JP6656209B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to gaming operation control of a gaming machine.

  Conventionally, in a gaming machine, for example, a ball-and-ball gaming machine, when a prize in the starting opening is triggered, a lottery regarding a big hit that is advantageous to the player is performed, a symbol game with a variable display operation of the game symbol is performed, and during the game, the lottery is performed. A notice effect in which the result is reflected is generated, or a look-ahead notice effect using the on-hold memory is generated, whereby the game is enjoyed (Patent Document 1 below). The slot machine is provided with a plurality of setting values for defining the degree of advantage to the player in a stepwise manner, and has a setting function such that the profit to be enjoyed by the player differs depending on which setting value is determined. Is the mainstream (for example, Patent Document 2 below).

JP 2013-31486A JP 2011-92515 A

  When the above setting function is provided in the ball-and-ball game machine, if an abnormality such as the set value data is damaged due to some kind of trouble occurs, it is necessary to perform an error process for this, but when performing this error process, If a process such as stopping the game in a dark cloud is performed, the player may be disadvantaged or distrusted in the notice effect.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that performs appropriate error processing when an abnormality relating to set value data occurs during a game.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means. Although the corresponding elements in the parentheses indicate the corresponding elements in the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this.

(1) A set value setting process (S024 in FIG. 6) for setting any one of a plurality of types of set values having different degrees of advantage to the player is executed, and a game operation process related to the progress of the game is performed. (For example, game control means (main control unit 20) for controlling (for example, S020 to S022 in FIG. 6)
Effect control means (effect control unit 24) for controlling the execution of the effect by the effect means based on the control command from the game control means,
After the predetermined start condition is satisfied, based on the predetermined start condition being satisfied, the game symbol change display operation is started, and after the game symbol has a predetermined specific stop display mode, the normal game is started. A gaming machine configured to be controllable to a special gaming state more advantageous than the state,
In the game operation process,
A prize-time process (S301 or S302 in FIG. 13) executed based on the establishment of the start condition, and a fluctuation-start process (S306 in FIG. 13) executed based on the establishment of the start condition. Is included,
The processing at the time of the prize,
An acquisition process for acquiring predetermined game information when the start condition is satisfied (S314 in FIG. 14);
Holding storage processing (S314 in FIG. 14) for holding the game information acquired by the acquisition processing as the suspension information up to a maximum upper limit storage number which is a predetermined upper limit;
Based on the acquired game information, at least a look-ahead determination process (S319 in FIG. 14) for determining whether or not to control the special game state.
A command transmission process (S322 in FIG. 14) of transmitting a prize control command (hold addition command) including information on the prefetch determination result to the effect control unit.
The process at the start of fluctuation includes:
When the start condition is satisfied, a lottery process at the time of a change start (S413 in FIG. 15) for executing a lottery on whether to control to the special game state based on the hold information,
A symbol game start process (S416 in FIG. 15) for starting a variation display operation of the game symbol with respect to the hold information used for the variation start lottery process;
The effect control means,
Based on the information included in the winning control command, a look-ahead notice effect control means (effect control unit 24) capable of appearing and controlling a look-ahead notice effect,
In the fluctuation start process, a determination process (S410 in FIG. 15) is performed to determine whether the set value is in the normal range. If the set value is not in the normal range (S410 in FIG. 15: No), Abnormal stop processing for stopping the progress of the game (S086 in FIG. 11: YES, S411 in FIG. 15 (FIG. 9)) is executed,
In the prize-winning process, a determination process (S318 in FIG. 14) is performed to determine whether or not the set value is in the normal range. If the set value is not in the normal range (S318: No in FIG. 14), Is configured not to execute abnormal stop processing,
A gaming machine characterized by that:
(2) When the set value is not within the normal range in the winning process, the prefetch determination process is not executed (S318 → S321 in FIG. 14 (S319 is not executed)).
The gaming machine according to the above (1), wherein
(3) When the set value is not within the normal range in the winning process, the command transmission process transmits a control command indicating that the prefetch determination process is not executed as the winning control command. Is configured to
The gaming machine according to the above (1) or (2), wherein

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately perform error processing regarding an abnormality in set value data during a game, and to prevent the player from feeling disadvantageous.

It is a front perspective view showing the appearance of the gaming machine according to the present invention. It is a figure showing a game board of a game machine concerning the present invention, and composition of a production button. It is a block diagram showing the control device of the game machine concerning the present invention. It is a figure provided for explanation of game state transition of the game machine concerning the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a screen display of the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side main process which concerns on this invention. 7 is a flowchart showing an initial setting process in FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a backup confirmation process in FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a RAM error process in FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a setting value changing process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side timer interruption process which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the setting value confirmation process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol management processing in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special figure 1 starting port check process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change start processing in FIG.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a pachinko gaming machine as an example.

<1. Outline of Configuration: FIGS. 1 and 2>
With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an outline of a configuration of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing the appearance of a pachinko gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the front side of a game board.

  A pachinko gaming machine 1 (hereinafter abbreviated as “gaming machine 1”) shown in FIG. 1 has a frame-shaped front frame 2 attached to the front surface of a wooden outer frame 4 so as to be openable and closable, and a game board attached to the back surface of the front frame 2. The game board 3 (see FIG. 2) is mounted in a storage frame (not shown), and a game area 3 a formed on the surface of the game board 3 faces the opening of the front frame 2. A glass door 6 supporting transparent glass is provided on the front side of the game area 3a. On the back side of the game board 3, various control boards (see FIG. 3) for controlling the game operation are arranged.

  A key cylinder (not shown) for unlocking the door is provided on the front side of the glass door 6. When a key is inserted into this key cylinder and operated on one side, the locked state of the glass door 6 with respect to the front frame 2 is changed. By operating the other side, the locked state of the front frame 2 with respect to the outer frame 4 is released, and the front frame 2 can be opened to the front side.

  A front operation panel 7 pivotally supported on the front frame 2 by a hinge (not shown) is provided below the glass door 6. An upper tray unit 8 is provided on the front operation panel 7, and an upper tray 9 for storing discharged game balls is formed on the upper tray unit 8.

  Also, the upper tray unit 8 pays out game balls to a game ball lending device (not shown) and a ball pullout button 14 for pulling out the game balls stored in the upper tray 9 below the gaming machine 1. A ball lending button 11 for making a request and a card return button 12 for requesting a return of a valuable medium inserted into the game ball lending device are provided. The upper receiving unit 8 is provided with an effect button 13 (operation means) configured to be operable by a player. The effect button 13 can be operated (input can be received) by turning on the built-in lamp (button LED 75) during a predetermined input receiving period, and can be operated (pressed, hit repeatedly, long pressed, etc.) while the built-in lamp is turned on. By doing, it is possible to bring a change to the production.

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

  On both sides of the upper part of the front frame 2 and on the upper side of the firing operation handle 15, there are provided speakers 46 for producing a sound effect (sound effect) by sound. In addition, a plurality of decorative lamps 45 (full-color LED: light effect LED) exhibiting a light effect by decoration of light are provided at appropriate places of the glass door 6. A plurality of full color LEDs (light effect LEDs) as the decorative lamps 45 are provided around the pachinko game machine, that is, on the periphery of the front frame of the glass door 6 in the circumferential direction. Called.

(Game board: Fig. 2)
Next, the configuration of the game board 3 will be described with reference to FIG. In the illustrated game board 3, a ball guide rail 5 for guiding a shot game ball is annularly mounted as a board surface dividing member, and a substantially circular area surrounded by the ball guide rail 5 is a game area 3a, The four corners are non-game areas.

  In a substantially central portion of the game area 3a, for example, in three (left, middle, right) display areas (symbol change display areas), a plurality of types of decorative symbols (for example, numbers, characters, symbols, etc.) are independently provided. A liquid crystal display (LCD) 36 capable of performing a variable display operation (variable display and stop display) of a left symbol (corresponding to the left display area), a middle symbol (corresponding to the middle display area), and a right symbol (corresponding to the right display area) is provided. Is provided. The liquid crystal display device 36 displays various effects as images under the control of the effect control unit 24, which will be described later, in addition to the variable display operation of the 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 far winding manner. 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 surrounding game balls, and to control the flow of the game balls by the strength or stroke length of the game balls. It acts as a flow distribution means that enables the road to be divided into right and left. In the present embodiment, the center decoration 48 is arranged at a substantially central portion of the game area 3a such that the flow path of the game ball is formed on both upper sides (left and right sides) in the game area 3a by the presence of the center decoration 48. The game balls hit by the firing device 32 on the upper side of the game area 3a are distributed right and left on the upper side of the armor frame portion 48b, and the left and right flowing paths 3b on the left side and the right flowing path 3c on the right side of the center decoration 48 are separated. Run down one.

  The non-game area near the upper right edge (upper right corner) of the game board 3 is a function display section, and a 7-segment display (with dots) is provided with the upper starting port 34 (for the first special symbol) and the lower starting. A special symbol display device 38a (first special symbol display means) and a special symbol display device 38b (second special symbol display means) which are arranged side by side in correspondence with the mouth 35 (for the second special symbol). Is provided. In the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, a special symbol variation display game by a variation display operation of "special symbol" represented by 7 segments is executed. In the liquid crystal display device 36, the decorative symbols are displayed in a variable manner in synchronization with the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b in a timely manner, and the decorations are displayed together with various announcement effects (effect images). The symbol variation display game is executed (the details of these symbol variation display games will be described later).

  In addition, a composite display device (hold composite display LED display) 38c composed of a 7-segment display (with dots) is provided next to the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b in the various function display units. The combination was called the special symbol 1 or 2, the number of balls on hold for the normal symbol, the display of the number of balls on hold, the status notification during the operation of the variable time reduction function (during hours) and the high probability state (high accuracy). This is because it is a hold / time saving / high-accuracy composite display device having a display function (hereinafter, simply referred to as “composite display device”).

  Further, the various function display unit is provided with a normal symbol display device 39a (ordinary symbol display means) in which a plurality of (two in this embodiment) LEDs are arranged next to the composite display device 38c. In the ordinary symbol display device 39a, an ordinary symbol variation display game is executed by a variation display operation of an ordinary symbol represented by two LEDs. For example, as a variable display operation, a normal symbol by LED repeatedly turns on and off alternately in a seesaw manner and stops when either side is lit, so that it is possible to determine whether or not the normal symbol variable display game is correct. I have. Further, a round number display device 39b in which three LEDs (first to third round display LEDs) are arranged adjacent to the ordinary symbol display device 39a is provided. The round number display device 39b notifies the specified round number (maximum round number) of the big hit by the combination of the ON / OFF state 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. The normal fluctuation winning device 41 is provided on the upper and lower sides, and detection sensors 34a and 35a (upper starting port sensor 34a, lower starting port sensor 35a: see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of a game ball are formed inside each of them. ing.

  The upper starting port 34, which is the first special symbol starting port, is provided with a first special symbol (hereinafter, the first special symbol is referred to as "special symbol 1" and the "special symbol 1") in the special symbol display device 38a. ), And is configured as a fixed prize rate prize device having no start-up opening / closing means (means for opening or expanding the start-up opening). In the present embodiment, the action of a game ball falling direction changing member (for example, a game nail (not shown), a windmill 44, a center decoration 48, or the like) in the game area 3a causes the left starting path 3b to reach the upper starting port 34. The game ball that has flowed down is easy to enter (win), whereas the game ball that has flowed down the right flow path 3c is difficult to enter or cannot enter.

  The normal variable winning device 41 is configured as a winning rate variable type winning device capable of changing the winning rate of the game ball at the starting port by the opening / closing means. In the present embodiment, a so-called “electric tulip” including a pair of left and right movable wing pieces (movable members) 47 that can open or expand the lower starting port 35 that is the second special symbol starting port as the starting port opening / closing means. It is configured as a "type" winning device.

  The lower starting port 35 of the normal fluctuation winning device 41 is a second special symbol in the special symbol display device 38b (hereinafter, the second special symbol is referred to as “special symbol 2” and sometimes abbreviated as “special symbol 2”). The winning area of the lower starting port 35 is an open state (winning) for facilitating winning according to the operating state (operating or non-operating) of the movable wing piece 47. An easy state) and a closed state (a difficult winning state) in which winning is more difficult than in the open state or a winning is impossible. In the present embodiment, when the movable wing piece 47 is not operated, the closed state (winning impossible state) in which it is impossible to win the lower starting port 35 is maintained.

  Also, on both sides of the ordinary variable prize winning device 41, there are provided a total of four general prize openings 43, three on the left side and one on the right side. A mouth sensor 43a (see FIG. 3) is formed. In the area of the game board, a movable body (not shown) that produces a visual effect is disposed at a position that does not obstruct the flow of the game ball.

  In addition, a diagonally upper right side of the normal fluctuation winning device 41, that is, an upper side from an intermediate portion of the right downflow path 3c, a normal symbol starting port 37 (third starting) formed of a passing gate (specific passing area) through which a game ball can pass. Means) are provided. The normal symbol starting port 37 is a winning port related to a normal symbol changing display operation in the normal symbol display device 39a, and has a normal symbol starting port sensor 37a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a passing game ball therein. Are formed. In the present embodiment, the normal symbol starting port 37 is formed only on the right downflow path 3c side, and is not formed on the left downflow path 3b side. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be formed only in the left downflow path 3b, or may be formed in each of the two downflow paths.

  In the middle of the route from the normal symbol starting port 37 to the normal variable winning device 41 in the right downflow route 3c, a special variable prize in which the large winning port 50 can be opened or enlarged by a squeezing type opening door 52b can be opened or enlarged. A device 52 (special electric accessory) is provided, inside which is formed a special winning opening sensor 52a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball entering the special winning opening 50.

  The periphery of the special winning opening 50 is a bulging portion (decorative member) 55 bulging from the surface of the game board 3, and the upper side 55a of the bulging portion 55 forms a downstream guide portion of the right flow path 3c. I have. When the special winning opening 50 is closed by the opening door 52b (the special winning opening closed state), a surface continuous with the upper side 55a of the bulging portion 55 is formed, so that the downstream guiding portion ( A part of the upper side 55a) is formed. In the downstream area of the right flow path 3c, in a region above the upper side 55a of the bulging portion 55, more precisely, in a game region above the special winning opening 50, the flow path correction plate is almost parallel to the flow direction of the game ball. 51d is provided so as to project the flowing game balls in the direction of the special winning opening 50.

  The process of entering a game ball into the special winning opening 50 is as follows. The game ball that has passed through the play area between the upper surface of the center decoration 48 and the ball guide rail 5 projects on 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 comes into contact with the right end of the flow path correction plate 51d protruding from the game board 3, whereby the flow direction of the game ball is corrected to the direction of the special winning opening 50 (downward). At this time, if the special winning opening 50 is covered with the protruding and retracting type open door 52b (the special winning opening closed state), the game ball rolls thereon, and furthermore, a predetermined arrangement (not shown) is formed. The game nail is guided in the direction of the tulip-type ordinary variable winning device 41 (lower starting port 35). At this time, if the lower starting port 35 is in a winable state (starting port opened state), a game ball can win the lower starting port 35. On the other hand, if the open door 52b is retracted into the game board surface and the special winning opening 50 is open (the special winning opening is open), the game ball is guided into the special winning opening 50.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the player aims at the firing position on the special variable winning device 52 side (when aiming the game ball to pass the right-downflow path 3c), the upper starting port. The configuration is such that a game ball is difficult to be guided or is not guided on the 34 side. Therefore, in the "large winning opening closed state", it is difficult or impossible to win the starting openings 34 and 35 unless the movable wing piece 47 of the ordinary variable winning device 41 operates. The movable wing piece 47 operates in an opening / closing pattern that is more advantageous than the normal state in a game state accompanied by an electric support state described later.

  In the case of the present embodiment, how the player hits an advantageous situation changes according to the game state. Specifically, if the game state is accompanied by the later-described “electric support-less state”, “left-handed” aiming for the game ball to pass through the left downflow path 3b is considered to be advantageous. If the game state is accompanied by the "present state", "right strike", which aims to allow the game ball to pass through the right downflow path 3c, is advantageous.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, if a winning is made to a winning opening other than the ordinary symbol starting opening 37 among the various winning openings provided in the gaming area 3a, a promise is made for each winning opening. The number of prize balls per winning ball (for example, three 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 the game ball payout device 19 (FIG. 3). See)). The game balls that do not win the above winning ports are discharged from the gaming area 3a through the out ports 49. Here, the "winning" is not a structure in which the winning opening takes in the game ball therein, or a structure in which the winning opening takes in the game ball therein, but a winning opening formed by a pass-through gate (for example, the ordinary symbol starting port 37). ) Means that the game ball passes through the gate. In practice, when a game ball is detected by each of the winning detection switches formed for each winning port, a "winning" is given to the winning port. Is treated as having occurred. The game balls related to the winning are also referred to as “winning balls”. If a game ball enters the winning opening, the game ball will be detected by the winning detection switch.In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the game ball is detected by the winning detection switch. Regardless of whether or not the game ball enters the winning opening, it may be referred to as "winning".

<2. Control device: Fig. 3>
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a control device for controlling a game operation of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing an outline of the control device.

  The control device of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a main control board (main control means) 20 (hereinafter, referred to as a “main control unit 20”) that comprehensively controls the entire game operation (game operation control). In response to a production control command from the main control unit 20, a production control board (production control means) 24 (hereinafter, referred to as a "production control unit 24") that comprehensively controls production execution control (appearance control) by the production means. A payout control board (payout control means) 29 for performing payout control of prize balls; and a power supply board (power supply control means (not shown)) for generating and supplying necessary power to the gaming machine from an external power supply (not shown). ). Further, a liquid crystal display device 36 as an image display device is connected to the effect control unit 24. Note that the power supply route is omitted in FIG.

(2-1. Main control unit 20)
The main control unit 20 has a microprocessor 202 having a built-in CPU 201 (main control CPU) and a ROM 202 (main control CPU) that stores various data necessary for game operation control in addition to a control program describing a game operation control procedure. ROM) and a RAM 203 (main control RAM) functioning as a work area and a buffer memory, and constitute a microcomputer (Z80 system equivalent) as a whole.

  Although not shown, the main control unit 20 applies a periodic interrupt to the Z80 system, a CTC that provides a function of generating a pulse output at a fixed period (bit rate generator), and a time measurement function, and provides an interrupt signal to the CPU. An interrupt controller circuit that performs interrupt enable / disable functions such as timer interrupts, a reset circuit that can reset the CPU by outputting a system reset signal when power is turned on or off, or when a power failure is detected, and a control program Watchdog timer (WDT) circuit for monitoring abnormal operation of the vehicle, an out-of-designated area prohibition (IAT) circuit for monitoring whether or not a program is correctly executed within a preset address range, A counter circuit for generating random numbers is also provided.

  The counter circuit includes a random number generation circuit that generates a random number, and a sampling circuit that samples a random number value at a predetermined timing from the random number generation circuit, 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 acquires the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit as an internal lottery random number value (big hit determination random number (size of random number: 65536)). , And use the random number value for the jackpot lottery. The random number for internal lottery is obtained by adding a soft random number value generated by appropriate software processing and a hard random number value in order to prevent a hit action such as hitting and hitting.

