JP6067962B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of executing effects related to other gaming machines.

  As a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, when a game ball is launched into the game area formed on the front surface of the game board, and the launched game ball wins the start opening, the image display means constituted by a liquid crystal display device, etc. There is a game that displays a plurality of identification information (special symbols) in a variable manner. In addition, a game that causes a special game state that gives value to the player is known in connection with the result of the variable display game being in a specific mode.

  In such a gaming machine having an image display means, various effects are expressed by displaying various characters on the image display means.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine that controls the content of an effect (effect display) of the player based on game information from the outside. In this gaming machine, when jackpot information (game information) is input from the outside, it is possible to notify that a jackpot has occurred in another machine through the production of the own machine.

  Patent Document 2 discloses that a gaming machine that is not in operation receives a command transmitted from an operating gaming machine and performs an effect of decorating the gaming island. Through such effects, the entire amusement island can be energized.

JP 2005-168730 A JP 2004-89600 A

However, conventional gaming machines do not effectively increase the interest of the player.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and it is an object of the present invention to further enhance the interest of the game by executing effects related to other gaming machines.

In a typical embodiment of the present invention, a variable display device capable of executing a variable display game that displays the identification information in a variable manner based on the establishment of the start condition, and a control command for controlling the game in an integrated manner A game control means for transmitting a game, and an effect control means having an effect calculation processing means for controlling an effect display including the change display game based on the control command. when a special result aspect that defines, in the gaming machine which imparts game value to the player, the effect arithmetic processing means, a different effect display the effect display of the fluctuation display game, the variable display game a There can execute effect display of executable second effect regardless of whether or not it is being executed, the second effect information acquisition for acquiring second demonstration execution information for executing the second effect Includes a stage, the second rendition of the effect display the effect display during execution of the variable display game when running simultaneously, if the variation display game results in the execution is a special result aspect, the The second effect is controlled so that a result consistent with the special result mode is derived, and the result of the second effect is derived before the result of the running variable display game is derived. Take control.

According to the present invention, it is possible to further enhance the interest of Yu technique.

1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the game board with which the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention is provided. It is a block block diagram which shows the control system centering on the game control apparatus of the game machine of embodiment of this invention. It is a block block diagram which shows the control system centering on the production | presentation control apparatus of the game machine of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the upper plate cover unit of the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention, (A) is a front view, (B) is a perspective view. It is a figure for demonstrating the production button of the game machine of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the first half of the main process of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the latter half part of the main process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the timer interruption process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure game process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the main process performed by the microcomputer for main control (1stCPU) of the presentation control apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the external apparatus communication process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the 1st scene control process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the selection screen transfer process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the game character selection process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the customization screen process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process in the fluctuation | variation of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the fluctuation pattern restriction | limiting process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the reach | attainment distribution process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the point acquisition process of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the custom character customization screen of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen transition at the time of the character selection of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the production | presentation in the 1st display part of embodiment of this invention, and is a figure for demonstrating a screen structure. It is a figure explaining the production | presentation in the 1st display part of embodiment of this invention, and is a figure which shows the case where a player is dominant. It is a figure explaining the production | presentation in the 1st display part of embodiment of this invention, and is a figure which shows the case where a player is inferior. It is a figure which shows an example of the reach effect at the time of battle game execution of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the reach effect at the time of battle game execution of embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the front, rear, left, and right in the description of the embodiment refer to a direction viewed from the game board (a direction viewed from the player).

(First embodiment)
[Composition of gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming machine 1 includes an opening / closing frame 4 that is attached to a main body frame 2 fixed to an island facility via a hinge 3 so that a right side portion can be freely opened and closed. The open / close frame 4 includes a front frame 5 and a glass frame 6.

  A game board 30 (see FIG. 2) is disposed on the front frame 5, and a glass frame 6 having a cover glass 6 a that covers the front surface of the game board 30 is attached. The front frame 5 and the glass frame 6 can be opened individually. For example, only the glass frame 6 can be opened to access the game area 31 (see FIG. 2) of the game board 30. Further, by opening the front frame 5 in a state where the glass frame 6 is not opened, it is possible to access a game control device 600 (see FIG. 3) or the like disposed on the back side of the game board 30.

  A decorative member 7 is disposed around the cover glass 6 a of the glass frame 6. A frame decoration device 21 (see FIG. 4) configured by LEDs or the like is accommodated inside the decoration member 7, and the light emission state of the decoration member 7 can be adjusted by controlling the frame decoration device 21.

  An illumination unit 8 is disposed above the glass frame 6, and a movable illumination 9 is disposed on the left and right sides of the illumination unit 8. The illumination unit 8 accommodates an illumination member such as an LED inside, and performs a light emission effect according to the gaming state. The movable illumination 9 includes an illumination member such as an LED, and a frame effect device 22 (see FIG. 4) that includes an illumination drive motor that drives the illumination member. The frame effect device 22 of the movable illumination 9 is controlled so as to drive (for example, rotationally drive) the illumination member according to the gaming state. In addition, the illumination member arrange | positioned inside the illumination unit 8 and the movable illumination 9 also comprises some frame decoration apparatuses 21 (refer FIG. 4).

  The gaming machine 1 includes an upper speaker 10a and a lower speaker 10b that emit sound effects, alarm sounds, notification sounds, and the like. The upper speaker 10 a is disposed on both upper side portions of the glass frame 6, and the lower speaker 10 b is disposed below the upper plate 11 a constituting the upper plate cover unit 11.

  A gaming state notification LED 12 for notifying abnormality in the gaming machine 1 is provided on the upper right side of the movable illumination 9 disposed on the left side. When an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine 1, the gaming state notification LED 12 is turned on or blinks, and a notification sound for notifying the abnormality is output from the upper speaker 10a and the lower speaker 10b.

  Abnormalities occurring in the gaming machine 1 include failure of the gaming machine 1 and implementation of fraud. The illegal act includes, for example, an act of illegally manipulating the trajectory of the launched game ball with a magnet or an act of vibrating the gaming machine 1. These fraudulent acts are detected by detecting magnetism with the magnetic sensor switch 23 (see FIG. 3) or detecting vibration with the vibration sensor switch 24 (see FIG. 3).

  Further, the act of opening the open / close frame 4 illegally is also included in the illegal act. The open / closed state of the front frame 5 is detected by a front frame open detection switch 25 (see FIG. 3), and the open / closed state of the glass frame 6 is detected by a glass frame open detection switch 26 (see FIG. 3).

  An upper plate cover unit 11 including an upper plate 11 a is provided at the lower part of the glass frame 6. The game balls stored in the upper plate 11a are supplied to a ball launcher provided at the lower part of the front frame 5.

  A fixed panel 13 that is positioned below the glass frame 6 and fixed to the front frame 5 is provided with a lower plate 14 and an operation unit 15 for driving the ball launcher 460. When the player rotates the operation unit 15, the ball launcher launches the game ball supplied from the upper plate 11 a to the game area 31 (see FIG. 2) of the game board 30. The lower plate 14 is provided with a ball removal mechanism 16 for discharging game balls stored in the lower plate 14 to the outside.

  The upper plate cover unit 11 is provided with an effect button 17 for receiving an operation input from the player on the front side of the upper plate 11a. The effect button 17 includes a main button and a plurality of sub buttons. Details of the effect button 17 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the player operates the effect button 17, it is possible to perform an effect in which the player's operation is intervened in the variable display game on the variable display device 35 (see FIG. 2). In the normal game state, the effect pattern (Production mode) can be changed. The fluctuation display game includes a special figure fluctuation display game and a common figure fluctuation display game. In the present specification, when the fluctuation display game is simply referred to, the special figure fluctuation display game is indicated.

  The normal gaming state is a gaming state in which a specific gaming state has not occurred. The specific game state is, for example, a probability change state with a high probability of drawing a variable display game, a short time state capable of improving the number of executions of the variable display game per unit time, a jackpot game state (special game state), Or a small hit gaming state.

  Further, after the variable display game is started, an operation promotion effect for promoting the operation of the effect button 17 is executed, and by operating the effect button 17 while the operation promotion effect is being executed, the start memory ( It is possible to execute a notice effect or the like for notifying the result of the variable display game corresponding to (holding storage) in advance.

  Below the decorative member 7 of the glass frame 6, a ball lending button 18 that is operated when a player rents a game ball, and a discharge button 19 that is operated to discharge a prepaid card or the like from a card unit (not shown). Are arranged. Further, a balance display unit 20 for displaying a balance of a prepaid card or the like is provided between the ball lending button 18 and the discharge button 19.

  With reference to FIG. 2, the gaming board 30 disposed in the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 30 provided in the gaming machine 1.

  The game board 30 is provided with guide rails 33 as partition members on the surface of a rectangular game board main body 32 made of plywood, plastic, or the like, thereby forming a substantially circular game region 31.

  A center case 34 having an opening 34 a is disposed in the game area 31. An opening 30 a having a shape along the outer periphery of the center case 34 is formed in the game board 30, and the center case 34 is fitted into the opening 30 a from the front of the game board 30.

  On the back side of the game board 30, a control base unit including a variable display device 35 is disposed. The variable display device 35 includes a first display unit 35a capable of displaying a variable display game that displays a plurality of pieces of identification information. The control base unit further includes an effect device 70 capable of executing an operation effect and a light emission effect. The effect device 70 includes a first movable effect device 71 provided at a position corresponding to the lower portion of the center case 34 and a second movable effect device 72 provided at positions corresponding to the side portion and the upper portion of the center case 34. ing.

  The opening 34a of the center case 34 is provided corresponding to the first display portion 35a of the variable display device 35, and the first display portion 35a of the variable display device 35 is arranged so as to face the opening 34a of the center case 34. Established. The first display unit 35a of the variable display device 35 is a liquid crystal display capable of displaying an arbitrary image, and a plurality of identification information (special symbols) and characters that produce a variable display game are displayed on the display screen. An image based on is displayed. The variable display device 35 sets a plurality of variable display areas (for example, three variable display areas on the left side, the center, and the right side) on the first display unit 35a so that independent images can be displayed in each display area. It is configured.

  A second display unit 48 is disposed on the lower right side of the center case 34. The second display unit 48 displays auxiliary information at the time of performing the effect, and the display content is switched by operating the effect button 17 or the like. Note that the second display unit 48 may be installed in another location instead of the illustrated position. Further, a part of the first display part 35 a may be used as the second display part 48.

  In the game area 31 on the upper right side of the center case 34, a normal figure start gate 36 is provided that establishes a start condition for a normal symbol (normal figure) variable display game when a game ball passes.

  A gaming area 31 below the center case 34 is provided with a first start winning opening 37 that can give a start condition for a first special symbol (first special figure) variable display game based on winning of a game ball. In the center case 34, the warp passage 120 for guiding the game balls flowing down the game area 31 to the inside of the center case 34 and the game balls passing through the warp passage 120 can roll and roll. A stage unit 80 is provided for allowing the game ball to flow down to the game area 31 above the first start winning opening 37.

