is performed.
FIG. 4 shows an example in which the operation holding ball of the hatched holding display portion b1 has changed to a special holding display. Here, the display of blue, green, red, and danger patterns of the pending icons means that the expectation of winning is high in this order, and especially the display of the pending icon with the danger pattern has an extremely high expectation of winning the jackpot. It is supposed to be a premium pending icon that will be displayed.

(Direction means)

Various effects in the game machine 1 are produced by effect means provided in the game machine 1 . The directing means may be stimulus transmission means capable of exerting a directing effect by appealing to human perception such as sight, hearing, and touch. light production means), a sound generator such as a speaker 46 (sound generator 46a: sound production means), a production display device such as a liquid crystal display device 36 (display means), a pressure device that transmits contact pressure to the operator's body, Typical examples are a wind pressure device that applies wind pressure to the player's body, and a movable accessory that exerts a visual presentation effect by its operation. Here, the effect display device is a display device that appeals to the sense of sight like the image display device, but differs from the image display device in that it also includes devices that do not rely on images (for example, a 7-segment display device). When it is called an image display device, it mainly refers to a type that produces effects by displaying images, and devices that produce effects by means other than images, such as 7-segment displays, are included in the concept of the above-mentioned production display device.

<4. Processing of Main Control Unit>

Next, processing performed by the main control unit 20 of this embodiment will be described. The processing of the main control unit 20 mainly consists of predetermined main processing (main control side main processing: FIG. 5) and timer interrupt processing that is started by a regular interrupt from CTC (main control side timer interrupt processing: FIG. 24). and

[4-1. Main control side main processing]

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing main processing on the main control side.
The main processing on the main control side is started when a system reset occurs due to a system reset signal from the power supply board during recovery from a power outage or power failure, or when the control program goes out of control, the watchdog timer function ( WDT) is exhibited and the CPU 201 is forcibly reset (WDT reset). In any case, when the main processing is started, the main control unit 20 (CPU 201) first executes initial setting processing necessary for starting the game operation, such as initial setting of register values of each unit including the CPU 201. (step S101).

(initial setting processing)

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the initial setting process in step S101.
In FIG. 6, when the above system reset or WDT reset occurs, the CPU 201 sets itself to the interrupt disabled state in step S201, and then, as stack pointer setting processing in step S202, the value of the stack pointer of the RAM 203 is transferred to the stack area. Execute the setting process corresponding to the final address of Then, in step S203, the RAM protection is invalidated, and the prohibition area of the RAM 203 out-of-designated-area travel prohibition function is invalidated.

Next, in step S204, the CPU 201 executes processing for turning off the security signal, setting value display, and firing permission signal. Here, the security signal is a signal output to the hall computer HC through the frame external common terminal board 21, and functions as a signal for notifying the hall computer HC of a state such as a setting being changed. Turning off the set value display means turning off the display of the set value Ve on the setting/performance indicator 97 .
The firing permission signal is a signal output from the payout control board 29 to the firing control board 28 as described above, and the CPU 201 instructs the payout control board 29 to turn off the firing permission signal.
Here, turning off the security signal and turning off the set value display are countermeasures against turning on/off the power during setting change. That is, since the power may have been turned off while the set value Ve was being displayed in the setting change process, the set value display and the security signal are temporarily turned off.

In step S205 following step S204, the CPU 201 executes power supply abnormality check processing.
As shown in FIG. 7, in the power failure check process, the WDT timer is cleared (step S301), and it is determined whether or not the power failure signal is ON (step S302). The power failure signal is a signal output from the power supply board, and indicates that the power failure signal OFF is at a normal level and that the power failure signal ON is not at a normal level (that is, is abnormal). If the power failure signal is ON, the CPU 201 returns to step S101 shown in FIG. 5 and redoes the main control side main processing from the beginning. That is, when an abnormality is recognized in the power supply, the main processing on the main control side is reset.
If the power supply abnormality signal is not ON, the CPU 201 terminates the power supply abnormality check process because there is no abnormality in the power supply.

Returning to FIG. 6, the CPU 201 performs various setting processes at the time of startup in step S206 in response to completion of the power abnormality check process in step S205. In the setting process of step S206, for example, an interrupt mode setting process for setting a predetermined interrupt mode, an internal hard random number setting process for activating an internal hard random number circuit, and the like are executed.

In step S207 following step S206, the CPU 201 sets the activation waiting time of the sub-control board (effect control unit 24). Then, through the processing of steps S208 to S210, it waits until the set activation waiting time elapses. Specifically, 1 is subtracted from the set startup wait time (step S209), and if the startup wait time is not zero (step S210: ≠0), the process returns to step S208. Activation of the effect control unit 24 is completed by the standby process based on such an activation waiting time.

In step S<b>210 , when the activation waiting time has elapsed (waiting time=0), the CPU 201 proceeds to step S<b>211 and transmits a standby screen display command to the effect control unit 24 .
In response to this standby screen display command, the effect control unit 24 causes the liquid crystal display device 36 to display a predetermined screen, such as a screen on which characters such as "Please Wait..." let it run.

In response to the execution of the transmission process of step S211, the CPU 201 advances the process to step S212, and performs payout control while executing the power supply abnormality check process (S212: see FIG. 7) by the processes of step S212 and step S213. It waits for a power-on signal from the board 29 to be sent. This power-on signal is a signal output when the payout control board 29 normally starts up, and the CPU 201 waits until the payout control board 29 starts normally. Accordingly, when the payout control board 29 does not function normally due to some trouble, the processing of steps S212 and S213 is repeated and the game operation is not started. Therefore, an abnormal payout such as failure to pay out prize balls does not occur, and it is possible to prevent the player from feeling distrustful.
When the power-on signal is sent (step S213: ON), the CPU 201 ends the initial setting process of step S101.

(Processing after initial setting)

After completing the initial setting process, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S102 shown in FIG.
In step S102, the CPU 201 acquires the information of the input port n (that is, the predetermined input port) and copies it to the W register.
Here, the input port n is a 1-byte (8-bit) port, and in this example, the following signals are input. Note that "b0" to "b7" shown below represent bit positions.

b0: setting key (input signal from setting key switch 94)
b1: out-of-supply detection signal b2: counting error signal b3: disconnection detection signal 1
b4: disconnection detection signal 2
b5: door open signal (detection signal of front door open sensor 61)
b6: RAM clear button (input signal from RAM clear switch 98)
b7: Power-on signal and dispensing communication confirmation signal

Here, for the setting key b0, "0" means that the setting key switch 94 is OFF, and "1" means that the setting key switch 94 is ON. As for the door open signal b5, "0" means that the door is closed (the front frame 2 is closed), and "1" means that the door is open. Further, regarding the RAM clear button b6, "0" means that the RAM clear switch 98 is OFF (button non-operating state), and "1" means that the RAM clear switch 98 is ON (button operating state).

In step S103 following step S102, the CPU 201 masks the value of the W register. Specifically, the values required for determining the migration of setting change processing (S115), RAM clear processing (at least S117 and S118), setting confirmation processing (S109), and backup restoration processing (S111) described below. A setting key (b0), a RAM clear button (b6), and a door open signal (b5) are masked.
As can be understood from the above description, the conditions for transitioning to the setting change process are that, at startup, both the setting key and the RAM clear button are in the operating state with the front frame 2 opened. ing.
Further, in this example, the condition for shifting to the RAM clear process is, in terms of operation, that the setting key is in a non-operating state and the RAM clear button is in an operating state at the time of startup.
In terms of operation, the conditions for transitioning to the setting confirmation process are that the front frame 2 is opened, the setting key is in the operating state, and the RAM clear button is in the non-operating state.
Further, as a condition for transitioning to the backup restoration process, in terms of operation, both the setting key and the RAM clear button are to be in a non-operating state at the time of startup.

FIG. 8 shows the relationship between each determination condition in terms of operation and the value of the W register when shifting to these setting change processing, RAM clear processing, setting confirmation processing, and backup restoration processing.
FIG. 8 shows the order of setting change processing, RAM clearing processing, setting confirmation processing, and transition determination to backup restoration processing.
The determination of the transition to the first setting change process is performed under the following conditions as shown in FIG. : ON, therefore, the conditions for the value of the W register are the 0th bit: 1, the 5th bit: 1, and the 6th bit: 1.
The determination of the transition to the second RAM clearing process is performed by determining whether or not the RAM clear switch 98 is ON and the value of the W register is 1 at the 6th bit. Here, in this example, the determination of transition to the RAM clearing process is performed when the conditions for transitioning to the setting change process are not satisfied. In addition, the RAM clear switch 98 must be OFF in order to shift to the setting confirmation process and the backup restoration process. From these points, if the condition for transition to the setting change process is not satisfied and the RAM clear switch 98 is ON, it can be estimated that the transition operation to the RAM clear process is being performed. For this reason, in this example, as described above, in judging the transition to the RAM clearing process, in terms of operation, it is only necessary to judge whether the RAM clear switch 98 is ON (6th bit: 1 or not). and

The judgment conditions for the transition to the third setting confirmation process are set key: ON, door open: ON, and RAM clear switch 98: OFF. : 1, 6th bit: 0 is the condition.
Further, the fourth judgment of the transition to the backup restoration process is made under the judgment conditions that the setting key is OFF and the RAM clear switch 98 is OFF. conditional.

Here, regarding the backup restoration process, the transition condition for performing only the backup restoration process without going through the setting confirmation process is described as the setting key: OFF and the RAM clear switch 98: OFF in terms of operation as described above. However, regardless of whether or not the setting confirmation process is executed, the condition for determining whether or not to simply perform the backup restoration process is that the backup flag, which will be described later, is ON (step S106). (Refer to the judgment process of ).

Returning to FIG.
In step S104, the CPU 201 executes a setting change condition satisfaction determination process in response to performing the masking process in step S103. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the masked value (3 bits) in step S103 is "111" in order to determine whether or not to shift to the setting change mode.
When the masked value is "111" and a positive result is obtained that the setting change condition is satisfied, the CPU 201 executes the setting change process of step S115. That is, processing for newly setting the set value Ve is performed according to the operation of the RAM clear button or setting key.
Details of the setting change processing in step S115 will be explained later.

Here, as described above, in the present embodiment, the detection signals from the setting key switch 94, the front door open sensor 61, and the RAM clear switch 98, in other words, the respective detection signals used to determine the transition to the setting change mode Signals are input to the same input port of the main control unit 20, and it is collectively determined whether or not the values of the input detection signals satisfy predetermined conditions.
As a result, the number of judgment processes can be reduced in comparison with the case of individually judging whether or not the value of each detection signal satisfies a predetermined condition for judging transition to the setting change mode.

In response to execution of the setting change processing in step S115, the CPU 201 executes command transmission processing for RAM clearing in step S116, executes RAM initialization processing in the area in subsequent step S117, and then executes RAM clearing processing in step S118. Execute time processing.
The command transmission process of step S116 is a process of transmitting an effect control command (such as a RAM clear command (BA02H)) for notifying the effect control unit 24 that RAM clearing is to be performed, but the details will be described later.
The initialization process in step S117 is a process of initializing (clearing) the values in a predetermined area (used area) including the work area in the RAM 203 . However, in the initialization process of step S117, the storage area of the set value Ve in the work area is excluded from initialization.
In the RAM clearing process of step S118, as shown in FIG. 9, after performing the RAM clear notification timer setting process (S401), the RAM partial initial value setting process (S402) is performed. The RAM clear notification timer is a process of setting the RAM clear notification time executed by the effect control unit 24 according to the command transmitted in step S116, and is set to 30 s in this example. In the partial initial value setting process in step S402, for example, initial values are set in a partial area of the RAM 203 excluding the work area.
CPU201 advances a process to step S119 according to having performed the process at the time of RAM clear of step S118.

Note that the performance information described above is stored in an area outside the use area of the RAM 203, and is therefore not cleared by the RAM clear processing in steps S117 and S118.
The objects to be cleared by the RAM clear processing are the data in the RAM area (normal data storage area) such as various flags, timers, counters, etc. necessary for normal game progress. These data include, for example: That is, data related to the game state designation (normal state, probability variable state, time saving state, latent probability state, etc., the game state flag that specifies the current game state), a flag that specifies whether it is in a winning game (condition device operation flag), various data related to the execution of winning games (current number of rounds, maximum number of rounds, etc.), data related to jackpot lottery results (jackpot judgment flag: winning lottery result information, special pattern judgment data: pattern lottery result information) , Suspension data related to operation suspension balls (number of operation suspension balls, various random numbers used for jackpot lottery, various random numbers used for auxiliary winning lottery, random numbers for fluctuation patterns), special symbol operation status, game progress Timer (special pattern accessory operation timer), input/output data related to switches and sensors, various winning counters that count the number of winning balls in the winning opening, flag specifying the presence or absence of electric support state (open extension flag), electric Electric support number counter that counts the remaining number of support, counter that counts the remaining number of times in high probability state (special figure probability variable number counter, general figure probability variable number counter), various error flags (excluding RAM error flag), and payout related data, etc. In any case, when the RAM clearing process is executed, all data other than specific data (set value Ve and performance information) are set to the initial state.

Here, when the setting change process is executed at the time of startup as described above, the process proceeds to step S116 and the RAM clear process (S117, S118) is executed.
The setting value Ve can be changed in the setting change process. When the setting value Ve is changed, there is a possibility that the values other than the setting value Ve stored in the work area of the RAM 203 are inconsistent with the setting value Ve after the change. Therefore, when the setting change process is performed, the area other than the set value Ve in the work area is cleared (initialized) by executing the RAM clear process.

Subsequently, in step S104, if the value after masking in step S103 is not "111" and a negative result that the setting change condition is not satisfied is obtained, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S105 to Determine whether or not Specifically, whether or not the set value Ve stored in the work area of the RAM 203 is outside the normal range (in this example, the set value Ve corresponding to settings 1 to 6 is outside the range of 0 to 5). At least determine whether
Here, the setting value Ve actually handled by the CPU 201 is, for example, a 1-byte value, and values 00H(0) to 05H(5) are defined as values corresponding to setting 1 to setting 6. FIG. In addition, "H" means a hexadecimal number (the same shall apply hereinafter). In the determination process of step S105, it is determined whether or not the set value Ve stored in the work area is within the range of 00H to 05H.

If it is determined in step S105 that the set value Ve is out of the normal range and the RAM is abnormal, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S112 and subsequent steps to wait for the power to be turned on again.
Specifically, in step S112, the CPU 201, as a command transmission process when the power is turned on again, gives an effect control command (setting Waiting for change command) to the production control unit 24. When a RAM abnormality is detected at startup, the setting change mode is forcibly entered, and the change (setting) of the set value Ve is accepted. For this reason, the CPU 201 first notifies the effect control section 24 side that the setting change wait command is used to shift to the setting change mode in step S112.
Receiving the setting change waiting command, the effect control unit 24 executes a screen display on the liquid crystal display device 36 for prompting the setting change operation, such as a screen including characters such as "Please open the door and change the setting". Let At this time, the effect control unit 24 may perform control to cause the corresponding light effect (for example, lighting of all LEDs in the light display device 45a) and sound effect to appear together with the screen display.

In step S113 following step S112, the CPU 201 sets the backup flag to 00H (that is, OFF), and then repeats the power failure check process (see FIG. 7) in step S114. The power failure check process of step S114 is repeated until the power of the pachinko game machine 1 is cut off, and when the power is turned on again, the processes after step S101 are executed again as the main control side main process. At this time, if an operation to shift to the setting change mode has been performed according to the screen display or the like, the shift to the setting change mode is performed, and the RAM abnormal state is resolved.

If it is determined in step S105 that the set value Ve is not out of the normal range and the RAM is not abnormal, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S106 to determine whether the backup flag is ON (backup flag=5AH in this example). is ON state).
In the game machine 1, when the power is cut off, the information stored in the RAM 203 is backed up by the power check/backup process (step S901, see FIG. 24) described later in the main control side timer interrupt process. If the backup process has been properly performed at the time of power shutdown, the backup flag is turned ON (see step S1010 in FIG. 25). Therefore, in step S106, the backup flag is checked to determine whether or not backup recovery is possible. Specifically, in step S106, it is determined whether or not the backup flag stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 203 is in the ON state (5AH).

When determining in step S106 that the backup flag is not ON, the CPU 201 advances the processing to step S112 described above. As a result, when the backup return condition is not satisfied, the setting change mode is forcibly entered in the same manner as in the case where the RAM abnormality described above is recognized.

Here, as described above, the determination process in step S106 corresponds to the process of determining whether the transition to the state in which the backup restoration process is performed is possible regardless of whether or not the setting confirmation process is executed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that the backup flag is ON, the CPU 201 determines in step S107 whether or not the RAM clear condition (condition for shifting to RAM clear processing) is satisfied. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the 6th bit of the W register is "1".
If the value of the 6th bit of the W register is "1" and a positive result indicating that the RAM clear condition is satisfied is obtained, the CPU 201 advances the processing to step S116 described above. As a result, the above-described RAM clear processing is executed.

Here, as can be seen by referring to the route from steps S107 to S116 described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to clear the RAM without changing the settings. This makes it possible to clear data other than the data related to the set value Ve, such as payout-related data in the RAM 203 .

Further, in step S107, if the value of the 6th bit of the W register is not "1" and a negative result is obtained that the RAM clear condition is not satisfied, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S108 and sets the confirmation condition ( It is determined whether or not the transition condition to the setting confirmation process) is established. That is, it is determined whether or not the value of the W register after being masked in step S103 is "110".
If the value of the W register after masking is "110" and a positive result is obtained that the setting confirmation condition is satisfied, the CPU 201 executes the setting confirmation process in step S109, and advances the process to step S110. In other words, the process shifts to backup restoration.
The details of the setting confirmation process in step S109 will be explained again.

On the other hand, if the value of the W register after masking is not "110" and a negative result is obtained that the setting confirmation condition is not satisfied, the CPU 201 skips the setting confirmation processing of step S109 and proceeds to step S110. .

In step S110, the CPU 201 performs processing of transmitting a predetermined effect control command corresponding to the time of backup return to the effect control unit 24 as command transmission processing at the time of backup return. Note that the command transmission process at the time of backup recovery in step S110 will be described later.

In step S111 following step S110, the CPU 201 performs backup recovery processing.
The backup restoration process is a process of restoring the operation before the power shutdown after the power is turned on based on the memory contents of the RAM 203 backed up at the time of the power shutdown. Specifically, the CPU 201 restores the stack pointer before the power shutdown, and performs processing for starting the game operation from the processing state at the time of the power shutdown.

When the backup restoration process of step S111 is executed, or when the RAM clear process of step S118 described above is executed (that is, when both the setting change process and the RAM clear process are executed, or when only the RAM clear process is executed) ), the CPU 201 advances the process to step S119.

In step S119, the CPU 201 sets CTC for periodically generating a timer interrupt every predetermined time such as 4 ms.
By performing the setting process of step S119, an interrupt request signal to the interrupt controller is periodically output thereafter, and the main control side timer interrupt process is executed.

In subsequent step S120, the CPU 201 turns ON the firing permission signal for the payout control board 29. FIG. In response to this, the payout control board 29 determines that it is in the shooting permission state, outputs the permission signal to the shooting control board 28, and permits the shooting operation of the game ball by the shooting device 32. FIG. Thereby, the game ball can be shot by the shot operation handle 15. - 特許庁
In this case, the discharge control board 29 receives a discharge permission signal from the main control unit 20 and permits the discharge operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a configuration in which the main control unit 20 directly outputs the firing permission signal to the firing control board 28 is also possible. .

At step S121 following step S120, the CPU 201 performs processing for transmitting an effect control command for instructing the start of the game to the effect control unit 24, and then proceeds to step S121 to perform main loop pre-processing shown in FIG. After executing, the main loop process of step S123 is executed.
As shown in FIG. 10, in the main loop pre-processing, first, in step S501, the values of all registers are saved in a predetermined area such as the stack area of the RAM 203. Then, in step S502, an operation check flag is turned ON. Then, in the following step S503, the operation check timer is set to a predetermined value (a value corresponding to 5 seconds in this example). After that, in step S504, the CPU 201 performs processing for restoring the saved values of all the registers to the corresponding registers, and finishes the main loop pre-processing in step S121.

(main loop processing)

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the main loop processing of step S123.
In the main loop processing of FIG. 11, the CPU 201 sets itself to an interrupt disabled state in step S601, and executes random number update processing in subsequent step S602. In this random number update process, various random numbers used in the special symbol variation display game and the normal symbol variation display game (random numbers related to the jackpot lottery that circulates within a predetermined numerical range by increment processing (special symbol determination used in the symbol lottery) random number) and random number related to the subsidized lottery (random number for the subsidized hit judgment used for the subsidized lottery))) Random number used to change the initial value (start value) (initial value random number for special symbol judgment , the initial value random number for auxiliary hit determination) and the random number for the variation pattern used for selecting the variation pattern are updated.

In the RAM 203 of the present embodiment, as various random number counters used for the symbol lottery related to the big win lottery, the auxiliary winning lottery, or the variation pattern lottery, a counter for generating the initial value of the random number counter for special symbol determination, a special symbol determination A random number counter for auxiliary hit determination, a counter for generating an initial value of a random number counter for auxiliary hit determination, a random number counter for auxiliary hit determination, a random number counter for variation pattern, and the like are provided. These counters serve as random number generating means for generating random numbers by software. In the random number update process of step S302, the two initial value generation counters for generating the initial values of the special symbol determination random number counter and the auxiliary hit determination random number counter described above, the variation pattern random number counter, etc. are updated, and the above various generate soft random numbers for . For example, if the numerical range that can be taken as the random number counter for the fluctuation pattern is "0 to 238", the value is obtained from the count value storage area for generating the value of the random number for the fluctuation pattern of the RAM 203, and the obtained value is After adding "1", it is stored in the original count value storage area. At this time, if the result of adding "1" to the acquired value is "239", "0" is stored in the original random number counter storage area. Other random number counters for initial value generation are similarly updated.

After completing the random number update process in step S602, the CPU 201 saves the values of all registers in step S603, and then performs performance display monitor tally division process in step S604.
This performance display monitor aggregate division process is a process of calculating a value as the above-described performance information (here, for example, a value as the above-described "normal time ratio information"). As described above, the value of the normal ratio information is calculated using the total number of payouts and the total number of out balls. Lower starting port 35, general winning port 43, big winning port 50) is calculated based on the result of counting the number of winning game balls, and the total number of out balls is the number of game balls discharged from the out port 49. Find by counting.
The number of winning balls and the number of out balls are counted in the later-described input management processing (see step S904 in FIG. 24) in the main control side timer interrupt processing. The CPU 201 calculates a value as normal time ratio information in step S604 based on the count values obtained by counting the number of winning balls and the number of out balls performed on the timer interrupt processing side. As described above, the calculated value as the normal time ratio information is stored in a predetermined area (measurement information storage area) of the RAM 203 .
The value of the normal time ratio information calculated in this way is displayed on the setting/performance indicator 97 by the later-described performance display monitor display process (see step S916 in FIG. 24) in the main control side timer interrupt process.

In step S605 following step S604, the CPU 201 performs all register restoration processing, sets itself to the interrupt enabled state in step S606, and returns to step S601.

Thus, in the main loop process of step S123, the processes of steps S601 to S606 are repeated in an infinite loop. The CPU 201 repeatedly executes the processing of steps S601 to S606 except while the intermittent timer interrupt processing is being performed.

(setting change processing)

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the setting change process in step S115.
In this setting change process, a process for setting the set value Ve based on the operation, and an effect control command for notifying that the setting is being changed and the newly set set value Ve are transmitted to the effect control unit 24. processing, etc., for

In FIG. 12, the CPU 201 first executes a process of transmitting a setting changing command (BA5AH) to the effect control unit 24 in step S701.
In response to this setting change command, the effect control unit 24 displays a screen on the liquid crystal display device 36 to notify that the setting is being changed, such as a screen on which characters such as "setting is being changed" are arranged. A process is executed to cause the setting to be executed, or to output a corresponding sound from the speaker 46 while the setting is being changed. Furthermore, at this time, the effect control unit 24 may light predetermined LEDs (for example, all LEDs) in the above-described light generating means (light display device 45a) according to a predetermined lighting pattern.
Details of the transmission processing of the setting changing command in step S701 will be described again.

In subsequent step S702, the CPU 201 sets the backup flag to 00H (that is, OFF state), and then executes input data creation processing in step S703.
This input data creation process is executed by calling the same process of step S902 in the main control side timer interrupt process (FIG. 24). As will be described later, the input data created in the input data creation process includes input data of the RAM clear switch 98 indicating whether or not there is an operation to sequentially feed the set value Ve, and setting key switch 98 indicating whether or not there is an operation to complete the setting change. 94 input data are included.
As will be described later, the data created in the input data creation process in step S711 is used to determine whether there is a forward feeding operation for the set value Ve (S712) and whether or not there is a completion operation (S718). The significance of executing the input data creation process in step S703 prior to the input data creation process in step S711 will be described later.