  The main control unit 20 includes an upper starting port 34 a for detecting a winning (ball entry) to the upper starting port 34, a lower starting port sensor 35 a for detecting a winning for the lower starting port 35, and a normal symbol starting port 37. The normal symbol starting port sensor 37a for detecting the passage, the special winning opening sensor 52a for detecting the winning in the special winning opening 50, the general winning opening sensor 43a for detecting the winning in the general winning opening 43, and the out opening 49 An OUT monitoring switch 49a for detecting a discharged game ball (out ball) is connected, and the main control unit 20 can receive a detection signal therefrom. The main control unit 20 grasps which winning opening the game ball has entered based on the detection signal from each sensor.

  The main control unit 20 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 41c for controlling the opening and closing of the movable wing piece 47 of the lower starting port 35, and a special winning opening solenoid 52c for controlling the opening and closing of the open door 52b of the special winning opening 50. Are connected, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for controlling these.

  In addition, a special symbol display device 38a and a special symbol display device 38b are connected to the main control unit 20, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for controlling display of the special symbols 1 and 2. . The main control unit 20 is connected to a normal symbol display device 39a, which can transmit a control signal for controlling display of the normal symbols.

  Further, a composite display device 38c is connected to the main control unit 20, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for controlling display of various information displayed thereon. Also, a round number display device 39b is connected to the main control unit 20, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for controlling display of a specified number of rounds due to a big hit.

  The main control unit 20 is connected to an external central terminal board 21 for a frame. The main control unit 20 communicates with the hall computer HC provided outside the gaming machine via the external central terminal board 21 for the frame. It is possible to transmit predetermined game information (for example, big hit information, prize ball number information, symbol change execution information, etc.). The hall computer HC monitors the game information from the main control unit 20, and comprehensively manages the operation status of the gaming machine in the pachinko hall.

  A payout control board (payout control unit) 29 is connected to the main control unit 20. When it is necessary to pay out a prize ball, the payout control board 29 is instructed to control the payout control command (the number of prize balls). The designated payout control command can be transmitted.

  The payout control board 29 is connected to a launch control board (launch control unit) 28 for controlling the launch device 32 and a game ball payout device (game ball payout means) 19 for paying out game balls. The main role of the payout control board 29 is to receive a payout control command from the main control unit 20, control the payout of the game ball payout device 19 based on the payout control command, transmit a state signal to the main control unit 20, and the like. It is.

  The game ball payout device 19 is provided with an out-of-supply detection sensor 19a for detecting a supply shortage of game balls and a ball counting sensor 19b for detecting game balls to be paid out (prize balls). Can be received. Further, the game ball payout device 19 is provided with a payout motor 19c for driving a ball payout mechanism (not shown) for paying out game balls. The payout control board 29 controls the payout motor 19c. Can be transmitted.

  In addition, the payout control board 29 includes a full detection sensor 60 (in this embodiment, a detection sensor that detects the storage state of the game balls stored in the upper tray 9) for detecting that the upper tray 9 is full of game balls, A front door opening sensor 61 (a detection sensor that detects an open state of the front frame 2 and / or the front operation panel 7 in the present embodiment) is connected.

  The payout control board 29 can transmit various status signals to the main control unit 20 based on detection signals from the fullness detection sensor 60, the front door open sensor 61, the replenishment detection sensor 19a, and the ball counting sensor 19b. It has become. The state signal includes a ball clogging signal indicating a full state, a door opening signal indicating that the front frame 2 and the front operation panel 7 are open, and a supply shortage indicating an insufficient supply of game balls from the game ball dispensing device 19. A signal, a count error signal indicating that the prize ball is insufficiently dispensed or an error has occurred in the ball counting sensor 19b, a disbursement completion signal indicating that the dispensing operation has been completed, and the like are provided, and various status signals can be transmitted. ing. Based on these state signals, the main control unit 20 determines whether the front frame 2 and the front operation panel 7 are open (door open error), whether or not the payout operation of the game ball payout device 19 is normal (out of supply error), The upper tray 9 is monitored for a full state (ball clogging error).

  Further, a firing control board 28 is connected to the payout control board 29, and a permission signal for permitting the firing to the firing control board 28 can be transmitted. The firing control board 28 controls the energization of a firing solenoid (not shown) provided in the firing device 32 based on the output of the permission signal from the payout control board 29, and operates the firing operation handle 15. To launch the game ball. Specifically, when the firing permission signal is output from the payout control board 29 (the firing permission signal is ON), the player touches the handle by the touch sensor (not shown) provided on the firing operation handle 15. Is detected, and the firing operation of the game ball is permitted on condition that the firing stop switch (not shown) provided on the firing operation handle 15 is not operated. Therefore, when the firing permission signal is not output (the firing permission signal is in the OFF state), even if the firing operation handle 15 is operated, the firing operation is not performed, and the game ball is not fired. Further, the strength of the launch of the game ball can be changed according to the operation amount of the firing operation handle 15. When the payout control board 29 detects the above-described ball clogging error, it sends a ball clogging signal to the main control unit 20 and stops outputting the firing permission signal to the firing control board 28 (the firing permission signal is OFF). Is controlled so as to stop the launching operation until the full state of is released.

  The main control unit 20 is connected to a setting key switch 94, a setting change switch 95, and a setting change completion switch 96, and the main control unit 20 can receive a detection signal from these. Further, a setting display 97 is connected to the main control unit, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for controlling display of a set value displayed on the setting display 97.

  The setting key switch 94 is a key switch for switching to a setting change mode (at the time of an ON operation) by inserting a setting key possessed by a person involved in the hall when turning on the power and performing an ON / OFF operation. The setting change switch 95 is a push-button switch for changing a “setting value” that causes a change in the payout rate (so-called machine split, PAYOUT rate, or base value) in a stepwise manner. The setting change completion switch 96 is a switch for confirming the setting for completing the setting value changing operation. These switches are provided at appropriate places inside the gaming machine. The setting display 97 functions as setting display means capable of displaying a set value, and is mounted on the main control unit (main control board) 20 at a position where it is easily visible. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is not limited to the main control board. The payout control board 28, the emission control board 29, and the relay board (relay board for relaying the connection between the control board and various display devices, switches, etc .: FIG. (Not shown) or an effect control unit (effect control board (including a liquid crystal control board)) 24 or the like.

  The “set value” mainly defines at least a lottery probability (winning probability) of a big hit (a hit type in which a condition device to be described later is activated) for each stage (for example, six stages of settings 1 to 6). The higher the set value, the higher the winning probability (the setting value 1 is the lowest winning probability, and the setting value 6 is the highest winning probability), so that it is advantageous for the player. In other words, the higher the fixed value, the higher the so-called “machine split (payout rate, payout rate)” (set value 1 is the lowest machine split, and set value 6 is the highest machine split), which is advantageous to the player. To work. As described above, the set value is a value that defines a jackpot winning probability ratio, a machine split, and the like, and means a value for a class related to the likelihood of occurrence of a specific event such as a profit state acting on a player. In the present embodiment, a plurality of types of setting values are provided as the setting values 1 to 6 in a plurality of stages, and the advantage relating to the game is defined according to each setting value.

  The set value is changed exclusively by the hall clerk operating the setting change switch 94 based on the sales strategy of the hall (game store). When there are a plurality of types of jackpots, which jackpot probability is changed according to the set value, and the type of the target jackpot can be determined as appropriate. For example, when there are three types of jackpots, ie, jackpots 1 to 3, the higher the set value, the higher the winning probability of all jackpots 1 to 3 or the total winning probability of jackpots 1 to 3. May be increased. The winning probability of some jackpots may be increased. For example, only the winning probability of the big hits 1 and 2 may be increased, and the winning probability of the big hit 3 may be set to a fixed winning probability with all the set values. Further, the winning probability of a small hit (a hit type in which the condition device does not operate) may be defined for each stage, as in the case of the big hit described above.

(About changing the set value)
In order to change the set value, when the power to the gaming machine 1 is turned on by turning on the setting key switch 94 (operating to the setting change mode) in a state where the power to the gaming machine 1 is off, the current setting is changed. The value is displayed on the setting display 97, and the mode shifts to the setting change mode in which the setting value (1 to 6 levels) can be changed. The processing related to the setting change mode (setting mode change processing) is executed in a set value change processing (step S024 in FIG. 6, see FIG. 10 showing details thereof) in the main control-side main processing described later.

  When the setting change switch 95 is turned ON in the setting change mode, the current display value of the setting display 97 is changed to “1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 1 → 2 → 3 →. Is switched so as to circulate in the range of 1 to 6. When the setting change completion switch 96 is turned ON when the desired setting value is reached, the setting value is determined. After the setting display 97 indicates that the setting has been determined, the setting key switch 94 is turned OFF. Wait until The set value information is stored (stored) in a predetermined area (set value storage area) of the RAM 203 and managed by the main control unit 20 side. When the setting key switch 94 is turned off, the setting change mode is ended, and the display on the setting display 97 is cleared. Thereafter, the state is shifted to a state in which the game progress is allowed. Therefore, the main control unit 20 selects one of a plurality of types of setting values based on the operation of the predetermined operation means (the setting key switch 94 and the setting change switch 95), and thereby the game is related to the game. It functions as "set value selection means" for setting the degree of advantage (the degree of advancing the game to the player).

  The main control unit 20 is connected to a RAM clear switch 98 for initializing a predetermined area of the RAM 203, and the main control unit 20 can receive a detection signal of the RAM clear switch 98.

  Further, the performance display 99 is connected to the main control unit, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for controlling display of predetermined game result information displayed on the performance display 99.

(About game result information displayed on performance indicator 99)
The performance display 99 functions as specific game information display means for displaying information (hereinafter, referred to as “performance information”) relating to the game results for a predetermined period, and includes a plurality of 7-segment displays. In the present embodiment, by confirming the performance information, it is possible to visually check the inside of the gaming machine so as to easily confirm the presence or absence of an illegal prize ball, such as an excess prize ball, for the gaming machine, and the original payout performance of the gaming machine. For example, the main control unit (main control board) 20, the payout control board 28, the emission control board 29, the relay board, or the effect control unit (effect control board (including the liquid crystal control board)). 24 and the like can be provided at appropriate places inside the gaming machine. Here, the following information can be specifically adopted as the performance information.

(1) The total number of paid-out balls (specified total number of prize balls: α) paid out by winning in the specific state is calculated as the total number of out balls discharged from the out port 49 in the specific state (specific out-of-specification). Information (specific ratio information) based on the value (α / β) divided by the number (β) can be adopted as the performance information.
The “total number of payouts” is the total value of game balls (prize balls) paid out when a prize port (upper start port 34, lower start port 35, general prize port 43, large prize port 50) is won. It is. In the case of the present embodiment, there are three upper starting ports 34 or lower starting ports 35, thirteen large winning ports 50, and ten general winning ports 43.
Further, which state is adopted as the specific state depends on what kind of state the performance information is desired to be grasped. It can be determined as appropriate. In the case of the present embodiment, any of the normal state, the latent state, the time saving state, the probability change state, the big hit game, the small hit game, and CZ can be adopted. Further, a plurality of types of states may be measured. For example, a normal state and a probable change state, a normal state and a small hit game, all game states except a hit game, and the like can be determined as appropriate.
Further, as the period in the specific state, a period in which the jackpot lottery probability is a low probability state or a high probability state may be adopted.
In addition, the total payout number obtained by excluding one or more specific winning ports from the measurement target may be used as the total payout number (specific payout port excluded total payout number). For example, among the winning openings, the winning opening 50 which is excluded from the measurement target may be used as the total payout number.

  (2) In addition, only one of the total payout number, the specific payout port excluded total payout number, and the total number of out balls may be measured, and the measurement result may be used as performance information.

  In the present embodiment, the total number of payouts in the normal state (number of normal payouts) and the total number of out balls in the normal state (number of normal outs) are measured in real time, and the number of normal payouts is calculated as the number of normal outs. Is displayed as performance information (hereinafter, referred to as "normal time ratio information") (a value calculated by multiplying the value divided by 100 by the number of normal times / the number of normal time payouts / 100 times the number of normal time payouts). The value is rounded off to the first decimal place.) Therefore, the data of the normal payout number, the normal out number, and the normal ratio information are respectively stored in the predetermined areas of the RAM 203 (hereinafter, these data and the total state out ball count, which will be described later). The storage area is referred to as a “measurement information storage area”). However, the performance information is not displayed simply by measuring it permanently, but when the total number of out-balls reaches a predetermined specified number (for example, 60000), the measurement is temporarily terminated. The specified number is not the total number of out-balls in the normal state, but the total number of out-balls in all game states (including a hit game) (hereinafter, referred to as “all state out-ball numbers”). The number of all out balls is also measured in real time and stored in a predetermined area (measurement information storage area) of the RAM.

  Then, the normal time ratio information at the end is stored in a predetermined area (performance display storage area) of the RAM 203 (this time normal time ratio information is stored), and thereafter, the measurement information storage area (normal time payout number, normal time out number) And the number of balls in all states are cleared), and then the measurement is started again (measurement of the number of normal state payouts, the number of normal state outs, the normal state ratio information, and the number of all state out balls). Then, the performance indicator 99 displays the previous normal ratio information (measurement history information) and the normal ratio information currently being measured. Not only the previous information but also the history before the last time or before (three times before) may be displayed, and the number of times before the information is displayed can be determined as appropriate.

  Further, the main control unit 20 can transmit various effect control commands including information on the special symbol change display game and information on the error to the effect control unit 24 according to the processing state. However, in order to prevent the goto action, the main control unit 20 only transmits a signal to the effect control unit 24, and has a configuration of one-way communication in which a signal from the effect control unit 24 cannot be received. .

(2-2. Effect control unit 24)
The effect control unit 24 includes a microprocessor 241 having a built-in CPU 241 (effect control CPU), a ROM 242 (effect control ROM) storing effect data required for effect control processing, and a RAM 243 (functioning as a work area and a buffer memory). And a microcomputer equipped with an effect control RAM), an acoustic control unit (sound source IC), an RTC function unit (Real Time Clock), a counter circuit, an interrupt controller circuit, a reset circuit, a WDT circuit, and the like. And controls the overall production operation.

  The main role of the effect control unit 24 is to receive an effect control command from the main control unit 20, to select an effect based on the effect control command, to control the image display of the liquid crystal display device 36, to control the sound of the speaker 46, to provide a decorative lamp. Light emission control of the LED 45 and various LEDs (the button LED 75 and other effect LEDs (not shown)), the operation control of the movable object, and the like.

  The effect control unit 24 includes a display control unit (not shown) that controls display of the liquid crystal display device 36. The display control unit includes a VDP that controls overall image output processing such as image expansion processing and image drawing, an image ROM that stores image data (effect image data) on which the VDP performs image expansion processing, and a VDP that stores the image data. (Video RAM) for temporarily storing the obtained image data, a liquid crystal control CPU for outputting control data necessary for the VDP to perform display control, a program describing a display control operation procedure of the liquid crystal control CPU, It mainly comprises a liquid crystal control ROM for storing various data necessary for display control, and a liquid crystal control RAM functioning as a work area and a buffer memory.

  In addition, the effect control unit 24 controls the decorative lamp 45 and the clock board unit (number display unit) of the clock-type accessory 80 in order to present various effects (light effects, sound effects, and movable object effects with the movable object). ) An optical display control unit for the optical display device 45a including the LED 81 and various LEDs, an audio control unit (sound source LSI) for the audio generation device 46a including the speaker 46, and a movable body actuating a movable body (not shown). A drive control unit (motor drive circuit) for the motor 80c is provided.

  The effect control unit 24 is connected to a position detection sensor 82a that monitors the operation of the movable object, and the effect control unit 24 determines the current operation of the movable object based on the detection information from the position detection sensor 82a. The operation mode is controlled while monitoring the position (for example, the movement amount from the origin position). In addition, based on the detection information from the position detection sensor 82a, a malfunction in the operation of the movable object is monitored, and if a malfunction occurs, this is reported as an error.

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

  The production control unit 24 determines, based on the production control command sent from the main control unit 20, by lottery or uniquely from a plurality of prepared production patterns in advance, and performs various production means at necessary timing. Control to make the desired effect appear. 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 turning on and off of the decoration lamp 45 and the LED are realized, and various effect patterns (decorative pattern change display operation and "Preliminary productions etc." are developed in chronological order, thereby realizing a "production scenario" in a broad sense.

  The effect control command defines a function with a 2-byte configuration including a 1-byte mode (MODE) and a 1-byte event (EVENT). To distinguish MODE and EVENT, Bit7 of MODE is used. Bit7 of ON and EVENT is OFF. When transmitting such information as valid, a strobe signal is output corresponding to each of the mode (MODE) and the event (EVENT). That is, when there is a command to be transmitted, the CPU 201 (main control CPU) sets and outputs mode (MODE) information for transmitting the command to the effect control unit 24, and performs the first time after a predetermined time elapses from this setting. Is transmitted. Further, event (EVENT) information is set and output after a lapse of a predetermined time from the transmission of the strobe signal, and a second transmission of the strobe signal is performed after a lapse of a predetermined time from the setting. The strobe signal is controlled to an active state by the CPU 201 for a predetermined period during which the CPU 241 (production control CPU) can reliably receive a command.

  The effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) generates an interrupt based on the input of the strobe signal, executes a control program for command reception interrupt processing, and acquires an effect control command in the interrupt processing. Has become. Also, unlike the CPU 201, when an interrupt occurs based on the input of a strobe signal, the CPU 241 is executing an interrupt process based on another interrupt (a timer interrupt process that is periodically executed). Even if there is, the command reception interrupt process is performed by interrupting the process, and the command reception interrupt process is preferentially performed even if other interrupts occur at the same time.

<3. Outline of operation>
Next, a game operation of the gaming machine 1 using the control device (FIG. 3) will be described.

(3-1. Symbol change display game)
(3-1-1. Special design variation display game, decorative design variation display game)
In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, based on predetermined starting conditions, specifically, based on the fact that a game ball has entered the upper starting port 34 or the lower starting port 35 (winning), the main controller 20 "Big hit lottery" is performed by random number lottery. The main control unit 20 displays the special symbols 1 and 2 on the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b based on the result of the lottery and starts the special symbol variation display game. The display is displayed on the device, and the special symbol variation display game is thereby terminated.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the jackpot lottery based on the winning in the upper starting port 34 and the jackpot lottering based on the winning in the lower starting port 35 are performed separately and independently. For this reason, the jackpot lottery result for the upper starting port 34 is derived on the special symbol display device 38a side, and the jackpot lottery result for the lower starting port 35 is derived on the special symbol display device 38b side. Specifically, on the special symbol display device 38a side, on condition that a game ball has entered the upper starting port 34, the special symbol 1 is variably displayed to start the first special symbol variability display game, On the other hand, on the special symbol display device 38b side, on condition that a game ball has entered the lower starting port 35, the special symbol 2 is variably displayed and the second special symbol variance 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 has elapsed, if the jackpot lottery result is “big hit”, a predetermined “big hit” In this mode, in other cases, the special symbol being displayed in a variable manner is stopped and displayed in a predetermined "losing" mode, whereby a game result (big hit lottery result) is derived.

