JP6904595B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

In conventional gaming machines, there are known gaming machines that generate sounds such as various melodies and sound effects according to the effect (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-131767

However, in the conventional game machine, when a situation occurs in which, for example, another sound effect (voice) for notification or alerting occurs while the sound such as a melody or sound effect for a specific effect is generated. In addition, there is a risk that a part of the melody constituting the sound that has been generated so far may be interrupted, or a part of the sound effect may not be reproduced. In addition, such a situation may reduce the interest of the player.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to prevent a decrease in interest due to a defect in the generation of sounds such as various melodies and sound effects related to the production.

In a typical embodiment of the present invention, in a game machine capable of executing a game based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, the game control means for controlling the progress of the game and the game based on a command from the game control means. The effect control means includes effect control means for controlling related effects, and the effect control means includes sound source reproduction means capable of reproducing sound sources of M channels, and N virtual sound sources that are provided more than M and specify sound sources. A virtual track area composed of tracks, an allocation means for allocating information of a sound source designated in the virtual track area to a channel of the sound source reproduction means, and a sound source generation means having the sound source generation means are provided , and a predetermined sound is generated by the sound source generation means. This is possible, and the sound source generating means classifies the N virtual tracks into a use target area to be allocated to the sound source reproduction means and a use target area other than the use target area. , The information of the sound source is assigned to the use target area, and the number of virtual tracks used as the use target area is set to be M or less, and the sound source specified in the virtual track area set as the use target area is set. Has a dynamic allocation function that dynamically allocates the virtual track to an unused channel among the channels when playing back, and a fixed allocation function that allocates the virtual track and the channel on a one-to-one basis. , The dynamic allocation function and the fixed allocation function can be selectively selected .

According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the interest of the game.

It is a perspective view which looked at the game machine from the front side. It is a front view of a game board. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the game control system of a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the production control system of a game machine. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the first half part of a main process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the latter half part of a main process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a timer interrupt process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the probability setting change / confirmation process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure game processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the start port switch monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure start port switch common processing. Special figure It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of ordinary processing. Special FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a procedure of fluctuation start processing. Special FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of fluctuation start processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the jackpot flag 1 setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the jackpot flag 2 setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure information setting processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the variation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of 2 byte distribution processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a sorting process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the fluctuation start information setting processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a game process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of ordinary processing. It is a flowchart which shows the main processing of an effect control device. It is a flowchart which shows the received command check process. It is a flowchart which shows the received command analysis processing. It is a flowchart which shows the one-shot system command processing. It is a flowchart which shows the look-ahead symbol system command processing. It is a flowchart which shows the look-ahead fluctuation system command processing. It is a flowchart which shows the symbol system command processing. It is a flowchart which shows the variable system command processing. It is a flowchart which shows the variation effect setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a hit system command processing. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of a sound source LSI. It is a schematic diagram explaining a dynamic allocation operation. It is a figure explaining the basic signal flow of a multi-effect unit. It is a figure explaining the signal flow of a channel volume function and a panpot function in a mixer part. It is a figure which shows an example of a register stored in a register bank. It is a figure explaining the loop processing in a sequence reproduction. It is a figure explaining the loop processing in phrase reproduction. It is a block diagram which shows the effect control device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, the substrate which connects to this, and the like. It is a block diagram which schematically explains the structure and function of the sound circuit (sound source LSI) which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which schematically explains the modification of the 2nd Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the gaming machine, the front, back, left, and right refer to the direction seen by the player during the game.

[Overall view of the gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a gaming machine.

The gaming machine 10 includes an opening / closing frame that is rotatably attached to the frame 11 fixed to the island equipment via a hinge. The opening / closing frame is composed of a front frame 12 (main body frame) and a glass frame 15.

A game board 30 (see FIG. 2) is arranged on the front frame 12, and a glass frame 15 having a cover glass 14 covering the front surface of the game board 30 is attached. The cover glass 14 functions as a game viewing area that makes the game area 32 (see FIG. 2) formed on the game board 30 visible.

The front frame 12 and the glass frame 15 can be opened individually. For example, by opening only the glass frame 15, the game area 32 of the game board 30 can be accessed. Further, by opening the front frame 12 in a state where the glass frame 15 is not opened, the game control device (main board) 100 (see FIG. 3) and the like arranged on the back surface side of the game board 30 can be accessed. Can be done.

Various frame constituent members are arranged on the edge portion around the cover glass 14 of the glass frame 15.

Decorative devices 18a and 18b capable of producing light emission according to the game state are arranged in the upper center and the left side of the glass frame 15. The decoration devices 18a and 18b accommodate lighting members such as LEDs inside, and perform a light emitting effect according to the game state. The lighting members arranged inside the decorative devices 18a and 18b form a part of the frame decorative device 18 (see FIG. 4).

An upper speaker 19a is arranged at the upper right corner portion and the upper left corner portion of the glass frame 15, respectively. Apart from these upper speakers 19a, two lower speakers 19b are provided below the gaming machine 10. The lower speaker 19b is arranged in the lower left corner portion of the glass frame 15 and the lower right corner portion of the front frame 12. The upper speaker 19a and the lower speaker 19b emit sound effects, alarm sounds, notification sounds, and the like.

On the right side of the glass frame 15, a protruding effect unit 13 that extends in the vertical direction of the gaming machine 10 and projects forward (on the player side) is arranged. The protrusion effect unit 13 is an effect device that performs a light emission effect or the like according to the progress state of the game. The lighting member arranged inside the protrusion effect unit 13 also constitutes a part of the frame decoration device 18 (see FIG. 4).

An upper plate unit having an upper plate 21 capable of storing game balls is attached to the lower part of the glass frame 15. The upper plate 21 is formed in a box shape with an open upper surface. The game balls stored in the upper plate 21 are supplied to the ball launching device (not shown) one by one.

The upper plate unit further includes an effect operation device that receives an input operation from the player, a ball lending operation device that accepts an input operation from the player, and a decoration device 22 that performs a light emission effect or the like according to the game state. ..

The effect operation device is an operation device in which the touch panel 25b is incorporated in the effect button 25, and is provided in the center of the upper part of the upper plate unit so that the player can easily operate the effect button 25.

By operating the effect operation device by the player, it is possible to perform an effect in which the player's operation is intervened in the special figure variation display game (game) displayed on the display device 41 (see FIG. 2). For example, it is possible to select an effect pattern (effect mode) or execute a notice effect that announces the result of the variable display game (game) corresponding to the start memory in advance. The variable display game includes a special figure variable display game, and when it is simply a variable display game, it is referred to as a special figure variable display game in this specification.

Further, the effect pattern may be changed not only during the execution of the variable display game but also by the player operating the effect operation device during the non-execution.

The game state when the variable display game is executed consists of a plurality of game states. The normal gaming state (normal state) is a gaming state in which no special gaming state has occurred. Further, the special game state is, for example, a time saving state as a specific game state, a state in which a special result (for example, a big hit) is likely to occur in a variable display game (probability change state, a probability fluctuation state), or a big hit state (special game state). ).

Here, the probability change state (specific game state) continues until the next big hit occurs (loop type), continues until a predetermined number of variable display games are executed (number cut type, ST), and There are things that continue until a predetermined probability fall lottery is won (fall lottery type).

Further, it may be possible to always generate a probabilistic state when a big hit occurs without determining whether or not to generate a probabilistic state by a big hit symbol random number, or to provide a winning device or the like provided with a specific area to specify. A probabilistic state may be generated when the game ball passes through the area.

The ball lending operation device is an operation device operated when a player rents a game ball, and is provided on the upper right side of the upper plate unit. The ball lending operation device includes a ball lending button 27, a return button 28, and a balance display unit 26. The ball lending button 27 is a button operated by the player when renting a game ball, and the return button 28 is a button for ejecting a prepaid card or the like from a card unit (not shown) arranged adjacent to the game machine 10. This is a button operated by the player. The balance display unit 26 is a display area for displaying the balance of a prepaid card or the like.

The decoration device 22 is a device that houses a lighting member such as an LED inside and performs a light emitting effect or the like according to a game state, and is provided on the front side portion of the upper plate unit. The lighting member arranged inside the decoration device 22 constitutes a part of the frame decoration device 18 (see FIG. 4).

An operation handle 24 for controlling the operation of the ball launching device (not shown) and a game ball can be stored in the lower part of the front frame 12 below the glass frame 15 provided with the above-mentioned upper plate unit and the like. A lower plate 23 is provided.

The operation handle 24 is located at the lower right of the front frame 12 and below the lower speaker 19b on the right side. When the player rotates the operation handle 24, the ball launcher launches the game ball supplied from the upper plate 21 into the game area 32 of the game board 30. The rate of fire of the game ball launched from the ball launcher is set to increase as the amount of rotation of the operation handle 24 increases. That is, the ball launching device can change the firing force, which is the force (speed) for launching the game ball into the game area, in response to the operation of the operation handle 24 by the player, and the game can be played in various launch modes having different launching forces. You can fire a ball. The launch mode includes a left-handed hit (normal hit) in which the game ball is allowed to flow down on the left side of the game area 32, and a right-handed hit in which the game ball is caused to flow down on the right side of the game area 32.

The lower plate 23 is arranged below the upper plate unit at a predetermined distance from the upper plate unit. The lower plate 23 has a ball extraction hole 23a that penetrates the bottom surface of the lower plate 23 in the vertical direction, and an opening / closing operation unit 23b for opening and closing the ball extraction hole 23a. When the player operates the opening / closing operation unit 23b to open the ball pulling hole 23a, the game ball stored in the lower plate 23 can be discharged to the outside through the ball pulling hole 23a.

[Game board]
Subsequently, the game board 30 of the game machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming board 30 provided in the gaming machine 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 30 includes a flat plate-shaped game board main body 30a that serves as a mounting base for various members. The game board main body 30a is made of wood or synthetic resin, and a game area 32 surrounded by a guide rail 31 is provided on the front surface of the game board main body 30a. The gaming machine 10 is configured to launch a gaming ball from a ball launching device into a gaming area 32 surrounded by a guide rail 31 to play a game. A windmill, an obstacle nail, or the like is arranged in the game area 32 as a member for changing the flow direction of the game ball, and the launched game ball flows down the game area 32 while changing the rolling direction by these members.

A center case (front component) 40 that forms a window portion that serves as a display area for a variable display game is attached to substantially the center of the game area 32. Behind the window portion formed in the center case 40, a display device 41 as an effect display device (variable display device) that variablely displays (variablely displays) a plurality of identification information is arranged. The display device 41 is provided with, for example, a liquid crystal display, and is arranged so that the displayed contents can be visually recognized from the front side of the game board 30 through the window portion of the center case 40. The display device 41 is not limited to the one provided with a liquid crystal display, and may be provided with a display such as an EL or CRT.

A plurality of variable display areas are provided on the display screen (display unit) of the display device 41, and identification information (special symbol) and a character that directs the variable display game are displayed in each variable display area. In addition, images based on the progress of the game (big hit display, fanfare display, ending display, etc.) are displayed on the display screen.

Further, the center case 40 has an inflow port 40a to the warp passage 40e for guiding the game ball flowing down the game area 32 to the inside of the center case 40, and a stage on which the game ball passing through the warp passage 40e can roll. A portion 40b is provided. Since the stage portion 40b of the center case 40 is arranged above the starting winning opening 36 and the normal variable winning device 37, the game ball rolled on the stage portion 40b is placed in the starting winning opening 36 or the normal variable winning device 37. It is easier to win a prize.

An upper effect unit 40c and a side effect unit 40d are provided on the upper part and the right side of the center case 40, respectively. The upper effect unit 40c and the side effect unit 40d form a part of the board decoration device 46 (see FIG. 4) and the board effect device 44 (see FIG. 4).

A normal symbol start gate (normal symbol start gate) 34 is provided in the game area 32 on the right side of the center case 40. Inside the normal drawing start gate 34, a gate switch (SW) 34a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball that has passed through the normal drawing start gate 34 is provided. When the game ball driven into the game area 32 passes through the normal map start gate 34, the normal map variation display game is executed.

A general winning opening 35 is arranged in the lower left game area 32 of the center case 40, and a general winning opening 35 is also arranged in the lower right game area 32 of the center case 40. The winning of the game ball into the general winning opening 35 is detected by the winning opening switches (SW) 35a to 35n (see FIG. 3) provided in the general winning opening 35.

In the game area 32 below the center case 40, a start winning opening (first starting winning area) 36 for giving a start condition for the special figure variation display game is provided, and a second starting winning opening (second start winning area) is provided immediately below the start winning opening (first starting winning area) 36. An ordinary variable winning device 37 provided with a starting winning area) is provided. The normal variable winning device 37 includes a movable member (movable piece) 37b that converts the game ball into a state in which the game ball easily flows in by rotating in a direction in which the upper end side falls toward the front side. When the movable member 37b is in the closed state, the game ball cannot win the normal variable winning device 37. When the game ball wins the starting winning opening 36 or the normal variable winning device 37, the special figure variable display game is executed as an auxiliary game.

The movable member 37b is a so-called tongue-type ordinary electric accessory, and rotates via the normal electric solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3) when the result of the normal figure variation display game becomes a predetermined stop display mode. It opens and changes to an open state (a state in which the game ball is easy to win, which is advantageous for the player), in which the game ball easily flows into the normally variable winning device 37.

The movable member 37b is controlled by the game control device 100, which will be described later. The game control device 100 increases the frequency of occurrence of a winning easy state by shortening the fluctuation time of the normal map variation display game and setting the hit probability of the normal map variation display game to a higher probability than usual, or a normal game state. By making the time for which the easy-to-win state occurs longer than the easy-to-win state that occurs in the above-mentioned specific game state, a time-saving state (general electric support state) is generated. In addition, even in the probability change state (excluding the latent probability change state), the time saving state (normal power support state) occurs in duplicate.

In the game area 32 at the lower right of the normal variable winning device 37, an attacker-type opening / closing door is opened by rotating the upper end side in a direction in which the upper end side falls toward the front side by the large winning opening solenoid 39b (see FIG. 3). A special variable winning device 39 having a 39c is provided. The special variable prize device 39 converts the large prize opening from a closed state (a closed state disadvantageous to the player) to an open state (a special game state advantageous to the player) according to the result of the special figure variation display game, and wins a large prize. By facilitating the inflow of game balls into the mouth, a predetermined game value (prize ball) is given to the player. In the large winning opening, a count switch 39a (large winning opening switch 39a, see FIG. 3) is provided as a detection means for detecting the game ball that has entered the large winning opening. In addition, a light emitting member that illuminates the large winning opening is arranged in the large winning opening or in the vicinity of the large winning opening.

A specific area 86 (so-called V winning opening) is provided inside the second special variable winning device 39. When a game ball enters the specific area 86 (V winning opening), the probability change state (high probability state, specific game state) after the end of the big hit is determined. The specific area 86 may be opened for a long time so that the game ball can easily pass through only in the case of a probability variation jackpot. The game control device 100 can detect the passage of the game ball (V winning) into the specific area 86 via a sensor (specific area switch 72 described later) or the like, and when the V winning is detected, the game shifts to a probable change state after the jackpot ends. In addition to confirming that the operation is to be performed, information (such as a command for passing through a specific area) indicating that a V prize has been won is transmitted to the effect control device 300 described later. Then, the effect control device 300 can notify the V prize on the display device 41 or the like.

When a game ball wins a prize in the general winning opening 35, the starting winning opening 36, the normal variable winning device 37, and the large winning opening of the special variable winning device 39, the payout control device 200 (see FIG. 3) determines the type of winning opening. The number of prize balls corresponding to the above is discharged from the payout device to the upper plate 21. Further, in the game area 32 below the normal variable winning device 37, an out port 30b for collecting game balls that have not won a prize in the winning opening or the like is provided.

Further, a special figure variation display game (special figure 1 variation display game, special figure 2 variation display game) and a normal figure variation display game are executed in the lower right corner of the game board main body 30a outside the game area 32. A batch display device 50 is provided. The batch display device 50 includes display units 51 to 60 that display information such as the current gaming state.