In response to execution of the creation process in step S703, the CPU 201 determines in step S704 whether or not the set value Ve is within the normal range (within the range of 0 (00H) to 5 (05H) in this example). do. If the set value Ve is not within the normal range, the CPU 201 rewrites the set value Ve to "0" in step S705. The set value Ve to be rewritten here is not the set value Ve stored in the work area of the RAM 203, but the set value Ve of the register copied from the work area (the set value Ve set in the register for creating the display data). ).

Here, in this example, since the setting change condition determination (S104) is executed prior to the RAM abnormality determination (S105), there is a case where the setting value Ve of the RAM 203 is not within the normal range when the setting change mode is entered. can occur. Therefore, the determination process of step S704 is performed, and if the set value Ve is an abnormal value, the set value Ve is rewritten to a predetermined value (“0” in this example). As a result, it is possible to prevent data indicating an abnormal set value Ve from being generated as display data for the set value Ve, which will be described later. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of display bugs (incorrect display of values outside the normal range).

In step S704, if the set value Ve is within the normal range, the CPU 201 skips step S705, executes the power supply abnormality check process (see FIG. 7) in step S706, and then sends a security signal in step S707. Execute output processing. Specifically, a process for outputting a security signal to the hall computer HC through the external common terminal board 21 for frame is performed.

In step S708 following step S707, the CPU 201 sets an anti-chattering waiting time, and then waits until the set anti-chattering waiting time elapses through the processes of steps S709 and S710. That is, while the chattering prevention waiting time is decremented by 1 in step S709, it waits until the chattering prevention waiting time becomes "0" in step S710.

If it is determined in step S710 that the chattering prevention waiting time has become "0" and that the chattering prevention waiting time has passed, the CPU 201 executes input data creation processing in step S711, and the RAM clear switch 98 is ON in step S712. Determine whether or not
If the RAM clear switch 98 is not ON, the CPU 201 advances to step S717 to output set value display data. Processing to output to the performance indicator 97 is performed.
As can be understood from the flow of processing so far, when the transition to the setting change mode is performed, the RAM 203 ( and register) ("1" corresponding to "0" if it is determined in step S704 that there is a setting abnormality) is displayed on the setting/performance indicator 97. FIG. That is, the display enables the hall staff or the like to confirm the current set value Ve.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S712 that the RAM clear switch 98 is ON, the CPU 201 determines in step S713 whether or not the RAM clear switch 98 is continuously ON. That is, in the input data creation process of the most recent past two times including the input data creation process of step S711 executed immediately before step S713 (in the first process of step S713, the input data creation process of step S703 is targeted) It is determined whether or not the obtained input data of the RAM clear switch 98 are both ON.
When it is determined that the RAM clear switch 98 is continuously ON, the CPU 201 does not execute the sequential processing of the set value Ve (steps S714 and S715 described later), and proceeds to the display data output processing of step S717.

Here, when the setting change process is started while the RAM clear button is pressed, the operator such as the hall staff presses the RAM clear button to shift to the setting change mode. First, there is a possibility that pressing of the RAM clear button will be detected as a forward feed operation of the set value Ve on the game machine 1 side. In that case, the set value Ve displayed immediately after the transition to the setting change process should be "1" (00H) when the set value is abnormal (step S704: N), but "2" (01H). ) is erroneously displayed, and if the set value is normal (step S704: Y), the set value Ve immediately before shifting to the setting change mode is erroneously displayed as a value shifted by one.
Therefore, in order to prevent these erroneous displays, this embodiment provides input data creation processing in step S703 and continuous ON determination processing in step S711. With these processes, even if the setting change process is started while the RAM clear button is pressed, the set value Ve is changed without executing the forward processing of the set value Ve when the RAM clear switch 98 is continuously turned on. Until the display data is output, that is, until the RAM clear switch 98 is turned OFF and then turned ON again, the forward processing of the set value Ve is not executed. can be planned.

In step S714, the CPU 201 increments the set value Ve by 1 (increments the set value Ve of the register by 1) in response to determining in step S713 that the RAM clear switch 98 has not been continuously turned on. It is determined whether or not Ve is within a specified range, specifically, whether or not it is within the range of "0 to 5" in this example. In step S715, if the set value Ve is not within the specified range, the CPU 201 rewrites the set value Ve to "0" (00H) in step S716, and proceeds to display data output processing in step S717. As a result, the set value Ve can be changed to the value "00H" corresponding to the setting 1 according to the forward feed operation performed when the set value Ve is "05H" corresponding to the setting 6, and the set value Ve can be cyclically changed. changes are realized.
On the other hand, if the set value Ve is within the specified range, the CPU 201 skips step S716 and proceeds to display data output processing in step S717. That is, in this case, the setting value Ve of the register is updated by the value obtained by incrementing the original setting value Ve before the forward feed operation by one, and the value corresponding to the updated setting value Ve is displayed on the setting/performance display 97. .

After executing the display data output process in step S717, the CPU 201 determines in step S718 whether or not the setting key switch 94 is OFF.
If the setting key switch 94 is not OFF (that is, if the setting completion operation has not been performed), the CPU 201 returns to the power supply abnormality check process of step S706.
According to this processing flow, the determination of the RAM clear switch 98 in step S712 and the determination of the setting key switch 94 in step S718 are executed each time after the chattering prevention waiting time set in step S708 has elapsed.

On the other hand, if the setting key switch 94 is OFF, the CPU 201 advances to step S719 to store the set value Ve in the set value work. That is, the set value Ve currently held in the register is stored in the set value Ve storage area in the work area of the RAM 203 .

In subsequent step S720, the CPU 201 clears the set value display data, then performs processing to turn off the security signal in step S721, and then executes processing to transmit a setting completion command (BA09H) in step S722. The setting change process of step S115 is ended.
The transmission process of step S722 is a process of transmitting an effect control command as a setting completion command to the effect control unit 24. FIG. This setting completion command is a command sent when the setting change operation is completed and the setting value Ve is determined, and is also used as a command indicating that the setting change is completed (that the setting value Ve is determined). be done.
The transmission processing of the setting completion command in step S722 will be explained again.

(Setting confirmation process)

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the setting confirmation process in step S109.
The setting confirmation process is a process for confirming and displaying the setting value Ve being set.
In FIG. 13, the CPU 201 first executes a setting confirmation in-progress command transmission process in step S801. The details of the transmission process will be explained again.

In response to the execution of the transmission process in step S801, the CPU 201 acquires the value of the set value work in step S802, then executes the power supply abnormality check process (see FIG. 7) in step S803, and in step S804 It is determined whether or not the switch 94 is OFF (that is, whether or not an instruction to end the setting confirmation display has been performed).
If the setting key switch 94 is not OFF, the CPU 201 executes security signal output processing in step S805, creates set value display data in step S806, and executes processing to output the set value display data in step S807. By doing so, the current set value Ve is displayed on the setting/performance indicator 97 .
The CPU 201 returns to the power supply abnormality check process of step S803 in response to executing the output process of step S807. Thus, the display state of the current setting value Ve is maintained until the setting key switch 94 is turned off.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S804 that the setting key switch 94 is OFF, the CPU 201 advances to step S808 to clear the set value display data, executes security signal OFF processing in step S803, and then proceeds to step S810. Then, the setting confirmation end command (E022H) of step S109 is sent, and the setting confirmation process of step S109 ends.
The details of the transmission process in step S810 will be explained again.

[4-3. First Summary]

Here, from the description so far, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, regarding the determination of the transition to the setting change process, the RAM abnormality determination, the determination of the transition to the RAM clearing process, and the determination of the transition to the backup restoration process, is as follows. It can be said that it has a configuration such as

That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment includes control means (CPU 201) for controlling the progress of game operations, and storage means (RAM 203) in which information can be read/written by the control means. The means includes setting means (refer to the setting change process in step S115) for setting a set value (Ve) representing a stage of the probability of winning a game state advantageous to the player based on the operation, and storage Abnormality determination means for performing abnormality determination processing (RAM abnormality determination processing in step S105) of stored information including setting values in the means, and determining whether there is an instruction operation to shift to a setting change mode, which is a mode for accepting changes in setting values. setting change transition determination means for performing transition condition determination processing (setting change condition establishment determination processing in step S104).
Then, at the time of activation due to power-on, the control means performs the transition condition determination process by the setting change transition determination means prior to the abnormality determination process by the abnormality determination means, and the transition instruction operation is performed by the transition condition determination process. If it is determined that there is no abnormality, abnormality determination processing is performed.

When shifting to the setting change mode, since the setting value can be changed, a process of clearing the stored information other than the setting value in the storage means is performed so as to match the changed setting value. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform abnormality determination processing before transition condition determination processing.
On the other hand, if the mode is not changed to the setting change mode, the abnormality determination process should be performed because the backup restoration process can be performed based on the information stored in the storage means.
By performing the transition condition determination process prior to the abnormality determination process as described above, when an operation instructing transition to the setting change mode is performed, the abnormality determination process of the stored information is wastefully performed prior to the transition condition determination process. is prevented from being performed, and the processing load can be reduced.
In addition, since the abnormality determination process is performed if the instruction operation to shift to the setting change mode is not performed, it is possible to prevent the backup restoration process from being performed while the information stored in the storage means is abnormal, thereby preventing tampering. can be planned.
Therefore, it is possible to reduce the processing load while preventing fraud.

Moreover, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 comprises control means (CPU 201) for controlling the progress of game operations, and storage means (RAM 203) in which information can be read/written by the control means. setting means (see step S115 setting change processing) for setting a set value (Ve) representing a stage of the probability of winning a game state advantageous to the player based on the operation; and a transition condition determination process that determines whether or not there is an instruction operation to shift to a setting change mode, which is a mode for accepting changes in set values. setting change transition determination means for performing (setting change condition satisfaction determination processing in step S104).
The control means performs the transition condition determination process by the setting change transition determination means prior to the abnormality determination process by the abnormality determination means at the time of activation due to power-on, and the transition instruction operation is performed by the transition condition determination process. If it is determined that the condition is not set, an abnormality determination process is performed.
Further, the control means determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the set value in the storage means (determining process of step S704) when it is determined that the transition instruction operation has been performed by the transition condition determination process, and sets when an abnormality is recognized. It has set value correcting means for correcting the displayed value (rewrite processing in step S705).

In this case as well, by performing the transition condition determination process before the abnormality determination process, if an operation instructing transition to the setting change mode is performed, the abnormality determination process of the stored information is wastefully performed prior to the transition condition determination process. is prevented from being performed, and the processing load can be reduced.
In addition, since the abnormality determination process is performed if the instruction operation to shift to the setting change mode is not performed, it is possible to prevent the backup restoration process from being performed while the information stored in the storage means is abnormal, thereby preventing tampering. can be planned.
Therefore, it is possible to reduce the processing load while preventing fraud.
Further, by providing the setting value correcting means, it is possible to prevent the setting value display bug from occurring even if the transition condition determination process to the setting change mode is performed prior to the abnormality determination process. can.

Moreover, the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 comprises control means (CPU 201) for controlling the progress of game operations, and storage means (RAM 203) in which information can be read/written by the control means. setting means (see step S115 setting change processing) for setting a set value (Ve) representing a stage of the probability of winning a game state advantageous to the player based on the operation; and a setting confirmation display process (step setting confirmation display means for performing a setting confirmation process of S109), and setting confirmation determination means for performing a setting confirmation condition determination process (setting confirmation condition establishment determination process of step S108) for determining whether or not a setting value confirmation operation has been performed. .
Then, the control means performs the abnormality determination process prior to the setting confirmation condition determination process at the time of activation due to power-on.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the setting value confirmation display process from being performed when the setting value stored in the storage means is abnormal.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of display bugs in the setting confirmation display.
Also, in the case where the backup restoration process is executed after the setting confirmation display process is executed as in the present embodiment, the backup restoration cannot be performed due to an abnormality in the stored information of the storage means after the confirmation of the setting value is completed. can be prevented from occurring.

Moreover, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 comprises control means (CPU 201) for controlling the progress of game operations, and storage means (RAM 203) in which information can be read/written by the control means. setting means (see step S115 setting change processing) for setting a set value (Ve) representing a stage of the probability of winning a game state advantageous to the player based on the operation; and a setting confirmation display process (step setting confirmation display means for performing a setting confirmation process of S109), and setting confirmation determination means for performing a setting confirmation condition determination process (setting confirmation condition establishment determination process of step S108) for determining whether or not a setting value confirmation operation has been performed. .
The control means performs an abnormality determination process prior to the setting confirmation condition determination process when the power is turned on. Does not judge whether the value is abnormal or not.

By performing the abnormality determination process before the setting confirmation condition determination process as described above, it is possible to prevent the setting value confirmation display process from being performed when the setting value stored in the storage means is abnormal.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of display bugs in the setting confirmation display.
Further, according to the above configuration, since the information stored in the storage means (including the setting value) is subjected to the abnormality determination process before the setting confirmation display process, the abnormality determination of the setting value is performed when the setting confirmation display process is performed. you don't have to. Therefore, by configuring the setting confirmation display means not to judge the abnormality of the set value as described above, it is possible to prevent the judgment of the abnormality of the set value from being carried out indiscriminately.
Therefore, the processing load can be reduced.

Moreover, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 comprises control means (CPU 201) for controlling the progress of game operations, and storage means (RAM 203) in which information can be read/written by the control means. setting means (see step S115 setting change processing) for setting a set value (Ve) representing a stage of the probability of winning a game state advantageous to the player based on the operation; and memory information clear processing (at least RAM initialization in step S117) for clearing stored information excluding at least set values in the memory means. processing) in response to a predetermined clear instruction operation, and clear condition determination means for performing a clear condition determination process (RAM clear condition establishment determination process in step S107) for determining whether or not there is a clear instruction operation. .
Then, the control means performs the abnormality determination process prior to the clear condition determination process at the time of activation due to power-on.

Since the stored information clearing process does not clear the set values, if the clear condition determination process is executed before the abnormality determination process, the abnormal set values will remain stored in the storage means. .
By performing the abnormality determination process before the clear condition determination process, it is possible to prevent the game operation from being started in a state in which an abnormal set value is stored.
Therefore, fraud can be prevented.

Here, since the stored information clearing process does not clear the setting value as described above, the stored information clearing process performed after the setting change process and the stored information clearing process performed in response to the clear instruction operation are common. It can be processing (processing by a common program). That is, it is possible to reduce the program capacity.

Moreover, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes control means (CPU 201) for controlling the progress of game operations, and storage means (RAM 203) in which information can be read/written by the control means. setting means (refer to step S115 for setting change processing) for setting a set value (Ve) representing a stage of the probability of winning a game state advantageous to the player based on the operation; and abnormality determination means for performing abnormality determination processing (RAM abnormality determination processing in step S105) of stored information including Backup restoration determination means for performing backup restoration determination processing (backup flag determination processing in step S106).
Then, the control means performs the abnormality determination process prior to the backup restoration determination process.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the backup restoration process from being performed in a state in which an abnormal set value is stored without judging whether or not the set value stored in the storage means is abnormal.
Therefore, fraud can be prevented.

Moreover, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a door portion (front frame 2) that can be opened and closed, and operates a set value (Ve) representing a stage of the probability of winning a game state advantageous to the player. A game machine set based on the above, wherein a control means (CPU 201) for controlling the progress of game operations, a storage means (RAM 203) capable of reading/writing information by the control means, and each opening a door part A first operator and a second operator (key cylinder and RAM clear button provided corresponding to the setting key switch 94) provided to be operable by setting the control means to the storage means clearing means for clearing stored information (steps S116 to S118) for clearing stored information, setting means for performing setting processing for setting set values based on operation (setting change processing in step S115), and required display means and setting confirmation display means for performing setting confirmation display processing (setting confirmation processing in step S109) for displaying the current setting value in the display.
Then, the control means determines whether to shift to the stored information clearing process based on the operation state of at least one of the first and second operators, not based on the open/closed state of the door portion, and shifts to the setting process. Determination and determination of transition to the setting confirmation display process are performed based on the operating state of at least one of the first and second operators and the open/closed state of the door portion.

Thereby, the processing related to the set value is executed based on the result of confirming the open/closed state of the door.
Therefore, fraud can be prevented.

It should be noted that the conditions for shifting to the setting change process can be determined as opening the door and turning on the setting key. In this case, in determining whether to proceed to the setting change process, it is possible to set the condition that the door is opened and the setting key switch 94 is ON. In other words, the operation state of only one of the first and second operators can be used as the determination condition.
Further, the condition for shifting to the setting confirmation process at this time can be defined as both the setting key switch 98 and the RAM clear switch 98 being OFF and the door being open. In this case, if the door is open and the setting key switch 94 is ON, the process proceeds to the setting change process as described above. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to use the condition that the door is open and the RAM clear switch 98 is OFF in determining whether to proceed to the setting confirmation process. In other words, the operation state of only one of the first and second operators can be used as the determination condition.

Moreover, the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a door portion (front frame 2) that can be opened and closed, and operates a set value (Ve) representing a stage of the probability of winning a game state advantageous to the player. A game machine set based on the above, wherein a control means (CPU 201) for controlling the progress of game operations, a storage means (RAM 203) capable of reading/writing information by the control means, and each opening a door part A first operator and a second operator (key cylinder and RAM clear button provided corresponding to the setting key switch 94) provided to be operable by setting the control means to the storage means backup recovery means for performing backup recovery processing (backup recovery processing in step S111) for recovering the gaming machine in a state in which the memory information before the power shutdown is stored in , and setting processing for setting the set value based on the operation (step S115). setting means for performing setting change processing) and setting confirmation display means for performing setting confirmation display processing (setting confirmation processing in step S109) for displaying the current setting values on a required display means.
Then, the control means determines whether to shift to the backup restoration process (backup flag determination process in step S106) regardless of the open/closed state of the door and the operating states of the first and second operators, and proceeds to the setting process. The determination of the transition to the setting confirmation display process and the determination of the transition to the setting confirmation display process are performed based on the operating state of at least one of the first and second operators and the open/closed state of the door portion.

Thereby, the processing related to the set value is executed based on the result of confirming the open/closed state of the door.
Therefore, fraud can be prevented.

In particular, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the transition to the backup restoration process is determined on the condition that the information stored in the storage means is not abnormal (the RAM abnormality determination in step S105 is N).
As a result, it is possible to prevent the backup restoration from being performed due to an abnormal set value, and it is possible to enhance the tampering prevention effect.

Moreover, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a door portion (front frame 2) that can be opened and closed, and operates a set value (Ve) representing a stage of the probability of winning a game state advantageous to the player. The game machine is set based on the control means (CPU 201) that controls the progress of the game operation, the storage means (RAM 203) that allows the control means to read/write information, and each opens the door part. A first operator and a second operator (key cylinder and RAM clear button provided corresponding to the setting key switch 94) provided to be operable by setting the control means to the storage means clearing means for clearing stored information (steps S116 to S118) for clearing stored information, and setting means for performing setting processing (setting change processing in step S115) for setting a set value based on an operation.
The control means can execute the setting process when the door is opened and the first and second manipulators are operated, while the door is closed and the first and second manipulators are operated. When the two operators are in the operated state, the stored information clearing process is executed without performing the setting process.

As a result, the setting value cannot be changed unless the door is opened, and when the door is closed, the stored information is cleared.
Therefore, fraud can be prevented.

Moreover, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a door portion (front frame 2) that can be opened and closed, and operates a set value (Ve) representing a stage of the probability of winning a game state advantageous to the player. The game machine is set based on the control means (CPU 201) that controls the progress of the game operation, the storage means (RAM 203) that allows the control means to read/write information, and each opens the door part. A first operator and a second operator (key cylinder and RAM clear button provided corresponding to the setting key switch 94) provided to be operable by setting the control means to the storage means Backup return means for performing backup return processing (backup return processing in step S111) to restore the game machine in a state in which the memory information before power shutdown is stored in the state of the stored information, and setting confirmation for displaying the current set value on the required display means. and setting confirmation display means for performing display processing (setting confirmation processing in step S109).
Then, the control means can execute the setting confirmation display process by opening the door and only the first operator out of the first and second operators is operated. When the closed state is established and only the first operator out of the first and second operators is operated, the backup restoration process is executed without performing the setting confirmation display process.

As a result, the setting confirmation display process cannot be executed unless the door is opened, and the backup return process is performed when the door is closed.
Therefore, fraud can be prevented.

In particular, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the transition to the backup restoration process is determined on the condition that the information stored in the storage means is not abnormal (the RAM abnormality determination in step S105 is N).
As a result, it is possible to prevent the backup restoration from being performed due to an abnormal set value, and it is possible to enhance the tampering prevention effect.

[4-4. About startup processing program]

Next, a program that implements the above-described start-up process will be described.
FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing how programs are stored in the ROM 202 for each process executed in response to activation. The program here is written in assembly language.

In FIG. 14, each process to be executed corresponding to startup is "initial setting process at power-on", "input port data acquisition process", "setting change condition determination process", "setting change process", "RAM clear process", "RAM error". Check processing, power re-on processing, RAM clear condition determination processing, setting confirmation condition determination processing, setting confirmation processing, backup recovery processing, and post-recovery setting processing.
The correspondence between these processes and the processes described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 13 is as follows.

"Initial setting process at power-on"=initial setting process in step S101 "Input port data acquisition process"=copying process in step S102 and masking process in step S103 "setting change condition determination process"=setting change condition establishment determination in step S104 Processing “setting change processing”=setting change processing in step S115 “RAM clear processing”=processing from command transmission processing in step S116 to RAM clearing processing in step S118 “RAM abnormality check processing”=RAM abnormality determination processing in step S105 , and backup flag determination processing in step S106 "power re-on processing" = processing from command transmission processing in step S112 to power abnormality check processing in step S114 "RAM clear condition determination processing" = RAM clear condition establishment determination processing in step S107 “Setting confirmation condition determination processing”=Setting confirmation condition satisfaction determination processing in step S108 “Setting confirmation processing”=Setting confirmation processing in step S109 “Backup restoration processing”=Command transmission processing in step S110 and backup restoration processing in step S111 “Return” Post-setting processing”=processing including step S119 (CTC setting processing)

In the present embodiment, the programs for each of the processes described above are stored in the ROM 202 in the order in which the processes are listed, starting from the top address (000H). That is, the ROM 202 stores a program for "initial setting processing when power is turned on" at the head, and the program for "initial setting processing when power is turned on" is followed by a program for "input port data acquisition processing" (continuously). ) is stored, and the program for the "input port data acquisition process" is followed by the program for the "setting change condition determination process". They are stored sequentially from the beginning of the ROM 202 .

As a result, when the power is turned on, the CPU 201 processes the program from the top address of the ROM 202 in the order shown in FIG. Up to the establishment determination process is executed.

Here, in FIG. 14, a process identifier "SYSTEM_xxx" (where xxx is a numerical value) is defined for the program of each process so that the process can be identified. In FIG. 14, the notation "JR" in the program is a jump instruction, and the CPU 201 follows the description of "JR" and shifts to the process indicated by the process identifier indicated below "JR". Specifically, the program is read from the area in which the program of the process indicated by the process identifier is stored in the ROM 202 and executed. For example, in accordance with the jump instruction described in the last line of the RAM clearing process in the figure, the CPU 201 interrupts execution of the program in order from the beginning of the ROM 202 and jumps to "SYSTEM_1200" indicated by the jump instruction. , the jump destination program (that is, the post-return setting processing program) is executed.
A program in which the jump instruction "JR" is described in this way interrupts the execution of the program in order from the beginning of the ROM 202, and instructs the transition of the execution point of the program to a point according to the process identifier. becomes.

By such a jump instruction, the processing after the "setting change condition determination processing" is executed in the order as described with reference to FIG. 5 depending on whether various conditions are satisfied or not satisfied.
Specifically, in the "setting change condition determination processing", according to the descriptions of "CP W, 01100001B" and "JR NZ, SYSTEM_600" in the figure, the masked 8-bit data obtained in the previous "input port data acquisition processing" matches "01100001", the transition of the program execution point by the jump instruction is not performed, and the first line program ("LD DE, 0BA5AH") in the "setting change process" is executed. That is, the setting change process is started.
On the other hand, if the masked 8-bit value matches "01100001", the program execution point is transitioned by the jump instruction (transition to "SYSTEM_600"), and "RAM abnormality check processing" is executed.