  In this specification, for convenience of explanation, the first special symbol display game on the special symbol display device 38a is referred to as "special symbol display game 1", and the second special symbol display game 38b on the special symbol display device 38b is used. The variation display game is referred to as “special symbol variation display game 2”. Unless otherwise required, “special symbol 1” and “special symbol 2” are simply referred to as “special symbols” (sometimes abbreviated as “special symbols”), and “special symbol variation display game 1” and “special symbols”. The symbol variation display game 2 "is simply referred to as a" special symbol variation display game. "

  When the above-described special symbol variation display game is started, a decorative symbol (a staging game symbol) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 in a variable manner, thereby starting a decorative symbol variation display game. Various effects are developed. When the special symbol variation display game ends, the decorative symbol variation display game also terminates, the special symbol display device reflects a predetermined special symbol indicating the jackpot lottery result, and the liquid crystal display device 36 reflects the jackpot lottery result. The decorative design is derived and displayed. In other words, the result of the special symbol variation display game is reflected and displayed by the stunning decorative symbol variation display game including the decorative symbol variation display operation.

  Therefore, for example, when the result of the special symbol change display game is “big hit” (when the big hit lottery result is “big hit”), an effect reflecting the result is developed in the decorative symbol change display game. When the special symbol display device is stopped and displayed in a display mode in which the special symbol indicates a big hit (for example, the display state of 7-segment is “7”), the liquid crystal display device 36 displays “left”, “middle”, “right”. In each display area, the decorative pattern reflects the "big hit" (for example, in each display area of "left", "middle" and "right", three decorative patterns are "7", "7" and " 7 is displayed).

  When this "big hit" is reached, specifically, the special symbol change display game ends, and the decorative symbol change display game ends accordingly, and as a result, the symbol mode of "big hit" is derived and displayed. Thereafter, the special winning opening solenoid 52c of the special variable winning device 52 operates to open and close the opening door 52b in a predetermined pattern, thereby opening and closing the special winning opening 50, which is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state. A special game state (big hit game) occurs. In this jackpot game, the opening door 52b allows the opening time of the special winning opening to elapse a predetermined time (maximum opening time: for example, 29.8 seconds) or the number of game balls winning the special winning opening (the special winning opening). 50 winning prize balls) a predetermined number (maximum winning number: the upper limit of the number of prize balls allowed for the winning opening which is opened or enlarged by one operation of the accessory: for example, 9) Until the winning area is opened or expanded, and if any of these conditions is satisfied, the special winning opening is closed. Round) repeated.

  When the big hit game starts, an opening effect for notifying that the big hit has started is performed first, and after the opening effect ends, the round game is performed a plurality of times with a predetermined number of rounds as an upper limit. Then, after the end of the prescribed number of rounds, an ending effect for notifying that the big hit is to be ended is performed, whereby the big hit game is ended.

  Regarding the information necessary for the execution of the above-described decorative symbol variation display game, first, the main control unit 20 determines that the game ball has entered (wins) the upper starting port 34 or the lower starting port 35, and specifically, On the condition that a game ball is detected by the upper starting port sensor 34a or the lower starting port sensor 35a and a starting condition (a starting condition relating to a special symbol) is established, a "big hit", "small hit", or "losing" The lottery to determine which one is "winning lottery (win / win type lottery)", and if it is "big hit", the big hit type is "small hit", and if it is "small hit", the small hit type is "losing". If there is a lottery, a big hit lottery including “symbol lottery (winning type (hit type) lottery)” that performs lottery of the loss type is performed. (If there is only one small hit or loss, there is no need to perform the type lottery. , Skip that lottery May be), that based on the lottery result information, and the variation pattern of the special symbols, special symbol (hereinafter which finally stopped and displayed in accordance with the winning type, determines the referred) to as "special stop symbol." Then, as a production control command for specifying the processing state, the production control unit 24 sends a “variation pattern designation command” including at least fluctuation pattern information of a special symbol (for example, information on a jackpot lottery result and fluctuation time of the special symbol). Send. Thereby, the basic information required for the decorative symbol change display game is sent to the effect control unit 24. In the present embodiment, a “decorative design designation command” including information on special stop symbols (symbol lottery result information (information on hit type)) is also transmitted to the effect control unit 24 in order to enrich the effect variations. It has become.

  The fluctuation pattern information of the special symbol may include information specifying whether or not a specific notice effect (for example, “reach effect” or “pseudo-sequence effect” described later) has occurred. More specifically, the variation pattern of the special symbol is roughly classified into a “hit variation pattern” in the case of a hit and a “loss variation pattern” in the case of a loss, according to the jackpot lottery result. These fluctuation patterns include, for example, a “reach fluctuation pattern” that specifies occurrence of a reach effect described later, a “normal fluctuation pattern” that does not specify the occurrence of a reach effect, and the occurrence (duplicate occurrence) of a pseudo continuous effect and a reach effect. A plurality of types of variation patterns are included, such as a specified “reach variation pattern with pseudo-sequence” and a “normal variation pattern with pseudo-sequence” that specifies generation of a pseudo-representation and does not specify occurrence of a reach effect. In addition, in order to secure the production time of the reach production and the pseudo continuous production, the fluctuation time for specifying the reach production and the pseudo continuous production is usually longer than the normal fluctuation pattern.

  The effect control unit 24 performs a time-series operation during the decorative design change display game based on information included in the effect control commands (here, the change pattern designating command and the decorative design designating command) sent from the main control unit 20. Decide the contents of the effect to be developed in the game (the effect scenario such as a notice effect) and the decorative pattern to be finally stopped and displayed (decorative stop pattern), and display the decorative pattern according to the time schedule based on the special pattern fluctuation pattern. The symbol variation display game is executed. In this way, the decorative symbols on the liquid crystal display device 36 are variably displayed in time synchronization with the special symbols variably displayed by the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, and the period of the special symbol variance display game and during the decorative symbol variance display game Is substantially the same time width. The effect control unit 24 controls the liquid crystal display device 36, the light display device 45a, or the sound generation device 46a, respectively, so as to correspond to the effect scenario, and develops various effects in the decorative design change display game. Thereby, the reproduction of the image (image effect), the reproduction of the sound effect (sound effect), and the lighting and blinking drive (light effect) of the decorative lamp 45, the LED, and the like on the liquid crystal display device 36 are realized.

  As described above, the special symbol variation display game and the decorative symbol variation display game have an inseparable relationship, and the one reflecting the display result of the special symbol variation display game is to be expressed in the decoration symbol variation display game. The two symbol variation display games may be regarded as equivalent symbol games. In the present specification, the two symbol variation display games may be simply referred to as “symbol variation display games” unless otherwise required.

(3-1-2. Normal design fluctuation display game)
Further, in the gaming machine 1, based on the passing (winning) of the game ball through the normal symbol starting port 37, the main control unit 20 performs “random assistance lottery” by random number lottery. Based on the result of the lottery, the ordinary symbol represented by the LED is displayed on the ordinary symbol display device 39a in a variable manner, and the normal symbol variation display game is started. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the result is changed to a combination of lighting and non-lighting of the LED. And stop display. For example, when the result of the normal symbol variation display game is “auxiliary hit”, the display portion of the normal symbol display device 39a is turned on in a specific lighting state (for example, all the two LEDs 39 are turned on or “O” and “ The stop display is performed when the LED on the “○” side of the LEDs expressing “x” is turned on).

  When the "assistance hit" occurs, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 41c (see FIG. 3) operates, whereby the movable wing piece 47 opens in an inverted "C" shape and the lower starting port 35 is opened. Alternatively, the game ball is enlarged to be in a state where the game ball easily flows in (starting port opened state), and an auxiliary game state (hereinafter, referred to as a “generic power opening game”) which is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state occurs. In this open-duty opening game, the movable wing 47 of the normal fluctuation winning device 41 waits until the opening time of the lower starting port 35 elapses a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) or the lower starting port 35 is won. Until the number of game balls reaches a predetermined number (for example, four), the winning area is opened or expanded, and when any of these conditions is satisfied, the lower starting port 35 is closed for a predetermined number of times (for example, , Up to two times).

  Here, in the present embodiment, during the special / decorative symbol variation display game, during the normal symbol variation display game, during the jackpot game, or during the open electric game, the upper starting port 34 or the lower starting port 35 or the normal symbol starting port. When a prize is generated, that is, when a detection signal is input from the upper starting opening sensor 34a, the lower starting opening sensor 35a, or the ordinary symbol starting opening sensor 37a, and the corresponding starting condition (symbol game starting condition) is satisfied. This is stored as a data relating to the right to start the variable display game, up to a predetermined upper limit of the maximum number of stored storages (for example, up to four), except for data related to the variable display game. . The pending data on hold that has not been subjected to the symbol change display operation or the game ball related to the pending data is also referred to as an “operation pending ball”. In order to clarify the number of the operation reserve balls to the player, a reserve display (not shown) provided at an appropriate place of the gaming machine 1 or a reserve display provided as an icon image on a screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 Light up the display.

  In the present embodiment, up to four operation-holding balls relating to the special symbol 1, the special symbol 2, and the normal symbol are stored in the corresponding storage area of the RAM 203 at the maximum, and are held as the number of times the special symbol or the normal symbol is changed. Note that the maximum storage number (maximum storage number) of the number of operation-reserved balls for the special symbol 1, the special symbol 2, and the ordinary symbol is not particularly limited. In addition, all or a part of the maximum reserved storage number of each symbol may be different, and the number can be appropriately determined according to the game property.

(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 gaming states in addition to the above-mentioned jackpot which is a special gaming state. To facilitate understanding of the present invention, first, various game states will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to control execution of five types of gaming states: a normal state, a time saving state, a latent state, a probability changing state, and a CZ (chance mode). These gaming states are distinguished depending on whether a jackpot lottery probability state (low-probability state, high-probability state) or an electric-chu support state (privilege game) has occurred (with or without electric support).

  The “electric-chu support state” means that the open operation period (at least one of the opening time of the movable wing piece 47 and the number of times of opening) of the movable wing piece 47 of the ordinary fluctuation prize winning device 41 in the normal electric power opening game is a normal state. It refers to the "open extended state" which is extended. When the open extended state occurs, the open operation period of the movable wing piece 47 is extended from, for example, 0.2 seconds in normal time (under the non-open extended state) to 1.7 seconds, and the number of times of opening and closing is increased, for example. It is extended from one time at normal time to two or three times. In the case of the present embodiment, in the electric-chu support state, the lottery probability per assistance changes from a low probability (for example, 1/256) of a predetermined probability (normal probability) to a high probability (for example, 255/256). (Normal symbol probability variation state) occurs, and a 'normal symbol time reduction state' occurs, which shortens the average time (normal symbol variation display operation time) required for one ordinary symbol variation display game (for example, 10 seconds to 1 second). Therefore, when the electric-chu support state occurs, the open-end game is frequently performed, and the operation rate is improved (high base state) in which the operation rate of the movable wing piece 47 per unit time is higher than in the normal state. Hereinafter, the state in which the electric tuner is supported is abbreviated as “with electric support”, and the other case is abbreviated as “without electric support”.

  In the present embodiment, the "normal state" is a low probability (for example, 1/399) of a jackpot lottery probability of a predetermined probability (normal probability), and a gaming state without electric support (low probability + no electric support). Say.

  In the “time reduction state”, the jackpot lottery probability is as low as the normal state, but the average time required for one special symbol change display game (special symbol change display operation time) is the normal state. The "special symbol time-saving state" which is shorter than that occurs, and the gaming state in which the electric chew support state is set. In other words, during the time reduction state, the state is “low probability + with electric support + special symbol time reduction state”.

  The “latent state” is a “special symbol probable state” in which the jackpot lottery probability has increased to a higher probability (for example, 1 / 39.9) than the low probability described above, and a gaming state without electric support. (High probability, no electricity support).

  The “probable change state” refers to a gaming state in which the special jackpot lottery probability is as high as the latent probability state, but the special symbol time reduction state and the electric chew support state occur. In other words, during the probable change state, the state is "high probability + there is an electric support + a special symbol time reduction state".

  The “CZ (chance mode)” is used as a game state for concealing the jackpot lottery probability in the effect. In the case of the present embodiment, “CZ” is provided with “CZ (latent)” under the latent state and “CZ (normal)” under the normal state. When the mode is shifted to “CZ (normal)” or “CZ (latent)”, the later-described effect mode is shifted to the substantially same “CZ effect mode (chance effect mode)”. Thus, in the effect, the jackpot lottery probability state (high probability, low probability) is kept secret, and the player is given a guess element of the game state to excite the game. Note that the CZ is such that the special figure change display game is completed one of two to four times (see the remarks column in FIG. 4). The state is shifted to the latent state, and if "CZ (normal)", the state is shifted to the normal state. In addition, the mode is shifted to the corresponding effect mode, whereby the confidential state is released and the current game state is clarified in the effect.

  Therefore, focusing on the jackpot lottery probability regarding the gaming state, if the gaming state is “normal state”, “time saving state” or “CZ (normal)”, at least the jackpot lottery probability becomes “low probability state”, When the state is the “latent state” or the “probable state”, at least the jackpot lottery probability becomes the “high probability state”. During the big hit, a big hit game in which the big winning opening is opened and closed occurs, but the big hit lottery probability and the presence or absence of the electric support are set in the same game state as the above-mentioned normal state with a low probability and no electric support.

<4. About hits>
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the "hit" of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described.

(4-1. About hit type and hit game)
The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to perform a large hit lottery (hit lottery) for a plurality of types of hits. The hit type includes “16R open long jackpot”, “12R open jackpot”, “12R open short jackpot”, “5R open jackpot”, “5R open short jackpot”, There are a plurality of types of hits, such as "2R short open latent big hits", "2R short open short hits A and B", and "small hits (small hits A, small hits B)" belonging to the non-big hit type.

  The big hit type is a hit that triggers the operation of the condition device, and the “small hit” is a hit that belongs to the “non-big hit” type that does not trigger the operation of the condition device. Here, the "condition device" is a device whose operation is a condition required for the operation of the continuous actuation device for performing a round game, and a combination of specific special symbols is displayed, or a game ball is displayed. It is activated when it passes through a specific area within the special winning opening. Each of the hits belonging to the “big hit” type and the hits belonging to the “non-big hit” type (small hits) is a transition trigger (occurrence trigger) to a special game state (hit game) involving opening / closing operation of a winning port. It is a hit. Therefore, hits belonging to the “non-big hit” type are different from mere “losing”. Although the "small hit" is a hit belonging to the "non-big hit" type, it is handled in the same row as one of the big hit types without distinction from the above-mentioned big hit unless otherwise required.

  Among the hits belonging to the 'big hit' type, “probable change big hit” is a big hit that shifts the game state after the big hit game ends to the certain change state, and “time saving big hit” is a time reduction state (60 or 100 times of time reduction). ), The “big hit” is a big hit that shifts to a latent state. However, the game state of the transition destination may be different depending on the gaming state that has won the big hit. For example, if the 2R short open latent big hit has been won, as shown in the drawing, depending on the gaming state at the time of the winning. The transfer destination is different. For example, when the winning is performed in the normal state, the processing is shifted to “CZ (four times: latent)”. "CZ (4 times: latent)" when winning, "Latent" when winning in CZ (latency), "Probable" "Has been moved to.

  The notation such as “16R, 12R, 5R, 2R” relating to the hit type in FIG. 4 means a defined round number (maximum round number), respectively. "Long opening" means that the maximum opening time of the special winning opening in one round game is set to "long opening time (for example, 29.8 seconds)", and the winning in the special winning opening is set. It indicates a hit type that can be expected to reach the maximum winning number (9). On the other hand, "short opening" means that the maximum opening time of the big winning opening in one round game is set to "short opening time (for example, 0.1 second)", and almost no winning is expected. (It may not be possible to win) Refers to the hit type. Therefore, in the case of the present embodiment, regarding the profit state during the big hit game, the 16R long open probability variable hit is the highest, and the 2R short open latent probability big hit is the lowest.

  The latent state or the probable state is determined when the number of executions of the special symbol variation display game is completed a predetermined number of times (for example, 70 times: the specified ST number) without winning the big hit type (excluding the small hit winning). This is a so-called “number-of-times-change probability machine (ST machine)” that ends the high-probability state and shifts to the low-probability state. When the specified number of STs ends, the next game is shifted to the normal state. However, it may be a "general probability changing machine" of a type that continues until the next big hit is won. It should be noted that the number of executions of the special symbol change display game may be the total number of executions of the special symbol change display game 1 and the special symbol change display game 2 (total number of changes of the special figures 1 and 2). One of the number of executions (for example, the number of executions of the special symbol variation display game 2) may be used. Also, the number of time saving states is not limited to 60 times or 100 times, and can be appropriately determined according to the game characteristics. There is no particular limitation on what kind of contact is provided, and it can be determined as appropriate.

  Next, a winning game based on the small hits A and B (hereinafter, referred to as “small hitting game”) will be described. In the small hit game, the opening of the big winning opening is performed twice in a short opening, and the opening and closing operation of the big winning opening 50 that is caught from the appearance during the small hit game is performed with the upper 2R short opening latent big hit. Is controlled in substantially the same manner as that of the big hit game. Since the “small hit” is a hit type that does not trigger the activation of the “condition device”, a round game like the “big hit” is not executed. However, by controlling the opening and closing of the special winning opening in substantially the same manner as the 2R short opening latency big hit, a pseudo round game was realized, and apparently, the 2R short opening latency big hit was won. It is possible to dress like this.

  In the small hitting game, “the hitting effect (the effect that appears during the hitting game)” is an effect that is substantially the same (same or very similar) as the hitting effect during the 2R latent big hit game. It has become. In other words, the operation related to the small hit game including the middle hit effect shows substantially the same behavior as the game operation related to the 2R short open latent large hit, and from the player's side, which of the hit games is being executed Is difficult or impossible to identify. As a result, even when a small hit is won, the player can be given a feeling of winning expectation for a “2R short open latent large hit” which is a trigger for shifting to a high probability state. In addition, when the small hit is won, as shown in FIG. 4, the hit game may be shifted to the “CZ (chance mode)” similar to the case where the 2R short open latent large hit is won, Until the CZ ends (until the CZ production mode ends), it is possible to keep secret whether or not a high probability state exists in the production, and to excite the expectation of winning in a potential big hit.

<5. About production>
(5-1. Production mode)
Next, the effect mode (effect state) will be described. The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of types of effect modes for displaying effects related to the gaming state, and is configured to be able to move between the effect modes. Specifically, there are provided a normal effect mode, a time-saving effect mode, a latent effect effect mode, and a probability effect mode corresponding to each of a normal state, a time-saving state, a latent state, a probable state, and a CZ (chance mode). . In each of the effect modes, the background display as the background of the decorative design change display screen is displayed with different background effects, so that the player can grasp what kind of playing state the player is currently in. It has become. In the case of "CZ (normal)" or "CZ (latent)", the mode shifts to the same CZ effect mode. Therefore, the CZ effect mode plays a role as a “secret effect mode” in which the jackpot lottery probability state is kept secret from the effect.

  The effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) has a function unit (effect state transition control means) that controls transition between a plurality of types of effect modes. The effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) transmits a specific effect control command sent from the main control unit 20 (CPU 201), specifically, a “specific effect including game state information managed by the main control unit 20 side. Based on the "control command", the current game state is grasped in a form that maintains consistency with the game state managed by the main control unit 20, and transition control between a plurality of effect modes can be performed. Such effect control commands include, for example, 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.