The batch display device 50 includes a first special figure fluctuation display unit 51 (special figure 1 display, lamp D1) and a second special figure fluctuation for a fluctuation display game composed of a 7-segment type display (LED lamp) and the like. The display unit 52 (special figure 2 display, lamp D2), the fluctuation display unit 53 (normal figure display, lamps D10, D18) for the normal figure fluctuation display game, and the start (hold) storage number of each fluctuation display game. It has a storage display unit for notification (special figure 1 hold display 54, special figure 2 hold display 55, normal figure hold display 56). Special figure 1 The hold indicator 54 is composed of lamps D11 and D12. The special figure 2 hold indicator 55 is composed of lamps D13 and D14. The normal figure hold indicator 56 is composed of lamps D15 and D16.

Further, the batch display device 50 is provided with a first game status display unit 57 (first game status indicator, lamp) that notifies that it is a right-handed hit (when it should be right-handed) or a left-handed hit (when it should be hit normally). D8), the second game state display unit 58 (second game state indicator, lamp D9) that lights up when a time saving state occurs to notify the occurrence of the time saving state, and the probability state of a big hit when the power of the game machine 10 is turned on is high. The third game status display unit 59 (third game status display, probability status display unit, lamp D17) that displays the status, and the number of rounds at the time of a big hit (number of times the special variable winning device 39 is opened and closed) are displayed. A round display unit 60 (lamps D3-D7) is provided.

In the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52, the variation display game is executed by the variation display in which the identification information (for example, the central segment) is repeatedly turned on and off (blinking). The special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 are not limited to such a segment type display unit, and may be composed of an aggregate of a plurality of LEDs, or when a variable display is executed. In addition, all the LEDs provided as indicators turn on and off all (simultaneous blinking of all LEDs), circular lighting (turns on and off in a predetermined order from any one LED at predetermined time intervals), or a plurality of LEDs. It may be performed by turning on / off (blinking) or circulating lighting by a predetermined number of LEDs among the LEDs. Also in the normal diagram display 53, the variation display game is executed by the variation display (blinking) in which the lamps D10 and D18 are repeatedly turned on and off. Further, the normal figure display 53 can be appropriately configured in the same manner as the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52.

Further, the lamp display device 80 provided on the upper part of the center case 40 includes a lamp display unit (LED) that executes a variable display (blinking) that repeats a lighting display and an extinguishing display as a symbol (fourth special symbol), and each special symbol. It has a lamp display unit (LED) for notifying the start (hold) storage number of the variable display game. The lamp display device 80 is controlled by the effect control device 300 (described later). The lamp display unit (LED) for starting (holding) storage number notification of each special figure fluctuation display game ends the display of the number of holds due to the occurrence of a big hit, but when it is not in the big hit state (reach described later on the display device 41). (Including the case where is occurring), the number of holds is displayed.

Next, the flow of the game in the gaming machine 10, the normal map variation display game, and the special map variation display game will be described in detail.

In the gaming machine 10, a game is played by launching a gaming ball toward the gaming area 32 from a ball launching device (not shown). The launched game ball flows down the game area 32 while changing the rolling direction by obstacle nails, windmills, etc. arranged in various places in the game area 32, and the normal drawing start gate 34, the general winning opening 35, and the starting winning opening. 36, the normal variable winning device 37, or the special variable winning device 39 is won, or the ball flows into the out port 30b provided at the bottom of the game area 32 and is discharged from the game area 32. Then, when a game ball wins a general winning opening 35, a starting winning opening 36, a normal variable winning device 37, or a special variable winning device 39, a number of winning balls corresponding to the type of winning winning opening is dispensed through the payout device. It is discharged to the upper plate 21.

The normal drawing start gate 34 is provided with a gate switch 34a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball that has passed through the normal drawing start gate 34. When the game ball passes through the normal map start gate 34, it is detected by the gate switch 34a, and the normal map variation display game is executed based on the determination result of the hit determination random number value extracted at this time.

A state in which the normal map fluctuation display game cannot be started, for example, when the normal map variable display game has already been played and the normal map variable display game has not ended, or when the result of the normal map variable display game is a hit, it is normal. When the game ball passes through the normal drawing start gate 34 when the variable winning device 37 is converted to the open state, the storage number is added (+1) if the normal drawing start storage number is less than the upper limit number.

The hit judgment random value for determining the hit / miss of the normal figure fluctuation display game is stored in the normal figure start memory, and when the hit judgment random value matches the judgment value, the normal figure change display is displayed. The game wins and a specific result mode (specific result) is derived.

The normal map variation display game is executed by the normal map display 53 provided in the batch display device 50. The normal figure display 53 is composed of LEDs that indicate a hit when the normal identification information (normal figure) is lit and a deviation when the normal identification information (normal figure) is off, and the normal identification information fluctuates by blinking the LED. The display is performed, and after a predetermined variation display time has elapsed, the result is displayed by turning on or off the LED.

When the normal figure random value extracted when passing through the normal figure start gate 34 is a hit value, the normal symbol displayed on the normal figure display 53 stops in the hit state and becomes the hit state. At this time, by driving the normal electric solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3), the movable member 37b is converted into the open state for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds), and the game ball to the normal variable winning device 37 Winning is allowed.

The winning of the game ball to the starting winning opening 36 and the winning of the ordinary variable winning device 37 are detected by the starting opening 1 switch 36a (see FIG. 3) and the starting opening 2 switch 37a (see FIG. 3). The game ball that has won the start winning opening 36 is detected as the start winning ball of the special figure 1 variable display game, and is stored up to a predetermined upper limit, and the game ball that has won the normal variable winning device 37 is special figure 2. It is detected as a start winning ball of a variable display game, and is stored up to a predetermined upper limit.

When the start winning ball of the special figure fluctuation display game is detected, the jackpot random number value, the jackpot symbol random value, each fluctuation pattern random value, and the like are extracted. These random numbers are stored in the special figure reservation storage area (a part of the RAM) of the game control device 100 as the special figure start winning memory for a predetermined number of times (for example, up to 8 times). The number of special figure start prize memories stored is displayed on the special figure 1 hold display 54 and the special figure 2 hold display 55 for notifying the start prize number of the batch display device 50, and is also displayed on the display screen of the display device 41. Is displayed.

The game control device 100 executes the special figure 1 variation display game on the special figure 1 display 51 based on the winning of the start winning opening 36 or the first start memory. Further, the game control device 100 executes the special figure 2 variable display game on the special figure 2 display 52 based on the winning of the normal variable winning device 37 or the second start memory.

The special figure 1 variable display game (1st special figure variable display game) and the special figure 2 variable display game (2nd special figure variable display game) have identification information (identification information) on the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52. This is performed by displaying the special symbol (special symbol) in a variable manner and then stopping and displaying the predetermined result mode. Further, the display device 41 executes a decorative special figure variation display game in which a plurality of types of identification information (for example, numbers, symbols, character symbols, etc.) are variablely displayed corresponding to each special figure variation display game.

In the decorative special symbol variation display game on the display device 41, the decorative special symbol (identification information) composed of the above-mentioned numbers and the like is left (first special symbol), right (second special symbol), and middle (third special symbol). ) Is started, the fluctuating symbols are sequentially stopped after a predetermined time, and the result of the special figure fluctuation display game is displayed. Further, in the display device 41, various effects such as the appearance of characters are displayed in order to improve the interest. Further, in the decorative special figure variation display game, as another decorative special symbol (identification information), the fourth special symbol (blinking) is repeated (blinking) in the lamp display unit (LED) of the lamp display device 80. 4th symbol) fluctuates. The fluctuation display of the lamp display unit is stopped after a predetermined time from the start by "lighting" in the case of a miss and "turning off" in the case of a big hit.

On the contrary, the variable display of the lamp display unit (LED) as the fourth special symbol (fourth symbol) can be stopped by "turning off" in the case of a miss and "turning on" in the case of a big hit. .. In addition, a plurality of LEDs (fourth symbol LEDs) are provided as each lamp display unit, and one of the plurality of LEDs is lit in the case of disconnection, and all the plurality of LEDs are lit in the case of a big hit. It is possible.

When the game ball is won in the starting winning opening 36 or the normal variable winning device 37 at a predetermined timing (when the jackpot random number value at the time of winning is the jackpot value), the special figure 1 display 51 or the special figure 1 display 51 or the special In the display 52 of FIG. 2, a specific result mode (special result mode) is derived from the display symbol as a result of the special figure variation display game, and a big hit state (special game state) is obtained. Correspondingly, the display mode of the display device 41 becomes a special result mode (for example, a state in which numbers such as "7, 7, 7" are aligned).

At this time, the special variable winning device 39 is converted from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) by energizing the large winning opening solenoid 39b (see FIG. 3). That is, the large winning opening provided in the special variable winning device 39 opens wide until a predetermined time or a predetermined number of game balls are won, during which the player is given the privilege of being able to acquire a large number of game balls. NS.

The special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 may be configured as separate displays or the same display, but the special figure variation display games are not executed at the same time. Is set.

Regarding the decorative special figure variable display game in the display device 41, the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game may be executed in different display devices or different display areas, or the same display may be executed. It may be executed in the device or the display area. In this case, the decorative special figure variable display game corresponding to the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game is prevented from being executed at the same time. The special figure 2 variable display game is executed with priority over the special figure 1 variable display game, and there is a memory of starting the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game. When the figure variation display game can be executed, the special figure 2 variation display game is executed.

In the following description, when the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as a special figure variable display game.

Further, although not particularly limited, the starting port 1 switch 36a in the starting winning port 36, the starting port 2 switch 37a in the normal variable winning device 37, the gate switch 34a, the winning port switch 35a, and the count switch 39a. Uses a non-contact magnetic proximity sensor (hereinafter referred to as a proximity switch) that has a coil for magnetic detection and detects a game ball by utilizing the phenomenon that the magnetic field changes when a metal approaches the coil. .. Further, the glass frame opening detection switch 63 provided on the glass frame 15 or the like of the game machine 10 or the front frame opening detection switch 64 (main body frame opening detection switch) provided on the front frame (game frame) 12 or the like is used as a machine. Microswitches with similar contacts can be used.

[Game control device]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the game control system of the game machine 10. The game machine 10 includes a game control device 100 (main board), and the game control device 100 is a main control device (main board) that comprehensively controls a game, and is a game microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a game microcomputer). A data bus 140 that connects a CPU unit 110 having a 111 (referred to as), an input unit 120 having an input port, an output unit 130 having an output port, a driver, and the like, a CPU unit 110, an input unit 120, and an output unit 130. And so on.

The CPU unit 110 includes a gaming microcomputer (CPU) 111 called an amusement chip (IC) and an oscillator such as a crystal oscillator, and generates an operating clock of the CPU, a timer interrupt, and a clock that serves as a reference for a random number generation circuit. It has an oscillator circuit (crystal oscillator) 113 and the like. A predetermined level of DC voltage such as DC32V, DC12V, DC5V generated by the power supply device 400 is supplied to the game control device 100 and electronic components such as a solenoid and a motor driven by the game control device 100 to enable operation. Will be done.

The power supply device 400 includes a normal power supply unit 410 having an ACDC converter that generates a DC voltage of DC32V from a 24V AC power supply, a DC-DC converter that generates a lower level DC voltage such as DC12V, DC5V, etc. from the voltage of DC32V. , A backup power supply unit 420 that supplies power supply voltage to the internal RAM of the game microcomputer 111 in the event of a power failure, and a power failure monitoring circuit, and a power failure monitoring signal or reset signal that notifies the game control device 100 of the occurrence or recovery of a power failure It is provided with a control signal generation unit 430 and the like that generate and output a control signal such as.

In the present embodiment, the power supply device 400 is configured separately from the game control device 100, but the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generation unit 430 are integrated on a separate board or with the game control device 100, that is, the main unit. It may be configured to be provided on a substrate. Since the game board 30 and the game control device 100 are to be replaced when the model is changed, the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generation unit 430 are mounted on a board different from the power supply device 400 or the main board as in the embodiment. By providing it, it is possible to exclude it from the target of replacement and reduce the cost.

The backup power supply unit 420 can be configured by one large-capacity capacitor such as an electrolytic capacitor. The backup power supply is supplied to the game microcomputer 111 (particularly the built-in RAM) of the game control device 100, and the data stored in the RAM is retained even during a power failure or even after the power is cut off. The control signal generation unit 430 monitors the voltage of 32V generated by the normal power supply unit 410, for example, detects the occurrence of a power failure when it drops below 17V, changes the power failure monitoring signal, and changes the power failure monitoring signal, and also resets the signal after a predetermined time. Is output. Also, when the power is turned on or when the power is restored, a reset signal is output after a predetermined time has elapsed from that point.

Further, the game control device 100 is provided with a RAM initialization switch 112. When the RAM initialization switch 112 is pressed down and turned on, an initialization switch signal is generated, and based on this, the information stored in the RAM 111c in the gaming microcomputer 111 and the RAM in the payout control device 200 is forced. The process of initializing to is performed. Although not particularly limited, the initialization switch signal is read when the power is turned on, and the power failure monitoring signal is repeatedly read in the main loop of the main program executed by the gaming microcomputer 111. A reset signal is a type of forced interrupt signal that resets the entire control system.

Further, the game control device 100 (main board) includes a setting key switch 93. The setting key switch 93 makes it possible to change the probability set value (set value) according to the setting related to the game condition (game) by turning it on by the rotation operation of the operator or the like. The RAM initialization switch 112 can also be used as a setting value change switch that can change the probability setting value according to the operation of the operator. In the present embodiment, the probability setting value is a setting value for setting a winning probability such as a big hit probability or a small hit probability (only when there is a small hit), but other game conditions (directing, etc.) other than the probability. Can be changed according to the probability setting value. The setting key switch 93 and the RAM initialization switch 112 constitute a setting changing means (setting changing device 42) capable of changing the setting (probability setting value) related to the game condition. In addition to the RAM initialization switch 112, another switch may also serve as the setting value changing switch, or may provide a dedicated setting value changing switch.

The setting key switch 93 and the RAM initialization switch 112 are provided on the game control device 100 inside the game machine 10 and are arranged at positions that cannot be operated (positions that cannot be accessed) unless the front frame 12 (main body frame) is opened. Will be done. That is, a general player cannot access and operate the setting key switch 93 and the RAM initialization switch 112.

As will be described later, when the power of the gaming machine 10 is turned on (power failure recovery, power recovery), the gaming machine 10 sets a probability setting value according to the on / off state of the setting key switch 93 and the RAM initialization switch 112. It is possible to shift to various states such as a changeable setting variable state (setting change state, setting change mode) and a setting confirmation state (setting confirmation mode) in which the probability setting value can be confirmed.

In the present embodiment, the probability setting value is defined in, for example, 6 steps, and the probability setting value 1 (setting 1), the probability setting value 2 (setting 2), the probability setting value 3 (setting 3), and the probability setting value 4 (setting). 4), there are a probability setting value 5 (setting 5) and a probability setting value 6 (setting 6). In general, setting 1 is the most unfavorable setting for the player, and setting 6 is the most advantageous setting for the player. Settings 1 and 2 are low settings, settings 3 and 4 are intermediate settings (intermediate settings), and settings 5 and 6 are high settings.

In the probability setting change process, every time the RAM initialization switch 112 is pressed by the operator, the work setting value (setting) in the work setting value area is set to the setting value 0 (setting 1, probability setting value 1) → Setting value 1 (setting 2, probability setting value 2) → setting value 2 (setting 3, probability setting value 3) → setting value 3 (setting 4, probability setting value 4) → setting value 4 (setting 5, probability setting value 5) ) → Setting value 5 (Setting 6, probability setting value 6) → Setting value 0 (Setting 1) → Setting value 1 (Setting 2) → ... In this way, the RAM initialization switch 112 also functions as a setting value change switch. For convenience of explanation, the work setting values 0 to 5 are provided corresponding to the probability setting values 1 to 6 in the setting change state (setting change mode), but the work setting value and the probability setting value are the same. It may be treated as the same in the numerical range (that is, 0 to 5 or 1 to 6) (the work set value and the probability set value are set to the same value).

Instead of operating the RAM initialization switch 112 (setting value changing switch), the setting key switch 93 may be rotated to a predetermined position to change the probability setting value. Moreover, the probability setting value is not limited to 6 steps. Then, the performance display device 152 in which the display probability setting value corresponding to the selected work setting values 0 to 5 is, for example, a 4-digit 7-segment type (8-segment type including the dot Dp) display. Etc. are displayed.