  A game area 31 on the lower right side of the center case 34 is provided with a second start winning port 38 that can give a start condition for the second special symbol (second special figure) variable display game based on the winning of the game ball. . Since the second start winning opening 38 is located behind the decorative plate 39, the second starting winning opening 38 is not shown in FIG. The second start winning opening 38 is movable so that it projects forward of the game area 31 when the result of the normal variation display game is a win and can guide the flowing game ball to the second starting winning opening 38. A receiving part (not shown) is provided. The movable receiving portion is housed on the back side of the game board 30 in a normal state, and the game ball passing behind the decoration board 39 cannot enter the second start winning opening 38 (a disadvantageous state for the player). The game ball flows down without winning the second start winning opening 38. On the other hand, when the result of the universal figure change display game is a win, the movable receiving portion projects forward of the game area 31 based on the driving force of the universal solenoid 27 (see FIG. 3), and the decorative board 39 The game ball passing behind is likely to flow into the second start winning opening 38 (a state advantageous to the player). The movable receiving part provided in the second start winning opening 38 is controlled by the game control device 600 (FIG. 3). The game control device 600 generates a short-time state (a general power support state) as a specific game state by increasing the frequency of occurrence of the easy-to-win state or increasing the occurrence time of the easy-to-win state.

  In the game areas 31 on both the left and right sides of the first start winning opening 37, a plurality of general winning openings 40 are provided which satisfy only the conditions for paying out a winning ball when a winning game ball is won.

  In the game area 31 on the right side of the first start winning opening 37, an attacker-type opening / closing door that can be opened by turning the upper end side to the front side by a large winning opening solenoid 28 (see FIG. 3). A special variable winning device 41 having a large winning opening 41a is provided. When the result of the first special figure variation display game is a big hit, the special variable winning device 41 converts the big winning opening from a closed state (blocking state unfavorable to the player) to an open state (a state advantageous to the player). The game balls are given to the player by facilitating the inflow of the game balls into the special winning opening.

  In addition to the above-mentioned starting prize opening and the like, the game area 31 includes a wind direction changing member such as a windmill or obstacle nail (not shown) that changes the flow direction of the game ball, or a game ball that has flowed down without winning a prize. A recovery outlet 42 is disposed.

  In the lower right part of the game board 30, a special figure fluctuation display of the special figure fluctuation display game (the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game), the special figure winning memory number (the first special figure) Fluctuation display game and second special figure fluctuation display game start memory number), ordinary figure fluctuation display game usual figure fluctuation display, ordinary figure winning memory number (ordinary figure fluctuation display game start memory number), and determination of jackpot A status indicator for displaying the number of rounds and the like is provided.

  In the gaming machine 1, the game ball launched by the ball launcher is launched into the game area 31 through the launch ball guide passage 43 defined along the inner peripheral wall of the guide rail 33, and a direction changing member (not shown). ) To flow down the game area 31 while changing the falling direction. The firing ball guide passage 43 is formed by the guide rail 33 and the inner rail 44, and a valve body 400 is provided at the end of the inner rail 44 located at the exit of the firing ball guide passage 43. The lower end of the valve body 400 is fixed to the inner rail 44, and the valve body 400 is disposed so as to close the outlet of the firing ball guide passage 43. The valve body 400 is a leaf spring member made of a metal plate, and allows a game ball to be launched from the launch ball guide passage 43 to the game region 31, while playing from the game region 31 side to the launch ball guide passage 43. The back flow of the sphere is prohibited.

  The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the player makes a left or right strike according to the gaming state, and a short-time state does not occur after a normal gaming state or a big hit gaming state such as immediately after the game starts. Is left-handed by the player. Note that a left-handed or right-handed instruction is displayed on the first display unit 35a of the variable display device 35 so that the player can easily make a game according to the gaming state.

  When left-handed, the game ball flows down the game area 31 on the left side of the center case 34, and the first winning prize opening 37 and the general winning opening provided on the left side of the first starting prize opening 37 are displayed. The player wins the prize 40 or is discharged to the outside of the gaming machine 1 through the out port 42 provided at the bottom of the gaming area 31. The game ball guided to the stage unit 80 through the warp passage 120 also wins the first start winning opening 37 or wins the general winning opening 40 on the left side of the first starting winning opening 37. When a game ball wins the general winning opening 40 or the first start winning opening 37, the number of game balls corresponding to the type of the winning winning opening is paid out to the player as a winning ball.

  When a game ball wins in the first start winning opening 37, the first special figure fluctuation display game is executed on the status display, and the decorative special figure fluctuation display game corresponding to the first special figure fluctuation display game is changed. 35. In the variation display device 35, a decoration special figure variation display game in which identification information composed of three numbers or the like is sequentially displayed in a variable manner is started, and an image related to the decoration special diagram variation display game is displayed on the first display unit 35a. When the game ball is won at the first start winning opening 37 at a predetermined timing, the result of the first special figure variation display game becomes a special result (big hit), and in the decorative special figure variation display game, three display symbols are displayed. Stops when all are aligned. In this case, the open / close door 41a of the special variable winning device 41 is opened, and a big hit gaming state (special gaming state) is entered.

  During the big hit gaming state, in order to make the game ball win a big winning opening of the special variable winning device 41, the player makes a right strike. When a right strike is made, the game ball flows down the game area 31 on the right side of the center case 34. The special winning opening of the special variable prize winning device 41 removes the game ball from a closed state (a disadvantageous state for the player) that does not accept the game ball until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number of game balls have won the grand prize port. The open state is easy to accept (a state advantageous to the player). When a game ball wins a big winning opening, a player is given a game value capable of acquiring many game balls. One round is defined as opening the grand prize opening until a predetermined number of game balls are won in the big prize opening or a predetermined time has elapsed since the opening of the grand prize opening. The number of rounds (for example, 15 times or 2 times) is continued.

  By the way, when the stop symbol at the time of the big hit is a specific symbol or the like, the gaming state after the big hit gaming state becomes a short time state. The time reduction state is continued until the special figure fluctuation display game (the first special figure fluctuation display game or the second special figure fluctuation display game) is performed 100 times. During the short-time state, the gaming machine 1 is set so that the player makes a right turn. If the time-short state does not occur after the big hit gaming state, a left-handed instruction is displayed on the first display portion 35a of the variable display device 35, and the player left-handed.

  When a right-handed strike is made during the short-time state and the game ball passes through the usual figure start gate 36, a usual figure variation display game is started on the state indicator. When the game ball is passed to the usual figure start gate 36 at a predetermined timing, the result of the usual figure change display game is won. In this case, the movable receiving portion of the second start winning port 38 located behind the decorative plate 39 projects forward of the game area 31 based on the driving force of the general-purpose solenoid 27 (see FIG. 3), and the second start The possibility of winning a game ball in the winning opening 38 is increased.

  When a game ball wins the second start winning opening 38, the second special figure variation display game is executed on the status display. When the game ball is won at the second start winning opening 38 at a predetermined timing, the result of the second special figure variation display game is a win (small hit). When a game ball wins the second start winning opening 38, the second special figure fluctuation display game is executed on the status display, and the decorative special figure fluctuation display game corresponding to the second special figure fluctuation display game is variably displayed. When the result of the second special figure variation display game is a win (small hit) when executed by the device 35, the result corresponding to the decorative special figure variation display game (for example, three display symbols are “1, 2, 3 ”or the like may be displayed in a state where they are arranged in a specific arrangement order.

  In addition, after completion of the time-short state, a left-handed instruction is displayed on the first display unit 35a of the variable display device 35, and the player left-hands. As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game progresses while the player makes a left strike or a right strike.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the game control device 600 and the effect control device 700 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram showing a control system centering on the game control device 600 of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 4 is a block configuration diagram showing a control system centering on the effect control device 700 of the gaming machine 1.

  A game control device 600 shown in FIG. 3 is a main control device (main board) that comprehensively controls games in the gaming machine 1. A power supply device 800, a payout control device 640, and an effect control device 700 are connected to the game control device 600. The game control device 600 transmits a control signal (command) to the payout control device 640 and the effect control device 700 to instruct execution of various processes. Furthermore, the game control device 600 is connected to various switches, solenoids to be controlled, and the like.

  The game control device 600 includes a CPU unit 610 that performs various arithmetic processes, an input unit 620 that receives input of various signals, and an output unit 630 that outputs various signals and control signals. The CPU unit 610, the input unit 620, and the output unit 630 are connected to each other by a data bus 680.

  The input unit 620 receives signals output from various switches provided on the game board 30 and the like and signals output from the payout control device 640. The input unit 620 includes a proximity interface (I / F) 621 and input ports 622 and 623.

  The input ports 622 and 623 receive a signal input via the proximity I / F 621 or directly receive a signal input from the outside. Information input to the input ports 622 and 623 is provided to the CPU unit 610 and the like via the data bus 680.

  The proximity I / F 621 is an interface that receives signals output from various switches, converts the input signals, and outputs the converted signals to the input port 622. The proximity I / F 621 is connected to a first start port switch 601, a second start port switch 602, a gate switch 603, winning port switches 604a to 604n, and a count switch 605.

  The first start port switch 601 is a switch that detects that a game ball has won the first start winning port 37. The second start port switch 602 is a switch that detects that a game ball has won the second start winning port 38. The gate switch 603 is a switch that detects that the game ball has passed the usual start gate 36. The winning award opening switches 604a to 604n are switches for detecting that the game ball has won the general winning opening 40.

  Detection signals of the first start port switch 601 and the second start port switch 602 are output to the input port 622 and also to the gaming microcomputer 611 via the inversion circuit 612 of the CPU unit 610. This is because the signal input terminal of the gaming microcomputer 611 is designed to detect the low level as an effective level.

  The count switch 605 is a switch for detecting that a game ball has won a big winning opening. When a winning game ball is detected by the count switch 605, the number of winning game balls is counted, and the counted number of gaming balls is stored in a memory provided in the game control device 600.

  Since the voltage of the input signal to the proximity I / F 621 is normally within a predetermined range, according to the proximity I / F 621, disconnection of lead wires in various switches based on voltage values of signals from the various switches, Short circuit, abnormal voltage value, etc. can be detected. When such an abnormality is detected, the proximity I / F 621 outputs a signal indicating the abnormality from the abnormality detection output terminal.

  In addition, since the output value (ON / OFF) of the signal input to the proximity I / F 621 is switched by attaching / detaching the connector of the switch connected to the proximity I / F 621, the proximity I / F 621 is not connected to the switch. Even so, the output is kept constant.

  Further, signals from the magnetic sensor switch 23 and the vibration sensor switch 24 are directly input to the input port 622, and from the front frame opening detection switch (SW) 25 and the glass frame opening detection switch (SW) 26 to the input port 623. The signal is input directly. Various signals from the payout control device 640 are also input to the input port 623.

  The magnetic sensor switch 23 detects a magnetic force in order to detect an illegal act of manipulating the trajectory of the launched game ball with a magnet. The vibration sensor switch 24 detects the vibration of the gaming machine 1 in order to detect an illegal act that vibrates the gaming machine 1.

  The front frame opening detection SW 25 detects that the front frame 5 is opened. The front frame opening detection SW 25 is set to ON when the front frame 5 is released from the main body frame 2, and is set to OFF when the front frame 5 is closed to the main body frame 2.

  The glass frame open detection SW 26 detects that the glass frame 6 has been opened. The glass frame open detection SW 26 is set to ON when the glass frame 6 is released from the front frame 5, and is set to OFF when the glass frame 6 is closed to the front frame 5.

  The CPU unit 610 of the game control device 600 includes a game microcomputer 611, an inversion circuit 612, and a crystal oscillator 613.

  The gaming microcomputer 611 includes a CPU 611a, a ROM 611b, and a RAM 611c, and executes various processes such as a big hit lottery by executing a program stored in the ROM 611b based on a signal input via the input unit 620. . The gaming microcomputer 611 is connected via an output unit 630 to a collective display device including a gaming state notification LED 12 and a status indicator, a general electric solenoid 27, a special winning opening solenoid 28, an effect control device 700, and a payout control device. A control signal is transmitted to 640, and the gaming machine 1 is comprehensively controlled. The gaming microcomputer 611 selects a port for inputting or outputting a signal by chip selection.