(5-3. Notice production)
Next, the announcement effect will be described. The effect control unit 24 performs various operations related to the current effect mode and the jackpot lottery result based on the content of the effect control command from the main control unit 20, specifically, at least the fluctuation pattern information included in the fluctuation pattern designation command. It is configured to be able to control the appearance of a “notice effect”. Such a notice effect suggests (notices) the degree of expectation (hereinafter referred to as “winning degree expectation”) as to whether or not the winning type has been won, and is used as a “fearing effect” to inspire the player's expectation of winning. work. Representative examples of the notice production include “reach production” and “simulated consecutive production”, as well as a look-ahead preview production. The effect control unit 24 includes a notice effect control unit capable of controlling (presenting) these effects.

  The “reach effect” refers to an effect mode with a reach state (variable display mode with a reach state: reach fluctuation pattern). Specifically, the final game result is derived and displayed via the reach state. It refers to various production modes. The reach effect includes a plurality of types of reach effects associated with the winning expectation. For example, in some cases, the winning expectation is relatively higher than when a normal reach effect (N reach) appears. Such a reach production is referred to as a “super reach production (SP reach)”. Many of the “SP reach” have a relatively longer production time (variation time) than the N reach in order to increase the expectation of winning. N-reach and SP-reach include multiple types of reach effects. For example, SP reach includes a plurality of types of reach effects of SP reach A, B, and C, and the degree of expectation of winning is to have a relationship of “SP reach A <SP reach B <SP reach C”. Can be.

  “Pseudo continuous production” refers to an effect mode involving a pseudo continuous variation display state (pseudo variation) of a decorative symbol, and “pseudo variation” refers to a part or a part of a decorative symbol during a decorative symbol variation display game. This is a variable display mode in which the display operation is repeated once or multiple times, such as temporarily suspending all of them, and executing the re-variable display operation of the decorative symbol from the temporary stop state. This point is different from the “read ahead notice effect (continuous notice effect)” described later, which is developed over a plurality of symbol change display games. Such a “pseudo-run” is basically defined in such a manner that the higher the number of pseudo fluctuations, the higher the expected hitting degree, and the occurrence rate is determined. For example, according to the number of pseudo fluctuations, SP reach, etc. It is used as a notice for directing expectations.

  In addition, the “read ahead notice effect” refers to an operation-holding ball (an undigested operation-holding ball) that has not yet been provided for the execution of the symbol change display game (special symbol change display operation). This is an effect mode in which a winning expectation degree can be reported in advance before the operation-holding ball is used in the symbol change display game by using a background effect of the symbol change display game executed earlier. In the symbol variation display game, various effects such as a so-called "character notice effect" and a "step-up notice effect" are generated in addition to the "reach effect" to excite the game contents.

  Here, the screen display of the liquid crystal display device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the case of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a display area for displaying a decorative design variable display game (a decorative display variable display effect and a notice effect are displayed in the upper display area in the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36). A display area 76 (reservation display sections a1 to d1) for displaying the number of operation-reserved balls of the special symbol 1 and a special symbol are provided in a lower display area in the screen. A hold display area 77 (hold display sections a2 to d2) for displaying the number of operation-holding balls on the second side is provided. Regarding the presence or absence of the operation-holding ball, the fact is notified by a predetermined hold display mode. In the figure, the presence or absence of the operation-holding ball is lit (the operation-holding ball is present: “○ (white circle)” in the figure) or the light is turned off (there is no operation-holding ball: the broken line circle in the figure) and the current operation is held. An example is shown in which information about the number of balls is reported.

  The display regarding the presence or absence of the operation pending ball (reservation display) is sequentially displayed in the order of occurrence (winning order). In each of the suspension display areas 76 and 77, the leftmost operation suspension ball is displayed in all the activations in the suspension display. It is displayed as an operation-holding ball that occurs first on the time axis (that is, the oldest) among the holding balls. Further, on the left side of the reserved display areas 76 and 77, there is provided a moving display area 78 for indicating the operation reserved ball currently being used in the special symbol variable display game. In the case of this embodiment, the changing display area 78 is configured so that an image in which an icon of a game execution pending K currently being offered for a game is displayed on an icon of the seat J. That is, when the variable display of the special symbol 1 or the special symbol 2 is started, the oldest icon (icon image) of the hold a1 or a2 displayed in the hold display regions 76 and 77 is replaced with the game execution hold K. As an icon, the icon moves to the icon of the seat J in the changing display area 78, and the state is maintained for a predetermined display time.

  When an operation-holding ball is generated, the main control unit 20 sends the pre-reading determination information related to the jackpot lottery result and the number of operation-holding balls at the time of the pre-reading determination (the number of existing operation-holding balls including the operation-holding ball generated this time). Is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (see steps S319 to S322 in FIG. 14). The hold addition command is composed of 2 bytes, and in the case of the present embodiment, the hold addition command is used to specify data of the upper byte that enables the number of operation-holding balls at the time of prefetch determination to be specified, and that the prefetch determination information can be specified. And lower byte side data.

  When the effect control unit 24 receives the hold addition command, based on the look-ahead determination information included in the command, the effect control unit 24 performs an effect control process related to the “pre-read notice effect” as part of the display control process related to the hold display. Specifically, a look-ahead notice lottery is performed to determine whether or not the look-ahead notice effect can be executed, and when this is won, a look-ahead notice effect is displayed. The winning probability by the above-mentioned look-ahead notice lottery is higher for the "big hit" than for the "losing" and for the reach type where the expectation of winning is relatively high, and the look-ahead notice effect occurs. Depending on whether or not the jackpot is won, the degree of expectation of winning is shown.

  Here, the look-ahead determination information specifically refers to the jackpot lottery result (the jackpot lottery result at the start of the change) and the change in the main control unit 20 when the operation-holding ball is provided to the symbol change display game. This is the game information obtained when the fluctuation pattern at the start is determined in advance. That is, this information includes at least information on prefetch determination of the result of the lottery at the start of the change (prefetched hit information), other information on the prefetch determination of the result of the symbol lottery (prefetched symbol information), and the fluctuation at the start of the change. Information (prefetch fluctuation pattern information) that has determined the pattern to be prefetched can be included. What kind of information including the hold addition command to send to the effect control unit 24 can be appropriately determined according to the content notified in the pre-reading advance notice. In addition, the "look-ahead variation pattern" obtained by the look-ahead determination at the time of the operation pending ball occurrence is not necessarily the "variation pattern at the start of the variation" itself obtained when the operation pending ball is actually subjected to the variation display operation. There is no. Regarding this, for example, a case where the variation pattern at the start of the variation is a variation pattern designating “SP reach A” will be representatively described. In this case, the content designated by the look-ahead variation pattern is “SP reach”. It is possible to specify not the type of the reach effect "A" itself but the "SP reach type" that is the gist of the type.

  In the case of this embodiment, when the pre-fetch notice lottery is won, among the hold icons of the hold display sections a1 to d1 and a2 to d2, the hold icon targeted for the prefetch notice is, for example, a normal hold display. Pre-reading of "hold display change system" such as changing from white (normal hold display mode) to a special hold color or color hold display (special hold display mode) such as blue, green, red, and rainbow of the advance notice display A preview performance is performed. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the hatched operation holding ball of the holding display section b1 is changed to a special holding display. Here, the blue, green, red, and rainbow display of the hold icons means that the winning expectation is higher in the order of the colors. In particular, the display of the rainbow hold icon is a big hit determination (accurate). It is a premium holding icon to be displayed. Therefore, the suspension display section functions as suspension display means for displaying the number of operation suspensions. However, when executing the prefetch notice effect, the hold display mode of the corresponding one of the hold display sections a1 to d1 and a2 to d2 is changed to a predetermined prefetch notice display mode (special hold display mode). This serves as a means for generating a prefetch notice effect.

(5-4. Production means)
Various effects in the gaming machine 1 are produced by the effect means provided in the gaming machine. Such a directing means may be any stimulus transmitting means capable of exerting a directing effect by appealing to human perception such as sight, hearing, touch, etc., and may be a light generating means such as a decorative lamp 45 or an LED device. ), A sound generating device (sound effect means) such as a speaker 46, an effect display device (display means) such as a liquid crystal display device 36, a pressurizing device for transmitting a contact pressure to an operator's body, and applying a wind pressure to a player's body. A typical example is a wind pressure device, or a movable object that exerts a visual effect by its operation. Here, the effect display device is a display device that appeals visually similarly to the image display device, but differs from the image display device in that it also includes a non-image-based display device (for example, a 7-segment display). When referred to as an image display device, it mainly refers to a type in which an effect is produced by image display, and a device that produces an effect by means other than an image, such as a 7-segment display, is included in the concept of the effect display device.

<Process on Main Controller: FIGS. 6 to 15>
Next, a game operation process on the main control unit 20 side of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The processing of the main control unit 20 mainly includes a predetermined main process (main control side main process: FIG. 6) and a timer interrupt process (main control side timer interrupt process started by a periodic interrupt from the CTC: 11).

<10. Main control side main processing: FIG. 6>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the main processing on the main control unit 20 side. The main processing is started when a system reset occurs due to a system reset signal from the power supply board at the time of recovery from a power failure state or power supply abnormality, or when the control program runs away, causing the watchdog timer function (WDT) to start. Is exerted to forcefully reset the CPU (WDT reset). In any case, when the main process is started, the main control unit 20 (CPU 201) first performs an initial setting process necessary for starting a game operation, such as initial setting of a register of each unit including the CPU 201. (Step S011). The initial setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  After completing the initial setting process in step S011, the CTC for generating a timer interrupt is set periodically every 4 ms (step S012). Thereafter, an interrupt request signal to the interrupt controller is periodically output, and a later-described main control timer interrupt process (FIG. 11) is executed. Although details will be described later, in the main control side timer interrupt processing, input management processing for monitoring the ON / OFF state of switches, LED management processing for controlling LED display, various processing related to game progress, and the like are performed. It has become.

  Next, based on whether or not the setting changeable condition is satisfied, a processing route (step S024: FIG. 10 described later) relating to a setting value changing operation (setting changing operation) is executed (step S024). (YES in S023 → S024 → S017) or a processing route (step S014 → S015 → S016 → S017) via “backup confirmation processing (step S016: FIG. 8 described later)” relating to the restoration processing of the backup data backed up when the power is turned off. ). In the case of the present embodiment, the ON / OFF state of the setting key switch 94 and the open / closed state of the front frame 2 are determined to determine whether the “setting changeable condition” is satisfied. It has become.

  The case where the “setting changeable condition” is satisfied means that the setting key switch 94 is in the ON state (step S013: YES) and the door is being opened, that is, the door opening sensor 61 is in the ON state (the front frame 2 is open), as shown in the figure. (State) (step S023: YES). When the setting change enabling condition is satisfied, a “setting value changing process (step S024)” shown in FIG. 10 described later is executed, and a setting value (1 to 6 steps) changing operation is enabled.

  However, in order to determine that the setting key switch 94 is in the ON state in step S013, the setting key switch 94 is turned on while the power supply (main power supply) of the gaming machine is off, and the power supply is turned on with the ON state. Need to be done. That is, in order to change the set value, the setting key switch 94 is set to the setting value change mode side (the setting key switch 94 is turned on) in a state where the power of the gaming machine is not turned on (the power switch is turned off), and the game is performed as it is. It is necessary to turn on the power of the machine (power switch ON). This means that when the game machine is turned on and the setting key switch 94 is turned on, it takes at least several seconds to turn on the setting key switch 94, during which time the main control side executed every 4 ms is required. By the timer interrupt process (FIG. 11), it is determined that the setting key switch 94 is in the OFF state (step S013: NO), and the "backup confirmation process (step S016)" is determined as not satisfying the setting changeable condition. This is because a passing processing route is executed (refer to the processing route of NO in step S013), and a setting value changing operation is prohibited. Therefore, if the user wants to change the set value and turns on the power to the game machine without turning on the setting key switch 94, the power switch of the game machine is turned off once and the power of the game machine is turned off. The switch 94 is turned on, and in this state, the power switch is turned on again to turn on the power to the gaming machine.

  When the setting value change process (step S024) is completed, the process proceeds to the process of step S017 described later.

  On the other hand, when the “setting changeable condition” is not satisfied, that is, when the power is turned on, the setting key switch 94 is not in the ON state (step S013: NO), or when the setting key switch 94 is in the ON state. If the door opening sensor 61 is in the OFF state (step S023: NO), then the protection of the RAM 203 is enabled and the prohibited area is disabled (step S014). As a result, in the subsequent processing, writing of data to the RAM 203 is prohibited.

  Here, the RAM protection is a function of preventing the RAM from being rewritten due to malfunction or erroneous operation. The operation of the RAM protection is as follows. After the occurrence of the system reset or the WDT reset, the protection of the RAM is valid (RAM protection state). When the protection of the RAM is set to valid, data can be read from the RAM, but data cannot be written to the RAM. Therefore, when writing data to the RAM, it is necessary to invalidate the protection of the RAM.

  Further, when the prohibited area is valid, if an access is made to a preset address range (for example, a program related to setting change of a set value), it is determined that an access is made to an area other than the designated area, and an IAT generation signal is output from the IAT circuit. Is output and the IAT reset occurs (the out-of-designated area prohibition (IAT) function), but when the setting of the prohibited area is invalidated, the IAT reset does not occur. When an IAT reset occurs, only the CPU core is reset, and the internal functions are not reset. However, when a system reset or a WDT reset occurs, all internal functions including the CPU core are reset. That is, even if an IAT reset occurs, the RAM does not enter the protected state, and the CTC and WDT are not initialized. However, if a system reset or the WDT reset occurs, the RAM is set to the protected state (valid). CTC and WDT are initialized. However, even when any of the system reset, the WDT reset, and the access error reset is performed, the contents stored in the RAM do not change. When an IAT reset occurs, a system reset may be performed on the assumption that an unauthorized program has been executed.

  Next, a standby screen display command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S015), and the backup confirmation processing shown in FIG. 8 is executed (step S016). When the standby screen display command is transmitted from the main control unit 20, the effect control unit 24 receiving the command uses the effect means to notify the game that the game is being restored at least until the backup confirmation processing is completed. Show the effects during restoration. For example, a special standby image in which characters such as “Please wait” are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 is displayed.

  After the backup confirmation processing (step S016) is completed, the protection of the RAM 203 is invalidated, and the prohibited area is set valid (step S017). As a result, in the subsequent processing, data writing to the RAM 203 is permitted, and access to the specified area is prohibited.

  Next, WDT operation permission is set, and a timeout time (for example, 1000 ms) for generating a timeout signal (WDT reset signal) by the WDT is set (step S018). The WDT is restarted by this process. After that, if the WDT is not cleared within the set timeout period, a WDT reset occurs, the internal functions including the CPU core are reset, and the RAM is set to the protected state. However, during a normal operation, the WDT is periodically cleared during the main controller timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 11 (step S101 in FIG. 11), so that such a problem does not occur.

  After the processing in step S018, the program at the time of power-on is normally started, that is, it is determined that the game can be started, and the “fire control signal 1 (fire permission signal)” for permitting the fire operation by the firing device 32 is issued. The signal is output to the control board 29 (step S019: the firing permission signal is set from the OFF state to the ON state). When receiving the firing control signal 1, the payout control board 29 determines that the state is in the firing permission state, outputs the permission signal to the firing control board 28, and allows the firing device 32 to fire the game ball. . Thereafter, the launch of the game ball by the launch operation handle 15 becomes possible. In the present embodiment, a configuration in which the discharge control board 29 receives the firing permission signal from the main control unit 20 to permit the firing operation, that is, the instruction information of the firing permission from the main control unit 20 is transmitted through the payout control board 29 Although it is configured to be sent indirectly to the launch control board 28, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the firing control signal 1 from the main control unit 20 may be directly output to the firing control board 28. In the present embodiment, before the processing in step S019 is executed, control is performed so as not to output the firing control signal 1 (control to the OFF state). Therefore, when the setting change operation is performed, the firing control signal 1 is not output until the setting value changing process (step S024) is finished (control to the OFF state), and the firing control signal 1 is output after the setting change process is finished. Output (control to ON state). Then, after a series of power-on processing S011 to S019: control start processing, game processing (steps S20 to S22 described later) relating to normal game progress is executed.

  Thereafter, while the CPU is set to the interrupt disabled state (step S20), various random number updating processes are executed (step S021). In the various random number updating process, various random numbers used in the special symbol variation display game and the normal symbol variation display game (the random numbers related to the jackpot lottery circulating in a predetermined numerical range by the increment process (the special symbol used in the symbol lottery) Random number (initial value for special symbol determination) used to change the initial value (start value) of the random number for the determination of the random number for the auxiliary winning lottery (random number for the auxiliary hit determination used in the winning lottery per auxiliary) The random number and 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, a special symbol determination random number counter initial value generation counter, a special symbol determination A random number counter, a counter for generating an initial value of a random number counter for determining an auxiliary hit, a random number counter for determining an auxiliary hit, a random number counter for a variation pattern, and the like are provided. These counters play a role as random number generating means for generating random numbers by software. In the various random number updating process in step S021, two initial value generation counters for generating initial values of the above-described special symbol determination random number counter and auxiliary hit determination random number counter, a variation pattern random number counter, and the like are updated. Generate various soft random numbers. For example, assuming that the numerical range that can be taken as the variation pattern random number counter is 0 to 238, a value is obtained from the count value storage area for generating the value of the variation pattern random number in the RAM 203, and 1 is added to the obtained value. And then store it in the original count value storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the obtained value is 239, zero is stored in the original random number counter storage area. The other initial value generation random number counters are similarly updated.

  When the various random number updating process (step S021) is completed, an interrupt permission state is set (step S022), and the process returns to step S020. The CPU 201 is configured to repeatedly execute various random number update processes except during a timer interrupt process executed intermittently.

(10-1. Initial setting process: FIG. 7)
Next, the initial setting process (step S011) in FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the initial setting process in step S011.

  In FIG. 7, when a system reset or a WDT reset occurs, the CPU 201 first sets itself to an interrupt disabled state (step S031), and then shifts to the processing of step S032. Execute each process.

  Initialization processing for initializing register values and the like inside the CPU including each part of the microcomputer; interrupt mode setting processing for setting a predetermined interrupt mode (interrupt mode 2); , The internal hard random number setting process for activating the internal hard random number circuit, and the like.

  Subsequently, a RAM clear signal is obtained from an input port (not shown). The RAM clear signal is a signal for determining whether or not to initialize a predetermined area of the RAM, and usually has a value corresponding to the ON / OFF state of the RAM clear switch 98 operated by a hall clerk. . Here, the setting change signal is obtained from the input port. The setting change signal is a signal for determining whether or not to shift to a setting change mode in which a set value can be changed. Like the RAM clear switch, the setting key switch 94 normally operated by a hall clerk is turned on. It has a value corresponding to the / OFF state. For this reason, if the acquisition timing of the RAM clear signal or the setting change signal is delayed, the hall clerk releases the hand from the switch, so that the ON operation is overlooked. In the present embodiment, such a situation is avoided. In addition, these signals are obtained immediately when the power is restored.

  Next, the activation waiting time of the sub-control board (production control unit 24) is set (step S033). Then, in order to prevent the WDT count value from timing out and the WDT reset from occurring, the CPU waits for the set start waiting time to elapse while clearing the WDT count value (steps S034 to S036). Specifically, the set start waiting time is subtracted by 1 (step S034), the WDT count value is cleared (step S035: WDT clear processing), and the start waiting time is not zero (step S036: $ 0). ), And returns to the process of step S034. The activation of the effect control unit 24 is completed by the waiting time.