The gaming microcomputer 111 includes a CPU (central processing unit: microprocessor) 111a, a read-only ROM (read-only memory) 111b, and a RAM (random access memory) 111c that can be read and written at any time.

The ROM 111b non-volatilely stores invariant information (programs, fixed data, determination values of various random numbers, etc.) for game control. The RAM 111c is used as a work area of the CPU 111a and a storage area for various signals and random values during game control. Information on the game (game information) is stored, and the stored information is stored even if a power failure occurs. Is a possible retention and storage means. As the ROM 111b or the RAM 111c, an electrically rewritable non-volatile memory such as EEPROM may be used.

Further, the ROM 111b stores, for example, a variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern (variation mode) that defines the execution time of the special figure variation display game, the effect content, the presence / absence of the occurrence of the reach state, and the like. The variation pattern table is a table for the CPU 111a to refer to the variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 stored as the start memory to determine the variation pattern. Further, the fluctuation pattern table includes a missed fluctuation pattern table selected when the result is missed, a jackpot fluctuation pattern table selected when the result is a jackpot, and the like. Further, these pattern tables include a table for determining the latter half fluctuation pattern, which is a fluctuation pattern after reaching the reach state (second half fluctuation group table, second half fluctuation pattern selection table, etc.), and fluctuation before reaching the reach state. A table for determining the first half fluctuation pattern, which is a pattern (first half fluctuation group table, first half fluctuation pattern selection table, etc.) is included.

Here, the reach (reach state) has a display device whose display state can be changed, and the display device derives and displays a plurality of display results at different times, and the plurality of display results are predetermined. In the gaming machine 10 in which the gaming state becomes an advantageous gaming state (special gaming state) for the player when the special result mode is adopted, a part of the plurality of display results is already derived and displayed at a stage where the display is not yet derived. A display state in which the displayed display result satisfies the condition of the special result mode. In other words, the reach state is out of the display condition that is the special result mode even when the variable display control of the display device progresses and the display result reaches the stage before the derivation display. Refers to a display mode that does not exist. Further, for example, a state in which variation display is performed by a plurality of variation display areas (so-called full rotation reach) while maintaining a state in which the special result modes are aligned is also included in the reach state. Further, the reach state is a display state at the time when the display control of the display device progresses and reaches the stage before the display result is derived and displayed, and is determined before the display result is derived and displayed. It refers to a display state when at least a part of the display results of a plurality of variable display areas satisfies the condition of the special result mode.

Therefore, for example, the decorative special figure variation display game displayed on the display device corresponding to the special figure variation display game changes a plurality of identification information for a predetermined time in each of the left, middle, and right variation display areas on the display device. After the display, when the variation display is stopped in the order of left, right, and middle to display the result mode, the left and right variation display areas satisfy the conditions for the special result mode (for example,). The state in which the variable display is stopped with the same identification information) is the reach state. In addition, when the fluctuation display of all the fluctuation display areas is temporarily stopped, the condition of the special result mode in any two of the left, middle, and right fluctuation display areas is satisfied (for example, the same identification information). (However, the special result mode is excluded) may be set as the reach state, and the remaining one variable display area may be variable-displayed from the reach state.

The reach state includes a plurality of reach effects, and as a system (type) of reach effects in which the possibility of deriving a special result mode (big hit mode) is different (the degree of expectation is different), normal reach (N reach), Special 1 reach (SP1 reach), special 2 reach (SP2 reach), special 3 reach (SP3 reach), and premier reach are set. The expected degree (expected value) of the jackpot of the reach production is increased in the order of no reach <normal reach <special 1 reach <special 2 reach <special 3 reach <premier reach. In addition, the reach state is included in the variation display mode at least when the special result mode is derived (when it becomes a big hit) in the special figure variation display game. That is, it may be included in the variation display mode when it is determined that the special result mode is not derived in the special figure variation display game (when it is out of order). Therefore, the state in which the reach state occurs is more likely to be a big hit than the case in which the reach state does not occur.

The degree of expectation of the production (notice) suggests the probability of becoming a big hit when the production is selected, and the selection rate of the production when it is a big hit and the selection rate of the production when it is not a big hit (when it is off). It can be calculated based on the selectivity and the like.

The CPU 111a executes a game control program in the ROM 111b to generate a control signal (command) for the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300, or generate and output a drive signal for a solenoid or a display device to output the game machine. 10 Control the entire system. Further, although not shown, the gaming microcomputer 111 includes a jackpot random number for determining a jackpot of a special figure variation display game, a jackpot symbol random number for determining a jackpot symbol, and a small hit for determining a small hit symbol. Symbol random numbers (only when there is a small hit), fluctuation pattern random numbers for determining the fluctuation pattern in the special figure fluctuation display game (including the execution time of the fluctuation display game in various reach and fluctuation display without reach) Based on the random number generation circuit for generation and the oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the oscillation circuit 113, the timer interrupt signal of a predetermined period (for example, 4 msec (millisecond)) and the update timing of the random number generation circuit are given to the CPU 111a. It has a clock generator that generates a clock.

Further, the CPU 111a acquires any one of the fluctuation pattern tables stored in the ROM 111b in the process related to the special figure fluctuation display game. Specifically, the CPU 111a determines the game result (big hit or miss) of the special figure variation display game, the probability state (normal probability state or high probability state) of the special figure variation display game as the current game state, and the start memory number. Based on the above, one of the fluctuation pattern tables is selected and acquired from the plurality of fluctuation pattern tables. Here, the CPU 111a serves as a variation distribution information acquisition means for acquiring any one of the plurality of variation pattern tables stored in the ROM 111b when the special figure variation display game is executed.

The payout control device 200 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, input interface, output interface, etc., and drives the payout motor 91 of the payout unit in accordance with a prize ball payout command (command or data) from the game control device 100 to drive the prize ball. Control to pay out. Further, the payout control device 200 drives the payout motor 91 of the payout unit based on the ball lending request signal from the card unit 600, and controls for paying out the ball lending.

The input unit 120 of the game control device 100 includes a radio wave sensor 62 (panel radio wave sensor) that detects the emission of radio waves to the game machine, a gate switch 34a of the normal drawing start gate 34, and a start port 1 in the first start winning opening 36. These are connected to the switch 36a, the starting port 2 switch 37a in the second starting winning opening 37 (normal variable winning device), the winning opening switch 35a of the general winning opening 35, and the large winning opening switch 39a of the special variable winning device 39. An interface chip (proximity I / F) 121 is provided in which a negative logic signal such as a high level of 11V and a low level of 7V supplied from the switch is input and converted into a positive logic signal of 0V-5V.

Further, the interface chip (proximity I / F) 121 is connected to the specific area switch 72, the remaining ball discharge port switch 73, and the out ball detection switch 74. The specific area switch 72 detects the passage of the game ball (V winning) into the specific area 86 (V winning opening). The remaining ball discharge port switch 73 detects a game ball that has passed through the remaining ball discharge port that discharges the game ball from the special variable winning device 39. The out-ball detection switch 74 may detect only the game balls that pass through the out port 30b, or may detect all the game balls that have been launched into the game area and finished the game.

The output of the proximity I / F 121 is supplied to the second input port 123, the third input port 124, or the fourth input port 126, and is read into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. Of the outputs of the proximity I / F 121, the detection signals of the gate switch 34a, the start port 1 switch 36a, the start port 2 switch 37a, the winning port switch 35a, and the large winning port switch 39a are input to the third input port 124. ..

Further, among the outputs of the proximity I / F 121, the detection signal of the radio wave sensor 62 and the abnormality detection signal output when an abnormality of the sensor or the switch is detected are input to the second input port 123.

Further, among the outputs of the proximity I / F 121, the detection signal of the specific area switch 72, the remaining ball discharge port switch 73, or the out ball detection switch 74 is input to the fourth input port 126.

Further, the second input port 123 includes a detection signal of a magnetic sensor switch 61 for fraud detection provided on the front frame 12 or the like of the gaming machine 10, and a glass frame opening detection provided on the glass frame 15 or the like of the gaming machine 10. A signal from the front frame opening detection switch 64 (main body frame opening detection switch) provided on the switch 63, the front frame 12 (main body frame), etc., and a signal from the vibration sensor 65 that detects the vibration of the gaming machine 10 are input. ..

Further, the second input port 123 takes in the setting key switch signal from the setting key switch 93 and supplies it to the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140.

Further, among the outputs of the proximity I / F 121, the output to the third input port 124 is also supplied from the game control device 100 to a test firing test device (not shown) via the relay board 70. Further, among the outputs of the proximity I / F 121, the detection signals of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a are configured to be input to the game microcomputer 111 in addition to the third input port 124.

As described above, the proximity I / F 121 has a signal level conversion function. In order to enable such a level conversion function, the proximity I / F 121 is supplied with a voltage of 12V in addition to the voltage such as 5V required for normal IC operation from the power supply device 400. It has become.

The data held by the third input port 124 is read out by asserting the enable signal CE2 (changing to an effective level) by the gaming microcomputer 111 decoding the address assigned to the third input port 124. be able to. The same applies to the second input port 123, the fourth input port 126, and the first input port 122 described later.

Further, the input unit 120 indicates a frame radio wave illegal signal output from the payout control device 200, a payout busy signal, a status signal indicating a payout abnormality, a shoot ball out switch signal indicating a shortage of game balls before payout, and an overflow. The first input port 122 that takes in the overflow switch signal, the touch switch signal based on the input of the touch switch provided on the operation handle 24, and the signal from the RAM initialization switch 112 and supplies them to the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. Is provided. The overflow switch signal is a signal output when it is detected that a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored (full) in the lower plate 23. The frame radio wave invalid signal is a signal output based on the frame radio wave sensor provided on the front frame 12 (main body frame) detecting the radio wave, and the payout busy signal is in a state where the payout control device 200 can accept a command. It is a signal indicating whether or not.

Further, the input unit 120 is provided with a Schmidt buffer 125 for inputting a signal such as a power failure monitoring signal or a reset signal from the power supply device 400 to the gaming microcomputer 111 or the like, and the Schmidt buffer 125 is provided with these input signals. It has a function to remove noise from. The power failure monitoring signal from the power supply device 400 is once input to the first input port 122, and is taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. That is, it is treated as a signal equivalent to the signal from the various switches described above. This is because there is a limit to the number of terminals provided on the gaming microcomputer 111 that receive signals from the outside.

On the other hand, the reset signal RST from which noise has been removed by the Schmidt buffer 125 is directly input to the reset terminal provided in the gaming microcomputer 111 and is supplied to each port of the output unit 130. Further, the reset signal RST is output directly to the relay board 70 without going through the output unit 130 to turn off the test firing test signal held in the port (not shown) of the relay board 70 for output to the test firing test apparatus. It is configured as follows.

Further, the reset signal RST may be configured to be output to the test firing test apparatus via the relay board 70. The reset signal RST is not supplied to the ports 122, 123, and 124 of the input unit 120. The data set in each port of the output unit 130 by the gaming microcomputer 111 just before the reset signal RST is input needs to be reset in order to prevent the system from malfunctioning, but each of the input units 120 immediately before the reset signal RST is input. This is because the data read by the gaming microcomputer 111 from the port is discarded by resetting the gaming microcomputer 111.

The output unit 130 is provided with a Schmidt buffer 132 arranged on a communication path from the game microcomputer 111 to the effect control device 300 and a communication path from the game microcomputer 111 to the payout control device 200. Data is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 and the payout control device 200 by serial communication. It should be noted that the one-way communication is such that a signal cannot be input to the game control device 100 from the effect control device 300 side.

Further, the output unit 130 is connected to the data bus 140, and data for notifying the special symbol information of the variable display game to the test firing test device of the accreditation body (not shown), a signal indicating the probability state of the jackpot, and the like are transmitted via the relay board 70. The output buffer 133 is configured to be mountable. The buffer 133 is a component that is not mounted on the game control device (main board) of a pachinko gaming machine as an actual machine (mass production product) installed in a game store. The detection signal of a switch that does not need to be processed, such as a start port switch output from the proximity I / F 121, is supplied to the test firing test apparatus via the relay board 70 without passing through the buffer 133.

On the other hand, a detection signal that cannot be supplied to the test firing test device as it is, such as the magnetic sensor switch 61 and the radio wave sensor 62, is once taken into the game microcomputer 111 and processed into other signals or information, for example, the game machine controls the game. It is supplied from the data bus 140 to the test firing test apparatus via the buffer 133 and the relay board 70 as an error signal indicating that the state cannot be achieved.

The relay board 70 is provided with a port that takes in the signal output from the buffer 133 and supplies it to the test firing test apparatus, a connector that relays and transmits the signal line of the switch detection signal that does not go through the buffer, and the like. There is. A chip enable signal CE output from the gaming microcomputer 111 is also supplied to the port on the relay board 70, and the signal of the port selectively controlled by the signal CE is supplied to the test firing test apparatus.

Further, the output unit 130 includes a solenoid (general electric solenoid) 37c connected to the data bus 140 to open the normal variable winning device 37, a large winning opening solenoid 39b (large winning opening solenoid) to open the special variable winning device 39, and the like. A second output port 134 is provided for outputting open / close data of the lever solenoid 86b that operates the lever to open the specific area 86.

Further, the output unit 130 has a third output port 135 for outputting on / off data of the segment line to which the anode terminal of the LED is connected according to the content to be displayed on the batch display device 50, and the batch display device 50. A fourth output port 136 is provided for outputting on / off data of the digit line to which the cathode terminal of the LED is connected.

Further, the output unit 130 is provided with a fifth output port 137 for outputting information about the gaming machine 10 such as jackpot information to the external information terminal 71. The external information terminal 71 is provided with a photo relay, which can be connected to, for example, an external device (such as an information collection terminal or a game hall internal management device (hall computer)) installed in a game store, and provides information about the game machine 10 to the outside. It can be supplied to the device. Further, a launch permission signal is also output from the fifth output port 137 to the payout control device 200 via the Schmidt buffer 132.

Further, the output unit 130 is a first driver (drive circuit) that generates and outputs a solenoid drive signal by receiving open / close data signals of the general electric current solenoid 37c and the grand prize opening solenoid 39b output from the second output port 134. 138a, the second driver 138b that outputs the on / off drive signal of the segment line on the current supply side of the batch display device 50 output from the third output port 135, and the batch display device 50 output from the fourth output port 136. The third driver 138c that outputs the on / off drive signal of the digit line on the current drawing side, and the fourth driver 138d that outputs the external information signal supplied from the fifth output port 137 to the external device such as the management device to the external information terminal 71. Is provided.

DC32V is supplied from the power supply device 400 as a power supply voltage to the first driver 138a so that a solenoid operating at 32V can be driven. Further, DC12V is supplied to the second driver 138b that drives the segment line of the batch display device 50. Since the third driver 138c for driving the digit wire is for pulling out the digit wire corresponding to the display data with a current, the power supply voltage may be either 12V or 5V.

A dynamic drive system in which a second driver 138b that outputs 12V causes a current to flow into the anode terminal of the LED via a segment wire, and a third driver 138c that outputs a ground potential draws a current from the cathode terminal via a digit wire. The power supply voltage flows through the LEDs selected in sequence with, and the LEDs are turned on. The fourth driver 138d, which outputs the external information signal to the external information terminal 71, supplies the external information signal with a level of 12V, so that DC12V is supplied. The buffer 133, the second output port 134, the first driver 138a, and the like may be provided on the output unit 130 of the game control device 100, that is, on the relay board 70 side instead of the main board.

Further, the output unit 130 is provided with a photocoupler 139 for transmitting information such as an identification code and a program of each gaming machine to an external inspection device 500. The photocoupler 139 is configured so that the gaming microcomputer 111 can communicate with the inspection device 500 by serial communication. Since such data transmission / reception is performed using the serial communication terminal of the gaming microcomputer 111 as in the case of a normal general-purpose microprocessor, ports such as input ports 122, 123, and 124 are not provided.