  The ROM 611b is a non-volatile storage medium and stores programs, data, and the like for game control.

  The RAM 611c is a volatile storage medium, and is used as a work area for temporarily storing information (for example, random number values) necessary for game control.

  The inversion circuit 612 inverts the logical value of the signal (the signal from the first start port switch 601 and the second start port switch 602) input via the proximity I / F 621 and outputs the inverted value to the gaming microcomputer 611.

  The crystal oscillator 613 is configured as an operating clock source of a hard random number for performing a timer interrupt, a system clock signal, a big hit lottery, and the like.

  The output unit 630 of the game control device 600 includes ports 631a to 631e, buffers 632a and 632b, drivers 633a to 633d, and a photocoupler 634.

  The ports 631a to 631e receive signals input via the data bus 680.

  The buffers 632a and 632b temporarily hold signals input via the data bus 680 and the ports 631a and 631b.

  The drivers 633a to 633d generate various drive signals from the signals input via the ports 631c to 631e and output them to each device.

  The photocoupler 634 is configured to be connectable to an external inspection device 670, and removes noise from various signals that are input and output to shape the waveforms of the various signals. Information is transmitted and received between the photocoupler 634 and the inspection device 670 by serial communication.

  Information output from the CPU unit 610 by parallel communication is transmitted to the payout control device 640 via the port 631a. Since there is no need to secure one-way communication for the payout control device 640, a control signal is directly transmitted from the port 631a to the payout control board of the payout control device 640.

  The payout control device 640 discharges the winning ball from the payout unit (not shown) based on the prize ball command signal from the game control device 600, or the payout unit based on the lending request signal from the card unit (not shown). Or renting a ball. The payout control device 640 outputs a payout abnormality status signal, a shot ball shortage switch signal, and an overflow switch signal to the game control device 600 when a failure such as a ball breakage or a failure occurs.

  The payout abnormality status signal is a signal output when the game ball is not paid out normally. The payout chute ball switch signal is a signal that is output when there is a shortage of game balls before payout. The overflow switch signal is a signal output when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the lower plate 14 (see FIG. 1).

  The effect control device 700 receives a data strobe signal (SSTB) from the port 631a of the output unit 630 and an 8-bit data signal from the port 631b via the buffer 632a. The data strobe signal (SSTB) is a 1-bit signal indicating whether data is valid or invalid. The 8 + 1 bit signal (subcommand) from the buffer 632a is output by parallel communication. The buffer 632a is provided to secure one-way communication so that a signal cannot be transmitted from the effect control device 700 to the game control device 600. The subcommands transmitted to the effect control device 700 include effect control command signals such as a change start command, a customer waiting demo command, a fanfare command, a probability information command, and an error designation command.

  A signal output from the CPU unit 610 is input to the special winning opening solenoid 28 and the general power solenoid 27 via the port 631c and the driver 633a. The large winning opening solenoid 28 rotates the opening / closing door 41a (see FIG. 2) of the special variable winning winning apparatus 41, and the general electric solenoid 27 has a movable receiving portion of the second starting winning opening 38 disposed behind the decorative board 39. Move back and forth.

  The collective display device includes a gaming state notification LED 12 and a state indicator. The anode terminal of the LEDs of the collective display device is connected to a driver 633c via a segment line, and the driver 633c and the port 631d are connected. The cathode terminal of the LED of the collective display device is connected to a driver 633b through a digit line, and the driver 633b and the port 631c are connected. The on / off drive signal from the driver 633c is input to the anode terminal of the LED of the collective display device, and the on / off drive signal is output to the driver 633b from the cathode terminal of the LED of the collective display device.

  The external information terminal 660 is a terminal for outputting game data such as a start signal indicating the start of the variable display game and a special prize signal indicating the occurrence of the big hit gaming state to the information collecting terminal device. The game data is output to the external information terminal 660 via the port 631e and the driver 633d.

  The game control device 600 is configured to be connectable to an external test test device via a relay board (not shown). The test firing test apparatus is an apparatus for performing a type test of the gaming machine 1 in a predetermined engine. The test firing test apparatus includes signals from the first start port switch 601, the second start port switch 602, the gate switch 603, the winning port switches 604a to 604n, and the count switch 605, the big winning port solenoid 28, and the general electric solenoid. A signal necessary for the trial test, such as a signal output to 27, is input.

  The game control device 600 is connected to the power supply device 800 via a Schmitt circuit 624 provided in the input unit 620. The Schmitt circuit 624 is a circuit that removes fluctuation (noise) of the input signal in order to prevent the operation of the gaming machine 1 from becoming unstable when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. The Schmitt circuit 624 receives a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal from the power supply device 800.

  The power supply device 800 includes a normal power supply unit including an AC-DC converter that generates a DC32V DC voltage from a 24V AC power supply, and a DC-DC converter that generates a lower level DC voltage such as DC12V and DC5V from the DC32V voltage. 810, a backup power supply unit 820 that supplies a power supply voltage to the RAM 611c in the gaming microcomputer 611 at the time of a power failure, a power failure monitoring circuit and an initialization switch, and notifies the game control device 600 of the occurrence and recovery of the power failure And a control signal generation unit 830 that generates and outputs control signals such as a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal.

  The backup power supply unit 820 is a power supply for backing up game data stored in the RAM 611c of the game microcomputer 611. After the power failure is restored, the game control device 600 restores the gaming state before the power failure based on the game data held in the RAM 611c.

  The control signal generator 830 monitors the input voltage (guaranteed DC 32V) of the switching regulator that generates DC 12V and DC 5V. When the detected voltage is DC 17.2 V to DC 20.0 V, it is determined that there is a power failure, and a power failure monitoring signal is output from the control signal generation unit 830. The power failure monitoring signal is input to the input port 623 of the input unit 620 via the Schmitt circuit 624. After the power failure monitoring signal is output, the power failure monitoring circuit outputs a reset signal. The reset signal is input to each port 631a to 631e of the gaming microcomputer 611 and the output unit 630 via the Schmitt circuit 624. When the game control device 600 receives the power failure monitoring signal, the game control device 600 performs a predetermined power failure process, and stops the operation of the CPU unit 610 after receiving the reset signal.

  The control signal generation unit 830 includes an initialization switch (not shown), and an initialization switch signal is output from the control signal generation unit 830 when the initialization switch is in an ON state when the power is turned on. The initialization switch signal is input to the input port 623 of the input unit 620 via the Schmitt circuit 624. The initialization switch signal is a signal for forcibly initializing information stored in the RAM 611c of the gaming microcomputer 611 and the RAM of the payout control device 640.

  The effect control device 700 shown in FIG. 4 controls the video under the control of the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 710 composed of an amusement chip (IC) and the main control microcomputer 710 in the same manner as the game microcomputer 611 of the game control device 600. A video control processor (2ndCPU) 720 that performs the above and a VDP (Video Display Processor) that performs image processing for video display on the variable display device 35 (see FIG. 2) according to commands and data from the video control microcomputer 720 730, and a sound source LSI 705 for reproducing various melody and sound effects from the upper speaker 10a and the lower speaker 10b.

  PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) 702 and 703 storing programs executed by the CPUs are connected to the main control microcomputer 710 and the video control microcomputer 720, respectively. Character images and video data are stored in the VDP 730. An image ROM 704 is connected, and an audio ROM 706 storing audio data is connected to the tone generator LSI 705. The main control microcomputer 710 analyzes the command from the game microcomputer 611 of the game control device 600, instructs the video control microcomputer 720 about the contents of the output video, instructs the sound source LSI 705 to reproduce the sound, LEDs, etc. Processing such as lighting, motor drive control, production time management, etc. is executed.

  RAMs 711 and 721 that provide work areas for the main control microcomputer 710 and the video control microcomputer 720 are provided in the respective chips. The RAMs 711 and 721 that provide the work area may be provided outside the chip.

  Data transmission / reception is performed between the main control microcomputer 710 and the video control microcomputer 720 and between the main control microcomputer 710 and the tone generator LSI 705 in a serial manner. In contrast, the main control microcomputer 710 and the VDP 730 are configured to transmit and receive data in a parallel manner. By transmitting and receiving data in the parallel system, commands and data can be transmitted in a shorter time than in the serial system.

  The VDP 730 includes an ultra-high-speed VRAM (video RAM) 731 used for expanding and processing image data such as characters read from the image ROM 704, and a scaler 732 for enlarging and reducing the image. , And a signal conversion circuit 733 for generating a video signal to be transmitted to the variation display device 35 by the LVDS (small amplitude signal transmission) method.

  A vertical synchronization signal VSYNC is output from the VDP 730 to the main control microcomputer 710 in order to synchronize the image of the variation display device 35 and the lighting of LEDs and the like provided on the front frame 5 and the game board 30. Also, the VDP 730 notifies the video control microcomputer 720 that it is waiting to receive commands and data from the interrupt signals INT0 to n and the video control microcomputer 720 in order to notify the processing status such as the end of drawing in the VRAM 731. A wait signal WAIT is output.

  From the video control microcomputer 720 to the main control microcomputer 710, a synchronization signal SYNC for notifying that the video control microcomputer 720 is operating normally and giving command transmission timing is output.

  Between the main control microcomputer 710 and the tone generator LSI 705, an interrogation signal CTS and a response signal RTS are exchanged in order to transmit and receive commands and data by the handshake method.

  The video control microcomputer 720 uses a CPU that is faster than the main control microcomputer 710. By providing a video control microcomputer 720 separately from the main control microcomputer 710 and sharing the processing, it is possible to display a fast moving image on a large screen, which is difficult to achieve with the main control microcomputer 710 alone, on the variable display device 35. In addition to this, an increase in cost can be suppressed as compared with the case where two CPUs having processing capabilities equivalent to those of the video control microcomputer 720 are used.

  The effect control device 700 includes an interface chip (command I / F) 701 for receiving a command transmitted from the game control device 600. The effect control device 700 receives the change start command, the customer waiting demo command, the fanfare command, the probability information command, the error designation command, and the like transmitted from the game control device 600 as the effect control command signal via the command I / F 701. To do. Since the game microcomputer 611 of the game control device 600 operates at DC 5V and the main control microcomputer 710 of the effect control device 700 operates at DC 3.3V, the command I / F 701 is provided with a signal level conversion function. Yes.

  The effect control device 700 includes a panel decoration LED control circuit 741 that controls a panel decoration device 760 including LEDs and the like provided on the center case 34 and the game board 30, and a frame decoration device 21 that includes LEDs and the like provided on the front frame 5 and the like. The frame decoration LED control circuit 742 for controlling the display, the board effect motor / SOL (drive control for the board effect device 770 including the electric accessory and the effect device 70 which enhance the effect of the effect in cooperation with the effect display on the variable display device 35) Solenoid) control circuit 743, and a frame effect motor control circuit 744 for driving and controlling the frame effect device 22 including an illumination drive motor for the movable illumination 9 and the like are provided. These control circuits 741 to 744 are connected to the main control microcomputer 710 via an address / data bus 740.

  The effect control device 700 also includes an effect button switch (SW) 17a for detecting that the effect button 17 (see FIG. 1) is operated, and an effect motor switch (SW) for detecting that various drive motors are driven. A switch (SW) input circuit 750 that detects the ON / OFF state of 752 and transmits a detection signal to the main control microcomputer 710 is provided. The effect button 17 includes a main button 170, direction buttons 171 to 174, and a sub button 175. Similarly, the effect button SW17a includes a main button SW 170a, direction buttons SW171a to 174a, and a sub button SW 175a.