In "setting change processing", according to the description of "CALLV_CMDOUT" in the figure, command transmission for sending the data of the "BA5AH" command acquired by the description of "LD DE,0BA5AH", that is, the data of the command during setting change A process is called, and a setting changing command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 . After that, the program of "M_SETTEI" is called according to the description of "CALL M_SETTEI", and the processing described as steps S802 to S810 is executed.
Here, as a reference, FIG. 15 shows an example of the "M_SETTEI" program.

In FIG. 14, when the execution of the "M_SETTEI" program is completed, that is, when the "setting change processing" is completed, the "RAM clear processing" program is executed.
Here, it should be noted that in this example, the program of "RAM clearing process" is stored following the program of "setting change process". The point is that the transition of the program execution point by a jump instruction is not required when executing .
This eliminates the need to write a program (transition command program) for transitioning the program execution point when executing the RAM clear processing after the setting change processing, and the program capacity in the ROM 202 can be reduced.

In the "RAM clearing process" program, "JR SYSTEM_1200" is written in the last line, whereby the program execution point transitions to the program with "SYSTEM_1200" upon completion of execution of the "RAM clearing process". That is, as a result, the transition from step S118 to step S119 described above is realized.

Subsequently, in the "RAM abnormality check processing" program, the setting value Ve is outside the normal range (6 or more) due to the descriptions of "CP (W_SETTEI), 6" and "JR NC, SYSTEM_700". In this case, the program execution point is transitioned by a jump instruction (transition to "SYSTEM_700"), and the "power cycle process" is executed.
On the other hand, if the set value Ve is not out of the normal range, processing is executed according to the description of "CP (W_BACKFLG), 05AH" and "JR Z, SYSTEM — 800". Specifically, according to these descriptions, if the backup flag is ON (05AH), the transition of the program execution point by the jump instruction is not performed, and the "power-on process" is executed. causes the program execution point to transition (transition to "SYSTEM_800"), and the "RAM clear condition determination process" is executed.

In the "RAM clearing condition determination processing" program, depending on the description of "LD CF, W.6", the value of the 6th bit in the 8-bit value after the mask is loaded, followed by "JR C, SYSTEM_500". If the loaded value is not "1", the transition of the program execution point by the jump instruction is not performed, and the "setting confirmation condition determination process" is performed.
On the other hand, if the loaded value is "1", the program execution point is transitioned by a jump instruction (transition to "SYSTEM_500"), and "RAM clear processing" is executed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when only the RAM clearing process is performed out of the setting change process and the RAM clearing process, the program execution point is transitioned to the RAM clearing process by a jump instruction.

In the "setting check condition determination process", if the 8-bit value after masking matches "01100000" according to the descriptions of "CP W, 01100000B" and "JR NZ, SYSTEM_1100", the program is executed by a jump instruction. Point transition is not performed, and "setting confirmation processing" is performed.
On the other hand, if the 8-bit value after masking does not match "01100000", the program execution point is transitioned by a jump instruction (transition to "SYSTEM_1100"), and "backup return processing" is executed.

In the "setting confirmation process" program, when the execution of the process according to "CALLV_CMDOUT" in the last line is completed, the "backup restore process" is started.
As described above, in this embodiment, the program for "backup restoration processing" is stored after the program for "setting confirmation processing", so that the backup restoration processing (S111) is executed after the setting confirmation processing (S109 and S110). In doing so, transition of the program execution point by a jump instruction is unnecessary.
This eliminates the need to write a transition instruction program for transitioning the program execution point when executing the backup restoration process after the setting confirmation process, and the program capacity in the ROM 202 can be reduced.

In FIG. 14, for reference, when setting change processing is performed, when RAM clear processing is performed without setting change processing, when setting confirmation processing is performed, backup restoration processing is performed without setting confirmation processing. Numbered arrows indicate the transitions of the program execution points when the RAM is determined to be abnormal and when the RAM is determined to be abnormal.

The program of "RAM clearing process" and "setting confirmation process" shown in FIG. 14 will be supplemented.
In "RAM clear processing", "LD HL, D_MKCADR2" in "SYSTEM_500" is data to be used in command transmission processing called by "CALLV_MKCADR" in "SYSTEM_550" described below ("Command transmission when RAM clear" described later). Data indicating "address table": see FIG. 18) is loaded into the HL register.
"CALLV_MKCADR" in "SYSTEM_550" calls a command transmission process, and in the command transmission process, transmission of various effect control commands corresponding to RAM clearing is performed in accordance with the data loaded in the HL register as described above.
The subsequent "LD HL, W_SETTEI+1" is the process of loading the next address value of the set value work (storage area of the set value Ve in the RAM 203) into the HL register, and "LD B, 256-3" is the B register. This is a process of designating the number of times (253 times) to clear to 0.
Furthermore, the following "CALLV_ZEROSET2" is the process of calling the 0 clear process, "LD HL, D_INISET" is the process of loading the initial value setting table start address into the HL register, and "CALLV_DTSET" is the process of calling the data set process. .
Such a series of programs implements the processing of steps S116 (command transmission processing when RAM is cleared) to S118 (processing when RAM is cleared).

Subsequently, in the "setting confirmation process", the programs "LD DE, 0E021H", "CALLV_CMDOUT", and "LD C, (W_SETTEI)" in "SYSTEM_1000" perform the transmission processing of the setting confirmation command in step S801 and the setting in step S802. It corresponds to the process of acquiring the value of the value work.
The program "SYSTEM_1050" is a program for enabling the repeated processing of steps S803 to S807. Specifically, "CALLV_VDDCHK" in "SYSTEM_1050" is the process of calling the power failure check process (see Fig. 7), "IN A, (P_INPT1)" is the process of loading the information of the input port n into the A register, ""ANDA,00000001B" is the process of ANDing the value "00000001") specified in the A register. This is a process of transitioning to "SYSTEM_1060" when the switch 94 is OFF.
"LD A,00000010B" is the process of loading the specified value "00000010" into the A register, and "OUT (P_GAIBU2),A" is the process of outputting the value of the A register to the external output terminal. This output processing corresponds to the security signal output processing in step S805.
"LD HL, D_7SEGDATA" is the process of loading the top address of the table into the HL register, "LD A, C" is the process of loading the value of the C register (that is, the set value Ve) into the A register, and "LD W, ( HL+A)" is the process of loading the value of the table based on the value of the A register (set value Ve) into the W register.
"LD A,00010000B" loads the specified value "00010000" (LED common specified value) to the A register, and "OUTW (P_LEDCMN),WA" loads the W register to the setting/performance indicator 97 (LED). This is the process of outputting the value of the A register (that is, the value of the table and the common specified value).
When the processing up to "OUTW (P_LEDCMN), WA" is completed, the execution point of the program is changed to "SYSTEM_1050" by "JR SYSTEM_1050".

The "SYSTEM_1060" program corresponds to the case where the setting key switch 94 is turned off (when the setting confirmation completion operation is performed).
"XOR WA, WA" is processing to clear the value of the WA register, and "OUTW (P_LEDCMN), WA" outputs the value of the WA register (00000000) to the setting/performance indicator 97 (that is, setting value display data clear) processing. "OUT (P_GAIBU2),A" is a process of outputting the value of the A register (00000000) to the external output terminal (that is, turning off the security signal).
"INC E" is a process of incrementing the value of the E register by 1, which corresponds to a process of designating a setting confirmation end command (0E22H) (see "LD DE, 0E021H" in "SYSTEM_1000"). "CALLV_CMDOUT" is a process of calling a command transmission process, whereby a setting confirmation end command is transmitted to the effect control section 24.

Here, the "setting confirmation process" program can be modified as shown in FIG.
In FIG. 16, "LD W, (W_SETTEI)" in "SYSTEM_1000" is the process of loading the set value work value (set value Ve) into the W register, and "LD HL, D_7SEGDATA" is the process of loading the table into the HL register. This is the process of loading the value of the starting address. "LD A, (HL+W)" is the process of loading the address value of the table based on the HL register (table top address value) and W register (set value Ve) into the A register. P_LED3),A” is the process of outputting the value of the A register to the setting/performance indicator 97 . As a result, the current set value Ve is displayed on the setting/performance indicator 97 .

"LD DE,0E020H" to "CALLV_CMDOUT" are the programs for sending the setting checking command. Specifically, "LD DE,0E020H" is the process of loading the specified command value "E020H" into the DE register, and "ADD E,W" is the process of loading the value of the DE register (specified command value) and the value of the W register into the E register. This is the process of loading the added value with the value (set value Ve). As a result, if the command data to be transmitted is set value Ve=00H (setting 1), then "0E20H"; if setting value Ve=01H (setting 2), then "0E21H"; If so, it changes like "0E22H". By providing the program by this "ADD E, W", the present setting value Ve is notified to the effect|presentation control part 24 side by the setting confirmation command.
The command data set by this "ADD E, W" is transmitted to the effect control section 24 by command transmission processing called by "CALLV_CMDOUT". After that, security signal output processing is performed by "OUT (P_GAIBU2), 00000010B".

Next, in ``SYSTEM_1050'', ``CALLV _VDDCHK'' calls the power failure check process, and ``IN A, (P_INPTn)'' loads the information of input port n into the A register, and then ``AND A, 00000001B" ANDs the value of the A register with the designated value "00000001". "JRS F,SYSTEM_1050" jumps to "SYSTEM_1050" if JF (jump status flag) is "0" (if the above ANDed value is "1": that is, if the setting key switch 94 is ON). It is an instruction (jump instruction). As a result, the power failure check process is repeated until the setting confirmation completion operation is performed.

"OUT (P_LED3), A" following "JRS F, SYSTEM_1050" is the process of outputting the value of the A register ("00000000") to the setting/performance indicator 97, and is used to clear the setting value display data. "OUT (P_GAIBU2),A" is processing for outputting the value of the A register ("00000000") to the external output terminal, and corresponds to security signal OFF processing.
"LD E, 027H" is the process of loading the specified command value (="027H") into the E register, which corresponds to the process of setting the setting confirmation end command data ("E027H"). The command data set by "LD E, 027H" is transmitted to the effect control section 24 by command transmission processing called by "CALLV_CMDOUT".
In the program shown in FIG. 14, it is assumed that the command data of the setting confirmation end command is "E022H", but in the case of the modification shown in FIG. It is said that

When the program shown in FIG. 16 is adopted, similarly to the case where the program shown in FIG. 14 is adopted, the current setting value Ve is displayed as the "setting confirmation processing", the setting confirmation command is sent, and the setting key There is no change in that the setting value display data is cleared, the security signal is turned OFF, and the setting confirmation end command is transmitted in response to the OFF.
14, when the program shown in FIG. 16 is adopted, the program capacity (data capacity) required for realizing such "setting confirmation processing" can be reduced.

[4-5. Second Summary]

Here, it can be said that the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has the following configuration for the processing program executed at the time of activation.
That is, the pachinko game machine 1 is provided with control means (CPU 201) for controlling the progress of game operations, and storage means (RAM 203) in which information can be read/written by the control means. A gaming machine capable of executing a setting process (setting change process in step S115) for setting a set value representing a stage of the probability of winning a state based on an operation, the game machine being activated upon power-on. The programs to be executed include a first program for setting processing ("setting change processing" in FIG. 14) and a second program for clearing information stored in the storage means ("setting change processing" in FIG. 14). (“RAM clearing processing” in FIG. 14) and a transition instruction program (“RAM clearing condition determination processing” in FIG. 14) for transitioning the execution point of the program to the second program.
Then, when executing only the stored information clearing process out of the setting process and the stored information clearing process, the control means causes the transition command program to transition the execution point of the program to the second program and execute the process. When executing the stored information clearing process after executing the process, after executing the first program, the second program can be executed regardless of the transition instruction program.

This eliminates the need to store a transition instruction program for transitioning the execution point of the program to the second program after execution of the first program in order to enable the stored information clearing process after the setting process.
Therefore, it is possible to reduce the program capacity.

Moreover, the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko game machine 1 includes a control means (CPU 201) for controlling the progress of game operations, and a storage means (RAM 203) in which information can be read/written by the control means. A game machine in which a set value representing a stage of the probability of winning or not to be elected to a state can be set based on an operation, and a required display means is currently displayed as a program of processing to be executed when the power is turned on. The first program ("setting confirmation process" in FIG. 14) for performing the setting confirmation display process (setting confirmation process in step S109) for displaying the setting value of , and the memory information before the power shutdown is stored in the storage means A second program (“Backup return processing” in FIG. 14) for performing backup return processing (backup return processing in step S111) for returning the gaming machine in the state, and a transition command for transitioning the execution point of the program to the second program. A program (“setting confirmation condition determination processing” in FIG. 14) is stored.
Then, when only the backup restoration processing is executed out of the setting confirmation display processing and the backup restoration processing, the control means causes the transition command program to transition the execution point of the program to the second program and execute the processing. When executing the backup restoration process after executing the confirmation display process, after executing the first program, the second program can be executed without depending on the transition command program.

This eliminates the need to store a transition instruction program for transitioning the execution point of the program to the second program after the execution of the first program in order to perform the backup restoration process after the setting confirmation display process.
Therefore, it is possible to reduce the program capacity.

Moreover, the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko game machine 1 includes a control means (CPU 201) for controlling the progress of game operations, and a storage means (RAM 203) in which information can be read/written by the control means. A gaming machine capable of executing a setting process (setting change process in step S115) for setting a setting value representing a stage of the probability of winning or not based on an operation, wherein the game machine is activated upon power-on. The programs to be executed include a first program for performing the setting process ("setting change process" in FIG. 14) and a stored information clearing process (steps S116 to S118) for clearing the stored information in the storage means. A second program (“RAM clear processing” in FIG. 14) and a third program (“RAM clear processing” in FIG. 14) for performing setting confirmation display processing (setting confirmation processing in step S109) for displaying the current setting values on a required display means (setting confirmation processing in step S109). "setting confirmation process") and a fourth program (see FIG. 14) for performing a backup return process (backup return process in step S111) for returning the game machine to a state in which the memory information before the power shutdown is stored in the storage means. "backup restoration process").
In addition, the first program and the second program can be processed continuously without a transition instruction for transitioning the execution point of the program, and the third program and the fourth program can be continuously processed without a transition instruction. It is made possible to process

Thus, in order to enable the stored information clear processing after the setting processing and the backup restoration processing to be performed after the setting confirmation display processing, a transition command program for transitioning to the second program after execution of the first program , and a transition instruction program for transitioning to the fourth program after execution of the third program.
Therefore, it is possible to reduce the program capacity.

[4-6. About command transmission at startup]

Next, command transmission at the time of power-on activation will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 23. FIG.
17A and 17B are explanatory diagrams of command transmission processing corresponding to the setting change processing. FIG. 17A shows the transmission processing of the setting changing command in step S701, and FIG. 17B shows the transmission processing of the setting completion command in step S722. .

In FIG. 17A, the CPU 201 performs a setting changing command data acquisition process (BA5AH) in step S01. As can be seen by referring to "LD DE,0BA5AH" in "setting change processing" in FIG. It becomes a process of reading and acquiring.
Next, the CPU 201 executes command transmission processing in step S10, and ends the setting changing command transmission processing in step S701.
As can be seen by referring to "CALLV M_SETTEI" in "setting change processing" in FIG. 14, the CPU 201 calls and executes command transmission processing in step S10. In this command transmission process, a process of transmitting command data to the effect control section 24 is executed in step S11 as shown.

Subsequently, in the setting completion command transmission process (S722) shown in FIG. 17B, the CPU 201 acquires the setting completion command data (BA09H) in step S02 (see "LD DE, 0BA09H" in FIG. 15). , the command transmission processing of step S10 is performed (see "CALLV M_SETTEI" in FIG. 15), and the transmission processing of the setting completion command of step S722 is completed.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of the command transmission process (step S116) when clearing the RAM.
First, the CPU 201 performs address table selection processing in step S03. In the selection process in this case, an address table indicated as "RAM clearing command transmission address table" in the figure is selected. The RAM clear command transmission address table stores the number of loops ("3") and the address values of the RAM clear designation command creation table, the spec designation command creation table, and the customer waiting designation command creation table.

Next, the CPU 201 executes the command table selection process of step S20, and finishes the command transmission process at the time of RAM clearing of step S116.
As shown in the figure, in the command table selection process of step S20, first, the number of loops is set in step S21. That is, the number of loops specified by the command transmission address table during RAM clearing is set. Next, in step S22, a command creation table is selected from the address table, command data creation processing in step S30 is executed, and in step S23, it is determined whether or not the number of loops has become "0". 0", the command generation table selection process of step S22 is executed again.
By these processes, the RAM clear designation command generation table, the specification designation command generation table, and the customer waiting designation command generation table shown in the figure are sequentially selected, and for each selection, a command according to the contents of the selected command generation table is selected. Data creation processing is executed.

In the command data generation process of step S30, command data selection processing is performed in step S31, that is, command data is selected based on the added value data and command data stored in the command generation table being selected. A command transmission process of S10 is executed.

Through the above-described series of processes, the command data of the RAM clear command by "BA02H" in the first loop, and the spec command by "F611H" (the command for notifying the specs of the pachinko machine 1) in the second loop ), and in the third loop, the command data of the customer waiting demo display command of “BA04H” is sent to the effect control unit 24 .
Upon receiving the RAM clear command, the effect control unit 24 performs processing for performing screen display, light effect, and sound effect corresponding to the RAM clear.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the command transmission process (step S112) when the power is turned on again.
The CPU 201 performs a power re-on command acquisition process in step S03, then performs a command transmission process in step S10, and ends the command transmission process in step S112.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of the transmission processing of the setting confirmation command (step S801).
The CPU 201 performs setting confirmation command acquisition processing in step S04, then performs command transmission processing in step S10, and ends the command transmission processing in step S801.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of the transmission processing of the setting confirmation end command (step S810).
The CPU 201 performs setting confirmation end command acquisition processing in step S05, then performs command transmission processing in step S10, and ends the command transmission processing in step S810.

As can be seen with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21, the power re-on command, the setting confirmation command, and the setting confirmation end command are written in the program like the setting changing command and the setting completion command described above. The command data is read out and transmitted to the effect control section 24 . In other words, these command data also correspond to command data that are directly specified by the program.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of the command transmission process (step S110) during the backup restoration process.
First, the CPU 201 performs address table selection processing in step S06. In the selection process in this case, an address table indicated as "common command transmission address table for backup recovery & setting confirmation" in the drawing is selected. As shown in the figure, in the address table, along with the number of loops ("3"), the address values of the power failure recovery specification command creation table, the special figure 1 reservation number specification command creation table, and the special figure 2 reservation number specification command creation table stored.

Next, the CPU 201 executes command table selection processing in step S20.
In the command table selection process in this case, by the processing of steps S21 to S23, according to the address table selected in step S06, power failure recovery specified command creation table, special figure 1 hold number specified command creation table, special figure 2 hold Number-designated command creation tables are selected in sequence, and command data creation processing (S30) is executed according to the contents of the command creation table being selected for each selection. In each of the special figure 1 and special figure 2 reservation number specification command creation table, the value of the special figure 1 and special figure 2 reservation number work (reservation number storage area in the work area of RAM 203) is defined as the addition value data It is
In the command data creation process (S30) in this case, the command data of the power failure recovery display command by "BA03H" is obtained in the first loop, and in the second loop, "B0xxH '' (xx is a value representing the number of reservations) is obtained, and in the third loop, command data by "B1xxH" for notifying the number of reservations of special figure 2 is obtained.
In this case, the command transmission process (S10) in step S30 is executed, and the power failure recovery display command (BA03H) and the pending number designation command (B0xxH, B1xxH) are transmitted to the effect control unit 24.

In response to executing the command table selection process of step S20, the CPU 201 executes command data creation process 2 of step S40.
In the command data creation process 2, the CPU 201 acquires the spec command (F611H) in step S41, and then performs command transmission process in step S10. Next, the CPU 201 acquires a state designation command (FAxxH to FDxxH: xx is a numerical value corresponding to the state) in step S42, performs command transmission processing in step S10, and ends command data creation processing 2 in step S40. . The state designation command is a command for notifying the effect control unit 24 of the state of each predetermined item before the power is cut off. Each represents the type of state.

Upon completion of the command data creation process 2 in step S40, the CPU 201 determines in step S07 whether or not there was no fluctuation at the time of power failure. (BA04H) is obtained, the command transmission processing of step S10 is performed, and the command transmission processing (S110) at the time of backup recovery is completed.
On the other hand, if it is not in the non-fluctuation state in step S07, the CPU 201 skips steps S08 and S10 and ends the command transmission processing in step S110.

FIG. 23 schematically shows a list of commands (effect control commands) that are transmitted at the time of activation in response to power-on.
In the figure, commands other than the standby screen display command (BA01H) and the game start command (BA77H) among the commands transmitted at the time of startup are shown as follows: setting change processing, power re-on processing, backup restoration processing, RAM clearing processing, Commands to be sent are shown separately for each setting confirmation process.
The hatched commands mean commands that are transmitted only when the process is shifted to the setting change process, the power re-on process, the backup return process, the RAM clear process, and the setting confirmation process.

These hatched commands (setting changing command, setting complete command, power cycle command, setting confirming command, and setting confirmation end command) are directly specified by the program as understood from the above explanation. command.
In other words, in the present embodiment, regarding each process (setting change process, power cycle process, backup restoration process, RAM clear process, setting confirmation process) at startup, the command sent only in the transition state to that process is , the data is specified directly by the program.

On the other hand, the commands that are not hatched, that is, the commands that are commonly sent in multiple transition states, the commands shown in thick frames in the figure (RAM clear command, power failure recovery display command, hold number designation command) is intended to specify data by a table, as can be seen from the previous explanation.

[4-7. Main control side timer interrupt processing]

The main control side timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The main control side timer interrupt processing is started by an interrupt from the CTC at regular intervals (about 4 ms), and is executed by interrupting the execution of the main control side main processing.

In FIG. 24, when a timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 201 first executes power supply check/backup processing in step S901. This power supply check/backup process mainly monitors the level of the power supplied from the power supply board, and if an abnormality such as a power failure occurs, the power is restored so that the game can be resumed without hindrance when the power is restored. A backup process or the like for storing predetermined game information in the RAM 203 is performed.

(power supply check/backup processing)

FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing the power supply check/backup process in step S901.
In the power supply check/backup process, in step S1001, the CPU 201 reads the power failure signal output from the power supply board twice, and in the following step S1002, determines whether or not the read values match. If the two values do not match, the process returns to step S1001 and the power failure signal is read twice.

If both values match in step S1002, the CPU 201 determines in step S1003 whether the power failure signal is at a normal level (the power failure signal is OFF=normal level, ON=not normal level).
If the power failure signal is at the normal level (step S1003: OFF), the CPU 201 turns the backup flag OFF in step S1004, clears the power failure confirmation counter in step S1005, and ends the power failure check process in step S901. That is, when it is confirmed that the power failure signal is at a normal level, the timer interrupt processing is continued without executing the backup processing described below.

On the other hand, if the power supply abnormality signal is not at the normal level in step S1003 (step S1003: ON), the CPU 201 increments the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter by one in step S1006, and increases the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter in step S1007. It is determined whether or not the value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (threshold = a natural number equal to or greater than 2: for example, "2").
If the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter is not equal to or greater than the threshold, the CPU 201 ends the power supply abnormality check process in step S901. In other words, when the state where the power failure signal is not at the normal level is detected, but the detection is not continuous, the backup processing is not performed and the timer interrupt processing is continued.

On the other hand, if the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter is equal to or greater than the threshold, the CPU 201 performs backup processing shown as steps S1008 to S1011.
Specifically, the CPU 201 first clears the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter (S1108), turns off the firing enable signal (S1009), and turns on the backup flag (S1010).
Furthermore, the CPU 201 transmits a power-off command to the effect control unit 24 (S1011), and advances the process to step S1012.

In step S1012, the CPU 201 performs processing to enable RAM protection and disable the prohibited area.
RAM protection is a function to prevent the RAM 203 from being rewritten due to malfunction or erroneous operation. By setting the RAM protection to valid, only data reading from the RAM 203 is enabled, and data writing is disabled.
Also, the prohibited area is an area corresponding to the specified area in the IAT (prohibition of traveling outside the specified area) function, and by setting the prohibited area to invalid, the IAT reset will not occur thereafter.

In step S1013 following step S1012, the CPU 201 clears the value of the output port, stops timer interrupt processing in step S1014, sets itself to an interrupt disabled state, and shifts to infinite loop processing.
During this infinite loop, the CPU 201 is reset by the WDT and transitions to an operation stop state due to loss of operating power.