Further, the output unit 130 receives the serial data (control data, lighting pattern data, character code (character code), etc.) output from the second output port 134, and receives the performance display device 152 (status display device). A driving driver 150 is provided. In the present embodiment, the performance display device 152 is composed of a plurality of (4) 7-segment type (8-segment type including dot Dp) display (LED lamp), and the driver 150 is an LED driver. It is not limited to.

The performance display device 152 is provided on the game control device 100 (main board), but may be provided at another location. For example, the performance display device 152 can display the display probability set value, the accessory ratio, the ball ejection rate, and the number of ejected balls as the performance display.

Here, the number of ejected balls is the number of game balls ejected from the game area 32 (also referred to as the number of out balls), the number of game balls that have passed through the winning opening (the number of winning balls), and the number of games that have passed through the out opening 30b. It is the total with the number of spheres. The number of ejected balls can be obtained by counting the signal of the out ball detection switch 74 or the like. In the present embodiment, the winning openings include a general winning opening 35, a starting winning opening 36 (first starting winning opening, starting opening 1), a normal variable winning device 37 (second starting winning opening, starting opening 2), and A special variable winning device 39 (large winning opening) is included.

The payout rate is the ratio (ratio) of the total number of prize balls to the number of ejected balls (or the number of launched balls), and is calculated by (number of acquired balls ÷ number of ejected balls) × 100 (%). That is, the ball output rate is the number of acquired balls (total number of prize balls) per 100 ejected balls.

For example, the bonus ratio is in the jackpot state out of the total number of prize balls (total number of prize balls) obtained by winning a prize in the winning opening during a predetermined period (for example, from the power-on of the gaming machine 10 to the present). It is the ratio (%) (= so-called continuous character ratio) of the number of prize balls (the number of balls acquired by the character) obtained by winning the big prize opening. The bonus ratio may be the ratio of the number of prize balls (during the big hit state and the small hit state) obtained by winning the big prize opening (= the large winning opening ratio) to the total number of prize balls. Or, the ratio of the number of prize balls obtained by winning the large prize opening and the ordinary variable winning device 37 (second starting winning opening) (= the so-called bonus ratio (total bonus ratio) commonly used )) May be used.

[Production control device]
Next, the configuration of the effect control device 300 (sub-board) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the effect control system of the gaming machine 10.

The effect control device 300 is used to display images on the display device 41 according to commands and data from the main control microcomputer (CPU) 311 composed of an amusement chip (IC) and the main control microcomputer 311 like the game microcomputer 111. It is provided with a VDP (Video Display Processor) 312 as a graphic processor that performs image processing, and a sound source LSI 314 that controls sound output in order to reproduce various melody and sound effects from the speaker 19.

The main control microcomputer 311 holds a program ROM 321 consisting of a program executed by the CPU and a PROM (programmable read-only memory) that stores various data, a RAM 322 that provides a work area, and a stored content even if power is not supplied in the event of a power failure. A possible FeRAM 323 and an RTC (real-time clock) 338 that serves as a timing means for generating information indicating the current date and time (year, month, day, day, time, etc.) are connected. A RAM that provides a work area is also provided inside the main control microcomputer 311.

A WDT (watchdog timer) circuit 324 is connected to the main control microcomputer 311. The main control microcomputer 311 analyzes commands from the game microcomputer 111, determines the production content, instructs the VDP 312 of the content of the output video, instructs the sound source LSI 314 of the reproduced sound, lights the decorative lamp, and the motor. And the drive control of the solenoid, the management of the production time, and so on.

The VDP 312 is provided with a RAM 312a that provides a work area and a scaler 312b for enlarging / reducing an image. Further, the VDP 312 has an image ROM 325 in which character images and video data are stored, and an ultra-high-speed VRAM (video RAM) used for developing and processing image data such as characters read from the image ROM 325. ) 326 is connected.

Although not particularly limited, the main control microcomputer 311 and the VDP 312 are configured to transmit and receive data in a parallel manner. By sending and receiving data in parallel, commands and data can be sent in a shorter time than in the case of serial.

From the VDP 312 to the main control microcomputer 311 are a vertical synchronization signal VSYNC for synchronizing the video of the display device 41 with the lighting of the decorative lamps provided on the glass frame 15 and the game board 30, and a synchronization signal for giving data transmission timing. STS is input. The VDP 312 informs the main control microcomputer 311 that it is in a state of waiting for reception of interrupt signals INT0 to n and commands and data from the main control microcomputer 311 in order to notify the processing status such as the end of drawing in VRAM. Wait signal WAIT etc. for the purpose is also input.

The effect control device 300 is provided with a signal conversion circuit 313 that generates a video signal to be transmitted to the display device 41 by an LVDS (small amplitude signal transmission) method. Video data, a horizontal synchronization signal HSYNC, and a vertical synchronization signal VSYNC are input from the VDP 312 to the signal conversion circuit 313, and the video generated by the VDP 312 is transmitted to the display device 41 via the signal conversion circuit 313. Is displayed.

An audio ROM 327 in which audio data is stored is connected to the sound source LSI 314. The main control microcomputer 311 and the sound source LSI 314 are connected via the address / data bus 340. Further, an interrupt signal INT is input from the sound source LSI 314 to the main control microcomputer 311. The effect control device 300 is provided with an amplifier circuit 337 including an audio power amplifier for driving the upper speaker 19a provided on the glass frame 15 and the lower speaker 19b provided on the front frame 12, and the sound source LSI 314. The generated sound is output from the upper speaker 19a and the lower speaker 19b via the amplifier circuit 337.

Further, the effect control device 300 is provided with an interface chip (command I / F) 331 that receives a command transmitted from the game control device 100. The effect control command signal (effect command) is a decorative special figure hold number command, a decorative special figure command, a variation command, a stop information command, etc. transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 via the command I / F331. Receive as. Since the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 operates at DC 5 V and the main control microcomputer 311 of the effect control device 300 operates at DC 3.3 V, the command I / F 331 is provided with a signal level conversion function. There is.

Further, the effect control device 300 includes a board decoration LED control circuit 332 and a glass frame 15 for driving and controlling a board decoration device 46 having an LED (light emitting diode) provided on the game board 30 (including the center case 40). A board effect provided on a frame decoration LED control circuit 333 and a game board 30 (including a center case 40) for driving and controlling a frame decoration device having an LED (light emitting diode) (for example, a frame decoration device 18 or the like). A panel effect movable body control circuit 334 for driving and controlling a device 44 (for example, a movable accessory that enhances the effect of the effect in cooperation with the effect display on the display device 41) is provided. The board decoration device 46 may include the above-mentioned lamp display device 80.

These control circuits 332 to 334 that drive and control lamps, motors, solenoids, and the like are connected to the main control microcomputer 311 via the address / data bus 340. A frame effect movable body control circuit for driving and controlling a frame effect device such as a motor provided on the glass frame 15 may be provided.

Further, the effect control device 300 includes an effect button switch 25a built in the effect button 25 provided on the glass frame 15, a touch panel 25b provided on the surface of the effect button 25, and a motor in the board effect device 44. A function of detecting the on / off state of the effect switch 47 (effect motor switch) for detecting the initial position and inputting a detection signal to the main control microcomputer 311 and a volume control switch provided in the effect control device 300. A switch input circuit 336 that detects the state of 335 and inputs a detection signal to the main control microcomputer 311 is provided.

The normal power supply unit 410 of the power supply device 400 drives a motor or a solenoid in order to supply a desired level of DC voltage to the effect control device 300 having the above-described configuration and the electronic components controlled by the effect control device 300. DC32V, display device 41 consisting of liquid crystal panel, DC12V for driving motors and LEDs, DC5V for driving command I / F331, and DC15V for driving motors, LEDs, and speakers. It is configured to do.

Further, when an LSI operating at a low voltage such as 3.3V or 1.2V is used as the main control microcomputer 311, DC-for generating DC3.3V or DC1.2V based on DC5V A DC converter is provided in the effect control device 300. The DC-DC converter may be provided in the normal power supply unit 410.

The reset signal generated by the control signal generation unit 430 of the power supply device 400 is supplied to the main control microcomputer 311 to put the device in the reset state. Further, in the form of being output from the main control microcomputer 311, the VDP 312 (VDP RESET signal), the sound source LSI 314, the amplifier circuit 337 (SNDRESET signal) for driving the speaker, and the control circuit 332-334 (IOReSET) for driving and controlling the lamp, the motor, etc. It is supplied to the signal) and puts them in the reset state. Further, a cooling FAN 45 for cooling various parts of the gaming machine 10 is connected to the effect control device 300, and the cooling FAN 45 is driven when the power of the effect control device 300 is turned on.

Next, the game control performed in these control circuits will be described. The CPU 111a of the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 extracts a random value for hit determination in the normal figure based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the gate switch 34a provided in the normal figure start gate 34, and ROM 111b. Compared with the judgment value stored in, the hit / miss of the normal map variation display game is judged.

Then, after the identification symbol is variablely displayed for a predetermined time on the normal figure display 53, the normal figure variation display game for which the identification symbol is stopped and displayed is displayed. When the result of the normal fluctuation display game is a hit, a special result mode is displayed on the normal figure display 53, the normal electric solenoid 37c is operated, and the movable member 37b of the normal fluctuation winning device 37 is operated for a predetermined time (for example). , 0.3 seconds) Control to open as described above. That is, the game control device 100 serves as a conversion control execution means for performing conversion control of the conversion member (movable member 37b). If the result of the normal map variation display game is out of alignment, the normal map display 53 is controlled to display the result mode of the deviation.

Further, the start winning (starting memory) is memorized based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the starting opening 1 switch 36a provided in the starting winning opening 36, and the jackpot determination of the special figure 1 variation display game is made based on the starting memory. The random value for use is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in the ROM 111b to determine the hit / miss of the special figure 1 variation display game.

Further, the start memory is memorized based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the start port 2 switch 37a provided in the normal variable winning device 37, and the random value for jackpot determination of the special figure 2 variable display game is memorized based on the start memory. Is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in the ROM 111b, and the hit / miss of the special figure 2 variation display game is determined.

Then, the CPU 111a of the game control device 100 outputs a control signal (effect control command) including the determination result of the special figure 1 variation display game and the special figure 2 variation display game to the effect control device 300. Then, the special figure variation display game is displayed on the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 after the identification symbol is variablely displayed for a predetermined time and then stopped and displayed. That is, the game control device 100 controls the progress of the variable display game based on the winning of the starting winning area (first starting winning opening 36, normal variable winning device 37) of the game ball flowing down the game area 32. Make.

Further, the effect control device 300 displays the decorative special figure variation display game corresponding to the special figure variation display game on the display device 41 based on the control signal from the game control device 100. Further, the effect control device 300 performs processing such as setting the effect state, outputting sounds from the speakers 19a and 19b, and controlling light emission of various LEDs based on the control signal from the game control device 100. That is, the effect control device 300 serves as an effect control means for controlling the effect related to the game (variable display game, etc.).

Then, when the result of the special figure variation display game is a hit, the CPU 111a of the game control device 100 displays the special result mode on the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52, and generates a special game state. Let me. In the process of generating the special game state, the CPU 111a controls, for example, by opening the opening / closing door 39c of the special variable winning device 39 by the large winning opening solenoid 39b to allow the game ball to flow into the special winning opening. ..

Then, either a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins in the big winning opening, or a predetermined opening time (for example, 27 seconds or 0.05 seconds) elapses from the opening of the big winning opening. One round (R) is to open the big winning opening until the above condition is achieved, and this is continued (repeated) a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 times, 11 times or 2 times) control (cycle game). I do. That is, the game control device 100 serves as a large winning opening opening / closing control means for controlling the opening / closing of the large winning opening when the stop result mode becomes the special result mode. Further, when the result of the special figure variation display game is out of alignment, the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 are controlled to display the result mode of the deviation.

Further, the game control device 100 can generate a high probability state as a game state after the end of the special game state based on the result mode of the special figure variation display game. The high probability state (probability change state) is a state in which the probability of a hit result in the special figure fluctuation display game is higher than that of the normal probability state. Further, regardless of which of the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game results in a high probability state, the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game Both are in a high probability state.

Further, the game control device 100 can generate a time saving state (specific game state) as a game state after the end of the special game state, based on the result mode of the special figure variation display game. In the time saving state, the normal fluctuation display game and the normal fluctuation winning device 37 are controlled to be in the normal fluctuation operating state, and the normal fluctuation winning device 37 per unit time is controlled as compared with the case where the normal fluctuation winning device 37 is in the normal operating state. Since it is controlled so that the opening time of the game is substantially increased, the game is in the normal power support state. In addition, even in the high probability state (normal probability change state) excluding the latent probability change state, the time saving state is duplicated and the normal electric support is executed.

For example, in the time-reduced state, it is possible to shorten the time so that the execution time (normal figure fluctuation time) of the above-mentioned normal figure fluctuation display game is set to the second fluctuation display time shorter than the normal first fluctuation display time (for example). 10000 msec is 1000 msec). In the time saving state, the execution time of the special figure fluctuation display game (special figure fluctuation time) is also shorter than usual, and the time reduction fluctuation of the special figure fluctuation display game is also executed.

Further, in the time saving state, it is possible to control the normal figure stop time for displaying the result of the normal figure fluctuation display game to be a second stop time (for example, 704 msec) shorter than the first stop time (for example, 1604 msec). Is.

Further, in the time saving state, when the normal fluctuation winning device 37 is opened as a result of the normal fluctuation display game, the opening time (normal power opening time) is the first opening time (for example, 100 msec) in the normal state. It is possible to control the second opening time to be longer (for example, 1352 msec).

Further, in the time saving state, the number of times the normal fluctuation winning device 37 is opened (the number of times the normal electric power is opened) is larger than the number of times the first opening number (for example, 2 times) is obtained with respect to the result of one hit of the normal fluctuation display game. It is possible to set the second opening number of times (for example, 4 times). Further, in the time saving state, the probability of hitting the result of the normal map variation display game (normal figure probability) can be set to a higher probability than the normal probability (low probability) in the normal operating state.

In the time saving state, the normal fluctuation winning device 37 is opened by changing any one or more of the normal fluctuation time, the normal stop time, the number of times the normal power is opened, the normal power opening time, and the normal probability. Try to extend the conversion time longer than usual. As a result, in the time saving state, the winning of the normal variable winning device 37 becomes easier than in the normal gaming state, and the number of executions of the special figure variation display game per unit time can be increased as compared with the normal gaming state. It is also possible to set a plurality of types of time saving states in which different things are changed. Further, the movable member 37b may be set not to be opened in the normal operating state (probability of normal drawing is 0). Further, when a hit occurs, either the first open mode or the second open mode may be selected. In this case, the selection probabilities of the first open mode and the second open mode may be different. Further, the high probability state and the time saving state can be generated independently, and both can be generated at the same time, or only one can be generated.

[Transition state when power is turned on]
As described above, the state shifts to four states (modes) depending on the on / off state of the RAM initialization switch 112 and the setting key switch 93 when the power is turned on.

When the RAM initialization switch 112 and the setting key switch 93 are turned on when the power is turned on, the probability setting value (setting value) is changed to a variable setting state (setting change state, setting change mode). (See A1027-A1036 in FIG. 5B and FIG. 6B).

Next, when the setting key switch 93 is turned on but the RAM initialization switch 112 is off when the power is turned on, the state shifts to the setting confirmation state (setting confirmation mode) in which the probability setting value can be confirmed (FIG. FIG. 5B A1031-A1036 and FIG. 6B).

If the setting key switch 93 is off but the RAM initialization switch 112 is on when the power is turned on, the state shifts to the RAM initialization state (RAM clear mode) and the RAM initialization process (RAM clear). The process) is executed to initialize the RAM 111c (see A1042-1044 in FIG. 5B).

If the setting key switch 93 and the RAM initialization switch 112 are off when the power is turned on, the state shifts to the normal power recovery state (normal power recovery mode), and the power is simply recovered.

[Control of game control device]
Hereinafter, control of a gaming machine that performs such a game will be described. First, the control executed by the game microcomputer (game microcomputer) 111 of the game control device 100 will be described. The control process by the game microcomputer 111 mainly includes the main process shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B and the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 9 performed in a predetermined time cycle (for example, 4 msec).