  Furthermore, the effect control device 700 is provided with amplifier circuits 707 and 708 including audio power amplifiers for driving the upper speaker 10a and the lower speaker 10b.

  Further, the effect control device 700 includes command communication means 780 for communicating with other game machines. The command communication means 780 is a command output means for transmitting a command output from the main control microcomputer 710 to another gaming machine, and a command for receiving a command transmitted from another gaming machine and notifying the main control microcomputer 710 Functions as an input means. The command transmitted / received at this time includes information related to the game effect display (game environment information) and effect points (game result information). The main control microcomputer 710 updates the content of the effect based on the notified command, and executes the effect related to other players.

  The normal power supply unit 810 of the power supply device 800 is configured to be able to generate a plurality of types of voltages in order to supply a predetermined level of DC voltage to the effect control device 700 and the electronic components controlled by the effect control device 700. ing. Specifically, in addition to DC 32V for driving the drive motor and solenoid, DC 12V for driving the variable display device 35 including a liquid crystal panel, DC 5V serving as the power supply voltage of the command I / F 701, the upper speaker 10a and It is possible to generate a DC 18V for driving the lower speaker 10b and an NDC 24V voltage used as a reference for these DC voltages or for turning on the power monitor lamp.

  The reset signal RST generated by the control signal generation unit 830 of the power supply device 800 is supplied to the main control microcomputer 710, the video control microcomputer 720, the VDP 730, the tone generator LSI 705, and the various control circuits 741 to 744, 707, and 708. To the reset state. The power supply device 800 has a function of generating and supplying a reset signal for the VDP 730 using a general-purpose port of the video control microcomputer 720. Thereby, the cooperation of the operations of the video control microcomputer 720 and the VDP 730 can be improved.

[Upper plate unit, operation (direction) button]
FIG. 5 is a view showing the upper plate cover unit 11 of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a front view and (B) is a perspective view.

  The upper plate cover unit 11 is provided on the lower front side of the glass frame 6 and includes an upper plate (member) 11a capable of storing game balls. The upper plate cover unit 11 has a horizontally long shape attached to the front side of the glass frame 6.

  The upper plate cover unit 11 includes a speaker cover portion 11b that opens in a slightly upward direction on the front side in the lower left portion. The speaker cover portion 11b is disposed so that the output portion of the lower speaker 10b is fitted. An effect button 17 is disposed on the upper surface of the upper plate cover unit 11.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the effect buttons 17 of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The effect button 17 includes a main button 170, direction buttons 171 to 174, and a sub button 175. An opening for placing the sub button 175 is provided on the outer periphery of the cover 178 of the effect button 17.

  The main button 170 determines the operation of the character displayed on the variable display device 35 and determines an item to be selected. The direction buttons 171 to 174 move the character displayed on the variable display device 35 (change the position of the character) or select an item. The sub button 175 causes the character to take an action different from that when the main button 170 is operated, or cancels the selected item.

  The main button 170, the direction buttons 171 to 174, and the sub button 175 are urged by a spring toward the upper side of the upper plate cover unit 11, and are operated by being pressed by the player. When the effect button 17 is operated, a signal corresponding to each button is output. For example, the main button 170 outputs a main operation signal, the sub button 175 outputs a sub operation signal, and an operation signal corresponding to each direction button.

[Main processing (game control device)]
First, the main process will be described. FIG. 7A is a flowchart of the first half of the main processing according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B is a flowchart of the latter half of the main process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The main process is started when the gaming machine 1 is powered on. For example, it is executed when a gaming machine is turned on to start business at a game hall or when a power failure is restored.

  When the main process is executed, the game control device 600 first prohibits interruption (A1001). Next, interrupt vector setting processing for setting a vector address indicating a jump destination executed when an interrupt occurs is executed (A1002). Furthermore, a stack pointer that is the head address of an area for saving a value of a register or the like when an interrupt occurs is set (A1003). Further, an interrupt processing mode is set (A1004).

  Next, the game control device 600 stands by until the program of the payout control device (payout board) 640 starts normally (A1005). For example, wait for 4 milliseconds. By controlling in this way, when the power is turned on, the game control device 600 is started first and the command is transmitted to the payout control device 640 before the start-up of the payout control device 640 is completed. , It can be avoided that the payout control device 640 misses the transmitted command.

  Thereafter, the game control device 600 permits access to a read / write RWM (read / write memory) such as a RAM or EEPROM (A1006). Further, all output ports are set to off (no output) (A1007). In addition, the serial port preinstalled in the gaming microcomputer 611 is set not to be used (A1008). This is because the serial port is not used because parallel communication is performed with the payout control device 640 and the effect control device 700 in the present embodiment.

  Subsequently, the game control device 600 determines whether or not the initialization switch signal in the power supply device 800 is set to ON (A1009). The initialization switch signal is a signal for setting whether or not to start a game in an initialized state when the gaming machine 1 is powered on.

  For example, if the power is turned off while the store is closed, etc., and the power is turned on when the store opens the next day, the initialization switch signal is set to ON so that the game starts in the initialized state. Is done. On the other hand, when the power is turned on again after a power failure, the initialization switch signal is turned off so that the game machine is not initialized in order to resume the game as close to the gaming state as possible before the power failure. Is set.

  When the initialization switch signal is set to OFF (the result of A1009 is “N”), the game control device 600 checks whether the data in the power failure inspection area in the RWM is normal (A1010). ~ A1013). More specifically, the power outage inspection area includes a power outage inspection area 1 and a power outage inspection area 2. The power failure inspection area 1 stores power failure inspection area check data 1, and the power failure inspection area 2 stores power failure inspection area check data 2. In the processing of step A1010 and step A1011, it is checked whether or not the power failure inspection area check data 1 stored in the power failure inspection area 1 is normal. Similarly, in the processing of step A1012 and step A1013, it is checked whether or not the power failure inspection area check data 2 stored in the power failure inspection area 2 is normal.

  When it is determined that the power failure inspection area check data in the power failure inspection area in the RWM is normal (the result of A1013 is “Y”), the game control device 600 performs a check to calculate verification data called a checksum. Sum calculation processing is executed (A1014).

  Then, the game control device 600 compares the checksum value calculated in the checksum calculation process with the checksum value calculated when the power is turned off (A1015), and determines whether these values match. Determine (A1016).

  On the other hand, in the game control device 600, when the initialization switch signal is set to ON (the result of A1009 is “Y”), the value of the power failure inspection area is not normal (the result of A1011 or A1013 is “N”). If the checksum value at power-off and the checksum value calculated in step A1014 do not match (result of A1016 is “N”), the initial values from step A1039 to step A1043 in FIG. Execute the conversion process. Details of the initialization process will be described later.

  When the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value at the time of power-off (the result of A1016 is “Y”), the game control apparatus 600 has executed the power failure processing normally, and therefore The process for restoring to the state is executed (A1017 to A1023 in FIG. 7B). First, an area in the RWM (read / write memory: RAM in the embodiment) in which information for determining whether or not the information at the time of a power failure has been normally stored is cleared (initialized). Specifically, all the power outage inspection areas are cleared (A1017), and the area where the checksum is stored is cleared (A1018). Further, an area for storing error-related information and information for monitoring fraud is reset (A1019).

  Next, the game control device 600 determines whether or not the game state at the time of the power failure is a high probability state from the area for storing the game state in the RWM (A1020). If it is determined that the probability is not high (the result of A1020 is “N”), the processing after step A1023 is executed.

  In addition, when it is determined that the gaming state at the time of the power outage is a high probability state (the result of A1020 is “Y”), the game control device 600 sets the high probability notification flag to ON and performs the high probability notification. Save to the flag area (A1021). Subsequently, the high-probability notification LED (third gaming state indicator 58) provided in the collective display device 50 is set to ON (lighted) (A1022).

  Further, the game control device 600 transmits a command at the time of power failure recovery corresponding to the special figure game process number to the effect control device 700 (A1023). The special figure game process number is a number indicating the state of the special figure game, and is stored in a predetermined area of the RWM when a power failure occurs. In this way, by transmitting the power failure recovery command corresponding to the special figure game process number to the effect control device 700, the game can be resumed in a state as close as possible to before the power failure occurs.

  Here, a case where the initialization process is executed will be described. As described above, the initialization process is executed when a gaming machine that has been normally powered off is activated or when it cannot return to the state before the occurrence of a power failure.

  In the initialization process, the game control device 600 first clears all work areas before the access prohibited area (A1039). Further, all stack areas after the access prohibited area are cleared (A1040). Then, an initial value for power-on is saved in the initialized area (A1041).

  Subsequently, the game control apparatus 600 sets a time value corresponding to the period for outputting the external information related to RWM clear (A1042). Then, at the end of the initialization process, a command for turning on the power is transmitted to the effect control device 700 (A1043), and the processes after step A1024 are executed.

  When the processing of step A1023B or step A1043 is completed, the gaming control device 600 includes a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) circuit that generates a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal (CTC) in the gaming microcomputer 611 (clock generator). Start (A1024).

  The CTC circuit is provided in a clock generator in the gaming microcomputer 611. The clock generator includes a frequency dividing circuit that divides the oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the crystal oscillator 613 and the CTC circuit described above. The timer interrupt signal is a signal for causing the CPU 611a to generate a timer interrupt with a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) based on the divided signal. The random number update trigger signal (CTC) is supplied to the random number generation circuit based on the divided signal, and the random number generation circuit serves as a trigger for updating the random number.

  When the CTC circuit is activated, the game control device 600 performs activation setting of the random number generation circuit (A1025). Specifically, the CPU 611a executes processing such as setting a code (specified value) for starting the random number generation circuit in a predetermined register (CTC update permission register) in the random number generation circuit. Further, the values of predetermined registers (soft random number registers 1 to n) in the random number generation circuit at the time of power-on are saved in predetermined areas of the RWM as initial values (start values) of various initial value random numbers (A1026). . Thereafter, the game control device 600 permits an interrupt (A1027).

  Note that the random number generation circuit in the CPU 611a of the present embodiment is configured such that the initial value of the soft random number register is changed each time the power is turned on, and initial values of various initial value random numbers are based on the initial value of the soft random number register. By setting a value (start value), it becomes possible to break the regularity of random numbers generated by software, making it difficult for a player to acquire illegal random numbers. The various initial value random numbers include, for example, a random number for determining a jackpot symbol (big hit symbol random number 1, a jackpot symbol random number 2), and a random number for determining a hit of a normal variation display game (a hit random number).

  Subsequently, the game control device 600 executes an initial value random number update process for updating the values of various initial value random numbers and breaking the regularity of the random numbers (A1028). In the present embodiment, the big hit random number is configured to be generated using a random number generated in the random number generation circuit. That is, the big hit random number is a hard random number generated by hardware, and the big hit symbol random number, the hit random number, and the variation pattern random number are soft random numbers generated by software. Note that the source of various random numbers is not limited to the above-described mode, and the big hit random number may be a software random number, or the big hit symbol random number, the hit random number, and the variation pattern random number may be a hardware random number. .

  Further, after the initial value random number update process is executed, the game control device 600 sets the number of times of checking the power failure monitoring signal input from the power supply device 800 and read through the port and the data bus (A1029). Normally, a value of 2 or more is set as the number of checks. It is possible to determine whether or not a power failure has occurred by checking the power failure monitoring signal. The game control device 600 determines whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is on (A1030). When the power failure monitoring signal is not on, that is, when there is no power failure (the result of A1030 is “N”), the initial value random number update processing of step A1028 is executed again, and the processing from step A1028 to step A1030 is repeated. Execute (loop processing).