Return the description to FIG.
In FIG. 24, after completing the power supply check/backup process in step S901, the CPU 201 executes input data creation process in step S902. Specifically, input data is created based on input information (ON/OFF signals and rising states (ON edge, OFF edge)) from various sensors and switches.
The input information here is, for example, the upper starting opening sensor 34a, the lower starting opening sensor 35a, the normal symbol starting opening sensor 37a, the big winning opening sensor 52a, the general winning opening sensor 43a, and the OUT monitoring switch 49a. ON/OFF information (winning detection information) of the switch signal to be output, ON/OFF information (operation information), status signals from the payout control board 29 (ON/OFF information of the front door open sensor 61 and the full detection sensor 60), and the like. As a result, whether or not a game ball is detected in an out port or each winning port is monitored for each interruption.

After finishing the input data creation process of step S902, CPU201 is step S903 and performs the timer management process which manages the timer used for game motion control. Here, the values of various timers used for game operation control of the gaming machine 1 are updated (subtraction processing).

Next, the CPU 201 performs input management processing in step S904. In this input management process, based on the input data created in the input data creation process (S902), the values of the winning counter and OUT ball monitoring counter are updated. A "winning counter" is a counter that is provided for each winning hole and counts the number of winning game balls (the number of winning balls). The OUT ball monitoring counter is a counter for counting game balls discharged from the OUT port 49 (out balls).
The input management process in step S904 functions as input management means for managing input signals (detection signals) from various winning opening sensors.

In step S905 following step S904, the CPU 201 executes setting abnormality check processing.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing the setting abnormality check process in step S905.
In FIG. 26, the CPU 201 checks the set value error flag in step S1101. The set value error flag is a flag that is set (turned ON) by the processing of step S1103 described below when an abnormality is recognized in the set value Ve, and in this example, "5AH" means the ON state. .

In step S1101, if the set value error flag is "5AH" (ON state), the CPU 201 ends the setting abnormality check process in step S905. That is, the fact that the setting value error flag is determined to be ON in step S1101 means that the transmission of the setting value abnormality command (the command for instructing the performance control unit 24 to perform setting error notification) has already been executed in step S1104, which will be described later. Therefore, the setting error check process ends without sending the setting value error flag again.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S1101 that the set value error flag is not "5AH" (it is OFF), the CPU 201 determines in step S1102 whether the set value Ve is within the normal range (within the range of 0 to 5). determine whether or not Specifically, the setting value Ve stored in the work area of the RAM 203 is acquired, and it is determined whether or not the value is within the range of "00H" to "05H".

If the set value Ve is within the normal range, the CPU 201 ends the setting abnormality check process in step S905.
If the set value Ve is not within the normal range, the CPU 201 advances to step S1103 to set a set value error flag (ON state), and in the subsequent step S1104 sets value indicating that the set value Ve is abnormal. A value abnormality command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24, and the setting abnormality check process is finished.
Here, the setting value error flag is set in step S1308 in FIG. 28 (setting error determination at the time of winning) to be described later, as well as in step S1501 in FIG. It is used in step S1701 in FIG. 33 (setting error determination when performing variation pattern lottery at the start of variation).

Here, upon receiving the set value abnormality command, the effect control unit 24 performs processing for notifying data abnormality of the set value Ve. For example, the liquid crystal display device 36 is caused to display an image including a message such as "RAM is abnormal. Please call a member of staff."
In the gaming machine 1, a setting error (setting value error) can be canceled by performing a setting change operation.

Returning the description to FIG.
After the CPU 201 completes the setting abnormality check process in step S905, the CPU 201 executes error management process in step S906. In this error management process, based on input data related to various sensors and status signals from the payout control board 29, the presence or absence of error occurrence is monitored.
When an error occurs, the CPU 201, as error processing, transmits the corresponding command to the effect control unit 24 if the error type requires transmission of an error command. When the effect control unit 24 receives this error command, it executes error notification according to the error type. Further, the CPU 201 transmits an error cancellation command to the effect control section 24 when the error during occurrence is eliminated. When the performance control unit 24 receives this error cancellation command, it terminates the error notification being executed.

Next, in step S907, the CPU 201 executes timer interrupt random number management processing for periodically updating the random numbers associated with each variation display game. Here, in order to make the count value of the random number counter random, for the random number for special symbol judgment and the random number for auxiliary hit judgment, update the random number (add +1 for each interrupt), and Then, the process of changing the start value of the random number counter is performed. Note that the internal lottery random numbers (big hit determination random numbers) are generated by the random number generation circuit, and are not updated here.

In step S908 following step S907, the CPU 201 executes prize ball management processing. In this winning ball management process, the winning counter is checked, and if there is a winning, a payout control command designating the number of winning balls is transmitted to the payout control board 29 . When the payout control board 29 receives the payout control command, it controls the game ball payout device 19 based on the prize ball number information included in the payout control command to execute the payout operation for the designated number of prize balls.

Next, CPU201 is step S909 and usually performs design management processing. In this normal symbol management process, a process necessary for executing the normal symbol variation display game is performed. Here, it monitors whether or not the game ball is detected by the normal symbol start opening sensor 37a, and when the game ball is detected, predetermined game information (such as a random number for auxiliary hit determination) necessary for the auxiliary winning lottery is generated. Acquire (random number acquisition process), hold and store the maximum number of held balls up to the upper limit with the game information as hold data (operation hold balls related to normal symbols) (hold storage process). Then, when the predetermined fluctuation display start condition regarding the normal pattern is satisfied, an auxiliary winning lottery based on the operation holding ball is performed, and the selection of the normal pattern fluctuation pattern based on the auxiliary winning lottery result and the normal pattern stop display mode (normal stop symbol). Further, here, in order to perform variable display of normal symbols, LED display data for variable display is created if the pattern is in motion, and LED display data for stop display is created if the pattern is not in motion.

Furthermore, in step S910, the CPU 201 executes a normal electric accessary product management process. In this normal electric accessary product management process, a process necessary for executing the normal electric open game is performed. Specifically, when the lottery result of the auxiliary winning lottery is a hit, a process of setting solenoid control data for the normal electric accessory solenoid 41c is performed. Based on the solenoid control data set here, an excitation signal is output to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 41c, whereby the opening/closing operation pattern of the movable wing 47 is controlled.

Subsequently, CPU201 is step S911 and performs a special design management process. In this special symbol management process, a big hit lottery is mainly performed in the special symbol variation display game, and based on the result of the lottery, the variation pattern of the special symbols (prediction variation pattern and variation pattern at the start of variation) and special stop symbols. is determined, and other processing necessary for the special symbol variation display game is executed.
The details of the special symbol management process in step S911 will be explained again.

Next, the CPU 201 executes a special electric accessary product management process in step S912. In this special electric accessary product management process, the setting process necessary for controlling the execution of the winning game is performed. Specifically, when the jackpot lottery result is a jackpot, the execution control of the hit game (jackpot game) corresponding to the hit type is performed.
Specifically, it sets solenoid control data for the big winning hole solenoid 52c, counts the number of rounds (in the case of a big hit), and monitors the maximum number of winnings to the big winning hole 50 and the opening time. In addition, when the winning game ends, transition setting of the game state is performed based on the game state at the time of winning and the winning type.

Also, here, a plurality of production control commands are transmitted according to the progress of the winning game. At the start of the jackpot, at the start of the round game, at the end of the round game, at the end of the maximum number of rounds, etc., the timing of sending the jackpot start command, the round start command, the round end command, the big win opening prize command, and the jackpot end command has arrived. send accordingly. The big win start command includes the current winning type information, and is used on the side of the performance control section 24 when determining a series of winning performance scenarios to be developed during the winning game. In addition, the jackpot end command includes information about the type of the hit this time and the game state at the time of winning the hit, that is, information capable of specifying the game state after the end of the hit game. It is used when deciding the production mode after the game. Therefore, since this "jackpot end command" can specify the game state after the end of the winning game, it plays a role as a game state designation command for designating the game state.

After completing the processing for game progress up to step S912, the CPU 201 performs external terminal management processing in step S913. In this external terminal management process, the operating state information of the gaming machine 1 is output to external devices such as the hall computer HC and island lamps through the external centralized terminal board 21 for frame. The operating state information includes, for example, game information such as winning game occurrence information, symbol variation display game execution start information, number of wins/number of prize balls, and error information.

Next, the CPU 201 executes LED management processing in step S914. In this LED management process, output control of control signals (dynamic lighting data) for LED indicators such as the normal symbol display device 39a, the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, and the setting/performance indicator 97 is performed. A control signal based on display data created in normal symbol management processing (step S909), special symbol management processing (step S911), etc. is output to the corresponding display device or indicator in this LED management processing, and display control is performed. done. As a result, a series of variable display operations (variable display and stop display) of the special symbols in the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b and the normal symbols in the normal symbol display device 39a are realized.

In step S915 following step S914, the CPU 201 saves the values of all registers, and then performs performance display monitor display processing in step S916. That is, this is a process for causing the setting/performance indicator 97 to display the value as the above-described normal time ratio information.
As mentioned above, in the case of this example, the value of the normal time ratio information is recalculated each time the number of out balls in all states reaches a predetermined specified value, and the setting/performance indicator 97 displays the current normal It is possible to display the time ratio information and the previous normal time ratio information (normal time ratio information whose calculation was completed at the most recent recalculation timing). Therefore, in the display processing of step S916 in this case, the setting/performance display unit 97 is caused to display the values of these two types of normal time ratio information.
Note that the current normal time ratio information value is a value calculated in the processing of step S604 in the main loop processing (FIG. 11) described above, and the previous normal time ratio information value is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 203. Then, the CPU 201 reads out the stored value and causes the setting/performance display 97 to display it.

Next, the CPU 201 restores the values of all registers in step S917, clears the WDT count value in step S918, and ends the main control side timer interrupt processing.

When the above timer interrupt processing ends, the CPU 201 executes the main loop processing (S123) until the next timer interrupt occurs.

[4-8. Processing related to special symbol variation display game]
(Special design management processing)

Next, processing of the main control section 20 relating to the special symbol variation display game will be described.
FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the above-mentioned special symbol management process (step S911). As described above, the special symbol management process is executed as part of the main control side timer interrupt process shown in FIG. Based on the special symbol variation pattern (previous variation pattern and variation pattern at the start of variation) and determination of special stop symbols, etc. are performed.

In FIG. 27, the CPU 201 first performs a special pattern 1 starting port check process for the special pattern 1 side (upper starting port 34 side) in step S1201, and then performs special pattern 2 side (lower starting port 35 side) in step S1202. Special figure 2 start opening check processing is performed.
The details of these starting port check processes will be described again with reference to FIG. 28 .

After completing the start port check processing in steps S1201 and S1202, the CPU 201 determines the state of the condition device operation flag in step S1203. This "condition device operation flag" is a flag for designating whether or not a jackpot game is in progress. When the flag is ON (for example, 5AH), it indicates that a jackpot game is in progress. When the flag is in the OFF state (for example, 00H), it indicates that the jackpot game is not in progress.

If the conditional device operation flag is OFF (≠5AH), that is, if the jackpot game is not in progress, the CPU 201 proceeds to the special symbol operation status branch processing of step S1204, special symbol operation status according to the special symbol operation status (00H ~ 03H) Processing related to the variable display operation is performed (steps S1205, S1206, S1207).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S1203 that the big hit game is in progress (=5AH), the CPU 201 does not perform the processing related to the special symbol fluctuation display operation in steps S1205 to S1207, and proceeds to the special symbol display data update process in step S1208. That is, when the big win game is being played, the variable display operation of the special symbols is not performed (the display state of the special symbols of the special symbol display device is kept as fixed display after the big win). It should be noted that the "special symbol operation status" is a status value indicating the behavior of the special symbol.

In the special symbol operation status branching process of step S1204, depending on whether the special symbol operation status is "waiting (00H, 01H)", "varying (02H)", or "confirming (03H)". , perform corresponding processing.

Specifically, the CPU 201 performs special symbol variation start processing (step S1205) when the special symbol operation status is "waiting (00H, 01H)", and special symbol variation when it is "varying (02H)". During symbol fluctuation processing (step S1206), when it is "confirming (03H)", during special symbol confirmation time processing (step S1207) is executed. Here, the above-mentioned "waiting" means that the behavior of the special symbol is in a standby state for the next variation, and the above-mentioned "while fluctuating" means that the behavior of the special symbol is fluctuating (fluctuation display). The above "confirming" means that the fluctuation of the special symbols is finished and the stop (confirmed) display is in progress (during the special symbol confirmation time).

It should be noted that, in the process during the special design fluctuation of step S1206, whether or not the special design is in the process of fluctuation, that is, whether or not the fluctuation time of the special design has passed is monitored, and if the fluctuation time has passed, the effect control command As a process of transmitting a "variation stop command" to the production control unit 24, storing a fixed display time (eg 500 ms) in the special symbol role product operation timer, and switching the special symbol operation status to "confirming (03H)" (Store 03H in the special symbol operation status) processing and the like. The above-mentioned "variation stop command" is a command indicating that the special symbol variation has ended. By this variation stop command, the effect control unit 24 indicates that the special symbol variation display game has ended after the special symbol variation time has elapsed. By grasping the fact (termination), the decoration pattern currently displayed in a variable manner is stopped and displayed. As a result, when the special symbol variation display game is terminated, the decorative symbol variation display game is also terminated. Further, the above-mentioned "determined display time" is a time (stop display time) for holding the stop display when the variable display of the special symbols is finished and the special symbols are stopped and displayed.

In addition, in the special symbol confirmation time process of step S1207, it is monitored whether or not the above-described fixed display time has elapsed. Switch the symbol operation status to "waiting (01H)" (store 01H in the special symbol operation status), and if the special symbol variation display game of this time is a big hit, the process required to start the big win game (stop the big win pattern) various setting processing at the time). In the various setting processes when the jackpot pattern is stopped, as the jackpot game transition pre-processing, the jackpot judgment flag is cleared, the condition device operation flag is turned on, and the game state is set to the same game state as the normal state. process.
In addition, in the process during the special symbol confirmation time of step S1207, when the game state is updated, the process of transmitting the "game state designation command" including the transition information of the game state to the effect control unit 24 is performed. The effect control unit 24 can grasp that the game state has shifted by the game state designation command.

By the processing of steps S1205, S1206, and S1207, the variable display operation of setting the variable start and the variable stop of the special symbol is realized.
The details of the special symbol variation start processing in step S1205 will be explained again with reference to FIG.

When one of steps S1205 to S1207 is completed, the CPU 201 executes special symbol display data update processing in step S1208. In this special symbol display data update process, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is fluctuating, and if the special symbol is fluctuating, 7-segment display data for the special symbol fluctuating is created, and if the special symbol is not fluctuating. For example, data for 7-segment display during special symbol stop display is created. The special symbol display data created here is output to the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b by the LED management process (step S914) of FIG.

The CPU 201 ends the special symbol management process of step S911 in response to executing the update process of step S1208, and proceeds to the special electric auditors product management process of step S912 shown in FIG.

(Special figure 1 starting port check process)

With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 28, the special figure 1 start opening check process (step S1201) will be described.
This special figure 1 starting opening check process plays a role as winning process executed based on establishment of a predetermined starting condition. In the special figure 1 starting opening check process in this example, the winning of the upper starting opening 34 occurs as a pre-start process for executing the special symbol variation display game 1 on the special figure 1 side (processing at the time of winning on the special figure 1 side). Addition processing of the number of operation pending balls on the special figure 1 side due to, storage processing of various random numbers (suspension storage processing), transmission processing of pending addition command, etc. are executed.
In addition, the special figure 2 starting opening check process (step S1202) also plays a role as a prize winning process executed based on the establishment of a predetermined starting condition as well as the special figure 1 starting opening check process, and the special figure 2 side As pre-start processing for executing the special symbol variation display game 2 (processing at the time of winning on the special figure 2 side), addition processing of the number of operation pending balls on the special figure 2 side due to the occurrence of winning at the lower start port 35, Various random number storage processing, pending addition command transmission processing, and the like are executed. Therefore, the special figure 1 starting opening check processing and the special figure 2 starting opening check processing are substantially the same processing contents. In the following, the special figure 1 starting opening check processing will be mainly described, and the details of the special figure 2 starting opening check processing will be omitted to avoid duplication.

In FIG. 28, the CPU 201 first determines in step S1301 whether or not a winning (winning ball) into the upper starting port 34 has been detected.
When the winning to the upper starting port 34 is detected, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S1302 and determines whether or not the number of special symbol 1 operation reserved balls (hereinafter referred to as "special figure 1 operation reserved balls") is 4 or more. judge. That is, it is determined whether or not the number of special figure 1 operation retention balls is the maximum retention storage number (here, upper limit 4 pieces) or more. However, if there is no winning detection of the upper starting opening 34 (step S1301: N), the special figure 1 starting opening check process of step S1201 is finished without doing anything.

If the number of special-figure 1 operation pending balls is 4 or more in step S1302, that is, the winning of the upper start port 34 is detected, but if the number of special-figure 1 operation pending balls is 4 or more, the CPU 201 goes to step S1311 described later. On the other hand, when the special figure 1 operation reserved ball number is not 4 or more (less than 4), 1 is added to the special figure 1 operation reserved ball number (step S1303), and the process proceeds to step S1304.

In step S1304, the CPU 201 acquires various random numbers used in the special symbol variation display game 1 related to the special figure 1 operation reserved ball generated this time. Specifically, from various random number counters, the current values of the random number for judging the big hit, the random number for judging the special symbol, and the random number for the variation pattern are acquired, and the acquired random number is stored in the reserve storage area of the RAM 203 . This reserve storage area is an area for storing predetermined game information relating to the symbol variation display game as actuation reserve balls (hold data). Until the symbol 1 variable display operation is performed (until the special symbol variable display game 1 is executed), the symbols are reserved and stored in the order in which the starting conditions are satisfied (in the order of winning). The reserved storage area is provided with a reserved storage area corresponding to the special symbol 1 side and the special symbol 2 side, that is, a special figure 1 reserved storage area and a special figure 2 reserved storage area. These reserved storage areas are provided with a reserved 1 storage area to a reserved n storage area (n is the maximum number of reserved memories: n=4 in this embodiment), each of which can store reserved data for the maximum number of reserved memories. It has become.

In step S1305 following step S1304, the CPU 201 selects prefetch prohibition data (EVENT: "01H").
Subsequently, CPU201 is step S1306, and determines whether "special figure 1 prefetch prohibition condition" is satisfied. The special figure 1 look-ahead prohibition condition is a condition that prohibits the look-ahead determination for the special figure 1 operation reservation ball.

When the special figure 1 prefetch prohibition condition is satisfied, CPU201 advances to step S1311 without executing the prefetch decision processing (step S1309) regarding prefetch decision. In this case, the pending addition command with prefetching prohibition data (EVENT: "01H") specifies prohibition of prefetching, and the prefetching judgment for this special figure 1 operation pending ball is prohibited, and as a result, prefetching notice The performance will not be executed either. In other words, it can be said that the prefetching prohibition data designates that the prefetching determination process (step S1309) is not executed.

In this example, instead of performing the pre-reading determination of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 regardless of the game state, it is determined whether or not pre-reading is prohibited based on the current game state. The reason is as follows.
In the case of a game state with 'with electric sapo' that is advantageous to right-handed hitting (time saving state, probability variable state), winning to the lower start port 35 occurs frequently, but left-handed hitting is advantageous. In the case of a game state with 'no electric support' (normal state, latent state), winning at the lower starting port 35 hardly occurs and winning at the upper starting port 34 occurs frequently. Considering that, instead of blindly performing the look-ahead judgment of special figures 1 and 2 regardless of the game state, if it is a time-saving state or a variable state with 'with electric sapo', look-ahead judgment on the special figure 1 side is prohibited to allow the pre-reading judgment on the special figure 2 side, and if it is in the normal state or latent state of 'no electric sapo', the pre-reading judgment on the special figure 2 side is prohibited and the pre-reading judgment on the special figure 1 side is allowed.

In step S1306, if the special figure 1 pre-reading prohibition condition is not satisfied, the CPU201 refers to the setting value error flag (flag set in the setting abnormality check process of step S905) in step S1307, setting error in subsequent step S1308 (whether the set value error flag is ON: 5AH).
If it is a setting error, the CPU 201 determines that an abnormality (set value data abnormality) has occurred, and proceeds to step S1311 without executing the prefetch determination processing (step S1309). Although the details will be described later, if an abnormality in the set value Ve is recognized in the processing at the time of winning, a pending addition command including prefetching prohibition data (01H) is transmitted without making it a RAM error, and the start opening check in step S1201 will exit the process.

On the other hand, if it is not a setting error, the CPU 201 executes prefetch determination processing in step S1309. In this look-ahead determination processing, a look-ahead determination is made of the big hit lottery result executed at the start of variation. Therefore, a series of 'pre-reading winning/losing determination' to pre-read the winning lottery result, 'pre-reading pattern determination' to pre-read the pattern lottery result, and 'pre-reading variation pattern determination' to pre-read the variation pattern at the start of the fluctuation processing is included.

Specifically, in step S1309, the CPU 201 first acquires the random number value for judging a big hit stored in the RAM 203 (random number storage area for judging), and stores the random number value for judging a big hit and a "random number judging table" (not shown). Based on , a win-lose lottery (at least a look-ahead win-lose judgment that determines whether it is a big hit or a loser) is performed for the current operation reserve ball, and the result (referred to as "look-ahead win-lose result") is obtained.

In this embodiment, the set value Ve is used for win-lose determination (win-lose lottery), and a specific method of win-lose determination as this embodiment based on such a set value Ve will be described later. Since the hit/lose determination is performed in the same way in the process (FIG. 29) at the start of the fluctuation of the special symbols, the specific method of hit/lose determination will be explained again when the process at the start of the fluctuation is explained.

Here, in the present embodiment, the prefetch hit/loss result is not stored in the RAM 203 while being taken into a predetermined general-purpose register built in the CPU 201 . This is because the look-ahead winning/losing determination result is immediately used in subsequent look-ahead pattern determination processing, and this data is not required and need not be stored in the RAM 203 .

In addition, in step S1309, the CPU 201 creates a symbol table (not shown) corresponding to the prefetch winning/losing result (at least hit or lose) and the special symbol type (special symbols 1 and 2) as the above-described prefetch symbol determination processing. Perform the pattern lottery used. Specifically, the CPU 201 conducts a symbol lottery (lottery for winning type) for the current operation pending ball based on the special symbol determination random number value and the symbol table acquired in the previous step S1304, and the result (" (referred to as "look-ahead symbol result"). In the "symbol table" of the present embodiment, the determination value (winning area) for determining the symbol type is defined, and depending on which determination value the special symbol determination random number belongs to, it is displayed as a stop symbol. The type of special symbol to be played is determined.
Incidentally, when there are a plurality of types of winnings as in this example, a winning symbol table for determining the winning type is provided. If there is only one kind of loss, the lost symbol table is unnecessary.
Here, in this example, in response to the fact that there are a plurality of types of losses, namely, "loss 1", "loss 2", and "loss 3", a losing pattern table for lottery of losing types is used in symbol determination. do.
Also, in this example, there are at least four types of hits, "normal 4R", "normal 6R", "variable probability 6R", and "variable probability 10R", as described above. Based on the winning symbol table, a special symbol type corresponding to the winning type corresponding to the special symbol determination random number value among these four winning types is determined.

Here, for some or all of the above-described symbol tables, a symbol table that defines different symbol selection rates according to the set value Ve may be provided. For example, regarding the jackpot symbol table, it is possible to provide tables with different selection rates of jackpot types for each of settings 1 to 6 (for example, 6 types of jackpot pattern tables corresponding to 6 stages of settings). For example, it is conceivable to determine the contents of the table so that the higher the setting, the more advantageous the ball-out performance becomes for the player. Of course, it may be a jackpot symbol table common to each setting. Further, the symbol table used in step S1309 is also used in the processing (FIG. 29) at the start of variation.

The CPU 201 does not store the look-ahead symbol result in the RAM 203 while taking it into a predetermined general-purpose register built in the CPU 201 as in the case of the look-ahead winning/losing determination described above. This is because the look-ahead pattern result is immediately used in subsequent look-ahead variation pattern determination, and this data is not required and need not be stored in the RAM 203 .

After finishing the above look-ahead symbol determination, the CPU 201 executes look-ahead variation pattern determination. In this look-ahead variation pattern determination, the above-mentioned look-ahead pattern determination result (in this example, "normal 4R", "normal 6R", "probable variation 6R", "probability variation 10R", "loss 1", "loss 2", "loss 3" represents either ), a variation pattern table for selecting a variation pattern according to the look-ahead symbol determination result, and a variation pattern random number obtained in step S1304 are used to perform a lottery of variation patterns to determine a look-ahead variation pattern. That is, the variation pattern (variation pattern at the start of variation) to be executed when the current operation pending ball is subjected to the variation display operation is pre-read and determined.