  If the startup waiting time has elapsed (step S036: = 0), the power supply abnormality signal output from the power supply board is read twice (step S037). Next, it is determined whether or not the levels of the power supply abnormality signals read twice match (step S038), and the processes of steps S037 to S038 are repeated until the levels match (step S038: NO), and the level of the power supply abnormality signal becomes If they match (step S038: YES), it is determined whether or not the power supply abnormality signal is at a normal level (step S039).

  If the power failure signal is not at the normal level (step S039: ON), the process returns to step S037. That is, the same process is repeated until the power supply abnormality signal changes to the normal level. If the power supply abnormality signal is at the normal level (H) (step S039: OFF), the process proceeds to step S040, and then the WDT count value is reduced. While clearing, it waits for a power-on signal from the payout control board 29 to be sent (steps S040 to S041). This power-on signal is a signal that is output when the payout control board 29 starts up normally, and the CPU 201 waits until the payout control board 29 starts up normally. Thereby, when the payout control board 29 is not functioning normally due to some trouble, the game operation is not started only by repeating the processing of steps S040 to S041. Therefore, for example, a payout abnormality such as a prize ball not being paid out does not occur, and there is no fear of giving the player a sense of distrust. When the power-on signal is confirmed (step S041: ON), the process exits this initialization process and executes the process of step S012 of the main control-side main process of FIG.

(10-2. Backup Confirmation Process: FIG. 8)
Next, the backup confirmation processing (step S016) in FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the backup confirmation processing in step S016.

  This backup confirmation process is a process executed when the setting changeable condition such as the OFF state of the setting key switch 94 is not satisfied. Here, the ON / OFF state of the RAM clear switch 98 (RAM clear signal) is set. In response to this, a game restoration process from backup data at the time of power failure or a RAM clearing process for initializing (clearing) a predetermined area of the RAM 203 is executed.

  In FIG. 8, the CPU 201 first determines whether the value of the backup flag BF is in the ON state (step S051). The backup flag BF is set to an ON state (backup flag BF = 5AH ('H' means hexadecimal)) by a power interruption process (not shown) when the power is turned off. When the program is restored, the backup flag BF should be in the ON state, but if for some reason the program goes out of control and the WDT reset occurs, the backup flag BF is turned off (00H). Therefore, in the case of an abnormality where the backup flag BF is turned off (step S051: OFF), the RAM content may be damaged, and a RAM error process described later is executed (step S051). S055).

  On the other hand, if the backup flag BF is in the ON state (step S051: YES), a checksum calculation for calculating a checksum value is executed. Here, the checksum operation is an 8-bit addition operation for a predetermined work area of the RAM 203. When the checksum value is calculated, the calculation result is compared with the stored value of the SUM address in the RAM 203 (step S052). At the SUM address, a checksum value obtained by the same checksum calculation when the power is turned off is stored. Then, the stored operation results are maintained by the backup power supply together with other data of the RAM 203. Therefore, originally, both should match according to the determination in step S052.

  However, if the checksum calculation could not be performed when the power was turned off, or if the checksum calculation could be performed, the data in the work area was not There is also a case where it is damaged, and in such a case, the result of the determination in step S052 does not match. If data corruption is detected due to a mismatch in the determination results (step S052: NO), the following RAM error processing (step S055) is executed.

(10-2-1. RAM error processing: FIG. 9)
FIG. 9 shows the contents of the RAM error processing (step S055). In this RAM error process, the CPU 201 first turns on the RAM error flag (step S058). Next, a RAM error command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S059), the data of all output ports (not shown) is cleared (step S60), and thereafter, a loop process that does nothing (infinite loop process) repeat. Therefore, when a RAM error occurs, the processing related to the game progress is not executed thereafter, and the game operation is stopped (game stop processing). Here, when clearing the output port, it is preferable to clear at least data transmitted to the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b in order to explicitly notify that the game progress has been stopped. When the RAM error command is transmitted from the main control unit 20, the effect control unit 24 receiving the RAM error command uses an effect unit such as the speaker 46, the decorative lamp 45, and the liquid crystal display device 36 to generate an error corresponding to the RAM error. Execute the notification. When a RAM error has occurred, the result of determination in S086 during the main control timer interrupt process of FIG. 11 described later is YES, and the WDT clear process of step S101 is performed thereafter. Is repeated so that the WDT reset does not occur.

  Here, in the RAM error processing, the contents of the RAM 203 are not cleared. Therefore, if the backup data remains in a damaged state, an incorrect checksum value is stored in the SUM address by a checksum calculation including the damaged data at the time of power failure, and the check in step S052 after power restoration is performed. In the sum determination, the data corruption may be overlooked. Therefore, assuming such a case, in the present embodiment, once a RAM error occurs, the ON state of the RAM error flag is not canceled even if the power is turned ON / OFF, and the RAM error flag is checked when the power is turned on. If the flag is ON, the RAM error is re-executed. This RAM error cannot be eliminated unless the RAM error flag is cleared in the “RAM clearing process when setting is changed (step S061)” in the setting value changing process (step S024) shown in FIG. 10 described later. ing. That is, when a RAM error occurs, the error cannot be eliminated unless a setting change operation is performed.

  Returning to the description of step S052, if the checksum value obtained by the checksum calculation matches the stored value of the SUM address (step S052: YES), the RAM clear input through an input port (not shown) is cleared. It is determined whether the signal (output signal of the RAM clear switch 98) is ON or OFF (step S053).

  Here, assuming that the RAM clear signal is in the ON state, the determination result of step S053 is "YES", and in this case, a RAM clearing process described below is executed (step S056).

  In the RAM clearing process, all areas except at least the setting value storage area and the performance information storage area (measurement information storage area and performance display storage area) of the RAM 203 are cleared and the operation state of the gaming machine is set to the initial state. return. Therefore, the value of the backup flag BF set at the time of power failure becomes zero together with other checksum values. The data to be cleared include the following data necessary for the progress of the game, in addition to the value of the backup flag BF and the checksum value.

  For example, data relating to the specification of a game state (game state flags for specifying the current game state such as a normal state, a probable change state, a time saving state, a latent state, etc.) and a flag for specifying whether or not a hit game is being performed (condition device) Operation flag, small hitting flag), various data related to the execution of the hit game (current round number, maximum round number, etc.), data related to the big hit lottery result (big hit determination flag / small hit determination flag (winning lottery result information) , Special symbol determination data (symbol lottery result information), pending data on activated balls (number of activated balls, various random numbers used for jackpot lottery, various random numbers used for auxiliary lottery), special symbol operation Status, timer for managing the progress of the game (special symbol accessory operation timer), input / output data related to switches / sensors, prize prize counting the number of prize balls in each prize port A flag that specifies the presence or absence of the power support status (open extension flag), a power support counter that counts the remaining number of power support, a counter that counts the remaining number of high-probability statuses (special figure probability change counter, There are a counter (number counter), a counter for counting the remaining number of times of a specific game state (in the present embodiment, CZ) (special figure variation counter), various error flags (excluding the RAM error flag), and the like. In any case, when the process at the time of RAM clear is executed, all data other than specific data are set to the initial state.

  In this embodiment, the set value is not initialized by the RAM clearing process. Therefore, when the RAM clear is executed in step S056, the set value is the value at the time of the previous power-off, but the game state, the hold data, and the like are cleared (the normal state and the operation hold ball is cleared). The game is started in the state of "none". Thus, for example, when it is desired to take over only the set values from the previous day's business, the clearing operation can be completed by a simple operation of turning on / off the RAM clear switch 98 without performing a setting change operation with many work steps. There is an advantage that.

  The performance information is not initialized in the RAM clearing process. The RAM area related to the performance display (performance display storage area, measurement information storage area) is not subject to the checksum determination processing in step S052, and the RAM area is checked by a timer interrupt on the main control side described later. This is performed in the performance display monitor process during the process (see step S096 in FIG. 11).

  Subsequently, the “RAM clear display command” is transmitted to each control board as an initialization command. Then, a predetermined notification time (for example, 30 seconds) is set in the RAM clear notification timer as a time for notifying the surroundings (including a notification to the hall computer HC) that the RAM has been cleared. When the effect control unit 24 receives the RAM clear display command, the effect mode is set to the initial state “normal effect mode”, the effect state is returned to the initial state, and the speaker 46, the decorative lamp 45, the liquid crystal display device 36 The error notification corresponding to the RAM clear is executed for 30 seconds, which is the same as the set time of the notification timer, by using the effect means of (1).

  On the other hand, if the RAM clear signal is in the OFF state (step S053: OFF), the stack pointer before the power is turned off is restored based on the backup data saved at the time of the power cut, and the game is started from the processing state at the time of the power cut. Then, a backup restoration process necessary to perform the process is performed (step S054). Also, information required for game recovery (for example, information on the number of active balls at power-off, pending data, game status information, hit game type information, etc.) is obtained from the backup data, and various effects control including the information is obtained. A command (a plurality of game return commands) is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. With such a game return command, the effect control unit 24 grasps the progress of the game when the power is turned off, and returns to the effect state when the power is turned off when the game is restored.

  When either the backup restoration process in step S054 or the RAM clearing process in step S056 is completed, the process exits this backup confirmation process and executes the process in step S017 of the main control-side main process in FIG.

(10-3. Set value change processing: FIG. 10)
Next, the setting value changing process (step S024) in FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the setting value changing process in step S024.

  In FIG. 10, the CPU 201 first executes a RAM clear process at the time of setting change (step S061). Here, similarly to the above-described RAM clearing process (step S056 in FIG. 8), areas other than the set value storage area and the performance information storage area (measurement information storage area and performance display storage area) of the RAM 203 are cleared (initialization). To). That is, the RAM error flag is also cleared. Thereby, a RAM error can be eliminated. When an abnormality has occurred in the set value data, the set value is set to the initial setting 1 in the process of step S067 described later.

  Next, the setting change flag designating that the setting is being changed is set to the ON state (5AH) (step S062).

  Next, the protection of the RAM 203 is invalidated and the prohibited area is invalidated (step S063). This permits writing of data to the RAM 203 and permits access to the set value storage area.

  Next, a setting change in-progress display command designating that the setting is being changed is transmitted (step S064). When the effect control unit 24 receives this setting change in-progress display command, it performs a setting change effect informing that the setting value is being changed. For example, the effect LED of the decoration lamp 45 is fully illuminated in red, the alarm sound of “Setting is being changed ♪” is output from the speaker 16, and the effect image of “Setting is being changed” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36.

  Next, the setting value Nc (current setting value) stored in the RAM 203 is obtained (step S065), and it is determined whether the obtained setting value Nc is a normal value (step S066). In the present embodiment, six levels of setting values 1 to 6 are defined, and values 00H to 05H are defined as data corresponding to these setting values 1 to 6. For this reason, if the acquired set value is not any of 00H, 01H, 02H, 03H, 04H, and 05H (if it is not a normal value) due to some problem such as noise, that is, the acquired set value Nc is equal to the set value. If none of 1 to 6 applies, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, and the initial value 00H (setting 1) is set as the setting value Nc (step S067). Then, the process proceeds to step S068 to execute a set value display process. On the other hand, when the acquired set value Nc is a normal value (step S66: YES), step S067 is skipped, and the set value display processing of step S068 is executed.

  In the set value display process in step S068, display data (dynamic lighting data) for displaying the current set value is created and set on the setting display 97 of the 7-segment LED. The display data created here is output to the setting display 97 in an LED management process (step S098) during the main control timer interrupt process of FIG. As a result, the current set value is displayed on the setting display 97, and the set value can be confirmed during the setting change operation.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the setting change completion switch 96 is ON (step S069). If the setting change completion switch 96 is not ON (step S069: NO), it is determined that the setting change operation has not been completed. Next, it is determined whether or not the setting change switch 95 is ON (step S070).

  If the setting change switch 95 is not ON (step S070: NO), the process returns to the determination processing of step S69. That is, it is in a state of waiting for detection of ON operation of either the setting change completion switch 96 or the setting change switch 95, which is a setting value fixing operation (step S70: NO, S069: NO).

  If the ON operation of the setting change switch 95 is detected while waiting for the ON operation detection (step S070: YES), the current setting value Nc is changed (updated) assuming that the setting change operation has been performed (step S070). S071). As described above, when the setting change switch 95 is operated, the setting value is switched so as to circulate in the range of the settings 1 to 6. That is, when the process of step S071 is completed, the process returns to step S066, and thereafter, every time there is a setting change operation, the processing route of “YES of step S070 → YES of S066 to S070” is changed to “YES” in the determination result of S069. Repeat until you are done.

  When the setting change completion switch 96 is turned on (step S069: YES), it is determined that the set value has been determined, and the current set value Nc is stored in the set value storage area of the RAM 203 (step S072). A setting confirmation LED lighting display process is executed (step S073). The DP section (decimal point) of the setting display 97, which is a 7-segment LED, has the function of the setting confirmation LED of this embodiment. When the setting change completion switch 96 is turned on, the set value being displayed disappears, the DP section lights up, and it is notified that the set value has been determined. Thereby, the change of the set value is completed.

  In this embodiment, a dedicated switch is provided as the setting change completion switch 96. However, the following configuration may be made using switches provided in the gaming machine 1. For example, a sensor (a touch sensor, a sensor for detecting an operation amount, or a firing stop switch) related to the firing handle 15 may be configured to function as the setting change completion switch 96 during the setting value changing process. A winning detection sensor (sensor 34a, 35a; 37a, 52a, 43a, or 49a) related to the winning opening may be configured to function as the setting change completion switch 96. In this case, it is determined that the setting operation has been completed when the sensor detects the game ball (ON state), for example, by trimming the game ball to the winning opening.

  Next, the control waits until the setting key switch 94 is turned off (step S074: NO). If the OFF state of the setting key switch 94 is confirmed (step S074: YES), the setting confirmation LED (DP unit) is turned off. , And transmits the set value command (step S077). The set value command includes information (set value information) that can specify the current set value Nc. Since the set value command sent here is transmitted when the setting change operation is completed and the set value is determined, the set value command may be transmitted as a command indicating that the setting change operation is completed (set value is determined). Used.

  When the effect control unit 24 receives the setting value command, the effect during the setting change being executed is ended. After the setting key switch 94 is turned off, the front frame 2 is simply opened. Therefore, after the effect during the setting change ends, the display is switched to the door opening error notification. However, the door opening error notification is not executed immediately after the end of the effect during the setting change, but the setting change operation is completed, that is, a new set value is selected and determined (returning to the same set value). It can be said that it is preferable to notify Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the effect control unit 24 receives the setting value command, a setting change operation end effect for notifying the end of the setting change operation may appear for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). Since the setting change operation end effect notifies the end of the setting change operation, the effect (notification) mode is different from the door opening error notification and the effect during the setting change. For example, the effect LED of the decoration lamp 45 is fully lit in blue, the change end sound is output from the speaker 16, and the effect image of "setting change end" is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36. Note that the effect during the setting change or the effect of ending the setting change operation may use at least one of a light effect, a sound effect, and an image display effect.

  Further, since the set value command includes the set value information, the effect control unit 24 can grasp the current set value by the set value command. This makes it possible to control the appearance of the effect (setting suggestion effect) related to the set value in the notice effect and the hit-medium effect. Therefore, a guess element for estimating an internal set value while playing a game can be given to the player, so that the fun of the game can be improved.

  As the setting suggestion effect, for example, “low setting suggestion effect” indicating low setting (settings 1 to 3), “even number setting suggestion effect” indicating even number setting (settings 2, 4, 6), and odd number setting ( “Odd number setting suggestion effect” indicating settings 1, 3, 5), “High setting suggestion effect” implying high settings (settings 4 to 6), and “Setting 6” of the highest setting value are definitely reported. Setting 6 fixed effect ”, a specific range suggesting effect indicating a setting value of a specific range (for example, setting N or more (N <6)). For example, a specific item image or character image is displayed, a specific sound effect or a specific light effect is displayed, and the current setting value can be suggested.

  Further, as an effect related to the set value, the appearance rate of a specific reach effect can be made different depending on each set value or a part of the set values. In addition, the appearance rate of a specific loss symbol mode (decoration stop symbol at the time of loss: for example, “224”) can be made different for each set value or a part of the set values for the decorative symbol. Specifically, the appearance rate can be set to a high probability in the order of the settings 1 to 6, or the settings 1 to 3 can be set to the same appearance rate and the settings 4 to 6 can be set to different appearance rates.

  In addition, a set value can be suggested by using a pre-reading notice effect. For example, the hold display (hold icon) can be changed to an item image for setting suggestion, or a hold icon using a hold color other than the special hold display mode can be displayed (special hold display mode). In this case, utilizing the special hold display mode, the above-described low setting suggestion effect to the specific range suggestion effect can be displayed. Further, the appearance rate of the special hold display mode can be different depending on each set value or a part of the set values. Further, the appearance rate of a specific special hold display mode (for example, a blue hold color) may be different depending on each set value or a part of the set values without using the special hold display mode.

  Finally, the setting change flag is set to the OFF state (00H) (step S078), thereby exiting the setting value change processing and executing the processing of step S017 of the main control side main processing of FIG.

<11. Main control timer interrupt processing: FIG. 11>
Next, a timer interrupt process on the main control side will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the main control timer interruption process. The main control-side timer interrupt processing is started by an interrupt from the CTC at predetermined time intervals (about 4 ms), and is executed during execution of the main control-side main processing.

  In FIG. 11, when a timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 201 immediately executes a power failure check process without saving the contents of the register (step S081). In this power failure check processing, the power supply level supplied from the power supply board is mainly monitored, and if an abnormality such as a power failure occurs, the game can be resumed without any trouble at the time of power recovery. A backup process for storing the predetermined game information in the RAM is performed.

  Next, switch input data creation processing is executed (step S082). Input data is created based on input information (ON / OFF signal and rising state (ON edge, OFF edge)) from various sensors and switches. Here, the detection information from the various sensors includes, for example, the upper starting opening sensor 34a, the lower starting opening sensor 35a, the ordinary symbol starting opening sensor 37a, the big winning opening sensor 52a, the general winning opening sensor 43a, the OUT monitoring switch 49a, and the like. ON / OFF information (winning detection information) of a switch signal output from a winning detection switch, and a switch signal output from a switch related to a setting change operation such as a setting key switch 94, a setting change switch 95, a setting change completion switch 96, and the like. ON / OFF information (operation information), a status signal from the payout control board 29 (ON / OFF information of the door open sensor 61 and the fullness detection sensor 60), and the like. As a result, it is monitored for each interruption whether or not a game ball is detected in the out opening or each winning opening.

  Next, an error management process is executed (step S083). In this error management process, whether or not an error has occurred is monitored based on input data relating to various sensors and status signals from the payout control board 29. When an error occurs, as an error processing, if the error type requires transmission of an error command, the command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. When the effect control unit 24 receives this error command, the effect control unit 24 performs error notification according to the error type. If the error that has occurred has been resolved, an error release command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. When the effect control unit 24 receives this error release command, the error notification being executed is ended.

  Next, a timer management process for managing a timer used for the game operation control is executed (step S084). The timer values of various timers (for example, a special symbol accessory operation timer described later) used for the game operation control of the pachinko gaming machine 1 are updated (subtraction processing) here.