[Main processing (game control device)]
First, the main process will be described. 5A and 5B are flowcharts showing a procedure of main processing by the game control device 100. The main process is started when the power is turned on. In the flowchart of the process executed by the game control device 100, the code (number) of the step is represented as "A ***".

As shown in FIG. 5A, when the game control device 100 starts the main process, it first executes a process of disabling interrupts (A1001). Further, a stack pointer setting process for setting the stack pointer, which is the start address of the area for saving the value of the register or the like when an interrupt occurs, is executed (A1002).

Subsequently, register bank 0 is designated as the register bank to be used (A1003), and the upper address of the RAM start address is set in a predetermined register (A1004). For example, when the RAM address is in the range of 0000h to 01FFh, 00h is set as the upper address.

Next, the game control device 100 outputs a firing prohibition signal and sets the firing permission signal to the prohibited state (A1005). The launch permission signal is set to a prohibited state when at least one of the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200 outputs a launch prohibition signal, and the launch of the game ball is prohibited. After that, the game control device 100 reads the states of the setting key switch 93 and the RAM initialization switch 112 (A1006). That is, the signals from the setting key switch 93 and the RAM initialization switch 112 are read.

Further, the game control device 100 sets a power supply delay timer (A1007). A program of a slave control means (for example, a payout control device 200 or an effect control device 300) that performs various controls according to instructions from a game control device 100 that serves as a main control means by setting a predetermined initial value in the power delay timer. A waiting time (for example, 3 seconds) for waiting until is normally started is set. As a result, when the power is turned on, the game control device 100 temporarily starts up first and sends a command to the slave control device before the slave control device (for example, the payout control device 200 or the effect control device 300) starts up, and the slave control device Can prevent the command from being missed. That is, when the power is turned on, the game control device 100 delays the start of the main control means (game control device 100) and waits for the start of the slave control devices (payout control device 200, effect control device 300, etc.). It serves as a waiting means for setting the waiting time.

Further, the timing of the power delay timer is performed using a storage area (RAM area or register, etc. that is not subject to the validity judgment) that is not subject to the validity judgment (checksum calculation) of the RAM. As a result, when calculating check data such as a checksum of a RAM area, it is not necessary to exclude a part of the RAM area for calculation, so that it is possible to prevent the control at the time of power-on from becoming complicated.

By reading the states of the setting key switch 93 and the RAM initialization switch 112 before the start of the standby time, the operation of the setting key switch 93 and the RAM initialization switch 112 can be reliably detected. That is, if the states of the setting key switch 93 and the RAM initialization switch 112 are read after the standby time has elapsed, the setting key switch 93 and the RAM initialization switch 112 are operated or the power is turned on after the standby time has elapsed. It is necessary to continue to operate the setting key switch 93 and the RAM initialization switch 112 from the time until the elapse of the standby time. However, by reading the state before the start of the standby time, the operation of the setting key switch 93 and the RAM initialization switch 112 performed at the time of turning on the power cannot be accepted without performing such a troublesome operation. Can be prevented.

When the power delay timer is set (A1007), the game control device 100 executes time counting of the standby time and a process of monitoring the occurrence of a power failure during the standby time (A1008 to A1010).

When the power failure monitoring process is started, the game control device 100 first reads the power failure monitoring signal input from the power supply device 400 via the port and the data bus to determine whether or not a power failure has occurred. (A1008). When a power failure occurs (the result of A1008 is "Y"), the machine waits until the power of the gaming machine is turned off.

When the power failure has not occurred (the result of A1008 is "N"), the game control device 100 updates the power-on delay timer by -1 (A1009), and determines whether or not the value of the timer is 0. (A1010). If the value of the timer is not 0 (the result of A1010 is "N"), that is, if the waiting time has not ended, the process returns to step A1008.

That is, the game control device 100 serves as a power failure monitoring means for monitoring the occurrence of a power failure during a predetermined standby time. As a result, it is possible to deal with a power failure that occurs during the period in which the activation of the game control device 100, which is the main control means, is delayed, and it is possible to appropriately deal with a problem at the time of turning on the power. Note that access to the RAM is not permitted until the end of the standby time, and the stored contents at the time of the previous power cutoff are retained, so backup processing etc. is performed when a power failure occurs here. No need. Therefore, even if a power failure occurs during the standby time, it is not necessary to back up the RAM, and the burden of control can be reduced.

On the other hand, when the value of the timer is 0 (the result of A1010 is "Y"), that is, when the standby time has expired, the game control device 100 has a read / write RWM (read / write) such as a RAM or EEPROM. (Memory) access is permitted (A1011), and off-data is output to all output ports (set to no output) (A1012).

Next, the game control device 100 sets a serial port (a port previously mounted on the game microcomputer 111, which is used for communication with the effect control device 300 and the payout control device 200 in the present embodiment) (A1013). ).

Further, here, the driver 150 for driving the performance display device 152 (state display device) may be initially set. The game control device 100 writes a command including control data corresponding to the contents of the initial setting to the transmission buffer of the second output port 134 (serial communication circuit) and transmits the command to the driver 150. For example, the game control device 100 sets the duty ratio in the initial setting. The duty ratio corresponds to the brightness of each LED (each segment) of the performance display device 152. The game control device 100 sets the number of digits used in the performance display device 152 in the initial setting. In this embodiment, the number of digits used is four.

Next, the game control device 100 activates a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) circuit that generates a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal (CTC) in the game microcomputer 111 (clock generator) (A1014). The CTC circuit is provided in the clock generator in the gaming microcomputer 111. The clock generator has a frequency dividing circuit that divides the oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the oscillation circuit 113, and a timer interrupt signal having a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) with respect to the CPU 111a based on the divided signal. It also includes a CTC circuit that generates a signal CTC that triggers a random number update to be supplied to the random number generation circuit.

Subsequently, the game control device 100 sets a RAM abnormality flag indicating an abnormality in the RAM (here, RAM111c) (A1015). Here, the flag of the assumption of abnormality is once set in a predetermined register.

Next, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the value of the power failure inspection area 1 in the RWM is normal power failure inspection area check data (A1016). Then, if it is normal (the result of A1016 is "Y"), it is determined whether or not the value of the power failure inspection area 2 in the RWM is the normal power failure inspection area check data (A1017).

Further, if the value of the power failure inspection area 2 is normal (the result of A1017 is “Y”), the game control device 100 calculates a checksum of a predetermined area (for example, a game control work area) in the RWM. The calculation process is executed (A1018), and it is determined whether or not the calculated checksum and the checksum at the time of power failure match (A1019). If the checksums match (the result of A1019 is "Y"), the RAM is normal and the RAM error flag indicating the RAM error is cleared (A1020). After that, the process proceeds to step A1021.

Further, when the game control device 100 determines that the check data in the power failure inspection area is not normal data (the result of A1016 is "N" or the result of A1017 is "N"), the checksums do not match. (The result of A1019 is "N"), the process proceeds to the process of step A1021 without clearing the RAM error flag.

Next, the game control device 100 determines whether or not both the setting key switch 93 and the RAM initialization switch 112 are on (A1021). When both switches are on (the result of A1021 is "Y"), the game control device 100 shifts to the variable setting state (setting change mode), and executes the process during the probability setting change in steps A1027-A1037. ..

When at least one of the setting key switch 93 and the RAM initialization switch 112 is off (the result of A1021 is "N"), the game control device 100 sets a RAM abnormality flag indicating an abnormality in the RAM (here, RAM 111c). It is determined whether or not it is done (A1022). When the RAM abnormality flag is not set (the result of A1022 is "N"), it is determined whether or not the probability setting changing flag is set (A1023). When the probability setting changing flag is not set (the result of A1023 is "N"), the process of confirming the probability setting in steps A1031-A1037 (during the setting confirmation state and the setting confirmation mode), in step A1041-144 The RAM initialization process (RAM clear process) or the process at the time of normal power-on (power recovery) in steps A1041, A1045, and A1046 is executed.

The game control device 100 notifies that the game control device 100 (main board, main board) has an abnormality when the probability setting changing flag is set (the result of A1023 is “Y”). An error notification command is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (A1024). The effect control device 300 that has received the command for notifying the main abnormality error notifies that there is an abnormality in the game control device 100.

Subsequently, the game control device 100 uses the driver 150 of the performance display device 152 to display the 7-segment display data (data of the error display of "E1" in FIG. 9C) when the game is stopped on the performance display device 152. Is output to (A1025). Then, the on-data of the security signal for notifying the external device (game hall internal management device (hall computer), information collecting terminal, etc.) of the abnormality is output to the external information terminal 71 (A1026). Here, even when the information regarding the jackpot remains in the RAM 111c, other signals to the external information terminal 71 such as the jackpot signal are maintained in the off state. After that, the processes of steps A1025 and A1026 are repeated to wait, and the setting change operation (both the setting key switch 93 and the RAM initialization switch 112 are turned on) is performed again to wait for the power to be turned on. While the processes of steps A1025 and A1026 are repeated to wait and wait, the interrupt remains disabled (A1001), and the timer interrupt process capable of executing the special figure 1 and 2 game process and the normal figure game process. Since (Fig. 7) cannot be executed, the game (special figure variation display game, normal figure variation display game) cannot be executed.

In this way, even though the setting change operation (on operation of both the setting key switch 93 and the RAM initialization switch 112) is not executed, it is assumed that there is an abnormality when the probability setting changing flag is set. , A1024-A1026 is executed. For example, when the power is turned off and restarted while the probability setting is being changed (before the setting change is completed), the probability setting changing flag may be set even though the setting change operation has not been executed. be.

On the other hand, even when the RAM abnormality flag is set (the result of A1022 is "Y"), the game control device 100 notifies the game control device 100 (main board) that there is an abnormality in the main abnormality error notification. The command is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (A1024), and the 7-segment display data (data of the error display of "E1" in FIG. 9C) when the game is stopped is output to the driver 150 of the performance display device 152 (A1025). ), The on-data of the security signal is output to the external information terminal 71 in order to notify the external device of the RAM abnormality (A1026). As described above, even when the information about the jackpot remains in the RAM 111c, other signals to the external information terminal 71 such as the jackpot signal are maintained in the off state. After that, the processes of steps A1025 and A1026 are repeated to wait.

When both the setting key switch 93 and the RAM initialization switch 112 are on (the result of A1021 is “Y”), the game control device 100 starts the process of changing the probability setting (during the variable setting state). First, it is determined whether or not the RAM abnormality flag is set (A1027). When the RAM abnormality flag is set (the result of A1027 is "Y"), it is unknown whether the probability setting value is correct, so the probability setting value stored in the probability setting value area of the RAM 111c is cleared. After setting the initial value (for example, the minimum setting value "1") (A1028), the probability setting changing flag indicating that the probability setting is being changed is set (A1029). When the RAM abnormality flag is not set (the result of A1027 is "N"), the probability setting changing flag is set without clearing the probability setting value (A1029). Next, the command for which the probability setting is being changed is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (effect control board) (A1030), and the process proceeds to step A1034. The effect control device 300 that has received the command for changing the probability setting notifies the display device 41 or the like that the probability setting is being changed.

In the game control device 100, at least one of the setting key switch 93 and the RAM initialization switch 112 is off (the result of A1021 is "N"), and the RAM error flag is not set (the result of A1022 is "N"). ), And when the probability setting changing flag is not set (the result of A1023 is “N”), it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 93 is on (A1031). When the setting key switch 93 is on (the result of A1031 is "Y"), the RAM initialization switch 112 is off, and the process of confirming the probability setting (during the setting confirmation state) starts, and the probability Set the probability setting checking flag indicating that the setting is being checked (A1032). Then, the command under confirmation of probability setting is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (effect control board) (A1033), and the process proceeds to step A1034. The effect control device 300 that has received the command for changing the probability setting notifies the display device 41 or the like that the probability setting is being confirmed.

After step A1030 or step A1033, the game control device 100 executes the processes of steps A1034 to A1040 as common processes during the probability setting change and the probability setting confirmation.

First, the game control device 100 saves 128 ms (predetermined time) in the security signal control timer area in order to output a security signal while the probability setting is being changed and the probability setting is being confirmed (A1034). The count of the security signal control timer and the output of the security signal are executed in the probability setting change / confirmation process (FIG. 6B) described later, but remain when the probability setting change or the probability setting confirmation is completed early. The count of the security signal control timer and the output of the security signal are executed by the external information editing process (A1321). The security signal is output for at least 50 ms while the probability setting is being changed and the probability setting is being confirmed.

Next, the game control device 100 permits interrupts (A1035). As a result, the timer interrupt process (FIG. 7) can be executed. Then, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 93 is off (A1036). When the setting key switch 93 is on (the result of A1036 is "N"), it is determined whether or not a power failure has occurred (A1037). If no power failure has occurred (the result of A1037 is “N”), the process returns to step A1036. On the other hand, when a power failure has occurred (the result of A1037 is “Y”), the process at the time of the power failure in steps A1055-A1061 is executed.

In this way, as long as the setting key switch 93 is on and a power failure does not occur, the probability setting value can be confirmed in the variable setting state (setting change state, setting change mode) or the probability setting value can be confirmed. The setting confirmation status (setting confirmation mode) is continued.

On the other hand, when the setting key switch 93 is off (the result of A1036 is "Y"), the game control device 100 prohibits interrupts (A1038), and issues a command to end the notification to the effect control device 300 (effect control board). (A1039). The effect control device 300 that has received the command to end the notification ends the notification that the probability setting is being confirmed or that the probability setting is being changed.

Next, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the probability setting changing flag is set, that is, whether or not the probability setting is being changed so far (A1040). When the probability setting changing flag is set (the result of A1040 is "Y"), that is, when the probability setting is being changed so far, the RAM initialization process (described later) in steps A1042-A1044 is executed. do. On the other hand, when the probability setting changing flag is not set (the result of A1040 is "N"), that is, when the probability setting is being confirmed so far, when the power is turned on after step A1045 (when the power is restored). Perform the normal processing of.

The game control device 100 determines whether or not the RAM initialization switch 112 is on when the setting key switch 93 is off (the result of A1031 is “N”) (A1041). When the RAM initialization switch 112 is on (the result of A1041 is “Y”), the RAM area other than the probability setting value area for storing the probability setting value is cleared to 0 in the RAM 111c (A1042). That is, the game information stored in the RAM 111c is cleared to 0 except for the probability setting value stored in the probability setting value area. Further, the above-mentioned probability setting changing flag is also cleared here. Further, in addition to the probability setting value area, a configuration that does not clear the stack area and the unused area, a work area related to the performance information and its display (performance display), and a configuration that does not clear the stack area are also possible. .. The performance information is derived based on the number of prize balls obtained by winning, for example, the ball output rate, the base value (the ball output rate in the normal game state), the accessory ratio, the number of ejected balls, and the like. be.

Next, the game control device 100 saves the initial value at the time of RAM initialization in the area to be initialized (A1043). Then, the command at the time of RAM initialization is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (effect control board) (A1044), and the process proceeds to step A1047.

On the other hand, the game control device 100 has a normal power supply because both the setting key switch 93 and the RAM initialization switch 112 are off when the RAM initialization switch 112 is off (the result of A1041 is “N”). The process at the time of turning on (when the power is restored) is started, and the power failure recovery process is executed (A1045). For example, the initial value at the time of power failure recovery (power recovery) is saved in the area to be initialized. In addition, the above-mentioned probability setting confirmation flag is also cleared here. Next, a command at the time of power failure recovery corresponding to the processing number prepared for rationally executing the special figure game processing described later is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (effect control board) (A1046), and step A1047. Move to the processing of.

The command at the time of RAM initialization transmitted in the process of step A1044 and the command at the time of recovery from a power failure transmitted in the process of step A1046 include a model designation command indicating the type of the game machine and the hold of special figures 1 and 2. Ornament special figure 1 indicating the number Hold number command and decoration special figure 2 Hold number command, probability information command indicating the presence or absence of a probability state (high probability state or low probability state) or time saving state, special figure change in a predetermined production mode It includes a production count information command that indicates the number of times the display game has been executed, and a power failure recovery command that indicates that the power has been turned on.