  Also, by permitting an interrupt (A1027) before the initial value random number update process (A1028), if a timer interrupt occurs during the initial value random number update process, the interrupt process can be preferentially executed. Become. Accordingly, since the timer interrupt process cannot be executed until the execution of the initial value random number update process is completed, it is possible to avoid a shortage of time for executing various processes included in the interrupt process.

  In the initial value random number update process (A1028), the initial value random number update process may be executed by a timer interrupt process in addition to the main process. However, when the initial value random number update process is executed in the timer interrupt process, an interrupt is issued during the initial value random number update process in the main process in order to avoid executing the initial value random number update process in both processes. It is prohibited to release the interrupt after updating the initial random number. However, if the initial value random number update process is not executed in the timer interrupt process and the initial value random number update process is executed only in the main process as in this embodiment, the interrupt can be canceled before the initial value random number update process. There is no problem, and there is an advantage that the main processing is simplified.

  On the other hand, when the power failure monitoring signal is set to ON (the result of A1030 is “Y”), the game control device 600 indicates that the number of times that the power failure monitoring signal is continuously detected is detected. It is determined whether the number of checks set in step A1029 has been reached (A1031). If the number of times that the power failure monitoring signal is set to ON is not reached the number of checks (result of A1031 is “N”), whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is ON again. Is determined (A1030). That is, when the power failure monitoring signal is on, it is determined whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is on for the number of checks.

  When the number of times that the power failure monitoring signal is continuously turned on reaches the number of checks (the result of A1031 is “Y”), the game control device 600 considers that a power failure has occurred. Then, processing at the time of occurrence of a power failure is executed (A1032 to A1038).

  The game control device 600 prohibits interruption (A1032) and sets all output ports to off (A1033). Thereafter, the power failure recovery inspection region check data 1 is saved in the power failure recovery inspection region 1 (A1034), and further, the power failure recovery inspection region check data 2 is saved in the power failure recovery inspection region 2 (A1035).

  Furthermore, the game control device 600 executes a checksum calculation process for calculating a checksum when the RWM is turned off (A1036), and saves (saves) the calculated checksum value in the checksum area of the RWM ( A1037). Finally, access to the RWM is prohibited so that the contents of the RWM are not changed (A1038), and the system waits until the power of the gaming machine 1 is cut off. In this way, by saving check data in the power failure recovery inspection area and calculating and storing the checksum at the time of power-off, the information stored in the RWM before power-off is correctly backed up. It is possible to determine when the power is turned on again.

[Timer interrupt processing (game control device)]
Next, timer interrupt processing will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of timer interrupt processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The timer interrupt process is started when a periodic (for example, 1 millisecond cycle) timer interrupt signal generated by the CTC circuit in the clock generator is input to the CPU 611a.

  When the timer interrupt process is started, the game control device 600 first saves the register by moving the value held in the predetermined register to the RWM (A1101). In this embodiment, a Z80 microcomputer is used as the game microcomputer. The Z80 microcomputer has a front register and a back register, and the processing in step A1101 can be implemented by saving the value held in the front register to the back register.

  Next, the game control device 600 executes input processing for acquiring input signals from various sensors and switches input via the input unit 620 and reading the state of each input port (A1102). The various sensors include a first start port switch 601, a second start port switch 602, a conventional gate switch 603, a count switch 605, and the like. In the input process, the input information is confirmed by performing chattering removal or the like on the input signal.

  Further, the game control device 600 executes output processing for transmitting output data related to game control set in various processes to the effect control device 700 and the payout control device 640 (A1103). The output data is information for performing drive control of an actuator such as a solenoid, and the solenoids to be controlled include, for example, a big prize opening solenoid 28 and a general electric solenoid 27. The output process also includes a process of outputting game data to an information collecting terminal device (not shown) that collects game data in the gaming machine.

  Next, the game control device 600 executes a command transmission process for transmitting (outputting) the command set in the transmission buffer in various processes to the effect control device 700, the payout control device 640, etc. (A1104). Specifically, the effect control device 700 includes a change pattern designation command for designating the change pattern of the identification information in the special figure change display game, and a power failure recovery command for causing the effect control device 700 to execute the power failure recovery process when recovering from the power failure. Or a prize ball command specifying the number of prize balls to be paid out from the payout device is sent to the payout control device 640.

  Further, the game control device 600 executes a random number update process 1 for updating the jackpot symbol random number 1 and the jackpot symbol random number 2 (A1105), and subsequently uses a variation pattern random number for determining the variation pattern in the special diagram variation display game. Random number update processing 2 to be updated is executed (A1106). In random number update processing 1 and random number update processing 2, in order to give randomness to various random numbers, the values of counters corresponding to various random numbers (big hit random number counter, hit random number counter, presentation determination random number counter, etc.) are incremented by one To do.

  After that, the game control device 600 executes a winning port switch / error monitoring process for monitoring various winning port switches and the like, and monitoring errors such as unauthorized opening of a frame (A1107). The various winning opening switches include, for example, a first starting opening switch 601, a second starting opening switch 602, a gate switch 603, winning opening switches 604a to 604n, and a count switch 605. In the prize opening switch / error monitoring process, it is monitored whether a normal signal is input from these switches. As for error monitoring, the front frame 5 and the glass frame 6 are targeted for unauthorized opening.

  Further, the game control device 600 executes special figure game processing for performing processing related to the special figure variation display game (A1108). Details of the special game process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, the game control device 600 executes a general game process for performing a process related to the general map display game (A1109).

  Next, the game control device 600 executes a segment LED editing process for controlling the display contents of the segment LED for displaying the special figure variation game and various information related to the game (A1110). Specifically, the parameters for outputting the results of the special map variation display game and the general map variation display game to the segment LED (for example, the collective display device 50) are edited.

  The game control device 600 checks a detection signal from the magnetic sensor switch 23 or the vibration sensor switch 24 and executes a magnet error monitoring process for determining whether there is an abnormality (A1111). When the occurrence of an abnormality is detected, a notification sound is output from the speaker 10 or the gaming state notification LED 12 is turned on to notify the outside.

  Next, the game control device 600 executes an external information editing process for editing various signals output from the external information terminal 660 (A1112).

  Then, the game control device 600 clears the interrupt request and declares the end of the interrupt (A1113). Thereafter, the register temporarily saved in the process of step A1101 is restored (A1114), the interrupt and timer interrupt by the prohibited external device are permitted (A1115), the timer interrupt process is terminated, and the process returns to the main process. To do.

[Special Figure Game Processing]
Next, the details of the special game process (A1108) in the timer interrupt process described above will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure game process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the special figure game process, input signal monitoring by the first start opening switch 601 and the second start opening switch 602, control of the entire process related to the special figure variation display game, and setting of display of the special figure (identification symbol, identification information) are set. Do.

  When the special figure game process is started, the game control device 600 first executes a start switch monitoring process for monitoring winnings of the first start port switch 601 and the second start port switch 602 (A1201).

  In the start port switch monitoring process, when a game ball wins at the first start winning port 37 and the second start winning port 38, various random numbers (such as big hit random numbers) are extracted, and a special variable display game based on the win Prior to the start of the game, a game result pre-determination is made to pre-determine a game result based on a prize.

  Next, the game control device 600 executes a count switch monitoring process (A1202). In the count switch monitoring process, a game ball won in the special variable winning device 41 is detected by a count switch 605 provided in the special variable winning device 41, and the number of winning game balls is monitored.

  Next, the game control device 600 determines whether or not the special figure game process timer has already expired or the special figure game process timer has expired as a result of updating (-1) the special figure game process timer. Is checked (A1203). Note that the special figure game processing timer is set with an initial value of the variation time of the special figure fluctuation display game to be executed, and the value of the special figure game processing timer is decremented by 1 in the process of step A1203. When the value of the special figure game processing timer becomes 0, it is determined that the time is up.

  When the special game process timer has not expired (the result of A1204 is “N”), the game control apparatus 600 executes the processes after step A1216.

  On the other hand, when the special game process timer expires (the result of A1204 is “Y”), the game control device 600 refers to the special game sequence to be branched to the process corresponding to the special game process number. The branch table is set in the register (A1205). Further, the branch destination address of the process corresponding to the special figure game process number is acquired based on the table (A1206). Then, the return address after the branch process ends is saved in the stack area (A1207), and the process is branched according to the game process number (A1208).

  When the game process number is “0” (the result of A1208 is “0”), the game control device 600 executes a special figure routine process (A1209). The special chart routine process monitors the fluctuation start of the special figure fluctuation display game, sets the fluctuation start of the special figure fluctuation display game, sets the effects, sets the information necessary to execute the special figure fluctuation processing, etc. Do.

  When the game process number is “1” (the result of A1208 is “1”), the game control device 600 executes the special figure changing process (A1210). In the special figure changing process, the stop display time of the identification information in the special figure changing display game, the setting of information necessary for performing the special figure display process, and the like are performed.

  When the game process number is “2” (the result of A1208 is “2”), the game control apparatus 600 executes a special figure display process (A1211). In the special figure display process, if the result of the special figure fluctuation display game is a big hit, the fanfare command setting according to the type of the big hit, the fanfare time corresponding to the big winning opening opening pattern of each big hit, Information necessary for performing fanfare / interval processing is set.

  When the game process number is “3” (the result of A1208 is “3”), the game control apparatus 600 executes the fanfare / interval process (A1212). In the fanfare / interval processing, setting of the opening time of the big prize opening, updating of the number of times of opening, setting of information necessary for performing the processing during opening of the big prize opening, and the like are performed.

  When the game process number is “4” (the result of A1208 is “4”), the game control apparatus 600 executes a special winning opening opening process (A1213). The processing during opening of the big prize opening is necessary to set an interval command if the big hit round is not the final round, while setting the command of the big hit end screen if the big round is the final round, or to perform the big prize opening remaining ball processing Set information.

  When the game process number is “5” (the result of A1208 is “5”), the game control device 600 executes the big winning opening remaining ball process (A1214). In the winning ball remaining ball processing, when the big hit round is the final round, the time for the remaining ball in the big winning mouth to be discharged is set, or the information necessary to perform the big hit end processing is set Or

  In the winning prize remaining ball process, information necessary for updating the special symbol process timer and performing the fanfare / interval process or the big hit end process is set. In addition, it is determined whether the maximum opening time of the grand prize opening has elapsed, or a predetermined number (predetermined number) of game balls have been won in the big prize opening, and the opening / closing door 41a is closed when any of the conditions is met. To do. After this is repeatedly executed for a predetermined number of rounds, the special figure game process number is set to 6.

  When the game process number is “6” (the result of A1208 is “6”), the game control apparatus 600 executes a jackpot end process (A1215). In the jackpot end process, information necessary for performing the special figure routine process in step A1209 is set.

  After that, the game control device 600 prepares a table for controlling the variation of symbols in the collective display device in the special figure fluctuation display game (first special figure fluctuation display game, second special figure fluctuation display game) (A1216). . Subsequently, the symbol variation control process related to the collective display device is executed (A1217).

[1st CPU main processing (production control device)]
Subsequently, a process executed by the effect control device 700 to perform effect display will be described. First, details of the main process executed by the effect control device 700 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of main processing executed by the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 710 of the effect control device 700 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The main process is executed when the gaming machine 1 is turned on.