In this example, the variation pattern table is also used in the variation pattern lottery performed in the processing at the start of variation (FIG. 29).
A specific example of the above fluctuation pattern table and the fluctuation pattern lottery process using the table will be explained again when explaining the process at the time of fluctuation start.

Note that the look-ahead fluctuation pattern determination result (winning command data (EVENT)) is immediately used in the pending addition command creation process in step S1310 described below, and this data is not required thereafter. Therefore, the CPU 201 ends the processing of step S1309 while the result of the prefetch variation pattern determination is not stored in the RAM 203 but is stored in the register.

After executing the prefetch determination process in step S1309, the CPU 201 advances to step S1310 to create data on the lower byte side of the pending addition command according to the prefetch determination result. Specifically, the data representing the type of the look-ahead variation pattern is created as the winning command data (EVENT) on the lower byte side of the pending addition command.
As for the EVENT data, "01H" set in step S1305 is updated to a value corresponding to the prefetch variation pattern (value obtained in prefetch variation pattern determination processing) in this process.

After completing the creation process of step S1310, the CPU 201 creates data on the upper byte side of the pending addition command corresponding to the number of operation pending balls in step S1311. That is, data representing the current number of pending balls in operation and the above-described look-ahead symbol result (special symbol type) are created as winning command data (MODE) on the upper byte side of the pending addition command.
For the data of the MODE, for example, "B6H to B9H" is set according to 1 reservation of special figure 1 to 4 reservations of special figure 1, 1 reservation of special figure 2 to 4 reservations of special figure 2 "BAH to BEH" is set according to the number.

In response to execution of the creation processing in step S1311, the CPU 201 performs transmission processing of the pending addition command in step S1312. That is, it creates a pending addition command containing the winning command data created in steps S1310 and S1311 as EVENT and MODE, respectively, and transmits it to the effect control section 24 .

Here, if the prefetching prohibition condition is met (Y in S1306), or if an abnormality in the set value Ve is recognized in the determination processing in the previous step S1308, the CPU 201 outputs the above-mentioned prefetching prohibition data (lower byte=01H). without updating and send a pending add command with no lookahead data.
Also, at the time of overflow (when a new prize is won when the maximum number of pending memories has been reached), a pending addition command specifying overflow is transmitted (see the processing route of Y in step S1302). ).

In addition, after the pending addition command is sent from the main control unit 20 to the effect control unit 24, it is used in the effect control unit 24 side when displaying the "prediction effect" related to the current operation pending ball. Only, it is not particularly used in the special symbol variation start process shown in FIG. Therefore, the CPU 201 exits the special figure 1 start opening check process of step S1301 without storing the pending addition command in the RAM 203, and then performs the special figure 2 start opening check process of step S1302.

Here, as described above, in this example, even if there is an abnormality in the data of the set value Ve at the time of winning (when the operation pending ball is generated), the pending addition command is transmitted. , is a command having prefetching prohibition data, even if the prefetching notice effect based on the set value Ve or the prefetching notice effect not based on the set value Ve is configured to be able to appear, the effect related to the prefetching notice Since the control itself is prohibited, no pre-reading notice caused by the malfunction appears, and the player is not disadvantaged, so no particular problem arises. If the pre-reading forewarning effect is not prohibited, and if the high-expectation pending display appears in the pre-reading forecast effect of the pending display system even though the set value Ve is abnormal, the subsequent RAM error processing. If the progress of the game is stopped due to (error processing caused by an abnormality in the set value), the player's expectation for winning will disappear at once, causing a great distrust of the gaming machine. However, in the case of this example, as described above, the pre-reading notice itself is prohibited, so that such a problem does not occur and the player is prevented from feeling distrustful.

(Special symbol variation start process)

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 29, the special symbol variation start process (step S1205), which is the process at the start of variation, will be described.
In FIG. 29, CPU201 is first step S1401, determines whether the number of special-figure 2 operation pending ball is zero, if the number of special-figure 2 operation pending ball is not zero, proceed to the processing of step S1403, this time Processing at the start of fluctuation (steps S1403 to S1412) for the special figure 2 operation holding ball to be used for fluctuation display is performed.
On the other hand, if the number of special-figure 2 operation pending balls is zero, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the number of special-figure 1 operation pending balls is zero in step S1402, and if the number of special-figure 1 operation pending balls is not zero, Proceeding to the processing of step S1403, the processing (steps S1403 to S1412) relating to the start of fluctuation of the special symbol targeting the special figure 1 operation holding ball to be used for this fluctuation display is performed.
By the processing of steps S1401 and S1402 above, which of the special figure 1 operation reservation ball and the special figure 2 operation reservation ball is preferentially subjected to the fluctuation display operation (which operation reservation ball is preferentially digested? ) is determined. In this embodiment, if there is a special figure 1 operation reservation ball and a special figure 2 operation reservation ball both of the operation reservation ball, the special figure 2 operation reservation ball is preferentially digested. That is, the special symbol variation display game 2 is preferentially executed over the special symbol variation display game 1. - 特許庁It should be noted that it is not limited to the above-described priority variation type, and may be configured to consume the operation pending balls in the order in which they have won.

In addition, when the number of operation pending balls of both the number of special figure 2 operation pending balls and the number of special figure 1 operation pending balls is zero, it will be in the state of "no operation pending balls". This state of "no operation pending ball" is a state in which the special symbol is on standby and there is no pending memory, and the effect control section 24 side is notified that this state has entered, and the liquid crystal display is displayed. The device 36 is controlled to switch to a demonstration screen display for waiting for customers (customer waiting demonstration screen). Therefore, when it becomes "no operation pending ball", the process proceeds to step S1413, and it is determined whether or not the special symbol operation status is "waiting (00H)" indicating the state of "no operation pending ball". .

In step S1413, when the special symbol operation status is "waiting (01H)", the special symbol operation status is switched to "waiting (00H)" (00H is stored in the special symbol operation status). Then, as an effect control command, a "demonstration display command" for displaying a customer waiting demo screen is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S1415), and the special symbol variation start process of step S1205 is finished.
After that, if it is "waiting (00H)" when the determination process of step S1413 is executed, the special symbol variation start process is finished without transmitting the demonstration display command again. The reason for doing this is that if the demonstration display command is sent without any conditions when the number of pending balls in operation is zero, the transmission of the demonstration display command is repeated at a cycle of 4ms while the number of pending balls in operation is zero. This is to prevent unnecessary transmission from occurring, which unnecessarily increases the control load.

Note that the effect control unit 24 does not receive any effect control command (for example, pending addition command) related to the symbol variation display game even after a predetermined time has passed since the demo display command was received. is not performed for a certain period of time (customer waiting standby state), the customer waiting demo screen is displayed.

If the number of special-figure 2 operation pending balls is not zero in step S1401, and if the number of special-figure 1 operation pending balls is not zero in step S1402 (while the number of special-figure 2 operation pending balls is zero, When the number is not zero), the CPU 201 performs processing (steps S1403 to S1412) related to the start of variation of the special symbol for the operation pending ball to be used for the current variation display.
Here, for the processing of steps S1403 to S1412 described below, if the determination in step S1401 above is 'NO', the processing for the special figure 2 operation holding ball, the determination in step S1402 above If it is 'NO', it will be processed for the special figure 1 operation reservation ball, but since the method of processing is the same, unless it is particularly necessary to avoid duplication, the special symbol 1 side operation It will be explained without distinguishing whether it is a process for the reserved ball or a process for the operation reserved ball on the special symbol 2 side.

In step S1403, the CPU 201 subtracts 1 from the number of pending balls in operation (the number of pending balls in operation pertaining to the special symbol side used for this variable display operation -1), and in subsequent step S1404, the number of pending balls in operation after the subtraction is included. A pending subtraction command” is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. By this pending subtraction command, the performance control unit 24 side grasps the number of remaining active pending balls after the current active pending ball number is digested, and shifts the pending display currently being displayed.

Next, CPU201 is step S1405, sets the special design operation verification data. This special symbol operation confirmation data is information that designates the special symbol type on the fluctuation start side this time. If the special symbol 2 is the fluctuation start side, "01H (special symbol 2 fluctuation start specification)" is stored in a predetermined area (special symbol operation confirmation data storage area) of the RAM 203.

Next, CPU 201 shifts the pending data stored in the pending storage area of RAM 203 in step S1406, and clears the pending 4 storage area in subsequent step S1407. In the processing of steps S1406 to S1407, the pending data stored in the pending storage area (holding 1 storage area) corresponding to the pending storage number n=1 (random number for judging a big hit, random number for judging a special symbol, and for fluctuation pattern A random number) is read out and stored in the judgment random number storage area of the RAM 203, and the reserved storage areas (reserved 2 storage area, reserved 3 storage area, reserved 4 storage area) corresponding to the reserved n storage areas (n=2, 3, 4) are stored. area) are stored in the reserved storage area corresponding to 'n-1' (step S1406), and the reserved 4 storage area is cleared to provide a free area (step S1407). As a result, the starting order of the special symbol variation display game matches the order of the number n of operation pending balls (n=1, 2, 3, 4), and the operation pending ball acquired at the time of winning the starting gate wins which pending memory. It is specified that it corresponds to an area, and the pending storage of the new active pending ball is enabled.

Next, in step S1408, the CPU 201 performs processing for transmitting a command for specifying the remaining number of fluctuations and a game state command. In this step S1408, it is determined whether or not the "electricity support number counter" that counts the remaining number of times that the power supply is present is zero. Remaining number designation command” is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. By this "variation frequency remaining specification command", the effect control unit 24 side can execute the process of grasping the remaining time saving frequency and notifying the remaining time saving frequency information.
In addition, in step S1408, a process of transmitting a game state command designating the current game state to the effect control unit 24 is also performed.

Next, the CPU 201 executes change management processing in step S1409.
In this variation management process, a jackpot lottery corresponding to the start of variation, a pattern lottery for a stop symbol, and a variation pattern lottery are performed. In addition, in the variation management process, an abnormality determination of the set value Ve is performed, and when an abnormality is recognized in the data of the set value Ve, an effect control command (RAM abnormality command) for notifying the effect control unit 24 of the setting error ) is performed.
The details of the change management process in step S1409 will be explained again with reference to FIGS. 30 to 38. FIG.

After finishing the variation management process of step S1409, the CPU 201 stores 5AH (ON state) in the special symbol N varying flag (N=1, 2) designating that the variation is being displayed in step S1410. "Special symbol N fluctuating flag" is a flag indicating whether any special symbol to be targeted among special symbols 1 and 2 is fluctuating, and when the flag is in the ON state (=5AH) indicates that the target special symbol is fluctuating, and indicates that the target special symbol is stopped when the flag is in the OFF state (=00H).
In addition, the special symbol 1 fluctuating flag (N=1) corresponds to the special symbol 1 side, and the special symbol 2 fluctuating flag (N=2) corresponds to the special symbol 2 side.

Next, in step S1411, the CPU 201 executes command transmission processing at the start of fluctuation. In this command transmission process, in order to inform the effect control unit 24 side of the contents of the variation pattern selected in the variation management process of step S1409, the effect control command includes variation pattern information that can specify the variation pattern content. A pattern designation command” is created and transmitted to the effect control unit 24.例文帳に追加
Also, in the command transmission process, based on the design lottery result in step S1409, a decorative design designation command is created and transmitted to the effect control unit 24. FIG. The decorative design designation command consists of 2 bytes, an upper byte (MODE) designating the special design type on the fluctuation side and a lower byte (EVENT) designating the winning type. Therefore, this decorative design specification command includes information about the special design type and winning type (design lottery result) on the fluctuation side. Since this decorative pattern designation command includes information about the winning type, the effect control unit 24 side mainly includes a combination of decorative patterns when forming a ready-to-win state (symbol types with ready-to-win patterns as constituent elements), It is used to determine the combination of decorative patterns (decorative stop patterns) that are finally stopped and displayed, and the announcement effect corresponding to the winning type in the pattern variation display game.

Then, in the following step S1412, the CPU 201 switches to the special symbol operation status "fluctuation (02H)" as the fluctuation start time setting process (stores 02H in the special symbol operation status), the random number storage area for judgment and the random number for the fluctuation pattern Perform processing to clear the storage area.

CPU201 ends special design fluctuation start processing of step S1205 according to having executed the fluctuation start time setting processing of step S1412. After completing the special symbol variation start process, the CPU 201 performs the special symbol display data update process (step S1208) of FIG. 27, thereby starting the special symbol variation display.

(variation management processing)

FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing the change management process in step S1409.
In FIG. 30, the CPU 201 first determines whether or not there is a setting error in step S1501. That is, it is determined whether or not the set value error flag is ON (5AH).

If it is determined in step S1501 that the setting error flag is OFF and it is not a setting error, the CPU 201 executes the jackpot random number determination process in step S1502, and then proceeds to the pattern lottery process in step S1503.
The big hit random number determination process of step S1502 selects (determines) the type of hit/lost by lottery based on the big hit determination random number (internal lottery random number), the big hit determination table, and the set value Ve.
Details of the jackpot random number determination process as an embodiment will be described again with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32 .

If the CPU 201 determines that there is a setting error in step S1501, it skips the big hit random number determination process in step S1502 and proceeds to the pattern lottery process in step S1503.

Here, in this embodiment, when a setting error occurs (when the determination result of Y is obtained in step S1501), the big hit random number determination process is not performed unless the setting error is resolved.
As described above, a setting error can be cleared by performing a setting change operation. That is, when falling into a setting error state, by performing a setting change operation and canceling the setting error state, the state in which the big hit random number determination process is performed is restored.
Incidentally, as described above, the setting value abnormality command for performing the setting change operation is transmitted in the setting abnormality check process (FIG. 26).

In the symbol lottery process of step S1503, the CPU 201 determines the type of hit/lost (type of stop symbol) based on at least the winning/losing lottery result (big hit determination flag), the random number for special symbol determination, and the symbol table. conduct. Then, the result (special symbol determination data) is stored in a predetermined area (special symbol determination data storage area) of the RAM 203 . As a result, the type of winning (type of winning/losing) related to the special symbol variation display game of this time is determined.
As with the symbol lottery process at the time of pre-reading determination, the symbol lottery can also be selected according to the set value Ve.

In step S1504 following step S1503, the CPU 201 performs the current variation display operation based on at least the symbol lottery result (the above special symbol determination data), the variation pattern random number, and the variation pattern table as the variation pattern lottery process. A lottery process is performed to determine the variation pattern at the start of variation for the ball that is held in operation.
Specifically, in the variation pattern lottery process in the present embodiment, a variation pattern lottery is performed using the set value Ve and the number of pending balls in operation (the number of pending balls in operation after subtracting the amount consumed this time).
The details of the variation pattern lottery process in this embodiment will be explained again with reference to FIGS. 33 to 38. FIG.

After executing the fluctuation pattern lottery process in step S1504, the CPU 201 ends the fluctuation management process in step S1409. After this, the process proceeds to step S1410 shown in FIG.

Here, as described above, in this example, the lottery results of win-lose lottery and symbol lottery at the start of fluctuation are stored in the RAM 203. This is data that is used not only in the special symbol management process (step S911: see FIGS. 24 and 27) to which the . is.
This point is different from the prefetch determination process in which the lottery result is not stored in the RAM 203 .

Although not illustrated, in the variation management process of step S1409, when the winning/losing lottery result is winning, the setting process for shifting the gaming state is to specify the gaming state after the winning game. Necessary setting processing is performed (game state transition preparation processing).

(Jackpot random number determination process)

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the jackpot random number determination process in step S1502, and FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram of the jackpot random number determination method of the embodiment.
Prior to the detailed explanation of the jackpot random number determination process in FIG. 31, the jackpot random number determination method employed in the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

First, as a premise, in this embodiment, the random number for judging a big hit can take 65,536 different values from 0 to 65,535. In the jackpot random number determination in the present embodiment, the determination reference value TH is determined within the range of possible values for such a jackpot determination random number, and based on the result of comparing the magnitude relationship between the jackpot determination random number and the determination reference value TH, Judgment of big hit/loss is performed. As an example, in this example, when the value of the random number for judging a big hit is within the range of "0 to judgment reference value TH", the judgment result of the big hit is obtained. there is

In this embodiment, as a jackpot random number judgment, when the probability is low (normal state: hereinafter abbreviated as "low probability") and when the probability is high (variable probability state: hereinafter abbreviated as "high probability") Two types of determination are performed, that is, determination corresponding to . Therefore, as the determination reference value TH, two types of determination reference value TH1 used for determination at low probability and determination reference value TH2 used for determination at high probability are set.
As exemplified in FIG. 32, the judgment reference value TH2 at the time of high probability is set larger than the judgment reference value TH1 at the time of low probability, thereby increasing the winning probability of the big win in the judgment at the time of high probability. ing.

Here, in the case of this example, in order to make a jackpot random number judgment according to the set value Ve, a different value is set according to the set value Ve as the judgment reference value TH. At this time, in this example, instead of simply preparing a determination reference value TH for each set value Ve, a single basic determination reference value TH (hereinafter referred to as "basic determination reference value THr") is used. , an offset value determined for each set value Ve, and offsetting the basic determination reference value THr by the offset value corresponding to the set value Ve, thereby setting a different determination reference value TH for each set value Ve. take.

As a specific example, in this example, the basic judgment reference value THr (hereinafter referred to as "THr1" and "THr2" respectively) for each of the low probability and the high probability, and the offset value for each set value Ve are as follows. stipulated in
・Basic judgment reference value THr1=00842
・Basic judgment reference value THr2=08429
・Setting 1
Offset value at low probability = 000 (TH1 = 00842)
Offset value at high accuracy = 000 (TH2 = 08429)
・Setting 2
Offset value at low probability = 001 (TH1 = 00843)
Offset value at high accuracy = 010 (TH2 = 08439)
・Setting 3
Offset value at low probability = 002 (TH1 = 00844)
Offset value at high accuracy = 020 (TH2 = 08449)
・Setting 4
Offset value at low probability = 003 (TH1 = 00845)
Offset value at high accuracy = 030 (TH2 = 08459)
・Setting 5
Offset value at low probability = 004 (TH1 = 00846)
Offset value at high accuracy = 040 (TH2 = 08469)
・Setting 6
Offset value at low probability = 005 (TH1 = 00847)
Offset value at high accuracy = 050 (TH2 = 08479)

Here, in the present embodiment, each of the basic determination reference values THr1 and THr2 is 2-byte data, and the offset value is 1-byte data.

In the above example, the judgment lower limit value of the big hit in the judgment of the big hit random number is set to "0", that is, if the random number for judging the big hit is within the range of "0" to "the judgment reference value TH", the judgment result of the big hit is obtained. Although the case where it obtains was illustrated, this judgment lower limit can also be made into a larger numerical value than "0".

Based on the above premise, the jackpot random number determination process shown in FIG. 31 will be described.
In FIG. 31, CPU201 is step S1601, and determines whether the random number for big-hit determination is less than a determination lower limit. The judgment lower limit is the big hit judgment lower limit (the lower limit of the numerical range in which the big hit judgment result is obtained) as described above, and is "0" in this example.
If the random number for judging a big hit is less than the lower limit of judgment, it is confirmed that the game is lost, so the processing of steps S1602 to S1606 described below is passed, and the random number judging process of step S1504 ends.
In addition, when the judgment lower limit value = 0 as in this example, it is not essential to provide the process of step S1601 because the random number for judging a big hit cannot normally take a value less than 0. The process of step S1601 is effective when the lower limit value for determination is set to a value greater than zero.

Here, when the random number is determined to be less than the determination lower limit value in step S1601, when the determination result of loss is obtained, the big hit determination flag is not a big hit (= 5 AH), specifically a loss (= 00H ), but in the big-hit random number determination process of step S1502, the process of updating the big-hit determination flag to 00H, which indicates a loss, is not performed.
In the gaming machine 1 of this example, the reason why the big hit determination flag is updated to 00H in response to the determination of the loss is that the big hit game is started in response to the confirmation that the big hit determination flag is 5AH. When the game is started, the CPU 201 clears the jackpot determination flag (=00H) (see the description of the special symbol confirmation time process in step S1207).
That is, since the jackpot determination flag is set to 00H at the start of the jackpot game, the jackpot determination flag is set to 00H unless the jackpot determination flag is updated to 5AH in step S1606 shown in FIG. Thus, it is not necessary to update the jackpot determination flag to 00H in response to the determination result of deviation being obtained.

In step S1601, if the random number is not less than the determination lower limit, the CPU 201 determines in step S1602 whether or not the probability is changing. This determination is made based on the result of referring to the game state flag described above.

If the probability is not changing (if it is in a normal state), the CPU 201 adds an offset value according to the setting to the low probability basic judgment reference value THr1 in step S1603. That is, the determination reference value TH1 is calculated according to the current game state (normal state) and the set value Ve.
On the other hand, if the probability is changing, the CPU 201 adds an offset value according to the setting to the high probability basic judgment reference value THr2 in step S1604. As a result, the determination reference value TH2 corresponding to the current game state (probability variable state) and the set value Ve is calculated.

In response to the calculation of the judgment reference value TH1 in step S1603 or the judgment reference value TH2 in step S1604, the CPU 201 is less than the judgment reference value TH calculated by the big hit judgment random number in step S1605 (random number < judgment reference value TH). Determine whether or not
If the random number<determination reference value TH, the CPU 201 updates the big hit determination flag to 5AH in step S1606, finishes the big hit random number determination processing in step S1502, and passes step S1606 if the random number<determination reference value TH The jackpot random number determination process of step S1502 is finished.

In the above description, the offset value is used to offset the upper limit value of the big hit determination, but it is of course possible to offset the lower limit value of the determination.

In the above, an example in which a different offset value is determined for each set value Ve is given. It is also possible to use different values between the set values Ve of . Even if a common offset value is used for some set values Ve, if different basic judgment reference values THr are set for some set values Ve, different judgment reference values for each set value Ve It is possible to set TH.

As described above, in the jackpot random number determination of the present embodiment, the basic determination reference values (THr1, THr2) commonly determined between different set values Ve, and the basic determination determined as different values between different set values Ve Determination reference values (TH1, TH2) corresponding to the set value Ve are calculated based on the offset value for the reference value, and hit/lose determination is performed based on the calculated determination reference values. At this time, the basic judgment reference value is composed of 2-byte data, and the offset value is composed of 1-byte data.

With such a configuration, it is not necessary to store different determination reference values for each set value Ve in the storage means (memory) of the game machine 1 in order to realize win-lose determination according to the set value Ve. That is, it is sufficient to store in the memory a basic determination reference value that is common among different set values Ve and an offset value that has a smaller data capacity than the basic determination reference value.
Therefore, it is possible to reduce the memory capacity.

(Variation pattern lottery process)

The variation pattern lottery process will be described with reference to FIGS. 33 to 38. FIG.
FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing the variation pattern lottery process in step S1508.
First, in step S1701, the CPU 201 determines whether or not there is a setting error based on the setting error flag. That is, based on the big hit determination flag, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit (=5AH).

If it is determined in step S1702 that the game is not hit (lost), the CPU 201 selects a deviation variation pattern table in step S1703, and proceeds to variation pattern selection processing in step S1706. That is, it is a process of selecting a variation pattern based on the table and the random number for the variation pattern.
On the other hand, if it is determined to be a hit in step S1702, the CPU 201 selects a hit variation pattern table in step S1704, and proceeds to variation pattern selection processing in step S1706.

FIG. 34 shows an example of a losing variation pattern table, and FIG. 35 shows an example of a winning variation pattern table.
First, as a premise, a variation pattern table for special figure 1 and a variation pattern table for special figure 2 are prepared as a losing variation pattern table and a hit variation pattern table, respectively.

In the variation pattern lottery at the time of loss performed using the loss variation pattern table shown in FIG. 8s, normal fluctuation 12s, normal reach, super reach 1, super reach 2, super reach 3, and super reach 4.
In addition, in the variation pattern lottery at the time of winning performed using the winning variation pattern table shown in FIG. There are 5 types of "Super Reach 4".
In addition, regarding "normal fluctuation", the numerical value written together represents the fluctuation time, and "s" after the numerical value means "second".

Here, among the 10 types of variation patterns described above, especially "normal variation 4s", "normal variation 6s", "normal variation 8s", and "normal variation 12s" are variation patterns corresponding to so-called "loss" that are not selected at the time of winning. belongs to (hereinafter also referred to as "outlier variation pattern").