Further, the command at the time of RAM initialization and the command at the time of power failure recovery include the setting value information command (probability setting value information) indicating the setting value information (setting information) which is the information of the probability setting value (setting value) of the gaming machine 10. Command) is included. The game control device 100 only needs to transmit the set value information command to the effect control device 300 only once when the power is restored (turned on), and thereafter, the effect control device 300 refers to the set value information stored by itself. You can control the production.

The RAM initialization command also includes a RAM initialization command (RAM clear command). The effect control device 300 that has received the RAM initialization command displays, for example, a customer waiting demo on the display device 41, and notifies the RAM initialization (RAM clear) by the sound of the LED and the speaker of the board decoration device 46 or the like. Do it for a second. Further, the command at the time of power failure recovery includes a screen designation command for designating the display contents of the screen of the display device 41. Note that the screen designation command is a customer waiting demo command for both Special Figures 1 and 2 during normal processing (when neither fluctuating nor hitting), and is a recovery screen command otherwise.

After step A1044 or step A1046, the game control device 100 activates and sets the random number generation circuit (A1047). Specifically, the CPU 111a sets a code (designated value) for activating the random number generation circuit in a predetermined register (CTC update permission register) in the random number generation circuit. In addition, the bit transposition pattern of the hard random number (here, the jackpot random number) generated by the hardware of the random number generation circuit is also set.

The bit transposition pattern is a method of exchanging the extracted random number bits (arrangement before the upper bit transposition) in a predetermined order and storing them as different bit arrangements (arrangement after the lower bit transposition). It is a pattern that determines.

In the present embodiment, by exchanging the bits of the random number according to the bit transposition pattern, the regularity of the random number can be broken and the confidentiality of the random number can be enhanced. The bit transposition pattern may be a fixed single pattern, or may be selected from a plurality of patterns prepared in advance. In addition, the user may be able to set it arbitrarily.

After that, the game control device 100 extracts the values of predetermined registers (soft random number registers 1 to n) in the random number generation circuit when the power is turned on, and corresponds to various initial value random numbers (big hit symbol random numbers for determining the jackpot symbol). Initial value (big hit symbol initial value random number), small hit symbol random number that determines the small hit symbol (small hit symbol initial value random number) (only when there is a small hit), hit random number that determines the hit of the normal figure Save in a predetermined area of RWM (A1048) as the start value of the initial value (random number of initial value per hit), initial value of random number of fall lottery used in the fall lottery (random number of initial value of fall lottery), etc., and allow interruption (A1049). ). In the random number generation circuit in the CPU 111a used in the present embodiment, the initial value of the soft random number register is configured to change each time the power is turned on. Therefore, this value is used as the start value (initial value) of various initial random numbers. By doing so, the regularity of the random numbers generated by the software can be broken, and it is possible to make it difficult for the player to acquire an illegal random number.

Subsequently, the game control device 100 executes an initial value random number update process for updating the values of various initial value random numbers to break the regularity of the random numbers (A1050). Although not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the big hit random number, the big hit symbol random number, the hit random number, and the fall lottery random number are configured to be generated by using the random numbers generated in the random number generation circuit. There is. However, the jackpot random number is a so-called "high-speed counter" that is updated based on a clock whose speed is equal to or higher than the operating clock of the CPU, and the jackpot symbol random number, hit random number, and fall lottery random number are timer interrupts that are processing units of the program. It is a "low-speed counter" that is updated based on the CTC output (CTC (CTC2) different from CTC (CTC0) of timer interrupt processing) that has the same cycle as the processing.

In addition, for big hit symbol random numbers, hit symbol random numbers, and fall lottery random numbers, a so-called "initial value change method" is adopted in which the start value is changed using each initial value random number (generated by software) each time the random number goes around. ing. It should be noted that each of the random numbers may be a counter-type update by +1 or 1, or a random-type update in which all the values in the range appear separately without duplication until one cycle is completed. That is, the jackpot random number is a random number updated only by the hardware, and the jackpot symbol random number, the hit random number, and the fall lottery random number are random numbers updated by the hardware and software.

Subsequently, the game control device 100 prohibits interrupts (A1051) and executes a performance display editing process for editing performance information and its display (performance display) (A1052). Here, the performance information (such as the accessory ratio and the ball output rate) may be calculated. Further, when the RAM error flag is set in the register, the work area and the stack area related to the performance information and its display (performance display) may be cleared (if it is not cleared in step A1042). After that, interrupts are permitted (A1053). As a result, the timer interrupt process (FIG. 7) can be executed.

Next, the game control device 100 determines whether or not a power failure has occurred (A1054). If no power failure has occurred (result of A1054 is “N”), the process returns to step A1050. As a result, the process of steps A1050-A1054 is repeated until a power failure occurs.

When a power failure occurs (the result of A1054 is "Y"), the game control device 100 starts processing at the time of a power failure, temporarily disables interrupts (A1055), and outputs off-data to all output ports (A1055). 1056). After that, the power failure inspection area check data 1 is saved in the power failure inspection area 1 (A1057), and the power failure inspection area check data 2 is saved in the power failure inspection area 2 (A1058). Further, a checksum calculation process for calculating the checksum when the power of the RWM is turned off is executed (A1059), and the calculated checksum is saved (A1060). Finally, a process for prohibiting access to the RWM is executed (A1061), and the machine waits until the power of the gaming machine is turned off.

In this way, by saving the check data in the power failure inspection area and calculating the checksum when the power is turned off, it is possible to check whether the information stored in the RWM before the power is cut off is correctly backed up. It can be judged at the time of re-input.

[Timer interrupt processing]
Next, timer interrupt processing will be described. FIG. 6A is a flowchart showing the procedure of timer interrupt processing (interrupt processing program). The timer interrupt process is started by inputting a periodic timer interrupt signal generated by the CTC circuit in the clock generator to the CPU 111a. When a timer interrupt occurs in the gaming microcomputer 111, the timer interrupt processing is started.

When the timer interrupt process is started, the game control device 100 first designates the register bank 1 as the register bank to be used (A1301), and sets the upper address of the RAM start address in the predetermined register (A1302). By switching from register bank 0 used in main processing to register bank 1 at the start of timer interrupt processing, it is equivalent to saving the register used in main processing. When the timer interrupt processing is started, the interrupt is automatically disabled.

Next, the game control device 100 executes input from various sensors and switches, capture of signals, that is, input processing for reading the state of each input port (A1303). Next, based on the probability setting changing flag and the probability setting checking flag, it is determined whether or not the probability setting is being changed or the probability setting is being confirmed (A1304). When the probability setting is being changed or the probability setting is being confirmed (the result of A1304 is "Y"), the probability setting change / confirmation process for changing or confirming the probability setting value is executed (A1305).

The game control device 100 is an actuator such as a solenoid (for example, a large winning opening solenoid 39b) based on the output data set in various processes when the probability setting is not changed or the probability setting is not confirmed (the result of A1304 is “N”). Output processing for performing drive control of the solenoid and drive control of the LED (light emission control) is executed (A1306). When a launch prohibition signal is output in the process of step A1005 in the main process, the launch permission signal is output by performing this output process, and the launch permission signal can be set to the permitted state.

Next, the game control device 100 executes a payout command transmission process (A1307) that outputs commands set in the transmission buffer in various processes to the payout control device 200, and further, random number update process 1 (A1308) and random number update. Process 2 (A1309) is executed. After that, monitoring of whether or not there is a normal signal input from the starting port 1 switch 36a, the starting port 2 switch 37a, the winning port switch 35a, and the large winning port switch 39a, and monitoring of errors (the front frame and the glass frame are opened). The winning opening switch / status monitoring process is executed (A1310).

Next, the game control device 100 determines whether or not abnormal discharge of the game ball is occurring at the large winning opening (A1311). When the abnormal discharge occurring flag is set by the abnormal discharge monitoring process (A1318) described later, it can be determined that the abnormal discharge is occurring. When abnormal discharge is occurring (the result of A1311 is “Y”), the processes after step A1315 are executed.

When the abnormal discharge is not occurring (the result of A1311 is “N”), the game control device 100 executes the special figure game process for performing the process related to the special figure variation display game (A1312). The details of the special figure game processing will be described later.

Next, the game control device 100 executes a normal map game process that performs a process related to the normal map variation display game (A1313). A segment LED editing process is executed (A1314), which is provided in the gaming machine 10 and drives a segment LED for displaying a special figure variation game and various information related to the game so as to display desired contents (A1314).

Further, the game control device 100 executes a magnet fraud monitoring process of checking the detection signal from the magnetic sensor switch 61 to determine whether or not there is an abnormality (A1315). Further, a radio wave fraud monitoring process (board radio wave fraud monitoring process) for checking the detection signal from the radio wave sensor 62 of the game board and determining whether or not there is an abnormality is executed (A1316).

After that, the game control device 100 executes a vibration fraud monitoring process for monitoring fraud due to vibration based on the input from the vibration sensor 65 (A1317). Next, an abnormal discharge monitoring process for monitoring abnormal discharge from the large winning opening is executed (A1318). In the abnormal discharge monitoring process, the abnormal discharge of the special variable winning device 39 is based on the inputs from the large winning port switch 39a, the specific area switch 72 (V winning port switch), and the remaining ball discharge port switch 73 of the special variable winning device 39. Is monitored, and when an abnormal discharge occurs, the abnormal discharge occurring flag is set. The game ball that has passed through the large winning opening switch 39a of the special variable winning device 39 is discharged through the specific area switch 72 (V winning opening switch) or the remaining ball ejection port switch 73.

Next, the game control device 100 executes an external information editing process for setting signals to be output to various external devices in the output buffer (A1319). Then, the performance display monitor control process for controlling the display of the performance display device 152 is executed (A1320). After that, the timer interrupt processing is terminated.

When returning the timer interrupt processing, the interrupt disabled state is restored and the register bank specification is automatically restored. However, depending on the CPU used, interrupts are permitted after the external information editing processing. Processing or processing to return the designation of the register bank to register bank 0 may be performed.

[Probability setting change / confirmation process]
Next, the details of the probability setting change / confirmation process (A1305) in the timer interrupt process will be described. FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing the procedure of the probability setting change / confirmation process. In the probability setting change / confirmation process, the probability setting value can be changed or confirmed.

The game control device 100 first determines whether or not the probability set value is within the normal range (A2401). The probability setting value here is stored in the probability setting value area of the RAM 111c.

When the probability set value is within the normal range (the result of A2401 is “Y”), the game control device 100 sets the probability set value display data corresponding to the probability set value (A2402), and the performance display device 152 Is output via the driver 150 (A2404). When the probability set value is not within the normal range (the result of A2401 is "N"), the extinguishing data is set as the probability set value display data (A2403), and the data is output to the performance display device 152 via the driver 150 (A2404). ).

Here, the probability set value display data is display probability set value data displayed on the performance display device 152, and is stored in the probability set value display data area. In order to prevent confusion among people involved in the hall, if the probability setting values are different but the same jackpot probability (and small hit probability), the display probability setting value is associated with the jackpot probability (and small hit probability). May be the same. That is, the same display probability setting value may mean the same jackpot probability (and small hit probability).

Next, the game control device 100 updates -1 if the security signal control timer is not 0 (A2405). The security signal control timer is 128 ms (predetermined time) set in step A1034. Subsequently, the on-data of the security signal for notifying the external device (game hall internal management device (hall computer) or the like) of the abnormality is output to the external information terminal 71 (A1026). Here, other signals to the external information terminal 71 such as the jackpot signal are maintained in the off state.

After that, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the probability setting changing flag is set (A2407). When the probability setting changing flag is not set (the result of A2407 is "N"), that is, when the probability setting is being confirmed, the probability setting change / confirmation process is terminated without doing anything.

The game control device 100 is the first timer interrupt process after the power is turned on when the probability setting changing flag is set (the result of A2407 is "Y"), that is, when the probability setting is being changed. Whether or not it is determined (A2408). When it is the first timer interrupt process after the power is turned on (the result of A2408 is "Y"), the probability setting change / confirmation process is terminated. This is to prevent a situation in which the probability set value is unintentionally updated when the RAM initialization switch 112 is held down.

The game control device 100 determines whether or not there is an input of the RAM initialization switch 112 when it is not the first timer interrupt process after the power is turned on (the result of A2408 is “N”) (A2409). When there is no input from the RAM initialization switch (the result of A2409 is "N"), the probability setting change / confirmation process ends.

When the game control device 100 receives an input from the RAM initialization switch 112 (the result of A2409 is “Y”), the game control device 100 sets the work set value in the work set value area (in the RAM 111c or the register) in the range of 0 to 5. Along with updating by +1 the probability setting values 1 to 6 in the probability setting value area are updated by +1 according to the work setting value (A2410). As a result, the probability setting value in the probability setting value area is updated by 1 each time the RAM initialization switch 112 is operated. After that, the probability setting change / confirmation process is terminated. In the work setting value area (RAM111c or register) for storing the work setting value when the setting change mode is entered, a value corresponding to the probability setting value read from the probability setting value area (1 from the probability setting value). The subtracted value) may be stored.

In the above, every time the RAM initialization switch 112 is operated, the probability setting value in the probability setting value area is directly updated in response to the update of the work setting value, but the work setting value of the RAM 111c is updated. The probability setting value (work setting value) during the setting change is stored in the area, and when the setting key switch 93 is turned off and the setting change work is completed (the result of A1036 is "Y"), the work setting is set. The value corresponding to the work setting value in the value area may be stored in the probability setting value area for the first time. In this way, when a power failure occurs during the setting change (the result of A1037 is "Y"), the probability setting value used for game control, production control, etc. (probability setting stored in the probability setting value area) It is possible to prevent the situation where the value) is changed by an unintended value.

[Special game processing]
Next, the details of the special figure game processing (A1312) in the above-mentioned timer interrupt processing will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure game processing. In the special figure game process, the inputs of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a are monitored, the entire process related to the special figure variation display game is controlled, and the special figure display is set.

First, the game control device 100 executes a start port switch monitoring process for monitoring the winning of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a (A2601). In the start port switch monitoring process, when a game ball wins a prize in the start winning opening 36 and the normal variable winning device 37 forming the second starting winning opening, various random numbers (big hit random numbers, etc.) are extracted and a special figure variation display based on the winning is displayed. Predetermine the game result based on the winning at the stage before the start of the game. The game result pre-judgment is performed. The details of the start port switch monitoring process will be described later.

Next, the game control device 100 executes the large winning opening switch monitoring process (A2602). In the large winning opening switch monitoring process, the detection of the game ball by the count switch 39a provided in the special variable winning device 39 is monitored. The details of the large winning opening switch monitoring process will be described later.

Next, the game control device 100 updates -1 (subtracts only 1) if the special figure game processing timer is not 0 (A2603). The special figure game processing timer is clocked by the interrupt cycle (4 msec) of the timer interrupt processing by updating -1. The minimum value of the special figure game processing timer is set to 0. Next, it is determined whether or not the special figure game processing timer is 0 (A2604). If the special figure game processing timer is not 0 (the result of A2604 is "N"), the process proceeds to step A2619.

The game control device 100 corresponds to the special figure game processing number when the special figure game processing timer is 0 (the result of A2604 is "Y"), that is, when the time is up or the time is already up. The special figure game sequence branch table to be referred to for branching to the process is set in the register (A2605). Further, the branch destination address of the process corresponding to the special figure game process number is acquired by using the special figure game sequence branch table (A2606). Subsequently, a subroutine call is made with the special figure game processing number to execute the game branching process according to the special figure game processing number (A2607).

When the game processing number is "0" in step A2607, the game control device 100 monitors the variation start of the special figure variation display game, sets the variation start of the special figure variation display game, sets the effect, and sets the effect. The special figure normal processing for setting the information necessary for performing the special figure changing processing is executed (A2608). The details of the special figure normal processing will be described later in FIG.

When the game processing number is "1" in step A2607, the game control device 100 sets the stop display time of the special figure, sets the information necessary for performing the processing during the special figure display, and the like. Figure The process during fluctuation is executed (A2609). For example, in the special symbol changing process, necessary information such as a symbol stop command indicating the stop of the special symbol and the stop display time corresponding to the stop symbol pattern is set, and the process number "2" related to the special symbol display process is set. Set and save in the special figure game processing number area.