  When the execution of the main process is started, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 710 first prohibits interruption (B1001). Next, the RAM 711 as a work area is cleared to 0 (B1002), and CPU initialization processing is executed (B1003). Thereafter, initial values necessary for executing various processes are set in the RAM 711 (B1004), and a random number initialization process is executed (B1005).

  Subsequently, the main control microcomputer 710 activates various interrupt timers for generating an interrupt at a predetermined timing (for example, 1 millisecond) (B1006), and permits the interrupt (B1007). When the interrupt is permitted, a command reception interrupt process for receiving a command transmitted from the game control device 600 is executable.

  The main control microcomputer 710 clears WDT (watchdog timer) (B1008). The WDT is activated by the above-described CPU initialization process (B1003) and monitors whether the CPU is operating normally. If the WDT is not cleared after a certain period, the WDT times out and the CPU is reset.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 detects an operation signal of the effect button 17 by the player, or executes a process according to the detected signal (B1009). Further, a game control command analysis process for analyzing the game control command received from the game control device 600 is executed (B1010).

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a test mode process (B1011). In the test mode process, an inspection command is received at the time of inspection at the time of shipment from the factory, and LED lighting or the like is inspected. Therefore, the test mode process is executed when the CPU is inspected at the time of factory shipment.

  Subsequently, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a 1st scene control process for controlling a scene (display content) to be displayed on the variable display device 35 based on the control command analyzed in the game control command analysis process (B1010) ( B1012). In the 1st scene control process, the display contents of the screen are controlled in an integrated manner. Also included is a pre-reading notice control process for informing in advance that a variable display game with a high expectation level of jackpot is executed. The 1st scene control process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 executes an external device communication process for transmitting / receiving data (game character information, game result information) to / from other game machines (B1013). Based on the data transmitted and received in the external device communication process, a game in another gaming machine is reflected in the effect content, or the effect content in the game by another player is affected. As described above, the external device communication process is executed by the effect control device 700 (main control microcomputer 710), thereby forming a command input unit and a command output unit together with the command communication unit 780. The external device communication process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a gaming machine error monitoring process for monitoring the occurrence of an abnormality in the gaming machine 1 (B1014). In addition to the abnormality related to the effect control device 700, when a command for instructing error notification is received from the game control device 600, a predetermined process such as alarm sound notification is executed.

  Then, the main control microcomputer 710 executes an effect command editing process for editing a command transmitted to the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 720 (B1015).

  The main control microcomputer 710 executes sound control processing for controlling sound output from the speaker 10 (B1016). In addition, a decoration control process for controlling a decoration device such as an LED (board decoration device 10d, frame decoration device 21) is executed (B1017), and further an effect device such as an electric accessory driven by a motor and a solenoid or movable illumination. A motor / SOL control process for controlling (board effect device 10f, frame effect device 22) is executed (B1018).

  Finally, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a random number update process for updating a random number such as an effect random number (B1019), and returns to the process of step B1008. Thereafter, the processing from step B1008 to step B1019 is repeated.

[External device communication processing]
Next, details of the external device communication process (B1013) in the first main process described above will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of external device communication processing according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The main control microcomputer 710 first recognizes an external device capable of communication by executing external device recognition processing (C1001). As described above, the recognized external device is another gaming machine, but it may be a device that collects character information and point information (game result information) of each gaming machine instead of the gaming machine itself. For example, a server (computer) that collectively manages character and point information of each gaming machine is provided, this server collects character information and point information from each gaming machine, and each gaming machine accesses the server. Also good.

  Subsequently, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not there is an external device as a data transmission destination (C1002). If there is no external device to which data is to be transmitted (the result of C1002 is “N”), this process ends.

  When there is an external device that is a data transmission destination (the result of C1002 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 confirms the game character information to be transmitted (C1003). At this time, the game character information includes game result information including points used for production (mutual production). Further, it is determined whether or not the effect restriction flag has been changed (C1004). The effect restriction flag is set when the player changes or updates the character.

  When the production restriction flag is changed (the result of C1004 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 transmits game character information to the external device (C1005). Through the processing in step C1005, the character selected by the player can appear in another gaming machine, and when the character is changed, the change is reflected in the other gaming machine. Note that game character information may be transmitted to an external device when the character moves.

Further, the main control microcomputer 710 does not change the effect restriction flag (the result of C1004 is “N”), that is, when the game character is not changed, or after the process of step C1005 is executed. The game character information transmitted from the external device is received (C1006). As a result, the received game character information can be reflected in the effect contents.

Subsequently, the main control microcomputer 710 checks the mutual effect command flag (C1007). The mutual effect command flag is a flag for determining whether or not to perform an effect related to each other between the gaming machines that have transmitted and received game character information. Then, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not the mutual effect command flag is ON, that is, whether or not to perform the mutual effect (C1008). As described above, the mutual effect means that a character of another game machine appears in the effect of the own machine, or a character of the own machine appears in the effect of another game machine.

  In particular, in this embodiment, as will be described later, a battle game (point exchange mode) is performed with a player of another gaming machine as a mutual effect. In a battle game, you can earn points if you win against an enemy player. At this time, a one-to-one match may be made, or a many-to-many match may be made. In this embodiment, the player's own character invades an enemy character that has a position, and one teammate character can participate from another game machine. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the mutual effect command flag is ON (the result of C1008 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 transmits the mutual effect command to the external device (C1009), and then clears the mutual effect command ( C1010).

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not a mutual effect command is transmitted from the external device (C1011). When the mutual effect command is transmitted (result of C1011 is “Y”), the mutual effect command is received (C1012), and the content of the received mutual effect command is confirmed (C1013). If the content of the received mutual effect command is normal, the mutual effect is executed with the transmission source gaming machine based on the received mutual effect command.

[1st scene control processing]
Next, details of the 1st scene control process (B1012) in the 1st main process described above will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the first scene control process according to the embodiment of this invention.

  First, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not the gaming machine 1 is in the testing mode (B1101). In the case of the in-test mode (the result of B1101 is “Y”), it is not necessary to actually perform the production control, so the 1st scene control process is terminated.

  When the gaming machine 1 is not in the testing mode (the result of B1101 is “N”), the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not a scene change command transmitted from the gaming control device 600 has been received ( B1102). When the scene change command has not been received (the result of B1102 is “N”), the processing after step B1107 is executed.

  When the main control microcomputer 710 has received the scene change command (the result of B1102 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 acquires the updated (current) gaming state (B1103). Further, it is determined whether a valid command is received (B1104). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the change destination scene matches the current gaming state. If the main control microcomputer 710 has not received a valid command (the result of B1104 is “N”), the main control microcomputer 710 executes the processing after step B1107.

  When receiving a valid command (result of B1104 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 saves the received command in a predetermined area of the memory (RAM) (B1105). Further, an effect request flag is set (B1106). The effect request flag is a flag indicating that it is time to change the scene, and a process according to whether or not the effect request flag is set is executed in the changing process (B1111) described later.

  Subsequently, the main control microcomputer 710 executes processing according to the received command identifier (B1107).

  When the received command is a “power-on command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a power-on process (B1108). In the power-on process, the screen displayed when the gaming machine 1 is powered on is controlled.

  When the received command is a “power failure recovery command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a power failure recovery process (B1109). In the power failure recovery process, the screen displayed when the gaming machine 1 recovers from the power failure is controlled. It should be noted that no special process is executed when the customer waiting process is executed before the power failure.

  If the received command is a “customer waiting demo command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a customer waiting process (B1110). In the customer waiting process, the screen displayed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last execution of the variable display game is controlled.

  When the received command is a “variation pattern command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes the in-fluctuation process (B1111). In the changing process, information necessary for displaying a scene corresponding to the set change pattern is acquired, and effect control corresponding to the set change pattern is performed. Details of the changing process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If the received command is a “symbol stop command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes symbol stop processing (B1112). In the symbol stop process, the symbol variation display is stopped at the specified symbol.

  If the received command is a “fanfare command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes fanfare processing (B1113). In the fanfare process, the fanfare Leon corresponding to the generated jackpot is output from the speaker 10.

  When the received command is the “large-open / open n-th command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes the in-round processing (B1114). In the round process, effect control during each round in the special gaming state is performed.

  When the received command is an “interval command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes interval processing (B1115). In the interval process, effect control between each round in the special gaming state is performed.

  When the received command is an “ending command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes an ending process (B1116). In the ending process, effect control is performed when the special gaming state is finished.

  When the received command is a “game character selection command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a game character selection process (B1117). In the game character selection process, a screen for selecting a character corresponding to the player is displayed. Details of the game character selection process will be described later with reference to FIG. 13B.

  If the received command is a “customized screen command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a customized screen process (B1118). In the customization screen process, a screen for customizing the selected character is displayed. Details of the customization screen processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the received command is a “point acquisition command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes point acquisition processing (B1119). In the point acquisition process, points used in the battle game executed in the production are managed. For example, the points acquired from the opponent are added when the battle is won, or the points are subtracted when defeated. Also, the points are increased or decreased when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Details of the point acquisition processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, when the execution of the process based on each command is completed, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a selection screen transition process (B1121). In the selection screen transition processing, processing for transitioning to a screen for selecting or customizing characters is executed. Details of the selection screen transfer process will be described later with reference to FIG. 13A.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes symbol command reception processing (B1122). The symbol command includes information for designating a stop symbol.

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a hold number command reception process (B1123). The hold number command is a command for notifying the updated hold number. In the hold number command reception process, the hold display and the like are updated based on the received hold number.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a prefetch command reception process (B1124). The pre-read command receiving process is a process of setting a hold display effect or the like based on a pre-design symbol command or the like.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a probability information command reception process (B1125). The probability information command reception process is a process for setting a gaming state such as an internal probability based on the received probability information command. The probability information command includes, for example, a high accuracy / short time command, a low accuracy / short time command, a low accuracy / no support command, and the like.

[Selection screen migration processing]
Next, the details of the selection screen transition process (B1121) in the first scene control process described above will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of selection screen migration processing according to the embodiment of this invention. In the selection screen transition processing, processing for displaying a game character selection screen or a game character customization screen is executed.

  First, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not an operation input of the effect button 17 has been received (C1701). If the operation input of the effect button 17 has not been received (the result of C1701 is “N”), this process ends.

  On the other hand, when the main control microcomputer 710 receives an operation input of the effect button 17 (the result of C1701 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not the variable display game is being executed (C1702). If the variable display game is being executed (the result of C1702 is “Y”), this process ends.

  Further, when the variable display game is not being executed (the result of C1702 is “N”), the main control microcomputer 710 branches the process with the operated effect button 17 (C1703). Specifically, it is determined whether the main button 170 is operated or the sub button 175 is operated.

  When the main button 170 is operated, the main control microcomputer 710 clears the effect button operation information (C1704) and sets the game character selection scene data (C1705). Thereafter, a game character selection screen is displayed based on the set game character selection scene data.

  On the other hand, when the sub button 175 is operated, the main control microcomputer 710 clears the effect button operation information (C1706) and sets customized screen scene data (C1707). Thereafter, the customization screen is displayed according to the set customization screen scene data.

[Game character selection processing]
Next, the details of the game character selection process (B1117) in the first scene control process described above will be described. FIG. 13B is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of game character selection processing according to the embodiment of this invention. The game character selection process is executed in a state where the selection screen is displayed by the selection screen transition process (B1121 in FIG. 12).

  First, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not an effect request flag is set (C1101). When the effect request flag is set (the result of C1101 is “Y”), for example, when a start winning is made, in order to preferentially execute the effect of the variable display game accompanying the start winning, a game character selection scene The data is cleared (C1115), and this process ends.