In this embodiment, the variation pattern lottery at the time of loss is performed using a different variation pattern table for each loss type (loss 1, 2, 3) regardless of special figures 1 and 2 (see FIG. 34).
Here, in the present embodiment, the selection rate (the rate at which the corresponding type is selected) by symbol lottery is different for each of the types of "losing 1", "losing 2", and "losing 3". ” has the highest selectivity, and “missing 2” and “missing 3” have lower selectivity than “missing 1”. More specifically, in this example, the selectivity of "miss 1" is "190/200", and the selectivity of "miss 2" and "miss 3" is "5/200", respectively. In this case, if the big hit determination result is "loss", in most cases, "loss 1" is selected as the loss type.

As the variation pattern lottery for the special figure 1, the variation pattern lottery when the loss type is "loss 1" is not determined according to the set value Ve, but determined according to the number of retained balls. Therefore, among the variation pattern tables for special figure 1, the variation pattern table used when the loss type is "loss 1" is common between the set values Ve, but different tables for each number of retained balls are provided.

For convenience of illustration, FIG. 34 shows a table structure on the premise that the range of the set value Ve is set to the range of settings 1-3.
This point is the same for the winning variation pattern table shown in FIG.

In the variation pattern lottery of special figure 1 in the case of "loss 1", the variation pattern of the lottery candidate is "normal variation 4s", "normal variation 6s", "normal variation 8s", "normal variation 12s", and "normal reach". In this example, the fluctuation pattern to be selected by lottery is changed according to the number of reserved balls.
Specifically, if the number of held balls = 0, "normal fluctuation 12s" and "normal reach", if the number of held balls = 1, "normal fluctuation 8s" and "normal reach", if the number of held balls = 2, "normal Variation 6s" and "Normal reach", and when the number of pending balls = 3, "Normal variation 4s" and "Normal reach" are the fluctuation patterns to be selected.

Here, in the variation pattern table, the numerical values stored for each variation pattern to be selected are based on the premise that the random number for determining the variation pattern can take 200 different values from 0 to 199. Distribution of winning probability It represents a value (a value representing distribution). For example, in the fluctuation pattern table for special figure 1, in the table of "missing 1" and "holding ball number = 0", the stored value for "normal fluctuation 12s" = "160", the stored value for "normal reach" = "40" This means that the winning probability of "normal variation 12s" is "160/200" and the winning probability of "normal reach" is "40/200".
The above distribution value is shown as the stored value of the table for the sake of convenience of explanation, and the actual fluctuation pattern table stores the judgment reference value used in the above-mentioned jackpot random number judgment. become. For example, in the above table of "missing 1" and "holding ball number = 0", for example, "159" is stored as the actual stored value (criterion value), and in that case, the random number for the variation pattern is 159 or less. If so, "normal fluctuation 12s" is selected, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is greater than 159, "normal reach" is selected.

As can be seen by referring to the distribution value shown in FIG. 34, in the fluctuation pattern lottery of special figure 1 corresponding to the case of "missing 1", "normal fluctuation" is more likely to be selected than "normal reach"I'm trying to do it (so that the appearance rate is high).
In addition, in the fluctuation pattern lottery of special figure 1 corresponding to the case of "loss 1", the larger the number of held balls, the shorter the fluctuation time normal fluctuation pattern is selected.

Subsequently, as the variation pattern lottery of special figure 1, the variation pattern lottery in each case where the type of loss is "disappear 2" and "disappear 3" is a lottery according to the set value Ve, while depending on the number of pending balls I don't do lottery. For this reason, the variation pattern table for special figure 1 used in each case of "loss 2" and "loss 3" is common among the number of held balls, but different tables are prepared for each set value Ve there is

In the variation pattern lottery of special figure 1 corresponding to the case of "loss 2" and "loss 3", the variation pattern of the lottery candidate is 4 of "super reach 1", "super reach 2", "super reach 3", and "super reach 4". considered to be a seed.
In this example, for the fluctuation pattern lottery of the special figure 1 corresponding to the case of "missing 3", the fluctuation pattern to be lottery is changed according to the set value Ve.
Specifically, in the variation pattern lottery of special figure 1, the variation patterns to be drawn for each combination of "missing 2", "missing 3" and setting 1 to 3 are as follows.
Setting 1 and "missing 2" = super reach 1, 2, 3, 4
Setting 1 and "missing 3" = super reach 1
Setting 2 and "missing 2" = super reach 1, 2, 3, 4
Setting 2 and "missing 3" = super reach 2, 3
Setting 3 and "missing 2" = super reach 1, 2, 3, 4
Setting 3 and "missing 3" = super reach 4

From the distribution values illustrated in the figure, in this example, as a variation pattern lottery of special figure 1 corresponding to the case of "missing 2", in the case of setting 1, super reach 4, 3, 2, 1 Fluctuation in order Patterns are made easy to select, and in the case of setting 2 and setting 3, fluctuation patterns are made easy to select in the order of super reach 1, 2, 3, and 4.
In addition, in this example, regarding the variation pattern lottery of special figure 1 corresponding to the case of "loss 3", the higher the setting (the larger the set value Ve), the higher the expectation of winning Super reach tends to be selected. I'm trying

It should be noted that, like the variation pattern lottery corresponding to the above case of "loss 2", the variation pattern table used for the lottery in which the variation pattern of the lottery candidate is three or more types has a plurality of values ( A value represented by “the number of fluctuation patterns of lottery candidates−1”) is stored. For example, in the table corresponding to the case of setting 1 and "mismatch 2" in the figure, for example, the first value = 9, the second value = 49, and the third value = 99 as the judgment reference values. In that case, if the random number for the fluctuation pattern is the first value or less, "Super Reach 1" is set, and if it is greater than the first value and is less than the second value, "Super Reach 2" is the second value. If it is larger than the value and equal to or smaller than the third value, "super reach 3" is selected, and if it is larger than the third value, "super reach 4" is selected.

Subsequently, as the variation pattern lottery of special figure 2, for the variation pattern lottery in the case where the loss type is "disappearance 1", unlike the case of special figure 1, the variation pattern of the lottery candidate is only "normal variation 12s" there is Therefore, among the variation pattern table for special figure 2, "miss 1" and "number of held balls = 0", "miss 1" and "number of held balls = 1", "miss 1" and "number of held balls = 2”, “missing 1” and “number of held balls=3”, the distribution value corresponding to “normal variation 12s” is all “200”.
In this case, since the lottery results are the same even if the numbers of reserved balls are different, it is possible to use a table common to the numbers of reserved balls as the variation pattern table.

In addition, as the variation pattern lottery of special figure 2, the variation pattern lottery in the case of "missing 2" and "missing 3" is a lottery according to the set value Ve as in the case of special figure 1, It will not be a lottery according to the number of pending balls. Therefore, regarding the variation pattern table for special figure 2, the variation pattern table used in each case of "loss 2" and "loss 3" is common between the number of held balls, but differs for each set value Ve A table is provided.

In the variation pattern lottery of special figure 2 corresponding to the case of "loss 2" and "loss 3", the variation pattern of the lottery candidate is "normal variation 12s" and "super reach 4". , any one of these "normal fluctuation 12s" and "super reach 4" is selected.
Specifically, in the variation pattern lottery of special figure 2 corresponding to the case of "out 2" and "out 3" in this example, "normal variation 12s" is always selected when either setting 1 or 2 , and in the case of setting 3, "super reach 4" is selected.

Next, the winning variation pattern table shown in FIG. 35 will be described.
In this embodiment, in the variation pattern lottery at the time of winning, both special figures 1 and 2 use different tables for each winning type.
In this embodiment, the variation pattern of the lottery target is set as follows for each winning type. That is, if the hit type is "normal 4R", both the special figures 1 and 2, the variation pattern for the lottery is "normal variation per", "super reach 1", "super reach 2", "super reach 3", "super reach 4" It is said to be 5 types of ".
Also, if the hit type is "normal 6R", in the special figure 1, the variation pattern for the lottery is "normal fluctuation per", "super reach 1", "super reach 2", "super reach 3", and "super reach 4". It is a seed, and in the special figure 2, there are four types of "super reach 1", "super reach 2", "super reach 3", and "super reach 4" excluding "per normal fluctuation".
In addition, if the hit type is "variable 6R" or "variable 10R", the variation patterns for the lottery for both special figures 1 and 2 are "Super Reach 1", "Super Reach 2", "Super Reach 3", and "Super Reach 4". There are 4 types.

In the variation pattern lottery at the time of winning in the present embodiment, the variation pattern lottery corresponding to the set value Ve is performed only for a specific winning type. Specifically, for the variation pattern lottery of special figure 1, the variation pattern lottery according to the set value Ve is performed only for the hit types of "normal 4R" and "variable 10R", and for the variation pattern lottery of special figure 2, "normal Variation pattern lottery according to the set value Ve is performed only for the hit types of 4R, ``variable probability 6R'', and ``variable probability 10R''.

Regarding the fluctuation pattern lottery in the case of "normal 4R", in both special figures 1 and 2, the fluctuation pattern of the lottery target is changed by the set value Ve. Specifically, in the variation pattern lottery corresponding to "normal 4R" in this example, if setting 1, 5 types of "normal variation per" to "super reach 4", if setting 2 or setting 3, "super Reach 1” to “Super Reach 4” are the variation patterns for the lottery.
Regarding the variation pattern lottery in the case of "normal R6", "probability variation 6R", "probability variation 10R" which is a hit type other than "normal 4R", in both special figures 1 and 2, the variation pattern for the lottery is the set value Ve It is considered immutable.

In this embodiment, in the variation pattern lottery at the time of winning the special figure 1, the variation pattern lottery according to the set value Ve is performed only in the case of "normal 4R" and "probability variation 10R". Therefore, in the hit variation pattern table of special figure 1, different tables are prepared for each set value Ve as the variation pattern table used in the case of these "normal 4R" and "probability variation 10R".
As can be seen with reference to FIG. 35, in this example, in the fluctuation pattern table of special figure 1, in each table of "normal 4R" and "variable probability 10R", the distribution value for "super reach 4" is set as the set value Ve increases making it bigger. As a result, the higher the current setting is, the more easily the variation pattern with the highest winning expected value is selected as the variation pattern of the special figure 1 at the time of hitting each of "normal 4R" and "probability variation 10R".

In addition, in this example, in the variation pattern lottery at the time of winning the special figure 2, the variation pattern lottery according to the set value Ve is performed for "normal 4R", "probability variation 10R" and "probability variation 6R". Therefore, in the hit variation pattern table of special figure 2, different tables are prepared for each set value Ve as the variation pattern table used in the case of "normal 4R", "probability variation 6R", and "probability variation 10R". In this example, in the variation pattern table of special figure 2, in all of these "normal 4R", "probability variation 6R", "probability variation 10R" tables, the distribution value for "super reach 4" is increased as the set value Ve increases .

Here, as can be seen by referring to the distribution values in the figure, in this example, the distribution value for "super reach 4" is the largest in each table regardless of the winning type or the set value Ve. That is, in this example, in the variation pattern lottery when it is determined as a big hit, the variation pattern with the highest winning expectation is most likely to be selected.

Returning the description to FIG.
In the selection process of step S1706 described above, a variation pattern is selected based on the above-described loss or hit variation pattern table.
Specifically, when the losing variation pattern table is selected in response to the determination of the deviation in step S1702, the CPU 201 selects a table corresponding to the deviation type, the number of held balls, and the set value Ve from the variation pattern table. Then, a variation pattern is selected based on the selected table and the random number for variation pattern. In addition, when the hit variation pattern table is selected in response to the determination of the hit in step S1702, the CPU 201 selects a table corresponding to the hit type and the set value Ve from the hit variation pattern table, and selects the selected table. A variation pattern is selected based on the table and the random number for the variation pattern. In this case, it is needless to say that the special figure 1 and special figure 2 tables are selected and divided depending on whether the symbol to be processed is the special figure 1 or 2.
As can be understood from the above description, in each hit/lose variation pattern table, one or more determination reference values corresponding to the variation pattern of the lottery target (the number of variation patterns of lottery candidates - 1) are defined. , In the selection process of step S1706, the variation pattern is selected based on the result of comparing the magnitude relationship between the determination reference value stored in the table selected as described above and the value of the random number for the variation pattern.

In the above description, the variation pattern table for selecting a variation pattern is divided for each set value Ve, but a common table may be used for some set values Ve.
FIG. 36 shows an example thereof.
Here, a modified example of the winning variation pattern table is shown on the premise that the set value Ve can take six values corresponding to the settings 1-6.
In the example of FIG. 36, a table corresponding to "normal 4R""variable probability 10R" for special figure 1, and a table corresponding to "normal 4R""variable probability 6R""variable probability 10R" for special figure 2 are set respectively An example is shown in which the table is divided into groups of 1 to 3 and groups of settings 4 to 6. FIG.
As in the example of FIG. 36, in performing the variation pattern lottery according to the set value Ve, it is not limited to dividing the table individually for each set value Ve, and common among some set values Ve table may be used.

Next, the processing when a setting error is detected at the time of variation pattern lottery will be described.
If it is determined in step S1701 of FIG. 33 that there is a setting error, the CPU 201 advances to step S1705, selects a setting error common variation pattern table, and executes selection processing in step S1706.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram of the common variation pattern table for setting errors.
In this embodiment, in the variation pattern lottery at the time of setting error performed using the common variation pattern table at the time of setting error, for both special figures 1 and 2, the loss variation pattern is forcibly selected regardless of whether it is a hit or a loss. make it That is, in this example, one of the "normal fluctuation 4s", "normal fluctuation 6s", "normal fluctuation 8s", and "normal fluctuation 12s" is forcibly selected.

In the variation pattern lottery at the time of setting error in this example, for the special figure 1 side, a different variation pattern is selected according to the number of reserved balls, and for the special figure 2 side, a specific variation pattern regardless of the number of reserved balls Only, specifically, only "normal variation 12s" is selected.
For the special figure 1 side, a normal variation pattern with a longer variation time is selected as the number of held balls is larger.

Also in FIG. 37, for convenience of explanation, the table structure shows a structure that stores the distribution value corresponding to the case where the random number for the fluctuation pattern lottery can take a value of 0 to 199, but the actual table structure is As a table for each number (0 to 3), a structure is adopted in which at least the variation pattern of the lottery candidate is associated with the determination reference value.
Regarding the special figure 2 side, if a specific variation pattern is selected regardless of the number of reserved balls as in this example, there is no need to divide the table for each number of reserved balls (0 to 3) Needless to say.

In FIG. 33, in the selection process of step S1706, when the setting error common variation pattern table is selected in step S1705, the variation pattern is selected based on the table and the random number for variation pattern. Specifically, in this example, a table corresponding to the current number of pending balls in the common variation pattern table at the time of setting error is selected, and the magnitude relationship between the determination reference value and the random number for the variation pattern stored in the selected table is determined. A variation pattern is selected based on the results of the comparison.

The CPU 201 ends the variation pattern lottery process in step S1508 in response to executing the selection process in step S1706. When the lottery process in step S1508 ends, the change management process in step S1409 shown in FIG. 30 ends, and thereafter the process proceeds to step S1410 (fluctuation flag ON process) shown in FIG.
As described above, in the command transmission process of step S1411 following step S1410, the "variation pattern designation command" representing the lottery result of the variation pattern and the "decorative design designation command" representing the design lottery result are transmitted to the effect control unit 24. be.
On the production control unit 24 side, based on these commands, a combination of decorative patterns when forming a ready-to-win state (symbol types having ready-to-win patterns as constituent elements), and a decorative pattern to be finally stopped and displayed (decorative stop pattern). A combination of is determined, and a lottery or the like of the notice effect corresponding to the winning type is performed in the symbol variation display game.

Here, as described above, in the present embodiment, when a setting error is recognized at the start of the fluctuation of the special figure, the pattern (normal fluctuation) is forcibly removed, but at this time, the decorative pattern In order to confuse the player if the intense heat fluctuation is selected as the side fluctuation, in this example, as described above, a fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time such as normal fluctuation 4s to normal fluctuation 12s is selected. there is
In this embodiment, the effect control unit 24 side is also devised so as not to perform the advance notice effect in the event of a setting error. Specifically, when the effect control unit 24 receives a setting value abnormality command (see step S1104 in FIG. 26) for notifying a setting error from the main control unit 20 side, the lottery for the advance notice effect is not performed. be.

Here, in the present embodiment, when a setting error is recognized based on the setting value abnormality command, the effect control unit 24 displays a message such as "RAM is abnormal. The occurrence of an abnormality is notified by, for example, displaying an image containing The notification is not limited to notification by image display using the liquid crystal display device 36, for example, notification by sound or LED lighting (and/or blinking), or a combination of multiple types of effect means such as images, sounds, and LEDs. It is also possible to make notification by matching.

In the above, for the common variation pattern table at the time of setting error on the special figure 1 side, the normal variation pattern with a longer variation time is selected as the number of retained balls is larger, but this is an example, for example, the retained ball It is also possible to select a normal variation pattern with a longer variation time as the number decreases.
Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 38, it is possible to select the same variation pattern for each number of reserved balls as in the special figure 2 side. The example of FIG. 38 shows a case where "normal variation 12s" is commonly selected for each number of held balls.
In this way, in the setting error common variation pattern table, the relationship between the number of held balls and the variation pattern to be selected can be variously considered, and is not limited to a specific relationship.
In addition, for the special figure 2 side, it is also possible to make the variation pattern selected by the number of reserved balls different like the special figure 1 side.

[4-9. Third Summary]

From the above description, it can be said that the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following configuration.

That is, the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment includes display means (special symbol display devices 38a, 38b, etc.) capable of variably displaying symbols, and control means (main control unit 20) for controlling the progress of game operations, The control means includes setting means (setting change processing in step S115) for setting, based on the operation, a set value (the same Ve) indicating a stage of the probability of winning a game state advantageous to the player, and a predetermined condition In response to the formation of the determination means (big hit random number determination processing of step S1502) for determining whether to shift to a game state advantageous to the player based on the setting value set by the setting means, and the display means Selection means (symbol lottery processing in step S1503 and variation pattern lottery processing in step S1504) for selecting a variation pattern and a symbol type to be stopped and displayed after variation from a plurality of candidates for symbols to be displayed, and symbol variation display. When an abnormality is recognized in the set value to start, forcibly obtain a hit-lose result without executing the hit-lose judgment by the judgment means, and execute the selection of the variation pattern and the symbol type by the selection means to change setting error handling means for starting display (see the route from step S1501 to S1503 in FIG. 30).

By passing the win-lose determination when there is an error in the set value, unnecessary hit-lose determination can be prevented and the processing load can be reduced.
On the other hand, by performing the variation pattern determination and the design determination, it is possible to variably display the special design and the decorative design even when the setting value is in error.

According to the above configuration, the special symbols are variably displayed in the event of a setting error, but at this time, it is conceivable that the decorative symbols displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 are not varied as they are in the predetermined stopping pattern. . Alternatively, without being limited to this, the decorative pattern at the time of setting error may be variably displayed according to a predetermined deviation variation pattern.

In addition, in the above configuration, when an abnormality is found in the set value Ve when starting the variable display of the symbols, the effect control unit 24 causes the display of the decorative symbols to be executed as described above, and the liquid crystal display device 36 and the like. Causes the effect means (notification means) to perform a notification operation suggesting an abnormality in the set value Ve (for example, to display an image including a message such as "RAM is abnormal, please call a staff member" as described above).
As a result, it is possible to prevent a game action from being performed using a set value that may have been illegally rewritten, thereby improving the fairness of the game.

In addition, when an abnormality is recognized in the set value Ve when starting the variable display of the symbols, not only the hit-or-lose determination by the determination means but also the selection of the variation pattern and the symbol type by the selection means are not executed. is also possible.

Furthermore, it can be said that the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment, based on the random number and the determination reference value, determining means for determining whether to shift to a game state advantageous to the player (big hit random number determination processing in step S1502), setting means (setting change processing in step S115) for setting, based on an operation, a set value (Ve) representing a stage of the probability of winning a game state advantageous to the player; , Based on the basic judgment reference value (same THr) commonly determined between different set values and the offset value for the basic judgment reference value set differently between different set values, judgment according to the set value A reference value (TH) is calculated, and hit/lose judgment is performed based on the calculated judgment reference value. The basic judgment reference value is composed of 2-byte data and the offset value is composed of 1-byte data.

As a result, there is no need to store a different determination reference value for each set value in the storage means (memory) of the gaming machine in order to realize the win-lose determination according to the set value. That is, it is sufficient to store in the memory a basic determination reference value that is common among different setting values and an offset value that has a smaller data capacity than the basic determination reference value.
Therefore, it is possible to reduce the memory capacity.

Furthermore, it can be said that the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment includes symbol display means (special symbol display devices 38a, 38b, etc.) capable of variably displaying symbols, and symbol variation pattern selection information acquired based on the establishment of a predetermined condition. Reservation storage means (RAM 203) capable of storing a predetermined number of reservation upper limit numbers (information on jackpot lottery results obtained at the time of prefetch determination, etc.), variation pattern selection information stored in the reservation storage means, and pattern variation patterns Variation pattern selection means (variation pattern lottery processing in step S1504) for selecting a variation pattern based on the variation pattern table for lottery, and the probability of whether or not to win a game state advantageous to the player A setting means (setting change process in step S115) for setting a setting value representing the stage of based on the operation, and the fluctuation pattern selection means selects a fluctuation pattern based on the current number of reservations Normal fluctuation pattern selection processing, and a specific variation pattern selection process that selects a variation pattern without being based on the current number of reservations. While it is possible to select a variation pattern from the table corresponding to "missing 1" in FIG. It is possible to select a variation pattern from the table etc. corresponding to "probability variation 10R").

This eliminates the need to prepare a variation pattern table for each combination of the number of reservations and the set value when it is desired to vary the appearance rate of the pattern variation pattern according to the number of reservations and the set value.
Therefore, it is possible to reduce the memory capacity.

<5. Command correspondence processing of the production control unit at the time of startup>

As described above, the main control unit 20 (CPU 201) issues various commands (setting change in progress command, setting change complete command, RAM clear command, etc.) in response to establishment of transition conditions for various processes at the time of power-on startup. It is transmitted to the production control section 24 .

At this time, in response to receiving the setting changing command, the effect control unit 24 displays a screen for notifying that the setting is being changed, such as a screen on which characters such as "setting is being changed" are arranged. is executed by the liquid crystal display device 36, and processing for outputting sound corresponding to the setting change from the speaker 46 is performed. Furthermore, at this time, the effect control unit 24 may light predetermined LEDs (for example, all LEDs) in the above-described light generating means (light display device 45a) according to a predetermined lighting pattern.
In this way, the effect control unit 24, in response to the reception of the setting changing command, performs an effect (setting changing notification effect) for informing the user of the gaming machine 1 such as the hall staff that the setting is being changed. Control to realize.

Further, when the setting completion command is received, the effect control unit 24 terminates the setting change in-progress notification effect being executed. At this time, after the setting key switch 94 is turned off, the front frame 2 is simply opened. Therefore, after the setting change in-progress notification effect is completed, the display is switched to the door open error notification. However, after the setting change in-progress notification effect is completed, the door open error notification is not immediately executed, but the setting change operation is completed, that is, a new set value Ve is selected and determined (the same set value Ve is entered). (including changing) is preferable. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the effect control unit 24 receives the set value command, a setting completion notification effect for notifying the end of the setting change operation may appear for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). Since this setting completion notification effect is to notify the end of the setting change operation, it has a different effect (notification) mode from the door opening error notification and the setting change notification effect. For example, all effect LEDs of the decoration lamp 45 are lit in blue, the speaker 16 is caused to output a change end sound, and the liquid crystal display device 36 is caused to display a effect image of "setting change end". Note that the setting change in-progress notification effect and the setting completion notification effect may use at least one of the light effect, the sound effect, and the image display effect.

In addition, the effect control unit 24 performs control so that screen display, light effect, and sound effect (RAM clear notification effect) for notifying RAM clearing are performed in response to reception of the RAM clear command.

Here, in the present embodiment, a case where an instruction operation to shift to the setting change mode is performed and a setting change process (S115) and a RAM clear process (S116 to S117) are performed, and a case where the shift instruction operation to the setting change mode is performed. RAM clear command is transmitted in the case where the setting change process is not executed and only the RAM clear process is executed (see FIG. 5, etc.).
That is, the RAM clearing notification effect is commonly performed when only the RAM clearing process is performed out of the setting change process and the RAM clearing process, and when both the setting change process and the RAM clearing process are performed. .

<6. Modified Example of Command Transmission at Startup>

Here, the RAM clearing notification effect is not limited to appearing both when only the RAM clearing process is performed and when both the setting change process and the RAM clearing process are performed as described above.
For example, the RAM clear notification effect is displayed only when the RAM clear process is performed, and when the setting change process and the RAM clear process are performed, the setting completion notification effect is displayed without displaying the RAM clear notification effect. can be made to appear.