When the game processing number is "2" in step A2607, the game control device 100 sets a fanfare command according to the type of jackpot and sets each jackpot if the game result of the special figure variation display game is a jackpot. The special figure display processing for setting the fanfare time according to the large winning opening opening pattern, setting the information necessary for performing the fanfare / interval processing, and the like is executed (A2610). For example, in the special figure display processing, if the result of the special figure fluctuation display game is a big hit, the necessary information such as the fanfare command and the fanfare time is set, and the processing number "3" related to the fanfare / interval processing is set. Save to the special figure game processing number area. If the result of the special figure variation display game is not a big hit, the process number "0" related to the special figure normal processing is set and saved in the special figure game processing number area.

When the game processing number is "3" in step A2607, the game control device 100 sets the opening time of the large winning opening, updates the number of opening times, and performs processing during opening of the large winning opening. The fanfare / interval processing for setting and the like is executed (A2611). For example, in the fanfare / interval processing, necessary information such as the round command corresponding to the round of the round game to be executed and the opening time of the large winning opening is set, and the processing number "4" related to the processing during the opening of the large winning opening is set. Set and save in the special figure game processing number area.

When the game processing number is "4" in step A2607, the game control device 100 sets an interval command if the jackpot round is not the final round, while setting an ending command if it is the final round. The processing during the opening of the large winning opening is executed (A2612), in which information necessary for processing the remaining balls of the large winning opening is set. For example, in the processing during the opening of the large winning opening, necessary information such as an interval command and an ending command is set, a processing number "5" related to the processing of the remaining balls of the large winning opening is set, and the game is saved in the special figure game processing number area.

When the game processing number is "5" in step A2607, the game control device 100 sets a process for setting the time for the remaining balls in the big winning opening to be discharged if the big hit round is the final round. The big winning opening remaining ball processing for setting the information necessary for performing the big hit end processing is executed (A2613). For example, in the processing during the opening of the large winning opening, if it is not the final round, the interval time is saved in the special figure game processing timer area, the processing number "3" related to the fanfare / interval processing is set, and the special figure game processing number area is set. Save. If it is the final round, the ending time is saved in the special figure game processing timer area, the processing number "6" related to the jackpot end processing is set, and the game is saved in the special figure game processing number area.

When the game processing number is "6" in step A2607, the game control device 100 executes a jackpot end process for setting information necessary for executing the special figure normal process (A2614). For example, in the jackpot end processing, the probability state after the jackpot state ends and the normal power support state after the jackpot state ends (the probability state after the jackpot state ends and the normal power support state after the jackpot state ends ( Set necessary information such as (time saving state), set the processing number "0" related to the special figure normal processing, and save it in the special figure game processing number area. The probability fluctuation judgment data includes the number of continuous games (number of time reduction fluctuations, number of electric support) of the probability state (high probability / low probability) after the end of the jackpot state and the normal power support state (time reduction state) after the end of the jackpot state. ) Information is included.

When the processing based on the special figure game processing number is completed, the game control device 100 prepares the special figure 1 fluctuation control table for controlling the fluctuation of the special figure 1 display 51 (A2615), and then the special figure 1 display. The symbol variation control process according to 51 is executed (A2616). Then, after preparing the special figure 2 fluctuation control table for controlling the fluctuation of the special figure 2 display 52 (A2617), the symbol fluctuation control process related to the special figure 2 display 52 is executed (A2618).

[Starting port switch monitoring process]
Next, the details of the start port switch monitoring process (A2601) in the special figure game process will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the start port switch monitoring process.

First, the game control device 100 prepares a winning monitoring table for the starting winning opening 36 (starting opening 1) (A2701), executes a hard random number acquisition process (A2702), and determines whether or not there is a winning in the starting winning opening 36. (A2703). If there is no winning in the starting winning opening 36 (the result of A2703 is "N"), the processes after step A2709 are executed. On the other hand, when there is a prize in the start winning opening 36 (the result of A2703 is "Y"), it is determined whether or not the special figure time is shortened (during the normal electric support state) (A2704).

When it is determined that the game control device 100 is not in the special time reduction period (during the normal power support state) (the result of A2704 is "N"), the game control device 100 executes the processes after step A2707. On the other hand, when the special figure time is shortened (the result of A2704 is "Y"), the right-handed instruction notification command is prepared as an effect command (A2705), and the effect command setting process is executed (A2705). A2706). In the effect command setting process, the effect command is written in the serial transmission buffer, and the effect command is transmitted to the effect control device 300.

That is, in the normal electric support state (time saving state), the right-handed instruction notification command is prepared and the effect command setting process is executed regardless of the probability state (high probability state / low probability state) of the variable display game. .. In the case of the present embodiment, it is easier to win a prize in the starting winning opening 36 by hitting the left side, and the normal variable winning device 37 must be hit by the right side to win a prize. In addition, the game ball does not pass through the normal drawing start gate 34 unless it is hit right. Therefore, in the normal power support state (time saving state), right-handed is more advantageous than left-handed, but when there is a prize in the start winning opening 36 during the normal power support state (that is, during the normal power support state). When left-handed), a right-handed instruction notification command is transmitted to the effect control device 300, and the effect control device 300 executes a notification (warning) instructing right-handed by the display device 41 or the like.

Next, the game control device 100 prepares a table for setting the information of the hold by the start winning opening 36 (starting opening 1) (A2707), and then executes the special figure starting opening switch common process (A2708). Then, a winning monitoring table for the second starting winning opening (normal variable winning device 37) is prepared (A2709), a hard random number acquisition process is executed (A2710), and whether or not there is a winning in the second starting winning opening is determined. Judgment (A2711). If there is no winning in the second starting winning opening (the result of A2711 is "N"), the starting opening switch monitoring process is terminated.

On the other hand, in the game control device 100, when there is a prize in the second start winning opening (the result of A2711 is "Y"), whether or not the ordinary electric accessory (ordinary variable winning device 37) is operating. That is, it is determined whether or not the normal variable winning device 37 is activated and the game ball is in the open state in which the winning can be won (A2712). When the normal electric accessory is in operation (the result of A2712 is “Y”), the process proceeds to step A2714.

On the other hand, when the normal electric accessory is not in operation (the result of A2712 is "N"), the game control device 100 determines whether or not the illegal electric power is occurring (A2713). When the number of fraudulent prizes to the ordinary variable winning device 37 is equal to or greater than the number of fraudulent occurrence determinations (for example, 5), it is determined that the Fuden fraud is occurring. In the normal variable winning device 37, the game ball cannot be won in the closed state, and the game ball can be won only in the open state. Therefore, if a game ball wins in the closed state, it means that some abnormality or fraud has occurred, and if there is a game ball that wins in such a closed state, the number is counted as the number of fraudulent prizes. Then, when the number of fraudulent winnings counted in this way is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of fraud occurrence determinations (upper limit value), it is determined that fraud has occurred.

The game control device 100 prepares a table for setting information on hold by the second start winning opening (normal variable winning device 37) when the normal electric fraud is not occurring (the result of A2713 is "N") (A2714). , The special figure start port switch common process is executed (A2715), and the start port switch monitoring process is terminated. Further, even when it is determined in A2713 that an illegal operation is occurring (the result of A2713 is "Y"), the start port switch monitoring process is terminated. That is, the second start memory is prevented from being generated any more.

[Special figure start port switch common processing]
Next, the details of the special figure start port switch common process (A2708, A2715) in the start port switch monitoring process will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for common processing of the special drawing start port switch. The special figure start port switch common process is a process that is commonly performed for each input when the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a are input.

First, the game control device 100 outputs information regarding the number of winnings to the monitoring target start port switch among the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a to the external management device of the game machine 10. The start port signal output number of times is loaded (A2901), the loaded value is updated by +1 (A2902), and it is determined whether or not the output number of times overflows (A2903). If the number of outputs does not overflow (the result of A2903 is "N"), the updated value is saved in the start port signal output count area of the RWM (A2904), and the process proceeds to step A2905. On the other hand, when the number of outputs overflows (the result of A2903 is "Y"), the process proceeds to step A2905. In the present embodiment, a value from "0" to "255" can be stored in the start port signal output frequency region. Then, when the loaded value is "255", the updated value becomes "0" by +1 update, and it is configured to determine that the number of outputs overflows.

Next, in the game control device 100, among the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a, whether or not the number of special figure reservations (start memory number) to be updated corresponding to the start port switch to be monitored is less than the upper limit value. (A2905). If the number of special figure reservations to be updated is not less than the upper limit value (the result of A2905 is "N"), the special figure start port switch common processing is terminated. If the number of special figure reservations to be updated is less than the upper limit (the result of A2905 is "Y"), the number of special figure reservations to be updated (special figure 1 hold number or special figure 2 hold number) is updated by +1. Then (A2906), the target start opening winning flag is saved (A2907).

Next, the game control device 100 calculates the address of the start port switch to be monitored and the random number storage area corresponding to the number of reserved special figures (A2908), and stores the jackpot random number prepared in step A2805 in the RWM jackpot random number. Save to the area (A2909). Next, the jackpot symbol random number of the start port switch to be monitored is extracted, prepared (A2910), and saved in the jackpot symbol random number storage area of the RWM (A2911).

Next, the game control device 100 saves the fluctuation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 in the corresponding fluctuation pattern random number storage area of the RWM (A2912), and executes the special figure reservation information determination process (A2913). In the special figure hold information determination process, the look-ahead stop symbol command corresponding to the stopped symbol information based on the saved jackpot random number or jackpot symbol random number, or the first half variation number based on the saved variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 (number of variation before reach). And the look-ahead fluctuation pattern command corresponding to the latter half fluctuation number (number of fluctuation after reach) is set as an effect command. Then, the start port switch to be monitored and the decorative special figure hold number command corresponding to the special figure hold number are prepared as the effect command (A2914), and the effect command setting process (A2915) is executed to be common to the special figure start port switch. End the process.

Here, the game control device 100 (RAM111c) extracts a predetermined random number based on the inflow of the game ball into the start winning opening 36 and the starting winning area of the normal variable winning device 37, and becomes the execution right of the variable display game. It serves as a start storage means for storing a predetermined number as a start memory up to an upper limit. Further, the start storage means (game control device 100) uses various random value values extracted based on the winning of the game ball to the first start winning opening (starting winning opening 36) as the first starting memory up to a predetermined number. It is stored, and various random value values extracted based on the winning of the game ball to the second starting winning opening (normal variable winning device 37) are stored as the second starting memory up to a predetermined number.

[Special figure normal processing]
Next, the details of the special figure normal processing (A2608) in the special figure game processing will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure normal processing.

The game control device 100 first determines whether or not the special figure 2 hold number (second start storage number) is 0 (A3201). When the special figure 2 hold number is 0 (the result of A3201 is “Y”), it is determined whether or not the special figure 1 hold number (first start storage number) is 0 (A3206). Then, when the number of reserved special figures 1 is 0 (the result of A3206 is "Y"), it is determined whether or not the customer waiting demo has started (A3211), and when the customer waiting demo has not started (A3211). The result of (A3212) is that the customer waiting demo flag area is set to the customer waiting demo flag area (A3212).

Subsequently, the game control device 100 prepares a customer waiting demo command as an effect command (A3213), performs an effect command setting process (A3214), and proceeds to the process of step A3215. On the other hand, in step A3211, when the customer waiting demo has already started (the result of A3211 is "Y"), "0" related to the special figure normal processing is set as the processing number (A3215), and the special figure game processing number. The processing number is saved in the area (A3216), and the variable symbol determination flag area is cleared (A3217). Then, the flag is saved during the fraud monitoring period in the large winning opening fraud monitoring period flag area (A3218), and the special figure normal processing is terminated.

Further, when the special figure 2 hold number is not 0 (the result of A3201 is "N"), the game control device 100 executes the special figure 2 fluctuation start process (A3202), and the decorative feature corresponding to the special figure 2 hold number. The figure hold number command (decorative special figure 2 hold number command) is prepared as an effect command (A3203), and the effect command setting process is executed (A3204). Then, the process transition setting process during the change of the special figure 2 of the special figure 2 is executed (A3205), and the normal process of the special figure is terminated.

Further, when the special figure 1 hold number is not 0 (the result of A3206 is "N"), the game control device 100 executes the special figure 1 fluctuation start process (A3207), and the decorative feature corresponding to the special figure 1 hold number. The figure hold number command (decorative special figure 1 hold number command) is prepared as an effect command (A3208), and the effect command setting process is executed (A3209). Then, the process transition setting process during the change of the special figure of the special figure 1 is executed (A3210), and the normal process of the special figure is terminated.

In this way, by checking the number of reserved figures 2 before checking the number of reserved figures 1, the special figure 2 fluctuation start process (A3202) is executed when the number of reserved figures 2 is not 0. The Rukoto. That is, the special figure 2 variable display game is executed in preference to the special figure 1 variable display game. That is, when the game control device 100 has a second start memory in the second start storage means (game control device 100), the variation display game based on the second start memory is displayed as a variation display based on the first start memory. It is a priority control means that is executed with priority over the game.

[Special Figure 1 Fluctuation Start Processing]
Next, the details of the special figure 1 fluctuation start processing (A3207) in the special figure normal processing will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure 1 fluctuation start processing. The special figure 1 variation start process is a process performed at the start of the special figure 1 variation display game.

The game control device 100 saves the special figure 1 fluctuation flag indicating the type of the special figure fluctuation display game to be executed (here, special figure 1) in the fluctuation symbol discrimination area (A3401). Subsequently, the jackpot flag 1 setting process for setting the jackpot flag 1 deviation information and the jackpot information for determining whether or not the special figure 1 variable display game is a jackpot is executed (A3402). The details of the jackpot flag 1 setting process will be described later.

Next, the game control device 100 executes the special figure 1 stop symbol setting process related to the setting of the special figure 1 stop symbol (symbol information) related to the special figure 1 variation display game (A3403). In the special figure 1 stop symbol setting process, the stop symbol number at the time of a miss or a big hit and the missed stop symbol pattern or the jackpot stop symbol pattern corresponding to the stop symbol number are saved. Then, a decorative special figure command corresponding to the stop symbol pattern is prepared as an effect command, and the effect command setting process is executed. In addition, the number of rounds information (round upper limit value) corresponding to the stop symbol number and the probability fluctuation determination data corresponding to the stop symbol number are acquired and saved.

Further, the game control device 100 executes a special figure information setting process for setting special figure information which is a parameter for setting a fluctuation pattern (A3404).

Subsequently, the game control device 100 prepares the special figure 1 variation pattern setting information table, which is a table in which information for referring to various information regarding the setting of the variation pattern of the special figure 1 variation display game is set (A3405). ).

After that, the game control device 100 executes a variation pattern setting process for setting a variation pattern (variation pattern number), which is a variation mode in the special figure 1 variation display game (A3406). Next, the game control device 100 executes the variation start information setting process (A3407) for setting the variation start information of the special figure 1 variation display game, and ends the special figure 1 variation start process. In the fluctuation start information setting process, the fluctuation time value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern (variation pattern number) is acquired and saved in the special figure game processing timer area. Then, a variation command (MODE, ACTION) corresponding to the variation pattern number is prepared as an effect command, and the effect command setting process is performed. Further, in the fluctuation start information setting process, the number of special figure reservations related to the special figure type (special figure 1 or special figure 2) of the special figure fluctuation display game to be started is updated by -1 (decreased by 1).

[Special figure 2 fluctuation start processing]
Next, the details of the special figure 2 fluctuation start processing (A3202) in the special figure normal processing will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure 2 fluctuation start processing. The special figure 2 variation start process is a process performed at the start of the special figure 2 variation display game, and is the same process as the process in the special figure 1 variation start process shown in FIG. 11 for the second start memory. It is something to do.

First, the game control device 100 saves the special figure 2 fluctuation flag indicating the type of the special figure fluctuation display game to be executed (here, special figure 2) in the fluctuation symbol discrimination area (A3501). Subsequently, the jackpot flag 2 setting process for setting the jackpot flag 2 deviation information and the jackpot information for determining whether or not the special figure 2 variable display game is a jackpot is executed (A3502).