  When the production request flag is not set (result of C1101 is “N”), the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not there is an operation of the production button (C1102). If there is no operation of the effect button 17 (the result of C1102 is “N”), it is determined whether or not the value of the update timer has become 0 (C1114). When the value of the update timer becomes 0 (the result of C1114 is “Y”), the game character selection scene data is cleared (C1115), and this process ends. As described above, the present embodiment is configured to return to the normal effect screen when the effect button 17 is not operated for a predetermined time after the selection screen is displayed.

  On the other hand, when there is an operation of the effect button 17 (the result of C1102 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 performs a character change process for changing the selected character to a character corresponding to the operated effect button. Execute (C1103). In selecting a character, the direction buttons 171 to 174 are operated, and the character selected by the main button 170 is determined.

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 determines that the selected character is changed, or if the effect button 17 is not operated and the update timer is not 0 (the result of C1114 is “N”). ), It is determined whether or not the enter key (main button 170) has been selected (C1104). If the enter key is not selected (the result of C1104 is “N”), the process returns to the process of step C1102, and the input of the operation of the effect button 17 is awaited.

  On the other hand, when the main control microcomputer 710 determines the selected character (the result of C1104 is “Y”), the game character selection scene data is cleared (C1105), and an effect restriction flag is set according to the selected character ( C1106). In the present embodiment, four types of characters A to D can be selected. The main control microcomputer 710 then turns on the effect restriction flag corresponding to the selected character (C1107 to C1110).

  Thereafter, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not the character selected by the other gaming machine intrudes at the time of production, that is, whether or not to allow mutual production (cooperative game) (C1111). When the intrusion is permitted (result of C1111 is “Y”), the intrusion prohibition flag is set to OFF (C1112). On the other hand, when intrusion is prohibited (result of C1111 is “N”), the intrusion prohibition flag is set to ON (C1112).

  As described above, when the main control microcomputer 710 executes the character selection process, character selection means is configured that allows the player to select a character from a predetermined character and a customized character.

[Customized screen processing]
Next, the details of the customization screen process (B1118) in the first scene control process described above will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the customization screen process according to the embodiment of this invention. The customization screen processing is executed in a state where the character customization screen is displayed by the selection screen transition processing (B1121 in FIG. 12). The character customization screen will be described later with reference to FIG.

  First, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not an effect request flag is set (C1201). When the production request flag is set (the result of C1201 is “Y”), for example, when the start winning is made, the customized screen scene data is used in order to preferentially execute the production of the variable display game accompanying the start winning. Is cleared (C1208), and this process ends.

  When the production request flag is not set (the result of C1201 is “N”), the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether there is an operation of the production button (C1202). If there is no operation of the effect button 17 (the result of C1202 is “N”), it is determined whether or not the value of the update timer has become 0 (C1207). When the value of the update timer becomes 0 (the result of C1207 is “Y”), the customization screen scene data is cleared (C1208), and this process is terminated. Thus, in this embodiment, when the effect button 17 is not operated for a predetermined time after the selection screen is displayed, it is configured to return to the normal effect screen as in the case of game character selection. Yes.

  On the other hand, when there is an operation of the effect button 17 (result of C1202 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 executes character customization processing for customizing the selected character (C1203). In the character customization process, the parts constituting the character are changed. Specifically, it will be described with reference to the screen example in FIG. When the customization of the character is completed, the customization content is determined by operating the main button 170.

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 decides after the character is customized, or when the effect button 17 is not operated and the update timer is not 0 (the result of C1207 is “N”). It is determined whether the key (main button 170) has been selected (C1204). If the enter key is not selected (the result of C1204 is “N”), the process returns to the process of step C1202, and the input of the operation of the effect button 17 is awaited.

  On the other hand, when the customization of the character is completed (the result of C1204 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 clears the customization screen scene data (C1205) and deletes the customization screen. Finally, in order to set character information after customization, a custom character information setting process is executed (C1206), and this process ends.

  As described above, when the main control microcomputer 710 executes the customization screen process, the customization means that enables the player to edit the customized character is configured.

[Fluctuation processing]
Next, details of the changing process (B1111) in the first scene control process described above will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the changing process according to the embodiment of this invention.

  First, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not an effect request flag is set (B1201). When the effect request flag is set (result of B1201 is “Y”), various information is set.

  Specifically, the main control microcomputer 710 first clears the effect button related information (B1202). That is, information on operation of each button constituting the effect button 17 is cleared. Subsequently, the main control microcomputer 710 sets a movable body request (B1203). That is, the operation mode of the movable illumination or the electric accessory is set according to the contents of the production.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes variation pattern restriction processing (B1204). In the variation pattern restriction process, an effect control flag corresponding to the set effect restriction flag is set, and a process for performing an effect corresponding to the character selected by the player is performed. Details of the variation pattern limiting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes reach effect distribution processing (B1205). In the reach effect distribution process, the effect contents are distributed based on the character's own state, the relationship with the enemy and the friend character in the battle game, the result of the variation display game, and the like. Details of the reach effect distribution process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 executes variation pattern information setting processing (B1206). In the variation pattern information setting process, a stop symbol of the special figure variation display game is set, or a variation time and a notice effect are set based on the variation pattern command.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes random number seed initialization processing (B1207). The random number seed initialization process is a process for initializing a random number seed used for determining the contents of the production.

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 sets a scene sequence table corresponding to the set variation pattern (B1208).

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a variation count management process for managing the variation count (B1209). Further, the effect request flag is cleared (B1210), and the process during change ends.

  On the other hand, when the effect request flag is not set (result of B1201 is “N”), main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not to change the display effect state by the update timer. Specifically, first, it is determined whether the update timer is 0, that is, whether the time is up (B1211).

  When the update timer times out (the result of B1211 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 sets the next scene data set in the scene sequence table (B1212), and ends the changing process. . The scene data set here reflects the character information (gaming environment information) of other gaming machines received by the external device communication process.

[Variation pattern restriction processing]
Next, details of the variation pattern restriction process (B1204) in the above-described variation process will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the variation pattern restriction process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not the effect restriction flag is set, that is, whether or not the character has been changed (C1301). If the production restriction flag is not set (the result of C1301 is “N”), that is, if the character has not been changed, this processing ends.

  On the other hand, when the production restriction flag is set (result of C1301 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 clears information related to the production control flag in order to newly set character information. (C1302). Then, a flag corresponding to the selected character type is set.

  In this embodiment, in addition to the default characters A and B, the character C that can be customized by the player, and the character D that is selected as the default character when the player does not select a specific character. Either one is selected.

  When the production restriction flag A is set, the main control microcomputer 710 clears the production restriction flag A (C1304), and sets the production control A flag to execute the production corresponding to the character A. (C1305). Similarly, when the effect restriction flag B is set, the effect restriction flag B is cleared (C1306), and the effect control B flag is set to execute the effect corresponding to the character B (C1307).

  If the production restriction flag C is set, a custom character is selected. Then, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not a custom character exists (C1308). If the custom character does not exist (the result of C1308 is “N”), the custom character cannot be used, so the character D that is the default character is used.

  On the other hand, when there is a custom character (the result of C1308 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 clears the effect restriction flag C (C1309) and executes the effect corresponding to the character C. An effect control C flag is set (C1310). Further, the custom character information is confirmed (C1311). The custom character information is information such as parts constituting the character, and can be changed by the player via the customization screen as described above. Then, the custom character information is updated as necessary (C1312), and this process is terminated.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 clears the effect restriction flag D when the effect restriction flag D is set, that is, when a specific character is not selected (C1313). If the production restriction flag C is set and there is no custom character (the result of C1308 is “N”), the production restriction flag C is cleared. At this time, instead of clearing a specific effect restriction flag, all effect restriction flags may be cleared. Similarly, in the processes of C1304, C1306, and C1309, all effect restriction flags may be cleared.

  Finally, the main control microcomputer 710 sets an effect control D flag in order to execute an effect corresponding to the character D (C1314).

  As described above, when a character is selected, an effect control flag corresponding to the character is set, and an effect corresponding to the character is executed.

[Reach production distribution processing]
Next, the details of the reach effect distribution process (B1205) in the above-described process during change will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of reach effect distribution processing according to the embodiment of this invention. In the reach effect distribution process, a reach effect is selected in accordance with the character situation at the time of the reach occurrence or the battle situation of the battle game.

  First, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not reach occurs (C1501). If the reach does not occur (the result of C1501 is “N”), this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the reach occurs (the result of C1501 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 acquires the area information of the character of its own (C1502). At this time, the area information of the range displayed on the first display unit 35a is acquired around the area where the character of the own device is arranged.

  Subsequently, the main control microcomputer 710 selects an effect pattern based on the position of the character of another gaming machine (C1503). For example, a battle scene is selected or a moving scene is selected according to the distance between the enemy base and the player's machine or a friendly character.

  The main control microcomputer 710 selects the effect pattern group B when the distance between the character of the player's own machine and the character of another gaming machine is long (C1505). In this case, since the player's own character is away from the enemy position, the effect pattern group B selects, for example, an effect scene toward the enemy position. The main control microcomputer 710 then ends this process.

  On the other hand, the main control microcomputer 710 selects the effect pattern A group when the positions of the characters of other gaming machines are approaching (C1504). At this time, even if the character of the player's machine is not in contact with the character of the other game machine, the effect pattern A group is selected if the distance between the player's character and the enemy character is within a predetermined range. You may do it.

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 determines the superiority or inferiority of the character of its own machine and the character of another gaming machine (the opponent, the enemy) based on the area information (C1506). That is, it is determined whether or not the player's character is superior to the opponent's (other gaming machine) character in the battle game.

  The main control microcomputer 710 selects the effect pattern α group when the character of the own device is dominant (dominant state) (C1507). On the other hand, when the character of the own machine is inferior (inferior state), the production pattern β group is selected (C1508).

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 selects an effect pattern group according to the expected big hit expectation of the variation pattern (C1509). Specifically, when the expected big hit of the variation pattern is small, a group of effect patterns is selected (C1510). When the expectation degree of jackpot of the variation pattern is medium, the effect pattern 2 group is selected (C1511). When the big hit expectation degree of the variation pattern is large, the effect pattern 3 group is selected (C1512).

  Thereafter, the main control microcomputer 710 determines the reach effect based on the effect pattern group selected by the above processing.

[Point acquisition processing]
Next, details of the point acquisition process (B1119) in the first scene control process described above will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of point acquisition processing according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not it is a point sharing mode with a character of another gaming machine (C1601). The point exchange mode is one of the effect patterns, and a battle game is executed with the characters of other gaming machines that are enemies in the point exchange mode. The transition to the point exchange mode is, for example, when a character of another gaming machine exists within a predetermined range (for example, within the same screen) from the character of the own machine. And if you win the battle, you can take points from your opponent. At this time, as described above, it is also possible for characters of other gaming machines to participate in the battle game as ally.

  When the point control mode is being executed (the result of C1601 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 executes a point control process for controlling increase / decrease of points (C1602). In the point control process, battle games are managed. Note that the points are used to determine an effect mode such as a reach effect, and do not affect the result of the variable display game. In the point control process, the result of the battle game on the own machine is reflected in the increase / decrease of the points, and the points are increased / decreased by receiving the game result information from other game machines. In this way, the effect control device 700 executes the point control process to increase or decrease the points based on the result information of the battle game of the own machine, or based on the game generation information transmitted from other game machines. It functions as an acquisition point increase / decrease means for increasing / decreasing points.