FIG. 39 is a flow chart showing the main control side main processing to be executed in that case.
The difference from the case of FIG. 5 is that the process proceeds to step S117 (in-area RAM initialization process) instead of step S116 in response to execution of the setting change process in step S115.

As described with reference to FIGS. 12, 17B, etc., in the setting change process of step S115, a setting completion command is transmitted (S722). On the other hand, a RAM clear command is transmitted according to the command transmission processing at the time of RAM clear in step S116 (see FIG. 18).
When setting change processing and RAM clear processing are performed by changing the transition destination processing after execution of step S115 as described above, the RAM clear command is not transmitted, and the setting completion command is transmitted. In other words, the setting completion notification effect can be displayed without displaying the RAM clear notification effect.
On the other hand, when only the RAM clear process is executed, the RAM clear command is sent instead of the setting completion command. That is, the RAM clear effect can be displayed only when only the RAM clear process is executed.

Since the RAM clearing process is performed when the setting change process is performed, it is not necessary to inform the user that the RAM clearing process has been performed when the setting change process is performed.
If both the setting change process and the RAM clear process are notified, the user of the gaming machine 1 may feel annoyed, and it is possible to prevent such annoyance from occurring.
Furthermore, the user of the gaming machine 1 can be made to distinguish between the case where the RAM clearing process is performed without the setting change process and the case where both the setting change process and the RAM clearing process are performed.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram of a program for realizing the processing as a modified example as described above.
In the ROM 202 in this case, as shown in the figure, a program as "processing after setting change" is stored between the storage area for the program as "setting change process" and the storage area for the program as "RAM clearing process". .

In this "setting change post-processing" program, "LD HL, D_MKCADR2A" and "JR SYSTEM_550" are described as shown.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram of specific processing executed in the “setting change post-processing”.
As shown in the figure, in the "setting change post-processing", the CPU 201 executes the address table selection process in step S09, and then executes the command table selection process in the command transmission process (S116) when clearing the RAM shown in FIG. Proceed to (S20).

Here, in the address table selection process of step S09, the "change setting command transmission address table" shown in FIG. 41 is selected by "LD HL, D_MKCADR2A" described in FIG. The address table is referenced according to the value).
As shown in the figure, the "change setting command transmission address table" stores the value of the number of loops (2), as well as the address values of the "spec specification command creation table" and "customer waiting specification command creation table". It is Note that the "specification specification command creation table" and "customer waiting specification command creation table" have already been explained in FIG. 18, so redundant explanation will be avoided.

Depending on the command table selection process (S20) of FIG. 18 that is executed after the address table selection process of step S09, the spec command (F611H) and the customer wait are generated based on the number of loops specified in the address table selection process and the command creation table. A demonstration display command (BA04H) is transmitted to the effect control unit 24.
As described with reference to FIG. 18, when the setting change process is not performed and the RAM clear process is performed, the same command table selection process (S20) outputs the RAM clear command together with the spec command and customer waiting demo display command. sent.

As described above, in this example, the command table selection process (and the command creation process/command transmission process) is performed depending on whether the setting change process is executed or the RAM clear process is executed without the setting change process. are common, it is possible to send different commands.

In this way, different commands can be sent depending on whether the setting change process is executed or when the setting change process is not executed and only the RAM clear process is executed. It is no longer necessary to describe (store) the program separately, and the program capacity can be reduced.

<7. Other Modifications>

In the description so far, the pachinko game machine using game balls as the game medium has been exemplified, but the game machine is not particularly limited as long as it can achieve the object of the present invention. For example, it may be a game machine using a game medium having a shape other than a spherical shape, or a reel-type game machine.

Also, regarding the performance display monitor (setting/performance indicator 97), if the setting change processing and setting confirmation processing are not executed, an operation confirmation display (eg, all 7 All of the segment LEDs may be turned on and turned off alternately). Also, during the setting change mode, the setting confirmation mode, the RAM clearing process, and the backup restoration process, it is desirable to configure the performance display monitor so that the operation confirmation display is not performed. It is desirable to display an operation confirmation display. For this reason, the processing for operation confirmation display is configured to be executed in interrupt processing (for example, performance display monitor display processing: step S916 in FIG. 24). It is desirable that the operation confirmation display is not performed in a state where interrupt processing is not yet permitted, such as backup recovery processing.
In addition, even if a game ball enters a prize winning opening or an exit opening while the operation confirmation display is being performed, the counting process for counting the number of entering balls can be executed. desirable. Also, like the counting process, a counting process for calculating the value of the performance information (for example, the base value) may be executed. This makes it possible to accurately count the value of the performance information even if a game ball is entered during the operation confirmation display. Also, even if the counting process is executed, if the display process of the performance information value is not executed during the operation confirmation display, the display may suddenly switch to the performance information display during the operation confirmation display. It does not cause any problems.
In addition, the operation confirmation display is performed for a predetermined time (eg, 5 seconds) when the power is turned on. For example, it is desirable to configure so that the operation confirmation display is performed for 5 seconds). In this manner, the operation confirmation display is performed for a predetermined time each time the power is turned on, and even if the power is cut off during the operation confirmation display, the operation confirmation display will be displayed for the remaining unexecuted time when the power is next turned on. It is desirable to configure so as not to cause a phenomenon such as

In the above description, the set value Ve and the performance information are displayed by a common display means (setting/performance display device 97: hereinafter referred to as "predetermined display means"). The display area of the predetermined display means may be different depending on whether it is used as a performance information display means or when it is used as a performance information display means. For example, when the predetermined display means is provided with a 4-digit 7-segment LED, all 4-digit 7-segment LEDs are used to display performance information, and 4-digit 7-segment LEDs are used to display the set value Ve. Of the segment LEDs, for example, only one digit of 7 segment LEDs may be used. In this case, the 7-segment LEDs that are not in use may be made non-display (non-lighting), or a predetermined display such as "---" or "000" may be performed.

Further, in the above description, display control of performance information by the setting/performance display unit 97 is performed in timer interrupt processing, and display control of performance information is performed after setting change processing and setting confirmation processing performed at startup. , the case where the operation confirmation and the performance information display of the setting/performance display 97 are not performed during setting change or setting confirmation.
However, the display control of the performance information can be configured to be performed in parallel with the setting change processing and the setting confirmation processing. Although it starts (when the setting/performance indicator 97 has separate display areas for the performance information and the setting value Ve as described above), even if the operation confirmation ends during setting change or setting confirmation , the performance information may not be displayed until the setting change and setting confirmation are completed.

Also, the gaming machine of the present invention can be configured to be capable of executing a small winning game. In that case, the configuration may be such that both the big-hit probability and the small-hit probability change for each setting. At this time, the range of the big hit judgment value and the range of the small hit judgment value is fixed, and when the range of the big hit judgment value expands / shrinks for each setting, the range of the small hit judgment value shrinks / It may be configured to expand.

In addition, since it is basically impossible to perform the setting change operation and the setting change completion operation with the door (front frame 2) closed, the door is still open at the timing when the setting change operation is completed. Since the possibility is high, the opening of the door during the setting change period may be configured so as not to be notified. In this case, after the door is closed once, when the door is opened again, the door opening may be notified. In addition, if the door is closed during the setting change period even though the setting change has not been completed yet, a predetermined notification ("Setting change is not completed", "Door closed etc.) may be executed.

Also, an inspection mode for inspecting the input of the operation means such as the effect button 13 may be configured to be executable. In this case, for example, the inspection mode may be executable even during the setting change period, the setting change completion period, and the setting confirmation period. Also, the inspection mode may not be executed until the customer waiting demonstration is started (the inspection mode is entered at the start of the customer waiting demonstration).

Also, in the above description, the W register is used as the register for acquiring the data of the input port n (P_INPTn) in the copy processing of step S102 shown in FIG. 5, but other registers may be used. Specifically, the A register may be used instead of the W register. Further, when the A register is used in subsequent processing, the information once input to the A register may be copied to the W register, and the W register may be used in subsequent processing.

Also, in FIG. 16, an example of notifying the current setting value Ve to the effect control unit 24 side by the setting confirmation command was given, but such notification of the setting value Ve is not limited to when performing the setting confirmation process. , setting change processing can be performed in the same manner, and by transmitting a setting changing command that takes a different value according to the current setting value data, the setting value at that time is sent to the effect control unit 24 side. You can let us know. Also, during the setting change process, every time a setting change operation is performed, a command corresponding to the changed setting value is transmitted, thereby informing the effect control unit 24 side of the temporary setting value at that time. good too. Also, the same processing may be performed when the setting is completed. In this way, in the process when the power is turned on, commands may be transmitted to the effect control unit 24 at a plurality of timings. You may make it notify the setting value at the time to the production|presentation control part 24 side by transmitting. Also, the command for teaching the changed value every time the setting value change process is executed during the setting change, and the command for teaching the fixed setting value when the setting value is actually fixed are different. It is desirable to leave it as a command. As a result, the effect control unit 24 side can clearly distinguish between the changed value and the fixed value of the set value. In addition, although it is desirable that the command to teach the fixed value is sent at the timing when the setting change process is fixed, it is not limited to that timing. It may be configured to transmit at the timing. Also, for the purpose of displaying the current set value on the liquid crystal or the like during setting confirmation, it is desirable that the command transmitted to the effect control section 24 side is also a command different from the command for notifying the fixed value.

In addition, the effect control unit 24, when receiving the game start command (BA77H), can also perform an initial operation (initialize operation) for movable bodies such as the movable body accessory motor 80c (see FIG. 3). At this time, for example, the following configuration can be considered.
By providing an initial operation command creation table for selecting a command for executing an initial operation (initialize operation) in the command transmission address table, the initial operation command can be selected by table selection in the same way as other commands. It may be configured to transmit to the production control board. This makes it possible to transmit the initial operation command at different timings when changing settings and clearing the RAM, and when confirming settings and restoring backup.

In the above example, the security signal is output from the external terminal while the setting is being changed (see FIG. 12), but if the RAM is cleared after the setting is changed, the security signal is output again. You can do it. During setting change, security signal processing is executed in power-on processing, and when a security signal is output after that, signal output processing is executed in timer interrupt external terminal management processing (S913). You may make it In addition, the security signal that is output during the setting change does not stop the output when the setting change process is completed, and then continues or stops the output in the external terminal management process (S913) of the timer interrupt process. It may be configured to The same configuration may be used not only during setting change but also during setting confirmation.

At the end of the setting change process, the setting completion command (BA09H) is transmitted to the effect control unit 24, but when the effect control unit 24 receives the command, the lamp, sound, liquid crystal, movable body, etc. is driven to inform that the setting change is completed. For example, the fact that the setting change has been completed (the fact that the setting change has been made) may be notified by performing a predetermined operation of the board-side/frame-side movable body or movable operating means. Similarly, when the setting confirmation end command (E022H) is received, the lamp, sound, liquid crystal, movable body, etc. may be driven to give notification.

Moreover, although the operation check (operation check display) of the performance display monitor has been described above, the timing for performing the operation check is not limited to a specific timing. For example, after the power-on process is completed, the operation check of the performance display monitor may be continued until the first pattern starts to fluctuate. Also, when the first pattern variation starts, the operation check may be terminated at that time. In addition, the operation confirmation may be ended with other events as a trigger, such as detection of a ball entering the out hole, not limited to the pattern variation. Also, if an error related to the game machine is detected while the operation is being confirmed, the operation confirmation may be terminated. For example, if a magnetic error, radio wave error, vibration error, random number update error for use in lottery, RAM abnormality related to set values, etc. are detected, the game will be stopped (not necessarily stopped). , the operation check may be terminated. On the other hand, even if an error is detected during operation confirmation, operation confirmation may be continued. For example, when a door opening, movable body error, ball replenishment error, bottom tray full error, or the like is detected, the game may not be stopped and the operation confirmation may not end. In addition to these errors, even if the former error is detected, the operation check may not end.

It is desirable to count the base value even during the operation check of the performance display monitor. In this case, even if there is a change or update in the display contents of the base value during the operation check, it is assumed that the operation check will continue until the preset operation check time is over. It is desirable to keep the contents from being displayed. Further, the contents of the change or update may be displayed after the operation check is finished.

During the operation check of the performance display monitor, the initial operation of the board-side movable body and the frame-side movable body may be executed. In addition, it is desirable that the initial operation is completed by the time the operation confirmation is completed. You may Alternatively, the initial operation may be performed after the operation check is completed. In this case, the initial operation is completed after the operation confirmation is completed, but it may be configured in such a manner.
During the operation check of the performance display monitor, at least one of a lamp, a sound, and a liquid crystal on the front side of the gaming machine may be used to notify that the operation is being checked. As a result, a hall employee or the like can confirm from the front side of the gaming machine that the performance display monitor is checking the operation.

Even during the operation check of the performance display monitor, the variable display of special symbols and normal symbols may be started.
When the performance display monitor and the 7 segments for displaying the setting value are provided separately, the setting value may be displayed during the operation check of the performance display monitor. Also, in order to avoid complication due to overlapping of a plurality of display contents, the operation confirmation and the display of the setting value may be configured so as not to be displayed at the same timing. Also, at least during the period of setting confirmation and setting change, the operation confirmation of the performance display monitor may not be executed. In addition, it is possible to perform the operation check during the period of setting confirmation and setting change. should not be displayed, and should be hidden or displayed in some other manner. Then, it is desirable to display the base value after the setting confirmation or setting change process is completed.
In addition, although it was decided to display the base value on the performance display monitor, the information to be displayed is not limited to this, and the ratio of the role (game ball paid out by winning the electric chew and the big prize mouth / electric chew and the big prize) In addition to the winning opening, a starting winning opening and other game balls paid out by winning the winning opening may be displayed. As a result, it is possible to display the ratio of payouts of accessories such as electric chews and big winning openings to the total payout game balls on the performance display monitor. Also, when displaying on the performance display monitor, both the base value and the character object ratio may be switched and displayed at a predetermined timing or button operation, or only the character object ratio may be displayed. . Alternatively, a monitor for displaying the base value and a monitor for displaying the character product ratio may be provided separately.

When a setting completion command or a setting confirmation completion command is transmitted, a waiting time until transition to the next process may be set. As a result, for example, when a message such as "The setting has been changed" is being displayed on the display means, the customer waiting demo display command is transmitted from the main control unit 20, and the customer waiting demo screen is immediately displayed. It is possible to provide a sufficient display time without switching. Also, even if no waiting time is provided, the screen may be switched to the customer waiting demo screen while leaving the display such as "The setting change is completed" on the display means. Also, if you set a waiting time, do not start the display (operation check) on the performance display monitor while the message "Setting change is completed" is being displayed, but hide it. to Also, it is desirable that the initialization of the movable body should not be executed during this period and should be executed after the waiting time has elapsed. Alternatively, a message such as "Please close the door" may be displayed to instruct the player to prepare for the start of the game. Also, the movable body may be initialized after detecting the closing of the door. As a result, there is no possibility that the movable body will be initialized under an extremely unstable condition in which the door may be opened and closed, thus preventing problems from occurring.
Further, when a waiting time is set, the operation check of the performance display monitor may not be performed during the waiting time. As a result, when the performance display monitor is used for both the base value display and the set value display, it is possible to display the determined set value during the waiting time. Also, the operation check may be executed even during the waiting time. In this case, if the performance display monitor is used for both the base value display and the setting value display, the setting value will not be displayed and the display mode during operation check will be displayed. It is possible to end the operation check at In addition, when the performance display monitor is not also used, during the waiting time, the setting value may be displayed on the 7-segment for the setting value, and the performance display monitor may be configured to check the operation. In addition, it may be configured such that the operation check is not executed at least during the waiting time, because there is concern that displaying at the same timing increases the number of displayed objects and increases complexity.

Also, as shown in FIG. 14, in the RAM clearing process, the top address of the initial value setting data table is loaded into the HL register (LD HL, D_INISET), and the data set process is called (CALLV_DTSET). Although the initial value is set to the data of the part, specifically, the initial value can be set to the following data. An initial value of 30 s is set in a timer for notifying in response to RAM clearing and/or setting changes. As a result, it is possible to execute timer management for notifying according to RAM clearing and/or setting change after power-on processing. Further, an initial value may be set for the special symbol fluctuation/stop information to be displayed on the game information display means managed by the main control section 20 . Here, it is desirable to set the initial value, for example, stop information of losing, so that the information regarding the special symbol by the game information display means after the RAM is cleared and/or the setting is changed is always displayed in the same manner. It becomes possible. Further, the initial value may be other than stop information indicating a failure, and may be set to a specific value that is not displayed during a game, or may be set to a value that indicates non-lighting. . Further, it is desirable to perform similar processing not only for the special symbol variation/stop information but also for the normal symbol variation/stop information. As a result, it is possible to always keep the same display mode of the information on the normal symbols by the game information display means after the RAM is cleared and/or the setting is changed. By setting a part of the data in this way, the display mode can be the same when only the RAM clear process is performed and when both the RAM clear process and the setting change process are performed. Therefore, when the hall side changes the setting, it is possible to leave no trace of the setting change, making it difficult for the player to distinguish the setting. Also, an operation ON flag and an initial value of an operation time of 5 seconds may be set in a work area for managing flags and timers for checking the operation of the performance display monitor. Here, since it is desirable to provide work managing flags and timers in RAM outside the area (outside the area used), when accessing each work at this timing, after calling the program outside the area with the CALL instruction, these An initial value of the work may be set. Also, if each work is to be provided in the RAM within the area, there is no need to do so, and the initial value set for each work is referred to in the processing related to the performance display monitor executed later (rewriting or updating is not performed). ) to check the operation of the performance display monitor.

Also, a method for making it difficult to determine whether or not the setting change process has been similarly performed will be described below. First, in the case of backup restoration (hereinafter, backup restoration includes the case where setting confirmation processing is performed), since restoration is performed in the state before power interruption, for example, game information display means before power interruption indicates When the information of the special symbol is the winning stop mode, the winning stop mode is restored even after the backup is restored. Here, when the setting change process is executed, after the RAM clearing process, as the information of the special symbol indicated by the game information display means, the value indicating the stop mode of losing, the value indicating non-lighting, other specific values (Display mode that is not used during the game) is set, a contradiction occurs with the display mode of the special symbols at the time of backup recovery, and this causes backup recovery (that is, non-setting change) or setting change processing is performed. Only the player will be judged. This is not limited to the special symbol information indicated by the game information display means, but the same can be said of the normal symbol information. Therefore, at the time of backup return, information (for example, the special symbol status used in step S1204 may be used) as to whether or not the special symbol is fluctuating is checked, and if it is determined that it is not fluctuating, the game The display mode of the special symbols shown by the information display means may be set to a value indicating a stop mode of failure, a value indicating non-lighting, or other specific values (a display mode that is not used during the game). By doing so, even if the special symbol information displayed by the game information display means at the time of backup return is a display mode indicating winning, a value indicating a stop mode of losing, a value indicating non-lighting, and other specific values. Since it is possible to rewrite to (a display mode that is not used during the game), it is possible to configure such that there is no contradiction when the setting change process is performed.
Here, the information (for example, the special symbol status used in S1204 may be used) as to whether or not the special symbol is fluctuating is confirmed because if the special symbol is fluctuating This is because the information of the special symbol being changed will be rewritten as a loss, and if the change is a winning change, the winning will be displayed in a losing mode, causing a contradiction. . Such a contradiction cannot be said to meet the criteria for providing a game machine to the market, and it is an event that should never occur, so the configuration described above is used. In this way, at the time of backup recovery, if specific conditions (non-fluctuation, customer waiting, etc.) are satisfied by referring to the special symbol information, the special symbol information of the game information display means may be rewritten. This often causes the same information to be displayed on the game information display means at the time of backup restoration satisfying specific conditions (the state before the power failure is not fluctuating, waiting for customers, etc.), and at the time of RAM clearing or setting change. It can be specified as a display mode of the special symbol, and it becomes possible to make it difficult to determine whether or not the setting change process has been performed. Further, the same configuration may be adopted by referring to whether or not the customer waiting state that can occur only while the special symbols are not fluctuating is not limited to the information on the special symbols. Moreover, it is desirable that not only the special symbols but also the normal symbols displayed by the game information display means have the same configuration. As a result, it is possible to configure the normal symbols as well as the special symbols so that there is no contradiction in the display mode between when the backup is restored and when the settings are changed. Further, in order to determine whether or not the special symbol is fluctuating, the normal symbol status may be used for the normal symbol in the same way as the special symbol status is used. Here, since the normal symbol status plays the same kind of role as the special symbol status, the explanation is omitted. In this way, by referring to the information used during the game, there is no need to provide a new flag, so the above problem can be solved without increasing the data capacity. In addition, although the above-mentioned content relates to the game information display means controlled by the main control unit 20, the information to be displayed on the display means controlled by the effect control unit 24, such as decorative symbol display, mini symbol display, normal It is desirable to display the information such as the display of the pattern in the same manner at the time of backup restoration and at the time of RAM clearing and/or setting change.
As another method, a work for storing display data of special symbols of the game information display means and a work for storing display data of normal symbols are provided in a RAM area where RAM clearing is not performed during RAM clearing. You may do so. By doing so, the display mode of the special symbols and normal symbols of the game information display means can be restored to the state before the power interruption in any of the cases of backup recovery, RAM clearing and/or setting change. . As a result, in any case, since the display mode depends on the state before the power failure, the display mode after the power is restored will not be constant. becomes.

In addition, information on the execution of setting change processing and setting confirmation processing may be displayed as a history display. Here, when displaying, it is desirable to display by the display means controlled by the production control section 24 side. As for what is displayed, for example, the date and time when the setting change processing or the setting confirmation processing was performed may be displayed. In addition, the setting values that are set as a result of the setting change processing may be displayed together. Also, the setting values confirmed as the setting confirmation process may be displayed together. Moreover, it is also possible to indicate how long the game has been played by a certain set value. Specifically, the date and time from when a certain set value is set until the next change may be displayed. Also, the date and time from when the power is turned on to when the game is played with certain set values until the power is turned off may be displayed. Further, when the set value is an abnormal value, the date and time when it was determined to be an abnormal value may be displayed. Also, the date and time from when the abnormal value is determined to when the normal set value is set may be displayed. Also, originally, the setting value does not change during the game, and the setting value does not change from normal to abnormal, but if the setting value changes even during the game due to noise or goto behavior, , the date and time may be stored and displayed as a history display. In addition, the number of times the RAM clear processing and the backup restoration processing have been performed and the date and time information may be similarly displayed. As for the timing of displaying the history display, it is desirable to configure the display means to display the history while the setting confirmation process is being performed or while the setting change process is being performed. Further, the history may be displayed on the display means when a predetermined operation input is performed while the setting confirmation process or the setting change process is being performed. In addition, the history may be displayed on the display means when there is a predetermined operation input even during the game.

Here, an SRAM (Static RAM) may be provided on the effect control section 24 side, and history display information may be stored in the SRAM. The performance control unit 24 reads information from the SRAM and saves it in an internal work when the power is turned on. Then, at a predetermined timing, which will be described later, a process of storing the information of the internal work in the SRAM is performed. Basically, the history display information is stored in the SRAM, but when the history display information is updated, the value of the internal work is updated. By updating the value of the internal work at the time of update in this way, it is not necessary to access the SRAM each time the update is performed, the frequency of access can be reduced, and the processing speed can be increased. The elapsed time stored in the internal work is referenced as the timing for storing the updated internal work information in the SRAM. You may make it memorize|store. In addition, at the timing when a setting confirmation command, a setting confirmation end command, a setting change command, a setting completion command, etc. are sent from the main control unit 20 to the effect control unit 24, the value of the internal work is stored in the SRAM may be stored in At this point, since new history display information will be added at the time when a setting confirmation command, a setting confirmation end command, a setting change command, or a setting completion command is sent, a new history display is first performed. It is desirable to store the information in the internal work and then store it in the SRAM. In this case, the backup data may be stored in the backup area of the SRAM (hereinafter, the area storing the history display information of the SRAM is defined as the main area and the backup data is stored). backup area). Also, a sum value may be calculated for the information of the internal work and stored in the SRAM as well. As a result, for example, when the history display information stored in the SRAM is read to the internal work at the timing when the power of the effect control unit 24 is turned on, the timing at which the history display information is displayed, etc., the sum of the read internal work By comparing the value with the stored sum value, it is possible to determine whether or not the history display information is normal. Here, if the history display information read out to the internal work is not normal, the history display information stored for backup from the SRAM may be read out to the internal work. Also at this time, the read sum value of the internal work and the sum value stored for backup may be compared to determine whether or not the data is normal. If it is determined that the history display information for backup is also not normal, the information of the internal work may be initialized and then the initialization data may be written to the SRAM. Initialization data is also written in the backup area of the SRAM. On the other hand, if it is determined that the backup history display information is normal, the internal work information is written to the main area of the SRAM. As a result, the history display information stored in the main area determined to be abnormal can be rewritten to normal information.
Specifically, the following information may be stored in the main area and the backup area in which the history display information of the SRAM is stored.
That is, a checksum storage area (2 bytes), a latest history position information storage area (2 bytes), an elapsed time storage area (4 bytes), and a history 50 storage area (300 bytes).
Here, a sum value is stored in the checksum storage area. The latest history position information storage area stores position information for storing the latest history display. For example, if up to 30 histories are currently stored, the next history information to be stored will be the 31st piece, so the position information for storage is stored as the 31st history information. Here, if the maximum number of pieces of history information to be stored is 50, when a new history is stored after the 50th history, the information of the first history is overwritten. , the latest history position information storage area is information indicating the first history. The history information is stored in the history 50 storage area, and as described above, the setting confirmation process, the setting value information and the date and time of the setting confirmation process, the setting change process and the determined settings are stored. Value information, its date and time, and information indicating a continuous set time from when the set value is set until the next change are stored.