  Next, a random number management process in a timer interrupt for periodically updating the random number related to each variable display game is executed (step S085). Here, in order to make the count value of the random number counter random, a random number is updated (+1 is added for each interrupt) with respect to a special symbol determination random number, an auxiliary hit determination random number, and the like, and the random number counter makes one round. Then, a process of changing the start value of the random number counter is performed. Note that the internal lottery random number (big hit determination random number) is generated by the random number generation circuit, and is not updated here.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a RAM error is occurring (step S086). Whether or not a RAM error is occurring is determined based on the ON / OFF state of the RAM error flag. If a RAM error has occurred (step S086: YES), the processing proceeds to step S101 without executing the processing of steps S087 to S100 (processing relating to the progress of a game such as a symbol variation display game or a hit game), and proceeds to step S101. A WDT clearing process for clearing the count value of is performed.

  On the other hand, if the RAM error is not occurring (step S086: NO), then, it is determined whether the setting change flag is ON, that is, whether the setting value is being changed (step S087). If the setting change flag is ON (step S087: YES), it is determined that the setting is being changed, and the process proceeds to step S098 without executing the processes of steps S088 to S097 to be described later, and executes the LED management process. I do.

  On the other hand, if the setting change flag is not ON (step S087: NO), then, it is determined whether the setting change confirmation flag is ON (step S088). The setting change confirmation flag is a flag for designating that the setting value is being confirmed (setting confirmation is being performed), and is set during the setting value confirmation processing in step S095 described later (the setting value confirmation processing). See S805 in FIG. 12 for details.

  If the set value confirmation flag is ON (step S088: YES), the process proceeds to the set value confirmation process of step S095 without executing the processes of steps S089 to S094 described below. If the set value confirmation flag is not in the ON state (step S088: NO), then, an input management process is executed (step S089). In the present embodiment, when the RAM error is not occurring, the setting is not being changed, and the setting is not being confirmed, it is determined that the game can proceed, and the processing after step S089 relating to the symbol variation display game is executed. I have.

  In the input management processing in step S089, the values of the winning counter and the OUT ball monitoring counter are updated based on the input data created in the switch input data creation processing (step S082). The "winning counter" is a counter provided for each winning opening and counting the number of winning game balls (the number of winning balls). The OUT ball monitoring counter is a counter that counts game balls (out balls) discharged from the OUT port.

  Next, a prize ball management process is executed (step S090). In the prize ball management process, the prize counter is checked, and if there is a prize, a payout control command specifying the number of prize balls is transmitted to the payout control board 29. When the payout control board 29 receives the payout control command, the payout control board 29 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 prize ball number.

  Next, a normal symbol management process is executed (step S091). In the normal symbol management process, a process necessary to execute the normal symbol variation display game is performed. Here, it is monitored whether or not a game ball is detected by the ordinary symbol starting port sensor 37a, and when a game ball is detected, predetermined game information (such as a random number for judging an auxiliary hit) necessary for a lottery per auxiliary is detected. The game information is acquired (random number acquisition processing), and the game information is held and stored up to the upper limit of the maximum number of reserved balls (pending storage processing) as suspension data (operational suspension balls for ordinary symbols). Then, when a predetermined variation display start condition for the ordinary figure is satisfied, the assisting lottery based on the operation-holding ball is performed, the variation pattern of the ordinary symbol is selected based on the result of the assistance winning lottery, and the normal symbol is stopped and displayed (normally). Stop symbol) is determined. Further, here, in order to normally perform the variable display operation of the symbol, LED display data for variable display is created if the symbol is fluctuating, and LED display data for stop display is created if the symbol is not fluctuating.

  Next, a normal electric accessory management process is executed (step S092). In the ordinary electric accessory management process, a process necessary for executing the open electric game is performed. Specifically, when the lottery result of the auxiliary hit lottery is a hit, a process of setting solenoid control data for the ordinary electric auditors product solenoid 41c is performed. On the basis of the solenoid control data set here, an excitation signal is output to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 41c in a solenoid management process of step S100 described later, whereby the opening / closing operation pattern of the movable wing piece 47 is changed. Controlled.

  Next, a special symbol management process is executed (step S093). In this special symbol management process, a jackpot lottery is mainly performed in the special symbol variation display game, and based on the lottery result, a variation pattern of the special symbol (a prefetch variation pattern, a variation pattern at the start of the variation) or a special stop symbol is determined. Processing required for the special symbol change display game, such as determination, is executed. Details of the special symbol management process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, a special electric auditors product management process is executed (step S094). In the special electric auditors product management process, a setting process necessary to execute and control the hit game is performed. Specifically, when the big hit lottery result is a big hit or a small hit, a hit game (big hit game or small hit game) corresponding to the hit type is executed and controlled.

  Specifically, the control of the solenoid control data for the special winning opening solenoid 52c, the counting of the number of rounds (in the case of a big hit), the monitoring of the maximum winning number to the special winning opening 50 and the opening time are performed. When the winning game is over, the game state transition setting based on the winning state and the winning type is performed (see FIG. 4).

  Here, a plurality of effect control commands are transmitted according to the progress of the hit game. At the start of the big hit, at the start of the round game, at the end of the round game, at the time of maximizing the number of rounds, etc. Sent when done. The big hit start command includes the current hit type information, and is used when the effect control unit 24 determines a series of hit effect scenarios to be developed during the hit game. The big hit end command includes information on the current hit type 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 determining the production mode after the game. Therefore, the "big hit end command" can play a role as a game state designation command for designating the game state since the game state after the end of the hit game can be specified.

  Next, a set value confirmation process for setting value confirmation is executed (step S095). Details of the set value confirmation processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, a performance display monitor process is executed (step S096). In the performance display monitor processing, the CPU 201 first saves the contents of the register in the stack area, and then executes processing related to performance display. In the present embodiment, a process for displaying the normal duty ratio information on the performance display 99 is executed. Specifically, first, it is checked whether or not the processing related to the performance display is correctly executed and whether or not the data in the RAM area (performance display storage area, measurement information storage area) related to the performance display is damaged. When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, a RAM clear check process for clearing the RAM area is performed. As a case where the data abnormality occurs, for example, when there is an abnormality in the arithmetic processing required for calculating the normal time ratio information or in the switch input data, the number of normal state out balls is larger than the number of all state out balls, which is not normal. This is when the condition has occurred. In this process, even if it is determined that there is an abnormality and the corresponding area of the RAM is cleared, the error process is not particularly performed, and the process for calculating the new normal ratio information proceeds.

  After finishing the RAM clear check processing, it is next determined whether or not the current gaming state is the normal state. If the current game state is not the normal state, it is determined that the current game state is a game period not to be counted, the contents of the saved register are restored, and the performance display monitor processing is exited.

  On the other hand, if the current state is the normal state, the normal payout is performed based on the input data of the upper starting port sensor 34a, the lower starting port sensor 35a, the special winning opening sensor 52a, the general winning opening sensor 43a, and the OUT monitoring switch 49a. The number, the number of balls out in normal times, and the number of balls in all states are updated. Then, the normal time ratio is calculated based on the updated normal payout number and normal out number, that is, the latest normal payout number and normal out number, and the value is stored in the measurement information storage area of the RAM 203. I do. However, in the case of this embodiment, since the performance information (specific ratio information) during the normal state is calculated, the detection information of the special winning opening sensor 52a is excluded from the measurement target. When the number of all-out balls reaches a predetermined number (here, 60000), the normal ratio information at this time (current normal ratio information) is stored in the performance display storage area of the RAM 203. For the next measurement, the current normal payout number, normal out number, and all state out balls are cleared. In this case, the current normal-time ratio information is overwritten when the next normal-time ratio information is calculated.

  Then, display data for displaying the normal duty ratio information is created and set on the performance display 99 (display data is updated), the contents of the saved registers are restored, and the performance display monitor processing is exited. . The display data created here is output in an LED management process (step S098) described later, but may be configured to be output independently in the performance display monitor process. As a result, the performance indicator 99 realizes real-time display of normal duty ratio information.

  Next, a right-handed notification information management process is executed (step S097). In the right-handed notification information management process, if the player is in a hitting game or in a gaming state with a power support (a time-saving state, a probable change state), that is, in a "right-handing advantageous" gaming state, a right-handing instruction is given. On the other hand, the "right-handed notification effect (first launch position guidance effect)" for informing the information is under the game state without the electric support (normal state, latent state), that is, the "left-handed advantageous" game If it is in the state, a process necessary for causing “left-handed notification effect (second launch position guidance effect)” to notify left-hand instruction information is performed.

  Next, an LED management process is executed (step S098). In this LED management process, output control of a control signal (dynamic lighting data) to an LED display such as the normal symbol display device 39a, the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, the setting display 97, and the performance display 99 is performed. Control signals based on the LED display data created in the normal symbol management process (step S091), the special symbol management process (step S093), the performance display monitor process (step S096), the set value change process (steps S024, S068), etc. Is output in this LED management process. Thereby, a series of variable display operations (variable display and stop display) of the special symbol on the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b and the ordinary symbol on the ordinary symbol display device 39a, the set value display by the setting display 97, and the performance display 99 Thus, performance information display and the like are realized.

  Next, external terminal management processing is performed (step S099). In this external terminal management processing, the operating state information of the gaming machine is output to an external device such as a hall computer HC or an island lamp through the frame external centralized terminal board 21. The operation state information includes, for example, game information such as winning game occurrence information, symbol variation display game execution start information, winning number / prize ball number information, and error information.

  Next, a solenoid management process is performed (step S100). In this solenoid management process, the normal electric accessory solenoid 41c and the special winning opening solenoid 52c are controlled based on the solenoid control data set in the ordinary electric accessory management process (step S092) or the special electric accessory management process (step S094). Controls the output of the excitation signal. Thereby, the opening and closing operation of the movable wing piece 47 and the special winning opening 50 is realized.

  Next, the WDT count value is cleared (step S101). As a result, the WDT is reset, and the count value is returned to the initial value.

  After the processing of steps S081 to S101 is completed, an interrupt permission state is set (step S102). As a result, the timer interrupt process ends, the process returns to the main control side main process before the interrupt, and the main control side main process is performed until the next timer interrupt occurs.

<12. Set value confirmation processing: FIG. 12>
Next, the setting value confirmation processing (step S095) in FIG. 11 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the set value confirmation processing in step S095.

  12, the CPU 201 first determines whether or not the set value confirmation flag is in the ON state (step S801). If the setting value confirmation flag is ON (step S801: YES), in this case, since the setting is being confirmed, the process proceeds to step S803 described later. On the other hand, when the setting value confirmation flag is not in the ON state (step S801: NO), since the setting is not being confirmed in this case, subsequently, it is determined whether or not the following “setting confirmation allowable condition” is satisfied. (Step S802).

(About the setting check allowable condition)
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user wants to confirm the set value after the setting change operation at power-on is completed (at least after the set value change process of the main control main process (step S024 in FIG. 6) is completed). Then, the current setting value is displayed on the setting display 97 without displaying the setting value again by the setting change operation (without executing the setting value change process (see the process of step S068 in FIG. 10)). Is available.

  For example, when checking a set value in a check operation before the opening of the hall (after the setting change operation at the time of turning on the power is completed and before the player actually starts the game), There is a case where the set value is checked when some trouble or error occurs after the opening of the hall. The setting indicator 97 is provided at an appropriate position inside the gaming machine so that the set value is not known to the player. Normally, unless the front frame 2 is opened to look inside, It is invisible to others. Therefore, the set value cannot be confirmed unless the front frame 2 is opened. Therefore, when confirming the set value, it can be said that it is desirable that the symbol variation display game is not being executed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the following conditions (A) to (C) are defined as conditions (setting confirmation allowable conditions) for displaying the setting values on the setting display 97 after the setting change operation is completed.

(A) that a switch sensor (switches connected to the main control unit 20) is not being input (while being in an ON state);
(B) No error other than door open error (No error other than door open error, for example, various errors such as full error, clogging error, RAM error, etc.), and (C) Special symbol variation display The condition is that the game is not running and there is no special figure operation pending ball (the special symbol is stopped and the operation pending ball is zero).
In short, the condition is that at least the special symbol change display game is not running and only the door opening error is occurring. In addition to the above conditions (A) to (C), (D) the normal symbol variation display game is not running and there is no normal operation pending ball (the normal symbol is stopped and the operation pending ball is And (E) that the prize ball is not being paid out (the payout operation of the game ball payout device 19 has been completed (the state signal relating to any abnormality from the payout control board 29 has not been received). )) Can be set as a setting confirmation allowable condition. Further, the condition (C) may be the condition (F) when a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, after 10 seconds) after the special symbol is stopped and the operation holding ball becomes zero.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the detection information (ON / OFF signal) of the touch sensor (not shown) of the firing operation handle 15 is not transmitted to the main control unit 20. Therefore, the main control unit 20 is configured not to know whether or not the player is operating the firing operation handle 15, that is, whether or not the firing device 32 is performing a firing operation. . However, if the main control unit 20 has a configuration capable of detecting the ON / OFF signal of the touch sensor, for example, a state signal capable of specifying the ON / OFF state of the touch sensor from the firing control board 28 (or the firing device 32). When the (touch sensor signal) is configured to be transmitted to the main control unit 20, at least the above conditions (A) to (C) satisfy (G) that the shooting operation is not performed ( The touch sensor may be added to the condition of “OFF state”. What conditions (one or more conditions) are added to the above conditions (A) to (C) from the conditions (D) to (G) to make the setting check allowable condition is as follows. It can be appropriately determined according to the game characteristics and the like.

  If the setting check allowable condition is not satisfied (step S802: NO), the game is in a game state in which the set value cannot be checked, and the process exits the set value check process without doing anything. On the other hand, if the setting confirmation allowable condition is satisfied (step S802: YES), it is checked whether the setting is being confirmed. Specifically, it is determined whether the door opening sensor 61 is ON (whether the front frame 2 is open) or not, and whether the setting key switch 94 is turned ON (steps S803, S804). .

(If setting is being checked)
As shown in the figure, if the door opening sensor 61 is ON and the setting key switch 94 is ON (step S803: YES, S804: YES), it is treated as setting being confirmed, and the setting confirmation flag is set to ON. (Step S805), the current set value is obtained, and display data for displaying the set value is created and set on the setting display 97. The display data created here is output in the LED management process (step S098).

  Next, a setting confirmation command is transmitted (step S806), the firing control signal 1 is turned off to control the firing to be stopped (step S807), and the process exits the set value checking process. Here, the reason for controlling the firing stop state is to prevent a game ball from being erroneously fired during setting confirmation. For example, there may be a case where the player checks a set value by a hall clerk when some abnormality occurs during the game. At this time, if a game ball is accidentally fired during the setting confirmation, if the ball becomes a dead ball, there is a possibility that the player will lose money. However, such a trouble can be prevented beforehand by stopping the firing operation.

  Upon receiving the setting confirmation command, the production control unit 24 causes the “setting confirmation production” to appear to notify the user that the setting is being confirmed (for example, the liquid crystal display device 36 has a special setting such as “setting is being confirmed”. View image). By the way, when confirming the set value, first, the front frame 2 is opened, and then the setting key switch 94 is turned on (ON state) (a door opening error occurs before the setting confirmation effect). On the other hand, when ending the setting confirmation, on the contrary, the setting key switch 94 is first turned OFF (OFF state), and then the front frame 2 is closed (even if the setting confirmation is ended, the front frame 2 is closed). Until the door is closed, a door open error has occurred.) That is, in any case, from the start of the confirmation of the set value to the completion of the confirmation, a door open error has occurred. Therefore, in order to reduce the control burden, the effect during the setting check and the notification of the door opening error may be the same effect mode. However, at least when the setting is being checked while the setting key switch 94 is in the ON state, a door opening error is generated. It is preferable to notify that the setting is being confirmed redundantly. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to reduce the control load and to realize the overlap notification, the light production by the decorative lamp 45 or the like is performed until the setting key switch 94 is turned off in relation to the effect during the setting check and the notification of the door opening error. For the sound effect produced by the speaker 46, an alarm sound for a door opening error (for example, "The door is open ♪") is issued, and the liquid crystal display screen In the (image display effect), an image display that informs both of "image of setting being confirmed" or "door open error. Setting is being confirmed" is displayed. When the setting key switch 94 is turned off, the present setting confirmation effect is ended based on the setting confirmation end command described later until the door opening sensor 61 is turned off (previous state). Until the frame 2 is closed), only the door opening error notification is executed.

(If not checking the settings)
On the other hand, when the setting confirmation allowable condition is satisfied but the setting is not being confirmed, that is, the door opening sensor 61 is not in the ON state (step S803: NO), or the door opening sensor 61 is in the ON state, If the switch 94 is not in the ON state (step S803: YES, S804: NO), it is determined that the setting is not being confirmed, the setting confirmation flag is set to the OFF state (step S808), and the setting value displayed on the setting display 97 is set. A process for deleting (turning off) the display is executed. This is because, if the set value is kept displayed even during a period other than during the setting check, the current set value may be exposed when the front frame 2 is opened due to some trouble.

  Next, a setting confirmation end command is transmitted (step S809), the firing control signal 1 is turned on to control the firing to a permission state (step S810), and the process exits the setting value confirmation processing.

  When the effect control unit 24 receives the setting confirmation end command, as described above, if the effect during setting confirmation is appearing, the effect is ended. As a result, the door opening error notification is executed until the effect during the setting confirmation ends and the door opening sensor 61 is turned off.

<13. Special symbol management process: FIG. 13>
Next, the special symbol management process (step S093) in FIG. 11 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol management process in step S093.

  In FIG. 13, the CPU 201 first performs a special figure 1 starting port check process on the special symbol 1 side (upper starting port 34 side) (step S301), and then performs a special pattern on the special symbol 2 side (lower starting port 35 side). A start port check process is performed (step S302). The details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  After the start-up opening check process in steps S301 to S302, the state of the small hit flag is determined (step S303). The "small hitting flag" is a flag for designating whether or not a small hitting game is being performed. When the flag is ON (= 5AH), it indicates that the small hitting game is being performed. When the flag is in the OFF state (= 00H), it indicates that the small hit game is not being performed.

  After the start-up opening check process in steps S301 to S302, the state of the small hit flag is determined (step S303). The "small hitting flag" is a flag for designating whether or not a small hitting game is being performed. When the flag is ON (= 5AH), it indicates that the small hitting game is being performed. When the flag is in the OFF state (= 00H), it indicates that the small hit game is not being performed.

  When the small hit flag is OFF (= 00H) (step S303: # 5AH), the state of the condition device operation flag is determined (step S304). The “condition device operation flag” is a flag for designating whether or not a big hit game is being played. When the flag is in the ON state (= 5AH), it indicates that a big hit game is being played. When the flag is in the OFF state (= 00H), it indicates that the big hit is not being played.

  When the condition device operation flag is OFF (= 00H) (step S304: $ 5AH), that is, when neither the small hit game nor the big hit game is performed (step S303: $ 5AH and step S304: $ 5AH), special According to the symbol operation status (00H to 03H), a process related to a special symbol change display operation is performed (step S305: special symbol operation status branching process). On the other hand, if a small hit game is being played (step S303: = 5AH) or a big hit game is being played (step S304: = 5AH), the processing relating to the change display operation of the special symbol in steps S306 to S308 is not performed, and the process is continued. The process proceeds to a special symbol display data update process in step S309. Therefore, when either the small hit game or the big hit game is being performed, the special symbol fluctuating display operation is not performed. State is kept as it is). The “special symbol operation status” is a status value indicating the behavior of the special symbol. This status value is changed according to the processing state and stored in the special symbol operation status storage area of the RAM 203.