  When the point exchange mode is not being executed (the result of C1601 is “N”), the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not a reach occurs in the running variable display game (C1603). When reach occurs (result of C1603 is “Y”), it is further determined whether or not a big hit occurs (C1604).

  When the reach does not occur (the result of C1603 is “N”), the main control microcomputer 710 further determines whether or not the number of executions of the variable display game has reached a predetermined number (N) (C1605). .

  When the main control microcomputer 710 does not generate a big hit in the running variable display game (the result of C1604 is “N”), or when the number of executions of the variable display game has not reached the predetermined number (N). (The result of C1605 is “N”), the processing after step C1607 is executed.

  On the other hand, when the number of executions of the variable display game reaches a predetermined number (N) (the result of C1605 is “Y”) or when the result of the variable display game is a big hit ( If the result of C1604 is “Y”), 1 is added to the point (C1606). In this way, points are added according to the number of executions and results of the variable display game.

  Further, points may be added based on the time during which the cooperative game is continued. For example, points may be added every predetermined time, and points may be accumulated when the cooperative game is continued for a long time.

  Furthermore, the result of the variable display game in another game machine that is performing a cooperative game may be reflected. For example, when a big hit occurs in another gaming machine corresponding to a teammate character, bonus points may be added.

  Then, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not to use points (C1607). When using points (result of C1607 is “Y”), point use processing is executed (C1608). In the point use process, by using the points, it is possible to execute a special effect or acquire an item for advantageously proceeding with the battle game. Further, parts necessary for character customization may be acquired according to points. Furthermore, you may make it suggest a gaming state by using a point. For example, an event that suggests a high-probability state or a low-probability state may be generated by using points in a state where the probability state is not clearly notified. If the point is not used (the result of C1608 is “N”), the main control microcomputer 710 ends this processing.

[Character selection / customization screen]
The above is the description of the processing in this embodiment. Next, a customization screen for creating a custom character will be described. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the custom character customization screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The screen (A) shows the first display unit 35a in a state where the start memory number is zero. When the PUSH button (the main button 170 of the effect button 17 or an arbitrary button may be operated) is operated at this timing, the currently set parts are displayed (screen (B)). In this embodiment, four types of parts that can be set are the head (hairstyle), eyes, clothes, and weapons, but other parts may be set.

  If customization is instructed while the screen (B) is displayed, the screen (C) is displayed. On the screen (C), the part to be set is selected by operating the direction buttons 171 to 174 and is confirmed by operating the decision button (main button 170). Then, returning to the screen (B), the confirmed parts are reflected in the character, so that the player can freely create the character.

  In this way, by providing a dedicated screen for creating a customized character and making it possible to create a character for direct use, the player can play a game with attachment. In addition, by making it possible to save the created character information on a membership card, a player's mobile phone, etc., it is possible to resume the game with a character created based on the saved character information at a later date. It becomes. Furthermore, a character may be created on a personal computer or a homepage, stored in a mobile phone, etc., and read into a gaming machine.

  Next, a screen for selecting a character will be described. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition at the time of character selection according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Screen (A) is a demonstration screen. Displayed when the state where the variable display game is not executed continues for a predetermined time. Screen (B) is in a state where the start memory is 0 after the variable display game is over. At this time, a message prompting the operation of the effect button 17 is displayed, and when the main button 170 is operated, a character selection screen (screen (C)) is displayed.

  When the sub button 175 is operated in a state where the screen (B) is displayed and a custom character has already been selected, the character customization screen shown in FIG. 19 is displayed.

  As described above, by allowing easy transition to the custom character customization screen, more players can easily create their own performance characters.

  On the character selection screen, a character is selected by operating the direction buttons 171 to 174. On the screen (C), the character to be selected is switched in order by operating the left and right direction buttons (172, 174), and the selected character is determined by operating the main button 170 (screen (D)). . At this time, if a customized character is selected, the customization screen shown in FIG. 19 may be displayed.

  When a character is selected, an effect corresponding to the selected character is executed as shown in the screen (E) and the screen (F). If no character is selected, a default character (character D) is selected.

[Direction display]
Next, effects including a battle game in the present embodiment will be described. FIGS. 21-23 is a figure explaining the production | presentation in the 1st display part 35a of embodiment of this invention. FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a screen configuration.

  FIG. 21 (A) is a diagram for explaining the area where the battle game is played, and the area 220 for a total of 16 squares of 4 squares in length and breadth is partitioned in a grid pattern, and the character can move in each area. Has been. In each square 220, a background object 210 corresponding to the terrain or the like is set. A star-shaped figure indicates a character, and a character 200 of the own machine, a character 201 of another gaming machine that is an enemy, and a character 202 of another gaming machine that is an ally are arranged. In addition, an identification symbol 250 for executing the decorative special figure variation display game is displayed on the upper right of the screen.

  The player's own character 200 can move by operating the direction buttons 171 to 174 included in the effect button 17. Further, the same screen is displayed on other gaming machines on which the character is displayed, and when the player of these other gaming machines moves the character, it is reflected on the screen of the own machine.

  Further, when a character is placed at the end of the region, the screen is switched when the character is moved further in the direction outside the region. When the screen can be moved, an arrow 221 indicating that the screen can be moved is displayed. Further, the screen may not be switched during the battle game.

  FIG. 21B is a diagram showing one scene of the battle game. The upper 4 squares are the enemy base. In addition, a background object 210 indicating the position is arranged at the position. Further, only the white cell 220a can move the character, and the hatched cell 220b cannot move the character. At this time, instead of distinguishing each square only by color, a mark or the like corresponding to the background object may be displayed.

  In this embodiment, the distance between characters is set as the approach distance when characters of other gaming machines exist on the same screen, and the remote distance when characters of other gaming machines do not exist on the same screen. And

  In the battle game, the battle is started when the character is moved from the movable mass 220a toward the base and reaches a position close to the enemy character (base). Then, in the point control process, the winning or losing of the battle is determined based on the points of each character, the result of the variation display game, and the like. In case of a big hit, you may always win the battle.

  Moreover, it is good also as possible for the attack or defense according to the point in the battle. At this time, the player may determine the point consumption timing. Further, as described above, the points may be changed to the character parts, and the attack power and the defense power may be set for each part. Therefore, by continuing the game and accumulating points, it is possible to gain an advantage in the battle game in the production.

  Note that the characters and points set in the production may be stored in a membership card or a mobile phone, so that the game can be resumed at a later date. With this configuration, it is possible to continue playing games using the accumulated points, and it is possible to improve the operation of the gaming machine.

  In the area shown in FIG. 21B, the character can enter the base from the left and right directions. When the player's character and his / her character move to the base and win the battle, points can be obtained from the enemy character. Further, when defeated, the enemy character gains points from the player's own character.

  Next, a mode in which the player's own character and the friend's character move toward the base will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23. Both FIG. 22A and FIG. 23A are arranged as in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 22A, the player's own character and the friend's character are heading toward the enemy base through the same route. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 22 (B), the player's own character cannot move to the base and is in an unfavorable state (inferior state).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 23 (A), the player's character and the ally's character are heading to the enemy base through different routes. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 23 (B), the player's own character and the ally's character can head from the two directions to the base, so that they are in a superior (advantageous) state (superior state).

[Reach production]
Next, a description will be given of an effect when reach occurs in the variable display game when the battle game is executed. 24 and 25 are diagrams showing an example of the reach effect when the battle game is executed according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 24A, when a variable display game is executed at the upper right of the screen during the battle game and a reach occurs, an identification symbol is displayed in the center of the screen as shown in FIG. Inform the person that a reach has occurred.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 25 (A), a scene in which the character of the other gaming machine as the opponent and the character of the own machine confront each other is displayed. At this time, a star-shaped mark for identifying the character is displayed together with the character. Further, as shown in the lower left of the screen, the identification symbol variation display is continued. Then, as shown in FIG. 25B, a battle scene is displayed.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 25C, when the player's character wins the battle, the result of the variable display game is a big hit. When the result of the variable display game is a big hit, the player is set to win the battle game. If a reach occurs at the opponent's gaming machine at the same timing, and the result of the variable display game is a big hit, a draw may be made. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 25D, a screen indicating that the opponent base has been suppressed is displayed, and the battle game ends.

  Even if a reach occurs during the battle game, the effect shown in FIG. 25 is not necessarily executed. Since the probability of winning in the battle game is set to be greater than the probability of winning a big hit in the variable display game, the win / loss of the battle does not necessarily match the result of the variable display game. If the player wins the battle game and shifts to the variable display game, the player may feel uncomfortable, so that the effect shown in FIG. 25 is executed when the result of the battle game matches the result of the variable display game. It is good to control.

  Also, the battle game may be advanced independently of the variable display game. Thereby, it is possible to easily increase points. When the result of the variable display game is a big hit, the game may be controlled so as to be consistent with the effect in the battle game.

  Further, not only characters corresponding to other players but also characters not corresponding to players may be prepared as opponents. Even if there is no other player's character near the player's character, it is possible to enjoy the battle game and improve the interest of the game.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to execute a battle game in which points (game result information) are played against a character of another gaming machine and the player is playing a game. By changing the content of the performance according to the game state of the other person, it is possible to execute a variety of effects.

  At this time, it is possible to execute abundant effects based on the game result information of the player's own machine and the game result information of other machines without requiring an action such as setting the contents of the effect by the game store. Without getting bored of the player, the operating rate of the gaming machine can be increased and the interest can be improved.

  Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible for a player to intervene in a production (battle game), and to enjoy a battle with characters of other gaming machines. Can enhance the interest of

  In addition, according to the embodiment of the present invention, if the point (game result information) in the battle game is high, it becomes easier to win the battle with the characters of other gaming machines, and more various effects can be enjoyed. , You can have a sense of superiority to other players in addition to the game.

  The gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine as shown in the above embodiment, but in a slot machine in addition to a gaming machine using a gaming ball such as an arranged ball gaming machine or a sparrow ball gaming machine. Is also applicable.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Main body frame 4 Opening / closing frame 5 Front frame 6 Glass frame 17 Effect button 30 Game board 31 Game area 35 Fluctuation display device 35a First display part 36 General-purpose start gate 37 First start winning opening 38 Second starting winning opening 48 Second display section 170 Main button 171 to 174 Direction buttons 200 to 202 Character 210 Background object 220 Map feature (area information)
600 Game control device 640 Payout control device (payout board)
700 Production control device 780 Command communication means 800 Power supply device

Claims (2)

A variable display device capable of executing a variable display game that displays the identification information in a variable manner based on the establishment of the start condition;
Game control means for controlling the game in an integrated manner and transmitting a control command for the variable display game;
Production control means having production calculation processing means for controlling production display including the variation display game based on the control command,
When the result mode of the variable display game is a special result mode determined in advance, in a gaming machine that gives a game value to the player,
The effect calculation processing means includes:
Fluctuations display a different effect display the game effect display is capable of executing the effect display of the variable display game regardless of whether the running executable second effect,
A second effect information acquisition means for acquiring second effect execution information for executing the second effect;
When the effect display of the second effect and the effect display during the execution of the variable display game are executed simultaneously, and the result of the variable display game being executed is in a special result mode, the second effect is Control is performed so that a result consistent with the special result mode is derived,
A gaming machine that performs control so that the result of the second effect is derived before the result of the running variable display game is derived. The effect calculation processing means includes:
Game information storage means for storing game information including game results of the gaming machine;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising command output means capable of outputting a gaming information command including gaming information of the gaming machine to the outside of the gaming machine.