Also, while the history display information is being displayed, the history display information may be switched using the cross key or the PUSH button on the front side of the gaming machine. Specifically, if the screen displayed first is the first page, the latest history information is set as the first page, and up to 10 pieces of history information are displayed in a manner going back to the past. By operating the left and right keys of the cross key, the page is switched to the second page, and the 11th to 20th pieces of history information are displayed next. Up to the fifth page can be switched, and up to a total of 50 histories can be displayed. Therefore, at the timing when the page switching operation is performed, only the history information that needs to be displayed on the next page is transmitted to the liquid crystal control CPU or the display means by the command. becomes. Further, the display of the first page of the history display information may be started when the PUSH button is operated.
Further, if the PUSH button is operated while any of the first to fifth pages of the history display information is being displayed, the display of the history display information may be ended. In addition, once the process is terminated, if the setting confirmation process or the setting change process is in progress, it is possible to switch between display and non-display of the history display information any number of times by operating the PUSH button.
Further, as history display information, information indicating that specific error information has occurred may also be displayed.
Also, it is desirable to hide the performance display monitor that displays the base value while the history display information is being displayed. Also, it is desirable not to check the operation of the performance display monitor while the history display information is being displayed. Further, the volume/light amount adjustment may be configured to be effective even while the history display information is being displayed. At this time, although the adjustment is effective, it is desirable not to display the content of the adjustment on the display means.
Also, the contents and status of the performance display monitor may be displayed on the liquid crystal, in which case it is desirable to display them at a position that does not overlap with the history display information. In addition, the volume/light amount may be configured to be non-adjustable. In this case, there is no fear that the history display information and the display overlap, and the degree of freedom in designing the screen configuration is increased.

Also, it is desirable not to execute the initializing operation of at least the movable body on the board side while the history display information is being displayed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the board-side movable body from moving to the front side of the display means and hindering the visibility of the display screen. Similarly, the movable body on the frame side may also be set so as not to perform the initializing operation. However, the movable body on the frame side may be initialized if there is no possibility of obstructing the display screen. In this case, for example, the initializing operation of the vibrating means mounted on the operating means, or the initializing operation of the air ejecting means for ejecting air may be performed. As a result, the initializing operation of the movable body on the frame side can be finished first. It is efficient because it only needs to be initialized. Further, the initialization operation may be performed for all movable bodies after the end of the history display information.

In addition, when the setting value change operation is performed in a state where the harness connecting the main control unit 20 and the effect control unit 24 is disconnected, the main control unit 20 performs processing based on the changed setting value. On the other hand, since the performance control unit 24 cannot know the information, it cannot be stored and displayed as history display information. Therefore, by changing the setting value with the harness disconnected, turning off the power once, and then turning on the power again with the harness reconnected, the setting value can be changed without leaving traces of the changed setting value. I can do it. In order to prevent this, when the power is turned on, information on the setting value is transmitted from the main control unit 20 to the effect control unit 24, and the effect control unit 24 transmits the information on the stored setting value and the information transmitted from the main control unit 20. If a contradiction is found by comparing the set value information, an error notification may be given using a lamp, a speaker, a liquid crystal, or the like.
Also, in this case, the effect control unit 24 side may be set to a game stop state, and even if a command related to the game is transmitted from the main control unit 20, it is configured not to perform processing based on it. You may In addition, when the effect control unit 24 receives various commands transmitted when executing the setting change process or the RAM clear process, the main control unit 20 side determines that the setting change process has been performed normally again. Judgment is made, and the newly determined set value is stored, and error notification is interrupted/cancelled (contradiction occurrence ⇒ error notification ⇒ power off ⇒ setting change in progress (no error notification) ⇒ setting change completed (no error notification)) You may make it In addition, when the power is turned on for the first time, there is no information about the setting value on the effect control unit 24 side. , it is desirable to configure so that error notification is not performed.

Here, in the above, an example of notifying that the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed is notified by the notifying means (frame/board lamp) controlled by the effect control unit 24, the speaker 46, the liquid crystal display device 36, and the like. As mentioned above, the notification may be made by the board lamp or the setting/performance indicator 97 controlled by the main control section 20 side. Here, the board lamps controlled by the main control unit 20 are game information display means (special symbol display devices 38a, 38b and normal symbol display devices) provided on the game board 3 so as to be visible from the front of the game machine. 39a, etc.).

The game information display means has a board provided with a plurality of (for example, 32) LEDs, and the plurality of LEDs are assigned one or more to each of the plurality of types of light emission display means. The game information display means receives signals directly from the main control unit 20 without going through the performance control unit 24, and displays the contents of various items related to the symbol lottery determined by the main control unit 20 in a plurality of types. is notified by the light emitting display means. In the description so far, the special symbol display devices 38a, 38b and the normal symbol display device 39a were exemplified as the plurality of types of light emitting display means possessed by the game information display means, but they are not limited to these, and the normal game state high-probability display means for informing whether or not a high-probability state in which the probability of winning a big hit is high, an open extension state in which the opening time of the movable wing pieces 47 is longer than in the normal game state, and/or the fluctuation time of special patterns and normal patterns. At least one of an open extension/time-saving display means for notifying a time-saving state in which the game is shortened, a right-handed hitting display means for notifying right-handed information, and a round number display means for notifying the round number information of the jackpot game. You may In addition, when the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b are provided so that the two special symbols can be variably displayed, the first special reserved number display means, the second special reserved number display means, etc. are included. good too.

During the setting change and/or setting confirmation, the LED constituting the game information display means is caused to emit light in a predetermined light emission mode, thereby notifying that the setting is being changed and/or the setting is being confirmed. You may In this case, the light emitting mode of the game information display means may be such that all of the LEDs are lit or blinked, or some of the plurality of types of light emitting display means described above are lit or blinked. At this time, it may be possible to identify whether the setting is being changed or the setting is being checked by differentiating the light emission mode between the setting being changed and the setting being checked. By making the light emission mode the same in , it may not be possible to distinguish whether the setting is being changed or the setting is being checked.

In addition, a state in which the game cannot be played while changing settings or confirming settings (specifically, a state in which the firing operation is impossible, winning in the start winning opening is invalid, or processing related to pattern fluctuation is not executed) In other words, the program of the main control unit 20 is in a state where the timer interrupt processing for performing these processes has not yet started. can't do Therefore, even if the game information display means is made to emit light in any light emission mode in order to inform that setting is being changed and/or set is being confirmed, hall personnel may misunderstand that it is a notification of symbol variation. Although there is a low possibility that this will occur, a more effective notification can be made by causing the game information display means to emit light as follows during setting change and/or setting confirmation.

That is, when notifying that the setting is being changed or the setting is being checked by turning on/off/blinking all of the light emission display means of the game information display means, the light emission mode can be visually confirmed by many LEDs. can be made easier. In addition, in the case of notifying only by a specific single light emitting display means, if the light emitting part of the light emitting display means is out of order, the notification becomes impossible, but when notifying by using all the light emitting display means does not have that concern.

Further, in the case of notifying that the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed by turning on/off/blinking any one of the plurality of types of light emitting display means of the game information display means, The program capacity for light emission control can be reduced compared to the case where all the light emission display means are used for notification. In that case, if the light-emitting display means is composed of a single light-emitting portion (LED), the visibility is lower than when it is composed of a plurality of light-emitting portions. It is possible to further reduce the program capacity for transmitting the control signals indicating /light off/blinking.

Further, by lighting/extinguishing/blinking a combination of at least two of the plurality of types of light-emitting display means of the game information display means, it is possible to notify that settings are being changed or settings are being checked. It is possible to make it easier for the player to recognize that the situation is not during game play but during setting change or setting confirmation. For example, in the case of a pachinko game machine in which special figure 2 is displayed with priority over special figure 1, special figure 1 and special figure 2 do not change at the same time during the game, so the setting is being changed By simultaneously lighting the light emitting display means corresponding to the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 during setting confirmation, it is possible to make it easy to recognize that the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed. Of course, two or more other light-emitting display means may be used to notify that the setting is being changed or the setting is being checked in a light-emitting manner that cannot occur during the game.

In addition, at least one light-emitting display means of the game information display means may be lit/turned off/blinking in a light-emitting manner that is impossible during the game to notify that the setting is being changed or the setting is being checked. . For example, when the round number display means for notifying the round number information of the jackpot game is not displayed in a blinking state during the game, the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed by blinking the round number display means. You may notify us.

Here, the light emitting mode of the light emitting display means of the game information display means has been described as lighting/extinguishing/blinking, etc. However, lighting and blinking in this case are visually recognized as such. That is, when the game information display means is controlled by the dynamic lighting method, even if it is in the lighting state, it is actually in a high-speed flickering state, but it is assumed to be in the lighting state. The flashing state is a case where the lighting state (high-speed flashing) and the light-off state (light-off) are visually repeated at predetermined intervals.

When controlling the light emitting display means of the game information display means during a game, a dynamic lighting system is used, and when controlling the light emitting display means of the game information display means during setting change or setting confirmation, a static lighting system is used. good too. For example, since the occurrence of a 4 ms timer interrupt process is permitted during a game, any light emitting part of the light emitting display means of the game information display means is lit at each interrupt using the process that is repeated every 4 ms. It is possible to switch the common data that determines whether to transmit related data, and this makes it easy to perform dynamic lighting control that repeats lighting / extinguishing at predetermined intervals for each interrupt. The middle is before the game becomes possible, and since the generation of 4 ms timer interrupt processing is not yet permitted during this period, if you try to execute the same processing, The program capacity becomes large. In this respect, if the game information display means is controlled by a static lighting method during setting change or setting confirmation, data relating to lighting is transmitted to any one of the light emission display means of the game information display means. Therefore, it is possible to greatly reduce the program capacity compared to dynamic lighting control. In this manner, the lighting control method of the game information display means may differ between during a game and during setting change and/or setting confirmation.

Further, the game information display means may be provided with light-emitting display means for notifying that the settings are being changed and/or being checked, separately from the light-emitting display means used during the game. In this case, light emitting display means for notifying that the setting is being changed and light emitting display means for notifying that the setting is being checked may be separately provided. When one type of light emitting display means (one or a plurality of light emitting units) is used to indicate that the setting is being changed and that the setting is being checked, the setting is being changed by differentiating the light emission mode between the setting being changed and the setting being checked. It may be possible to identify whether the setting is being changed or whether the setting is being confirmed. You can make it impossible.

In addition, in the game information display means, in addition to the light emitting display means used during the game, when providing light emitting display means for notifying that the setting is being changed and light emitting display means for notifying that the setting is being confirmed, Although it is desirable to arrange them so as to be adjacent to each other, they may be arranged so as to sandwich other light emitting display means.

Also, regarding the notification of setting change and setting confirmation, it is possible to distinguish between the two by adding a ". (dot)" to the display information of the setting/performance indicator 97 or not.
When there are a plurality of 7-segment display units constituting the setting/performance display unit 97, the 7-segment display units that are not used for displaying the set values are used to display these 7-segment display units. (lighting/extinguishing/blinking, etc.) may be used to notify that the setting is being changed or the setting is being checked.

Further, since the performance information display means is always operated during the game to display the base value, it is basically not controlled to keep the light off state for a predetermined period of time during the game. Therefore, if you are not in a game, such as when you are changing settings or checking settings, by continuing to turn off the light, you can make the player recognize that you are not in a game, thereby changing settings or checking settings. It is possible to notify that it is in progress. In this manner, considering the original display mode of the performance information display means, it may be possible to indicate that the setting is being changed or that the setting is being checked by intentionally turning off the light instead of turning it on. Even if a display for displaying the setting value and a display for displaying the performance information are provided separately, it is possible to notify that the setting is being changed or the setting is being checked based on the same idea. .

Furthermore, when the display unit that displays the set value notifies that the setting is being changed and/or the setting is being checked, different notification modes may be used depending on whether the setting is being changed or when the setting is being checked. In this case, each notification mode may be any combination of the above-described light emission modes, and at least the notification modes may be different. Further, the concept of informing that the setting is being changed and/or that the setting is being checked can be applied to the case of controlling light emission of the above-described game information display means.

Here, the merits of notifying that the setting is being changed or being checked by the game information display means (board lamp) controlled by the main control section 20 or the setting/performance display 97 will be described below.
If only the lamp/speaker/liquid crystal display means controlled by the production control unit 24 side informs that the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed, a signal that connects the main control board and the production control board by a goto action. If the line is cut, it becomes impossible to notify that the setting is being changed or the setting is being checked. becomes possible. On the other hand, in addition to (or instead of) the lamp/speaker/liquid crystal display means controlled by the effect control section 24 side, the game information display means (board lamp) and the setting/performance display device 97 controlled by the main control section 20 side By notifying that the setting is being changed or the setting is being checked, even if the signal line connecting the main control board and the performance control board is disconnected, the game information display means and the setting/performance display can be displayed. Since the notification is made by the device 97, it becomes possible for the people involved in the hall to notice the cheating.

In addition, by using a game information display means visible from the front side of the gaming machine and a setting/performance indicator 97 visible from the rear side of the gaming machine, it is configured to notify that settings are being changed or confirmed. By doing so, it is possible to confirm the state of setting change or setting confirmation from both the front side and the rear side of the gaming machine.

In addition, the lamp/speaker/liquid crystal display means (effect means) controlled by the effect control part 24 side does not notify that the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed, and the game information display means controlled by the main control part 20 side. or the setting/performance display device 97, but the lamp/speaker/liquid crystal display means controlled by the performance control unit 24 side and the game information display means and settings controlled by the main control unit 20 side - Distinguishability is further improved by configuring so as to be notified by both the performance indicator 97 and the performance indicator 97 .

In addition, although the game information display means was exemplified as a board lamp for notifying that the setting is being changed and/or the setting is being confirmed, any light emitting means that can be controlled by the main control unit 20 side may be used. For example, it may be provided on either the board side or the frame side.

In addition, when a part of the plurality of 7-segment display units constituting the setting/performance display unit 97 is used as setting value display means (hereinafter referred to as "setting value display means"), it is used as the setting value display means. As described above, the static lighting control (first display control) can be used when the game is started, and the dynamic lighting control (second display control) can be used when the performance display means is used after the start of the game. However, if the 7-segment display unit that constitutes the setting/performance display 97 is designed for dynamic lighting control only, static lighting control may cause problems.

For example, as the absolute maximum ratings of the 7-segment for the setting/performance indicator 97, the maximum forward current is 15mA/seg (static) and the maximum peak forward current is 60mA/seg (duty1/5 plus width 1ms ) (dynamic), only the dynamic lighting control needs to be considered if only the base value is displayed, so the maximum value of the peak forward current is 60mA/seg ), the maximum value of the peak forward current is 60 mA/seg (duty 1/5 pluse width 1 ms ) and a current value that does not exceed 15 mA/seg, which is the maximum forward current value. Here, if the current value does not exceed 15 mA/seg, the brightness during one lighting operation during dynamic lighting control will decrease, and the lighting display will flicker when displaying the base value. There is a risk that it will be lost.

Therefore, for example, the maximum value of the peak forward current does not exceed 60mA/seg (duty1/5 pluse width 1ms), and the current value is set to a value that exceeds 15mA/seg, which is the maximum value of the forward current. It is possible to configure so that the lighting display is less likely to flicker during lighting control. In this case, the current value is set in a range that exceeds 15mA/seg, which is the maximum value of the forward current. If the lighting control is performed by repeating the above, the maximum value of the forward current is naturally exceeded. After sending, the extinguishing data is continuously sent for a predetermined period of time), the maximum value of It is possible to perform lighting control so as not to exceed this. In this way, pseudo-dynamic lighting control using static lighting control may be realized. That is, during dynamic lighting control when displaying the base value, by switching the common data for designating the 7-segment to be lit, lighting control is performed so as to repeat lighting/extinguishing, while when displaying the set value, Similarly, if the common data is switched, the control program will increase accordingly. Therefore, control is performed such that the lighting data and the extinguishing data are alternately transmitted at predetermined intervals without switching the common data. In this case, since it is only necessary to switch the data to be transmitted at predetermined intervals, it is possible to achieve lighting control with far fewer programs than switching common data. As described above, by devising a control method, it is possible to realize both static lighting control and dynamic lighting control so as not to exceed the absolute maximum rating of 7 segments.

In addition, instead of performing such lighting control, the maximum value of the forward current is 60mA/seg (static) and the maximum value of the peak forward current is 60mA/seg (duty1/5 pluse width 1ms) (dynamic). It is also conceivable to use high quality 7 segments as defined. In this case, since the absolute maximum rating value is superior to that of the 7-segment described above, the unit price of the parts naturally increases. If high-quality 7-segs were used for all of the plurality of 7-segs for displaying the base value (specifically, the four 7-segment display portions 214a to 214d), it would be costly. Therefore, among the plurality of 7 segments (7 segment display units 214a to 214d) for displaying the base value, the 7 segment (7 segment display unit 214a) for displaying the set value is the 7 segment with excellent absolute maximum rating value. , and for the other 7 segments for displaying the base value (7 segment display units 214b to 214d), 7 segments with lower absolute maximum ratings may be used. As a result, the cost can be kept to the minimum necessary, and the program capacity can be reduced because there is no need to perform pseudo-dynamic lighting control using static lighting control while changing settings or checking settings. can.

As for the 7 segments that display the set values, we decided to use the 7 segments with excellent absolute maximum ratings. 7 seg, which is an approximate value less than that, may be used. Also, among the other absolute maximum ratings for the 7 segments for displaying the base value, the maximum value of the forward current for the 7 segments for displaying the set value is higher than at least the maximum value for the forward current. You may make it use what is set to large. In addition, among those specified as the absolute maximum ratings for the 7-segment base value display other than the set value display, at least the peak forward current of the 7-segment set value display It is preferable to use one in which the maximum value of the current is set to the same value or an approximate value higher/lower. In this way, the 7-segment for setting value display is superior to the 7-segment for base value display in the absolute maximum rating of forward current, and the absolute maximum rating of peak forward current is the same value. Or by using what is set to an approximate value greater than / less than that, static lighting control during setting change or setting confirmation and dynamic lighting control in the base value display during game are common 7 segments Even if it must be done using , it can be easily realized. Of course, high-spec 7 segments may be used for all of a plurality of base value display 7 segments (including setting display 7 segments).

Further, in the above description, when it is determined that the RAM is abnormal, the game is stopped, but at this time, the security signal may be output via the external terminal. The type of security signal output at this time may be the same type as the security signal transmitted when changing settings or confirming settings, or may be configured to transmit a different security signal. .
Also, at this time, an error may be displayed in the 7 segments for setting value display (which may also be used as the 7 segments for base value display). As for the error display, the lighting data may be transmitted in a predetermined lighting mode, or the lighting data and the blinking data may be alternately transmitted at predetermined intervals to set the predetermined blinking mode. Also, the error display may be performed using the 7 segments for setting value display, and the 7 segments for base value display may be turned off. Also, it may be configured to display an error using both the 7 segments for setting value display and the 7 segments for base value display.

Further, when displaying the setting value, it is possible to obtain a lighting pattern corresponding to the current setting value from the setting display data table and display it as the setting value.
At this time, the lighting data for error display may be configured to be output without using the setting display data table. This is because the value of the set value work is an abnormal value when the RAM is abnormal, and it is difficult to obtain an arbitrary value from the setting display data table based on the value of the set value work. For this reason, it is desirable to configure such that when the RAM is abnormal, a value is directly specified and output instead of using the table selection method. In addition, this eliminates the need for a program for selecting data from the table, making it possible to reduce the program capacity.

In addition, when the RAM clear processing is executed, a security signal is output. It may be used as a signal. In the embodiment, the security signal is output while the setting is being changed, and the output of the security signal is stopped when the setting change process is completed. The output of the security signal may be stopped after the RAM clear processing is completed. Further, in this case, the timing for stopping the output of the security signal is not limited to after the RAM clear processing is completed, and may be after the RAM clear notification is completed or at a predetermined timing during the RAM clear notification. In addition, since it is sufficient that the security signal is output for a predetermined time, when the RAM clear processing is performed after the setting change processing is completed, the output of the security signal being output is not performed for at least a predetermined time (eg, 50 ms). Further, the configuration may be such that the output of the security signal is stopped after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. As a result, it is possible to secure the output of the security signal for at least 50 ms or more when executing the setting change+RAM clear.

Alternatively, the output of the security signal may be temporarily stopped when the setting change process is completed, and then the security signal may be output again for a predetermined time (eg, 50 ms) when the RAM clear process is executed. good.

Further, in the above description, the setting value information is not cleared when the RAM is cleared. For example, stop symbol information, error information, variation pattern switching information, and the like can be given.
Here, by not clearing the information of the stopped symbols, it is impossible to guess from the stopped symbols whether the setting change + RAM clear was executed or whether the backup was restored. By confirming, it is possible to make it difficult to determine whether or not the setting has been changed.
In addition, by not clearing part or all of the error information, it is possible to continue to perform error notification and the like for predetermined error information that occurred before the power failure even after the power failure.
Also, by not clearing the switching information of the variation pattern (eg, switching from variation pattern selection table A to variation pattern selection table B when it varies 50 times during high probability), after setting change + RAM clear, pattern variation of a predetermined number of times ( 50 rotations) is executed, the variation pattern selection table A is switched to the variation pattern selection table B. For example, by performing a predetermined number of variation games in the hall first thing in the morning, it is possible to check whether or not the setting has been changed. It is possible to discriminate. In this way, it may be possible to increase the interest in the game by daring to make the settings easier to determine.
As described above, regarding the various works set in the RAM area, the work to be cleared by the RAM clearing process and the work not to be cleared by the RAM clearing process are considered in consideration of the playability and the security aspect. For example, it may be configured to be used properly as necessary. The above description is merely an example, and other works not described as examples may also be configured so as not to clear the RAM in consideration of the improvement of game playability.

All the embodiments described so far may be combined in any way, and the contents described in each embodiment are not limited to individual embodiments.

1 pachinko game machine 20 main control board (main control unit)
201 CPUs
202 ROMs
203 RAM
24 production control board (production control unit)
241 CPUs
242 ROMs
243 RAM
36 liquid crystal display device 38a, 38b special pattern display device 45 decoration lamp 45a light display device 46 speaker 46a sound generator 61 front door open sensor 94 setting key switch 97 setting/performance display device 98 RAM clear switch

Claims (1)

a control means for controlling the progress of a game action;
and a storage means capable of reading and writing information by the control means,
The control means is
setting means capable of executing a setting process for setting a set value relating to the probability of winning a game state advantageous to the player;
Abnormality determination means for performing abnormality determination processing of stored information including the set value in the storage means;
setting mode transition determination means for performing a transition condition determination process for determining whether or not there is an operation instructing transition to a settable mode, which is a mode in which the setting value can be set;
At the time of power-on startup, prior to the abnormality determination process by the abnormality determination means, the transition condition determination process is performed by the setting mode transition determination means, and the transition instruction operation is performed by the transition condition determination process. If it is determined that it is not, perform the abnormality determination process,
Execution of a setting processing program for performing the setting processing by executing a transition program for transitioning a program execution point to a clear processing program for clearing information stored in the storage means at the time of power-on startup. a first startup mode in which the clear processing of the stored information is executed by the clear processing program without using the clear processing program; It is possible to select a second startup mode for executing clear processing ,
The clear processing program used for executing the clear processing is a common program between the first startup mode and the second startup mode.
game machine.

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