  In the special symbol operation status branching process in step S305, the special symbol operation status is determined depending on which of the status values is “standby (00H, 01H)”, “changing (02H)”, or “confirming (03H)”. , Execute the corresponding processing.

  Specifically, when the special symbol operation status is “standby (00H, 01H)”, the special symbol change start process (step S306) is performed. If the symbol change process (step S307) is “confirming (03H)”, the special symbol confirmation time process (step S308) is executed. Here, the above-mentioned “waiting” indicates that the behavior of the special symbol is in a standby state for the next fluctuation, and “during fluctuation” indicates that the behavior of the special symbol is fluctuating (variation display). The above "confirming" indicates that the change of the special symbol is finished and the stop (fixed) display is being performed (during the special symbol confirmation time). By these processes, the variable display operation for setting the start and stop of the change of the special symbol is realized. The details of the special symbol change start processing (step S306) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When any one of the above-described steps S306 to S308 is completed, a special symbol display data updating process in step S309 described below is executed. In this special symbol display data update processing, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing. If the special symbol is changing, data for 7-segment display in which the special symbol is changing is created, and the special symbol must be changed. For example, 7-segment display data during special symbol stop display is created. The display data of the special symbol created here is output in the LED management process (step S98) of FIG. As a result, the process exits the special symbol management process and proceeds to the special electric accessory management process of step S094 in FIG.

(13-1. Special figure 1 starting port check process: FIG. 14)
First, the special figure 1 starting port check process (step S301) shown in FIG. 13 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing details of the special figure 1 start-up opening check process in step S301. The special figure 1 starting port check processing plays a role as a prize-winning processing that is executed based on the establishment of a predetermined starting condition. Here, the special figure change display game 1 on the special figure 1 side is executed. As pre-start processing (prize processing on the special figure 1 side), processing for adding the number of operation-reserved balls on the special figure 1 side due to occurrence of a prize in the upper starting port 34, storage processing of various random numbers (retention storage processing), reservation Transmission processing of the addition command is executed. The special figure 2 starting port check process (step S302) also plays a role as a prize winning process executed based on the establishment of a predetermined starting condition, similarly to the special figure 1 starting port check process described above. As a pre-start process for executing the special symbol change display game 2 on the side (a winning process on the special figure 2 side), an addition process of the number of operation-reserved balls on the special figure 2 due to the occurrence of a prize in the lower starting port 35 , A process of storing various random numbers, a process of transmitting a hold addition command, and the like. Therefore, the special figure 1 starting port check processing and the special figure 2 starting port check processing have substantially the same processing contents. Hereinafter, the special figure 1 starting port check processing will be mainly described, and the details of the special figure 2 starting port check processing will be omitted to avoid redundant description.

  14, first, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a winning (winning ball) is detected at the upper starting port 34 (step S311).

  When the winning of the upper starting port 34 is detected (step S311: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of operation-reserved balls of the special symbol 1 (hereinafter, referred to as "special figure 1 operation-reserved ball") is four or more (step S311). Step S312). That is, it is determined whether or not the number of special figure 1 operation reserved balls is equal to or greater than the maximum reserved storage number (here, the upper limit is four). However, if the winning of the upper starting port 34 is not detected (step S311: NO), the process exits the special figure 1 starting port check processing without doing anything.

  When the winning of the upper starting port 34 is detected, but the special figure 1 operation pending ball number is 4 or more (step S312: YES), the process proceeds to step S321 described later, and the special figure 1 operation pending ball number is increased. If it is not 4 or more (if it is less than 4) (step S312: NO), 1 is added to the special figure 1 operation reserved ball count (step S313), and the process proceeds to step S314.

  When the process proceeds to step S314, various random numbers used in the special symbol change display game 1 relating to the special figure 1 operation holding ball generated this time are acquired (step S314). Specifically, the current values of the jackpot determination random number, the special symbol determination random number, and the variation pattern random number (in this embodiment, two types of variation pattern random numbers 1 and 2) are obtained from various random number counters, The obtained random number value is stored in the reserved storage area of the RAM 203. The holding storage area is an area for storing predetermined game information relating to the symbol variation display game as an operation holding ball (holding data). In the holding storage area, the various random numbers as the holding data are specially stored. Until the variation display operation of the symbol 1 is provided (until the special symbol variation display game 1 is executed), the starting conditions are held and stored in the established order (winning order). 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 hold storage areas are provided with a hold 1 storage area to a hold n storage area (n is the maximum number of hold storages: n = 4 in this embodiment), and hold the hold data for the maximum number of hold storages, respectively. It is possible.

  Next, as winning command data for creating a hold addition command (data corresponding to the lower byte side (EVENT) of the hold addition command), read-ahead prohibition data (EVENT: “01H”) for prohibiting pre-read determination is acquired ( Step S315), it is determined whether or not the “special figure 1 prefetch prohibition condition” is satisfied (step S316). The special figure 1 prefetching prohibition condition is a condition for prohibiting the prefetching determination for the special figure 1 operation-holding ball.

  If the special figure 1 prefetching prohibition condition is satisfied (step S316: YES), the process proceeds to step S321 without executing the process related to prefetching determination (step S319). In this case, the hold addition command having the look-ahead prohibition data (EVENT: “01H”) designates the look-ahead prohibition, and the look-ahead determination for the current special figure 1 operation pending ball is prohibited. No production will be performed. In other words, the read-ahead prohibition data specifies that the pre-read determination processing (step S319) described below has not been performed.

  In the present embodiment, instead of performing the pre-read determination of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 regardless of the game state, it is determined whether or not the pre-reading is prohibited based on the current game state. The reason is as follows. In the case of a game state with "electric support", which is advantageous for right-handed driving (time saving state, probable change state), winning in the lower starting port 35 frequently occurs, but left-handed advantageous. In the case of a game state with “no electric support” (normal state, latent state), prize winning in the upper starting port 34 frequently occurs with almost no winning in the lower starting port 35. In consideration of the occurrence, instead of performing the pre-read determination of Toku-zu 1 and Toku-zu 2 irrespective of the gaming state, the Toku-zu 1 in the time saving state or the probable change state of "with electric support" The pre-reading determination of the special figure 2 is permitted and the pre-reading determination of the special figure 2 is permitted. The pre-reading determination on the side is allowed.

  If the special figure 1 prefetching prohibition condition is not satisfied (step S316: NO), a set value is acquired (step S317), and whether the set value is within the normal range (whether or not there is validity). ) Is determined (step S318). The determination process in step S318 is the same as the content of the determination process in step S066 in FIG. 10, and when the acquired set value is not any of 00H to 05H corresponding to the set values 1 to 6 (step S318: NO ), It is determined that an abnormality (set value data abnormality) has occurred, and the process proceeds to the later-described step S321 without executing the next prefetch determination process (step S319). Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in the set value data, the processing at the time of winning does not cause a RAM error, but the pre-read inhibition data (“01H” acquired in the processing of step S315). ) Is sent to exit the process. If there is an abnormality in the set value data, a RAM error is generated during the subsequent special symbol change start processing.

  If the acquired set value is within the normal range (step S318: YES), a prefetch determination process is executed (step S319). In this prefetch determination process, the jackpot lottery result executed at the start of the fluctuation is prefetched and determined. Therefore, a look-ahead for executing a 'look-ahead pattern determination' for pre-reading a hit lottery result, a 'look-ahead pattern determination' for a look-ahead determination of a symbol lottery result, and a 'read-ahead fluctuating pattern determination' for pre-determining a fluctuating pattern at the start of fluctuation. A series of processes related to the determination is included.

  Specifically, first, a big hit determination random number value stored in the RAM 203 (determination random number storage area) is obtained, and then a “hit random determination table (not shown)” is obtained. On the basis of the random number determination table, a winning lottery (a pre-hit hit determination that determines another of a big hit, a small hit, and a loss) for the current operation holding ball is performed, and the result (a pre-read hit result) is obtained. In the above "hit random number determination table", a determination value (winning area) for determining a big hit / small hit / losing (winning area) is defined, and the big hit determining random number belongs to any of the determination values. The hit type is determined depending on whether or not. That is, the winning lottery at the start of the change, which is executed when the current operation-holding ball is subjected to the change display operation, is determined in advance and the result is obtained. The hit random number determination table is provided with a table corresponding to the set value (a table in which at least the lottery probability of the big hit differs according to the set values 1 to 6). Instead of a hit random number determination table different for each set value, a common table may be used for a part of each set value. For example, a table common to the settings 1 and 2 and different in the lottery probability of the jackpot from the settings 3 to 6 is used. If a common winning random number determination table is referred to for some of the set values, the profit degree (ball-out rate) will have the same performance, but the symbol selection rate of the hit type is set in the symbol table described later. The probability may be different for each value. The hit random number determination table is also used for the process at the start of the change (FIG. 15).

  Here, in the present embodiment, the prefetching omission result is not stored in the RAM 203 while being taken into a predetermined general-purpose register built in the CPU. This is because the result of the pre-read hit determination is immediately used in the subsequent pre-read symbol determination processing, and this data is not required and need not be stored in the RAM.

  In the pre-reading symbol determination, a symbol table (not shown) corresponding to the pre-reading hit result (big hit, small hit, loss) and a special symbol type (special figures 1 and 2) is acquired, and the special table acquired in step S314 is acquired. A symbol random number for symbol determination is obtained, and a symbol lottery for the current operation-holding ball is performed based on the obtained symbol table and the random number for special symbol determination, and the result (a look-ahead symbol result) is obtained. The “symbol table” of the present embodiment includes a “small hit symbol table” for determining a big hit type and a “small hit symbol table” for determining a small hit type, each of which determines a hit type (symbol type). A determination value (winning area) for performing the determination is determined, and the winning is determined depending on whether the special symbol determination random number value belongs to which determination value (in the case of the special figure 1, In the case of the special figure 2 shown in FIG. 4A, one of the hits shown in FIG. 4B is determined. In other words, the symbol lottery at the start of the variation executed when the current operation-holding ball is subjected to the variation display operation is determined in advance and the result is obtained. When there are a plurality of loss types (for example, loss A, B, etc.), a loss symbol table for determining the loss type may be provided. When only one type of small hit or loss is provided, the small hit symbol table or the loss symbol table is unnecessary.

  In addition, for some or all of the above-described symbol tables, a symbol table in which different symbol selection rates are determined according to set values may be provided. For example, for the big hit symbol table, a table in which the selection rate of the big hit type is different for each of the set values 1 to 6 (in this case, six types of big hit symbol tables corresponding to six levels of set values) can be provided. The hit type on the special figure 2 side will be described as a typical example. For example, in the case of the set value 1, “2R short open latent large hit is 50/256, 12R long open big hit is 70/256, and 16R long open big hit is 136. / 256 ", and a setting value of 6, such as" 40/256 for a 2R short open latency big hit, 60/256 for a 12R long open big hit, 156/256 for a 16R long open big hit ", etc. , The payout performance can be determined to be advantageous to the player. Of course, a big hit symbol table common to each set value may be used. The above-mentioned symbol table is also used for the process at the start of the change (FIG. 15).

  Then, as in the case of the above-described prefetch hit determination, the prefetch symbol result is not stored in the RAM 203 while being captured in a predetermined general-purpose register built in the CPU. This is because the look-ahead symbol result is used immediately in the subsequent look-ahead variation pattern determination, and this data is not required and need not be stored in the RAM.

  When the pre-reading symbol determination is completed, a pre-reading variation pattern determination is performed. In this prefetch variation pattern determination, a lottery is performed using a prefetch variation pattern selection table (not shown) corresponding to the prefetch symbol determination result (hit type) and the variation pattern random number acquired in step S314, and the prefetch variation pattern is determined. I do. That is, a change pattern (a change pattern at the start of the change) executed when the current operation reserve ball is subjected to the change display operation is determined in advance. One or more types of determination values corresponding to the prefetch variation pattern are determined in the prefetch variation pattern selection table, and the prefetch variation pattern is determined according to which determination value the variation pattern random number value belongs to. You. In short, the winning command data (lower byte side (EVENT) of the hold addition command) corresponding to the prefetch variation pattern is determined, and the content of the prefetch variation pattern can be specified. When determining the pre-reading fluctuation pattern, the same fluctuation pattern selection table as at the start of the fluctuation is not used because the number of operation pending balls at the time of the pre-read determination does not always match the number of operation suspensions at the start of the fluctuation. The change pattern at the start of the change cannot be determined in advance. For this reason, in the pre-reading variation pattern determination stage, the variation pattern is determined without considering the number of operation-reserved balls. However, even if the look-ahead variation pattern is determined without considering the number of pending balls in this way, the look-ahead variation pattern should be determined so that the contents of the look-ahead variation pattern and the variation pattern at the start of the variation do not differ as much as possible. Is available. In addition, a table corresponding to the set value (a table in which the selectivity of at least one type (one or a plurality of types) of specific change patterns is different according to the set value) is provided in the change pattern selection table referred to at the start of the change. Therefore, the above-mentioned look-ahead variation pattern selection table is also provided with a table corresponding to each set value, but may be a common table for each set value.

  The prefetch variation pattern determination result (winning command data (EVENT)) is used immediately in the pending addition command creation processing in step S321, and thereafter, this data is not required. Therefore, the processing is terminated here without storing the result of the prefetch variation pattern determination in the RAM 203 while keeping the result of the determination in the register.

  After a series of prefetch determination processing in steps S319 to S320 is completed, subsequently, the winning command data (EVENT) on the lower byte side obtained in the above-described prefetch variation pattern determination processing, the current number of active balls and the special symbol type Based on the winning command data (MODE) on the upper byte side based on the above, a "hold addition command" is created (step S321) and transmitted to the effect control unit 24 without storing it in the RAM 203 (step S322). . As for the data on the MODE side, for example, “B6H to B9H” are set in accordance with one hold of special figure 1 to four hold of special figure 1, and one hold of special figure 2 to hold of special figure 2 “BAH to BEH” is set according to the four. For the data on the EVENT side, "01H" set in step S315 is updated to a value corresponding to the prefetch variation pattern (the value obtained in the prefetch variation pattern determination process) in this process. Become. In the case of the pre-read prohibition condition or the setting value data abnormality, the pre-read prohibition data (01H) is maintained as it is, and the hold addition command having the pre-read prohibition data is transmitted. Also, at the time of overflow (when a new prize is generated when the maximum number of reserved memories has been reached), a pending addition command (a pending addition command specifying overflow) is transmitted (step S312). (See processing route of YES).

  After the hold addition command is sent from the main control unit 20 to the effect control unit 24, the effect control unit 24 is used only when the “read ahead notice effect” relating to the current operation reserve ball is displayed on the effect control unit 24 side. This is not particularly used in the special symbol change start process shown in FIG. 15 described later. Therefore, without storing the hold addition command in the RAM 203, the process exits the special figure 1 starting port check processing, and subsequently performs the special figure 2 starting port check processing of step S302 in FIG.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the start-up opening check process ends without storing in the RAM various data obtained by a series of "pre-reading determination" processes related to the winning process. Thereby, the memory capacity of the ROM and the RAM can be reduced, and the control load can be reduced. Further, even when an abnormality occurs in the set value data at the time of winning (when an operation hold ball is generated), a hold addition command is transmitted. Even when a pre-reading notice effect based on the set value or a pre-read notice effect not based on the set value is configured to be able to appear, the effect control itself pertaining to the pre-read notice is prohibited. Does not appear, and there is no disadvantage to the player, so that no particular problem occurs. If the pre-reading notice effect is not prohibited, a high-predictive red-hold display or a rainbow-color-hold display indicating a certainty appears in the pre-read notice effect of the hold display system even though the set value data is abnormal. In this case, if the progress of the game is stopped by the RAM error processing (FIG. 9) thereafter, the expectation of the winning held by the player disappears at a stretch, causing great distrust in the gaming machine. However, in the case of the present embodiment, such a problem does not occur because the pre-reading notice itself is prohibited as described above.

(13-2. Special symbol change start process: FIG. 15)
Next, a special symbol change start process (step S306) which is a process at the start of change will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol change start process of FIG.

  In FIG. 15, the CPU 201 first determines whether or not the number of special figure 2 operation-reserved balls is zero (step S401). If the number of special figure 2 operation-reserved balls is not zero (step S401: NO), the CPU 201 proceeds to step S401. Proceeding to the process of S403, the process (Steps S403 to S416) at the start of the variation for the special figure 2 operation-holding ball to be used for the current variation display is performed. On the other hand, when the special figure 2 operation-reserved ball count is zero (step S401: YES), it is determined whether the special figure 1 operation-reserved ball number is zero (step S402), and the special figure 1 operation-reserved ball is determined. If the number is not zero (step S402: NO), the process proceeds to step S403, and the process related to the start of the change of the special symbol for the special figure 1 operation holding ball to be used for the current change display (steps S403 to S403) S416) is performed. According to the processing of steps S401 and S402, which of the special figure 1 operation-holding ball and the special figure 2 operation-holding ball is preferentially subjected to the variable display operation (which operation-holding ball is preferentially digested) Is determined. In the present embodiment, when the operation reserve ball exists in both the special figure 1 operation reserve ball and the special figure 2 operation reserve ball, the special figure 2 operation reserve ball is preferentially digested, that is, the special symbol variation display game 1 The special symbol change display game 2 is executed with higher priority (priority change means). The configuration is not limited to the above-described priority change type, and the operation pending balls may be digested in the order of winning.

  When both the number of operation reserved balls in the special figure 2 and the number of operation reserved balls in the special figure 1 are zero (step S401: YES and step S402: YES), the state of "no operation reserved ball". Becomes The state of "no operation holding ball" is a case where the special symbol is on standby and no state of holding is stored, and the effect control unit 24 is notified that the state has entered this state, and the liquid crystal display is displayed. The device 36 is controlled to switch to a customer waiting standby demonstration screen display (customer waiting demonstration screen). Therefore, when it is determined that "there is no operation pending ball", the process proceeds to step S417, and it is determined whether or not the special symbol operation status is "standby (00H)" indicating the state of "there is no operation pending ball". (Step S417).

  When the process passes the determination process of step S417, that is, when the state of “no operation pending ball” is reached, and when the special symbol operation status at this time is “standby (01H)” (step S417: NO), the special symbol operation status is switched to "standby (00H)" (00H is stored in the special symbol operation status: step S418). Then, a "demo display command" for displaying the customer waiting demonstration screen is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 as an effect control command (step S419), and the process exits the special symbol change start process. Thereafter, if "standby (00H)" when the determination process of step S417 is performed, the process exits the special symbol change start process without transmitting the demo display command again. The reason for this is that if the demonstration display command is transmitted without any condition when the number of operation pending balls is zero, the transmission of the demo display command is repeated at a period of 4 ms while the number of special figure operation pending balls is zero. , Unnecessary transmission occurs, and the control load increases indiscriminately. Therefore, in the case of the above-mentioned "no operation pending ball" state, the demonstration display command is transmitted once, and if the demonstration display command has already been transmitted, the demonstration display command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. Without transmitting the special symbol management process.

  If no effect control command (for example, a hold addition command) relating to the symbol change display game is received for a predetermined time after receiving the demo display command, the effect control unit 24 performs the variable display operation for a predetermined time. It is assumed that an unresponsive state (waiting customer waiting state) has occurred, and a customer waiting demonstration screen is displayed.

  When the number of operation reserved balls in the special figure 2 is not zero (step S401: NO), or when the number of operation reserved balls in the special figure 2 is zero, but the number of operation reserved balls in the special figure 1 is not zero (step S401: YES → step) (S402: NO), the process (steps S403 to S416) related to the start of the change of the special symbol for the operation-holding ball to be used for the present change display is performed. Here, regarding the processing of steps S403 to S416 described below, if “NO” is determined in the above-described step S401, the processing is performed for the special figure 2 operation holding ball, and the processing is performed in the above-described step S402. If the answer is "NO", the process is for the special figure 1 operation reserved ball. However, since the processing method is the same, the operation of the special symbol 1 side is performed unless otherwise necessary to avoid redundant description. The processing will be described without distinguishing whether the processing is for the reserved ball or the processing for the operation reserved ball on the special symbol 2 side.

  When the process proceeds to step S403, the number of operation-reserved balls is subtracted by 1 (the number of operation-reserved balls on the special symbol side used for the current fluctuation display operation-1: step S403), and the information on the number of operation-reserved balls after the subtraction is included. A “hold subtraction command” is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S404). By this hold subtraction command, the effect control unit 24 grasps the number of remaining operation-holding balls after the current operation-holding ball number digestion, and shift-displays the currently-displayed hold display.

  Next, the special symbol operation confirmation data is stored (step S405). The special symbol operation confirmation data is information for specifying the special symbol type on the fluctuation start side this time. For example, if the special symbol 1 is on the fluctuation start side, "00H (special figure 1 fluctuation start designation)" If the special symbol 2 is on the fluctuation start side, “01H (special symbol 2 fluctuation start designation)” is stored in the special symbol operation confirmation data in the RAM 203.

  Next, the hold data stored in the hold storage area of the RAM 203 is shifted (step S406), and the hold 4 storage area is cleared (step S407). In the processing of steps S406 to S407, the hold data (the random number for the jackpot determination, the random number for the special symbol determination, and the random number for the variation pattern) stored in the hold storage area (hold 1 storage area) corresponding to the hold number n = 1. The random number) is read out and stored in the random number storage area for determination in the RAM 203, and at the same time, the reserved storage areas (reserved 2 storage area, reserved 3 storage area, reserved 4 storage) corresponding to the reserved n storage area (n = 2, 3, 4) The pending data stored in the (area) are stored in the pending storage areas respectively corresponding to 'n-1' (step S406), and the pending 4 storage area is cleared to provide an empty area (step S407). As a result, the start order of the special symbol change display game matches the order of the number n of operation-holding balls (n = 1, 2, 3, 4), and the number of operation-holding balls acquired at the time of starting opening prize is any one of the holding storages. Whether or not it corresponds to the area is specified, and the holding of the new operation holding ball can be held.

  Next, the remaining time reduction command and the game state command are transmitted (step S408). Here, it is determined whether or not the “electric support counter” that counts the remaining number of times when the electric support is present is zero. "Designation command" to the effect control unit 24. With this “variation number remaining designation command”, the effect control unit 24 can grasp the remaining number of time reductions and notify the remaining number of time reductions information. Here, a game state command designating the current game state is also transmitted.

  Next, a set value is obtained (step S409), and it is determined whether the set value is within a normal range (step S410). The processing contents of steps S409 and S410 are the same as the processing contents of steps S317 and S318 during the start-up opening check processing of FIG. Therefore, “the processing of S409 to S410” and “the processing of S317 to S318” are configured as common processing.

  If the acquired set value is not in the normal range (step S410: NO), it is determined that a set value data abnormality has occurred, and a RAM error process (FIG. 9) is performed (step S411). The process exits from the special symbol variation start process without executing the processes of steps S412 to S416 including the later-described variation pattern management process such as the process. In other words, the special symbol management process is exited without starting the symbol variation display game. As a result, thereafter, the main operation processing relating to the game (symbol change display game, hitting game, open electric game, etc.) in steps S086 to S100 of the main controller timer interrupt processing is skipped (step S086 in FIG. 11). : See processing route of YES), game execution is disabled (RAM error stop control processing (abnormal stop processing)) unless the RAM error is cleared. The RAM error is eliminated by performing the setting change operation as described above.

  In the present embodiment, the RAM error processing is performed immediately upon occurrence of the operation-holding ball, so that the progress of the game (symbol change display game, hit game, open electric game, etc.) does not proceed any further (step in FIG. 11). S086: See processing route of YES). However, in this case, the following problem may occur. For example, if a jackpot game is being executed when an operation-holding ball is generated, even if the currently executed jackpot game is a result of being correctly processed, even this jackpot game is affected by a RAM error. (It eventually disappears when the RAM is cleared). Then, the profit of the jackpot game is lost, and the player is distrusted with the gaming machine. In order to avoid such a situation, during the big hit game, a RAM error may be executed (controlled to the above-mentioned game execution disabled state) after the end of the hit game.

  In the above-described configuration (hereinafter, referred to as “Modification 1”), for example, in the timer interrupt process of FIG. If the flag is in the ON state (during the big hit game), the process proceeds to the input management process (step S089). I just need to go ahead. Further, when not only the big hit game but also the small hit game is included, a judgment process for checking the small hit flag is further provided. As in the case of the big hit described above, the input management process is performed in the case of the small hit game. The process proceeds to (Step S089), and if it is not during the small hit game, the process may proceed to the WDT clearing process (Step S101) (Modification 2). In this way, the profit obtained by the player by the hit game does not disappear, and no mistrust is given. Also, after the end of the hit game, the fluctuation of the special symbol is not started, and it is possible to appropriately cope with a RAM error (a defect of the set value data).

  Also, the following cases are assumed. For example, there is a case where there is a symbol change display game in progress (normally processed) at the time of occurrence of an operation pending ball and the game result is a big hit. In such a case, if the RAM error processing is performed immediately upon the occurrence of the operation pending ball, the game is stopped even though the game result is a big hit of the result of the correct processing. , The right of the jackpot will be lost (it will eventually be lost by clearing the RAM). In such a case, it is determined whether or not the in-progress symbol variation display game (variable display of special symbols) has ended, and if the current game is a hit, a hit game is generated after the end of the change. The control is executed such that a RAM error is executed after the current hitting game is finished (the above-mentioned game is disabled), and in the case of a loss, the game is put into a disabled state after the change is completed. What is necessary is just to do (for the hit game, the configuration of the above-mentioned Modification 1 or Modification 2 may be used). In this case, the change display processing for the existing operation pending ball is not executed, but the right of the big hit (including the small hit) is not lost, so that the player is not distrusted.

  On the other hand, if the acquired setting value is within the normal range (step S410: YES), a setting value command including the setting value information is transmitted (step S412). Since the set value command includes the current set value information as described above, it is possible to control an effect (such as a setting suggestion effect) based on the set value in a notice effect or a hit-medium effect.

  Next, a fluctuation pattern management process is executed (step S413). This variation pattern management process includes a process of acquiring various random numbers from the random number storage area for determination, executing a jackpot lottery, and determining a variation pattern at the start of variation based on the result of the jackpot lottery.

  Specifically, first, a “winning lottery” is executed for the operation-holding ball provided in the current special symbol variation display game. Regarding the winning lottery, the processing content is substantially the same as the prefetching hit determination described in the prefetching determination process in step S319. In other words, the lottery is executed based on the random number value for big hit determination and the hit random number determination table according to the set value, and the hit type (big hit, small hit, loss) is determined. Then, the result is stored in the hit determination flag area of the RAM 203 (a big hit determination flag is ON (5AH) for a big hit, a small hit determination flag is ON (5AH) for a small hit, and a big hit and a big hit are lost). The small hit determination flag stores OFF (00H)). As a result, the winning type according to the current special symbol change display game is determined.

  For the symbol lottery, the processing contents are substantially the same as the above-mentioned pre-read symbol determination, and the symbol table corresponding to the winning lottery result is obtained, a random number value for special symbol determination is obtained, and the symbol table and the special symbol determination are obtained. A lottery is executed based on the random number for use to determine a hit type. 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 winning type (winning type) of the current special symbol variation display game is determined.

  Here, the reason why the lottery results of the winning lottery and the symbol lottery at the start of the fluctuation are stored in the RAM 203 is that these lottery results are not used only in the special figure management processing (step S093), but are used later. This is because the data is also used in the special electric accessory processing (step S094). Specifically, the winning lottery result is used in the subsequent special symbol confirmation time processing (step S308), and is used in the pre-hit game start processing required when executing the big hit or the small hit game, and the symbol lottery result is This is because, if the result of this time is a hit, it is data necessary to execute a hit game according to the type of the hit. This point is different from the processing at the time of the prefetch determination in which the lottery result is not stored in the RAM.

  Also, here, when the hit is a hit, as a setting process for shifting the gaming state, a necessary setting process for designating a gaming state after the hitting game (see FIG. 4) is performed (a gaming state shift preparation process). .

  When the above-mentioned game state transition preparation processing is completed, the current set value, the current game state, the symbol lottery result, the random number for the fluctuation pattern, and the number of operation-reserved balls (the number of operation-reserved balls obtained by subtracting the amount consumed this time) are used. Then, the fluctuation pattern at the start of the fluctuation for the operation-holding ball used for the current fluctuation display operation is determined by lottery. The determination of the variation pattern is determined by a variation pattern selection table (not shown). In the variation pattern selection table, one or more types of determination values corresponding to the variation pattern are determined, and the variation pattern at the start of the variation (the special symbol (A fluctuation pattern). Further, in the variation pattern selection table, there are prepared a plurality of types of variation pattern selection tables corresponding to the set value, the game state, the symbol lottery result, and the number of active balls. When the variation pattern is determined, the corresponding variation time is stored in the special symbol accessory operation timer. As a result, the fluctuation time of the special symbol according to the current fluctuation pattern is determined.

  Next, 5AH (ON state) is stored in the special symbol N changing flag (N = 1, 2) designating that the variable display is being performed (step S414). The "special symbol N changing flag" is a flag indicating which special symbol 1 or 2 is changing, and when the flag is ON (= 5AH), the special symbol changes. And that the flag is OFF (= 00H), indicating that the special symbol is stopped. The special symbol 1 changing flag (N = 1) corresponds to the special symbol 1 side, and the special symbol 2 changing flag (N = 2) corresponds to the special symbol 2 side.

  Next, a command transmission process at the start of the fluctuation is executed (step S415). In the command transmission process at the start of the variation, in order to notify the effect control unit 24 of the content of the variation pattern determined in the variation pattern management process, the effect control command includes variation pattern information capable of specifying the content of the variation pattern. A “variation pattern designation command” is created and transmitted to the effect control unit 24 side. Further, based on the result of the symbol lottery, a decoration symbol designation command is created and transmitted to the effect control unit 24. The decorative symbol designation command is composed of two bytes, an upper byte (MODE) for designating a special symbol type on the variable side and a lower byte (EVENT) for designating a winning type. Therefore, the decoration symbol designation command includes information on the special symbol type on the changing side and the winning type (symbol lottery result). Since the decorative symbol designating command includes information on the winning type, the effect control unit 24 mainly includes a combination of decorative symbols for forming a reach state (a symbol type that constitutes the reach symbol), It is used when determining a combination of decorative symbols (decorative stop symbols) to be finally stopped and displayed, a notice effect corresponding to the winning type in the symbol variable display game, and the like.

  Then, as a setting process at the start of the change, the special symbol operation status is switched to "variing (02H)" (02H is stored in the special symbol operation status), and the random number storage area for determination and the random number storage area for the variation pattern are cleared (step S416).

  As described above, after exiting the special symbol change start process, the special symbol display data updating process (step S309) in FIG. 13 is performed, and thus the special symbol change display is started.

  In the special symbol change processing (step S307), it is monitored whether or not the special symbol is changing, that is, whether or not the change time of the special symbol has elapsed. As a command, a process of transmitting a "fluctuation stop command" to the effect control unit 24, and a fixed display time (for example, 500 ms) are stored in the special symbol accessory operation timer, and the special symbol operation status is "under confirmation (03H)". (A 03H is stored in the special symbol operation status) and the like. The “fluctuation stop command” is a command indicating that the fluctuation of the special symbol has been completed, and the fluctuation control command causes the effect control unit 24 to terminate the special symbol fluctuation display game after the fluctuation time of the special symbol has elapsed. It grasps the fact (end) and stops and displays the decoration pattern that is currently displayed in a fluctuating manner. Thereby, along with the end of the special symbol variation display game, the decorative symbol variation display game is also terminated. The “fixed display time” is a time (stop display time) in which the stop display is held when the special symbol change display ends and the special symbol is stopped and displayed.

  In the special symbol confirmation time processing (step S308), it is monitored whether or not the above-described confirmed display time has elapsed. The symbol operation status is switched to "standby (01H)" (01H is stored in the special symbol operation status), and if the special symbol variation display game is a big hit, a process required to start a big hit game (big hit symbol stop) When a small hit is detected, a process required to start a small hit game (various setting processes when a small hit symbol is stopped) is performed. In the various setting processing when the big hit symbol is stopped, various settings such as clearing the big hit determination flag, turning on the condition device operation flag, and setting the game state to the same game state as the normal state as a pre-big hit game shift processing. Perform processing. In the various setting processes when the small hit symbol is stopped, the small hit determination flag is cleared (00H is stored), and the small hit flag is turned on.

  In addition, here, the power support counter (remaining frequency with power support), the toku-zu probability variation counter (remaining frequency in the high probability state), the toku-zu variation counter (remaining frequency in CZ mode), and the like are monitored. Or, in the case of a loss, the counter corresponding to a non-zero counter is decremented by 1 as a portion to be consumed in the present special symbol change display game, the counter value after the subtraction is checked, and a setting is made according to whether or not the counter value is zero. Perform processing.

  If the number of power support counters after the subtraction is zero, in this case, it is determined that the number of continuations with power support has reached the end number in the current game, and a setting process at the end of the power support status is performed. As a result, from the next game, there is no electric support. For example, if the current gaming state is a time-saving state (low probability, with power support), and in the current game the power support counter after subtraction becomes zero, the normal state (low probability)・ No electricity support).

  If the special figure probability variation counter after subtraction is zero, in this case, it is determined that the high-probability state has reached the end number in the current game, and a setting process at the end of the high-probability state is performed. As a result, the state is changed to the low probability state from the next game. For example, if the current game state is a latent state (high probability, no power support), and in the current game, the special figure certainty variable counter after subtraction becomes zero, the next game starts in the normal state (low state). (Without probability / electric support). Also, for example, if the current gaming state is a probable change state (high probability, no power support) and the power support counter after subtraction and the special figure probable frequency counter after subtraction become zero, the next game starts. It will be shifted to the normal state (low probability, no electricity support).

  In addition, if the special figure variation counter after the subtraction is zero, in this case, since the number of variations of the special symbol related to the CZ mode has reached the end frequency, a setting process at the end of the CZ is performed, and the CZ (latent) is performed. A transition setting process from the next game to a latent state or a normal state is performed depending on whether the game is CZ or normal.

  When the gaming state is updated, a “gaming state designation command” including the transition information of the gaming state is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. The effect control unit 24 can recognize that the gaming state has been shifted by the gaming state designation command.

  In each of the embodiments described above, a pachinko game machine using a game ball as a game medium has been described, but there is no particular limitation as long as the game machine can achieve the object of the present invention. For example, a gaming machine using a gaming medal as a gaming medium, a gaming machine using a gaming medium using electromagnetic recording (a gaming machine such as a so-called “enclosed gaming machine (managed gaming machine)”), It may be a gaming machine or the like.

  The present invention is useful for gaming machines.

1 gaming machines,
2 Front frame,
3 game board,
3a game area,
4 outer frame,
6 glass doors,
9 Upper saucer,
15 launch operation handle,
19 game ball payout device,
20 main control unit (main control board)
24 Production control unit (production control board, liquid crystal control board)
28 launch control board,
29 payout control board,
32 launchers,
34, 34a upper starting port, upper starting port sensor 35, 35a lower starting port, lower starting port sensor,
36 liquid crystal display device,
37, 37a normal symbol starting port, normal symbol starting port sensor,
38a, 38b special symbol display device,
39a Ordinary symbol display device,
50, 52a Winning opening, winning opening sensor 41
41c Ordinary electric accessory solenoid,
52 Special variable prize winning device,
52c big winning opening solenoid,
43 General Winners,
43a General winning opening sensor,
45 decorative lamps,
45a optical display device,
46 speakers,
46a sound generator,
47 movable wings,
49 Out mouth,
60 full detection sensor,
61 Front door open sensor,
94 setting key switch,
95 setting change switch,
96 Setting change completion switch,
97 setting display,
98 RAM clear switch,
99 performance indicator,
201 main control CPU,
202 main control ROM,
203 main control RAM,
241 effect control CPU,
242 production control ROM,
243 Production control RAM.

Claims (2)

It is configured to be able to execute a lottery process for executing a lottery regarding whether or not to control to a special game state which is more advantageous than a normal game state, and a set value setting process for setting a set value regarding a probability of winning in the lottery process. Game control means for controlling a game operation process relating to the progress of
Based on a control command from the game control means, the effect control means for performing and controlling the effect by the effect means,
After a predetermined starting condition is established, based on the predetermined start condition is satisfied, starts the variable display operation of the gaming symbols, after a certain stop display mode in which the game symbols predetermined, the special A gaming machine configured to be controllable to a gaming state,
In the game operation process,
A prize-time process executed based on the establishment of the start condition, and a fluctuation-start process executed based on the establishment of the start condition,
The processing at the time of the prize,
When the starting condition is satisfied, an acquisition process for acquiring predetermined game information;
Holding storage processing for holding the game information acquired by the acquisition processing as the suspension information, up to a maximum upper limit storage number that is a predetermined upper limit,
Based on the acquired game information, at least a look-ahead determination process for determining whether to control the special game state in advance,
A command transmission process of transmitting a prize control command including information on the prefetch determination result to the effect control unit,
The process at the start of fluctuation includes:
If the start condition is met, and the based on the suspension information, pre Ki抽 selection processing at the start variation to perform lottery process,
A symbol game start process for starting a variable display operation of the game symbol with respect to the hold information used in the change start lottery process,
The effect control means,
Based on the information included in the winning control command, based on the information contained in the pre-reading notice effect, including a look-ahead notice effect control means capable of appearing control .
In the processing time of the entering Award performs determination processing whether or not the set value is a normal value, the set value is running before Symbol prefetch judgment processing in the case of the normal value, the set value is normally the If the value is not a value, the prefetch determination processing is not performed,
In the fluctuation start process, a determination process is performed to determine whether the set value is a normal value. If the set value is not the normal value, an abnormal stop process for stopping the progress of the game is performed. Have been
A gaming machine characterized by that: If the set value is not the normal value in the winning processing, the command transmission processing is configured to transmit , as the winning control command, a control command indicating that the prefetch determination processing has not been executed. ing,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein:

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