Next, the game control device 100 executes the special figure 2 stop symbol setting process related to the setting of the special figure 2 stop symbol (symbol information) related to the special figure 2 variation display game (A3503). Further, the special figure information setting process for setting the special figure information which is a parameter for setting the fluctuation pattern is executed (A3504). Subsequently, a special figure 2 variation pattern setting information table, which is a table in which information for referring to various information regarding the setting of the variation pattern of the special figure 2 variation display game is set, is prepared (A3505).

After that, the game control device 100 executes a variation pattern setting process for setting the variation pattern of the special figure 2 variation display game (A3506). Finally, the variation start information setting process for setting the variation start information of the special figure 2 variation display game is executed (A3507), and the special figure 2 variation start process is completed.

[Big hit flag 1 setting process]
Next, the details of the jackpot flag 1 setting process (A3402) in the special figure 1 fluctuation start process will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the jackpot flag 1 setting process.

The game control device 100 first saves the deviation information in the jackpot flag 1 area (A3601). Next, the jackpot random number is loaded from the special figure 1 jackpot random number storage area (for the number of hold 1) of RWM, prepared (A3602), and the special figure 1 jackpot random number storage area (for the number of hold 1) is cleared to 0. (A3603). The number of hold 1 is an area for storing information (random numbers, etc.) about the special figure start memory in which the digestion order is the earliest (here, the earliest in the special figure 1). After that, a jackpot determination process for determining whether or not the prepared jackpot random number value is a jackpot according to whether or not it matches the jackpot determination value is executed (A3604).

When the determination result of the jackpot determination process (A3604) is a jackpot (the result of A3605 is “Y”), the game control device 100 overwrites the jackpot information in the jackpot flag 1 area in which the loss information is saved in step A3601. Save (A3606) and end the jackpot flag 1 setting process. On the other hand, when the determination result of the jackpot determination process (A3605) is not a jackpot (the result of A3605 is "N"), the jackpot flag 1 setting process is terminated. As described above, in the present embodiment, the result of the special figure 1 variable display game is either "big hit" or "missing".

[Big hit flag 2 setting process]
Next, the details of the jackpot flag 2 setting process (A3502) in the special figure 2 fluctuation start process will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the jackpot flag 2 setting process. In this process, the same process as the process in the jackpot flag 1 setting process shown in FIG. 13 is performed for the second start memory.

First, the game control device 100 saves the deviation information in the jackpot flag 2 area (A3701). Next, the jackpot random number is loaded from the special figure 2 big hit random number storage area (for the number of hold 1) of RWM, prepared (A3702), and the special figure 2 big hit random number storage area (for the number of hold 1) is cleared to 0. (A3703). The number of hold 1 is an area for storing information (random numbers, etc.) about the special figure start memory in which the digestion order is the earliest (here, the earliest in the special figure 2). After that, a jackpot determination process for determining whether or not the prepared jackpot random number value is a jackpot according to whether or not it matches the jackpot determination value is executed (A3704).

When the determination result of the jackpot determination process (A3704) is a jackpot (the result of A3705 is "Y"), the game control device 100 overwrites the jackpot information in the jackpot flag 2 area where the loss information is saved in step A3701. Save (A3706) and end the jackpot flag 2 setting process. On the other hand, when the determination result of the jackpot determination process (A3704) is not a jackpot (the result of A3705 is "N"), the jackpot flag 2 setting process is terminated while saving the information that the jackpot flag 2 is out of alignment. As described above, in the present embodiment, the result of the special figure 2 variable display game is either "big hit" or "missing".

[Big hit judgment process]
Next, the details of the jackpot determination processing (A3605, A3704) in the jackpot flag 1 setting processing, the jackpot flag 2 setting processing, and the like will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the jackpot determination process. The jackpot determination process is a process common to the jackpot determination process in other processes executed during the timer interrupt process, and is also executed in step A3004 of the special figure hold information determination process.

The game control device 100 first sets a lower limit determination value of the jackpot determination value (A3801), and determines whether or not the value of the target jackpot random number is less than the lower limit determination value (A3802). The big hit means that the big hit random number matches the big hit determination value. The jackpot judgment value is a plurality of consecutive values, and the jackpot random number is equal to or higher than the lower limit judgment value which is the lower limit value of the jackpot judgment value and is equal to or less than the upper limit judgment value which is the upper limit value of the jackpot judgment value. , It is judged to be a big hit.

When the value of the target jackpot random number is less than the lower limit determination value (the result of A3802 is "Y"), the game control device 100 sets a deviation (other than the jackpot) as the determination result (A3807), and ends the jackpot determination process. do.

Further, when the value of the jackpot random number is not less than the lower limit determination value (the result of A3802 is "N"), the game control device 100 determines whether or not the jackpot occurrence probability is in the high probability state (probability variation state). (A3803). Then, in the case of a high probability state (the result of A3803 is "Y"), the upper limit determination value in the high probability is set (A3804). On the other hand, when it is not in the high probability state (the result of A3803 is "N"), the upper limit determination value in the low probability is set (A3805).

When the upper limit determination value of the value of the jackpot random number is set, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the value of the target jackpot random number is larger than the upper limit determination value (A3806). When the value of the jackpot random number is larger than the upper limit determination value (the result of A3806 is "Y"), a deviation (other than the jackpot) is set as the determination result (A3807). On the other hand, when the value of the jackpot random number is not larger than the upper limit determination value (the result of A3806 is "N"), the jackpot is set as the determination result (A3808). When the judgment result is set, the jackpot judgment process ends.

[Special figure information setting process]
Next, the details of the special figure information setting processing (A3404, A3504) in the special figure 1 fluctuation start processing and the special figure 2 fluctuation start processing will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure information setting process. In the present embodiment, the probability state (low probability / high probability, with / without time reduction) does not directly affect the distribution of fluctuations, and the effect mode managed by the game control device 100 affects the distribution of fluctuations. As the production mode, one production mode is set from a plurality of production modes according to the probability state, the presence / absence of the time saving state, the progress status of the special figure variation display game, and the like.

First, the game control device 100 sets the first half variation group selection pointer table (A4201) and acquires the first half variation group selection pointer corresponding to the effect mode information (A4202). Next, the first half variable group selection offset table is set (A4203), and the offset data corresponding to the target special figure hold number (special figure 1 hold number or special figure 2 hold number) and the stop symbol pattern is acquired (A4204). ..

Next, the game control device 100 adds the first half variable group selection pointer and the offset data (A4205), and saves the added value in the variable distribution information 1 area (A4206). As a result, the variable distribution information 1 generated based on the type of stopped symbol, the number of holdings, and the effect mode is saved in the variable distribution information 1 area. This fluctuation distribution information 1 is a table pointer for distributing the first half fluctuation (variation mode before the start of reach), and is later used to select a fluctuation group. However, although it depends on the specifications of the model, when the number of holds is large, the fluctuation time is shortened only in the case of outliers. Therefore, in cases other than outliers, the number of holdes does not affect the distribution of fluctuations in the first half as a result. The fluctuation group includes a plurality of fluctuation patterns, and when determining the fluctuation pattern, the fluctuation group is first selected, and then one fluctuation pattern is selected from the fluctuation groups. ing.

Next, the game control device 100 sets the latter half variation group selection pointer table (A4207) and acquires the latter half variation group selection pointer corresponding to the effect mode information (A4208). Next, the latter half variable group selection offset table is set (A4209), and the offset data corresponding to the target special figure hold number and the stop symbol pattern is acquired (A4210).

Next, the game control device 100 adds the latter half variable group selection pointer and the offset data (A4211), saves the added value in the variable distribution information 2 area (A4212), and sets the special figure information. End the process. As a result, the variable distribution information 2 generated based on the type of stopped symbol, the number of holdings, and the effect mode is saved in the variable distribution information 2 area. The fluctuation distribution information 2 is a table pointer for distributing the latter half fluctuation (type of reach (including no reach)), and is later used to select a fluctuation group. However, the reach occurrence rate changes according to the number of holds only in the case of a loss (the reach occurrence rate decreases when the number of holds is large), so in cases other than the loss, the number of holds will be distributed to the latter half fluctuation as a result. Does not affect.

[Variation pattern setting process]
Next, the details of the fluctuation pattern setting processing (A3406, A3506) in the special figure 1 fluctuation start processing and the special drawing 2 fluctuation start processing will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the fluctuation pattern setting process.

The fluctuation patterns are the first half fluctuation pattern, which is the fluctuation mode from the start of the special figure fluctuation display game to the reach state, and the second half fluctuation pattern, which is the fluctuation mode from the reach state to the end of the special figure fluctuation display game. The latter half fluctuation pattern is set first, and then the first half fluctuation pattern is set.

The game control device 100 first sets the variable group selection address table (A4301), acquires the address of the latter half variable group table corresponding to the variable distribution information 2 (A4302), prepares the address, and prepares the target variable pattern random number. The variation pattern random number 1 is loaded and prepared from the 1 storage area (for the number of reservations 1) (A4303). In the present embodiment, the structure of the latter half variable group table is different between the one for hitting and the one for hitting. Specifically, the hit size is 1 byte size, and the loss size is 2 byte size. Since the rate of occurrence of hits is lower than the rate of occurrence of loss and even one byte is sufficient, the size of hits is one byte from the viewpoint of saving data capacity. Therefore, at the time of hitting, only the lower value of the 2-byte variation pattern random number 1 is used. In addition, the rate of occurrence of loss is higher than the rate of occurrence of hit, and in order to make more diverse effects appear, the size for loss is 2 bytes.

Then, the game control device 100 determines whether the result of the special figure variation display game is out of order (A4304), and if it is out of order (the result of A4304 is “Y”), performs a 2-byte distribution process (A4305). Then, the process proceeds to step A4307. If it is not out of alignment (the result of A4304 is "N"), the sorting process (A4306) is performed, and the process proceeds to the process of step A4307.

Next, the game control device 100 acquires and prepares (A4307) the address of the latter half variation selection table (second half variation pattern selection table) obtained as a result of the distribution, and holds the target variation pattern random number 2 storage area (hold). Load the variation pattern random number 2 from (for equation 1) and prepare it (A4308). Then, the distribution process is executed (A4309), the latter half variable number obtained as a result of the distribution is acquired, and the latter half variable number area is saved (A4310). By this process, the latter half fluctuation pattern is set.

Next, the game control device 100 sets the first half fluctuation group table (A4311), and calculates the table selection pointer based on the fluctuation distribution information 1 and the second half fluctuation number (A4312). Then, the address of the first half variation selection table (first half variation pattern selection table) corresponding to the calculated pointer is acquired and prepared (A4313), and the variation pattern random number is generated from the target variation pattern random number 3 storage area (for the number of hold 1). Load 3 and prepare (A4314). After that, the distribution process (A4315) is performed, the first half variation number obtained as a result of the distribution is acquired, saved in the first half variation number area (A4316), and the variation pattern setting process is completed. By this process, the first half fluctuation pattern is set, and the fluctuation pattern of the special figure fluctuation display game is set. That is, the game control device 100 serves as a variation pattern setting means for setting a variation pattern, which is an execution mode of the game, from a plurality of of them.

[2-byte distribution processing]
Next, the details of the 2-byte distribution process (A4305) in the variation pattern setting process will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the 2-byte distribution process. The 2-byte distribution process is a process for selecting the latter half variation selection table of the special figure variation display game from the latter half variation group table based on the variation pattern random number 1.

The game control device 100 first checks whether the first data of the selection table (second half variation group table prepared in A4302) is a code without distribution (that is, "0") (A4401). Here, the latter half fluctuation group table stores a predetermined distribution value in association with at least one latter half fluctuation selection table, but the latter half that defines only the latter half fluctuation selection table in which the latter half fluctuation pattern is “no reach”. In the variable group table (for example, some variable group tables when the result is out of order), there is no need for distribution, so the distribution value "0", that is, the code without distribution is specified at the beginning. ..

Then, when the first data in the selection table (second half variation group table) is a code without distribution (the result of A4402 is "Y"), the game control device 100 updates to the address of the data corresponding to the distribution result. Then (A4407), the 2-byte distribution process is completed. On the other hand, when the first data of the selection table (second half variable group table) is not a code without distribution (the result of A4402 is "N"), the first distribution specified in the selection table (second half fluctuation group table) is specified. Get the value (A4403).

Subsequently, a new random number value is calculated by subtracting the distribution value acquired in step A4403 from the random number value (value of fluctuation pattern random number 1) prepared in step A4303 (A4404), and the calculated new random number value is calculated. Is less than "0" (A4405). Then, when the new random number value is not smaller than "0" (the result of A4405 is "N"), after updating to the address of the next distribution value (A4406), the process proceeds to step A4403, which is followed by the process. Subsequent processing is performed. That is, the distribution value specified next in the selection table (second half fluctuation group table) is acquired (A4403), and then the distribution value is subtracted from the random number value determined in the previous step A4405 to create a new disturbance. A numerical value is calculated (A4404), and it is determined whether or not the calculated new random number value is smaller than "0" (A4405).

The above process is executed in step A4405 until it is determined that the new random number value is smaller than "0" (the result of A4405 is "Y"). As a result, any one of the latter half variable selection tables is selected from at least one latter half variable selection table defined in the selection table (second half variable group table). Then, in step A4405, when it is determined that the new random number value is smaller than "0" (the result of A4405 is "Y"), the data is updated to the address of the data corresponding to the sorted result (A4407), and 2 bytes. The sorting process ends.

[Distribution processing]
Next, the details of the distribution processing (A4306, A4309, A4315) in the fluctuation pattern setting processing will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the sorting process. In the distribution process, the second half fluctuation pattern of the special figure fluctuation display game is selected from the second half fluctuation selection table (second half fluctuation pattern group) based on the fluctuation pattern random number 2, or the first half fluctuation selection table (first half fluctuation selection table) is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number 3. This is a process for selecting the first half fluctuation pattern of the special figure fluctuation display game from the first half fluctuation pattern group).

First, the game control device 100 starts with the head data of the target selection table (the second half variation group table prepared in A4302, the second half variation selection table prepared in step A4307, or the first half variation selection table prepared in step A4313). Check if is a code without distribution (ie, "0") (A4501). Here, the second half fluctuation group table, the second half fluctuation selection table, and the first half fluctuation selection table are predetermined in association with at least one second half fluctuation selection table, the second half fluctuation pattern (second half fluctuation number), and the first half fluctuation pattern (first half fluctuation number). In the case of a selection table that stores the distribution value of, but does not need to be distributed, the distribution value "0", that is, the code without distribution is specified at the beginning.

Then, in the game control device 100, when the first data of the target selection table (second half variation group table, second half variation selection table, first half variation selection table) is a code without distribution (the result of A4502 is "Y"), The data address corresponding to the distribution result is updated (A4507), and the distribution process is completed. On the other hand, if the first data of the target selection table (second half fluctuation group table, second half fluctuation selection table, first half fluctuation selection table) is not a code without distribution (the result of A4502 is "N"), the target selection table (second half fluctuation). The first distribution value specified in the group table, the second half fluctuation selection table, and the first half fluctuation selection table) is acquired (A4503).

Subsequently, the game control device 100 subtracts the distribution value acquired in step A4503 from the random number values (values of the fluctuation pattern random number 1, the fluctuation pattern random number 2, and the fluctuation pattern random number 3) prepared in steps A4303, A4308, and A4314. Then, a new random number value is calculated (A4504), and it is determined whether the calculated new random number value is smaller than "0" (A4505). Then, when the new random number value is not smaller than "0" (the result of A4505 is "N"), after updating to the address of the next distribution value (A4506), the process proceeds to step A4503, which is followed by the process. Subsequent processing is performed.

That is, the distribution value specified next in the target selection table (second half fluctuation group table, second half fluctuation selection table, first half fluctuation selection table) is acquired (A4503), and then the randomness determined in the previous step A4505 is acquired. A new random number value is calculated by subtracting the distribution value from the numerical value (A4504), and it is determined whether or not the calculated new random number value is smaller than "0" (A4505). The above processing is executed until it is determined in step A4505 that the new random number value is smaller than "0" (the result of A4505 is "Y"). As a result, at least one second half fluctuation selection table, second half fluctuation pattern (second half fluctuation number), and first half fluctuation pattern (first half) specified in the target selection table (second half fluctuation group table, second half fluctuation selection table, first half fluctuation selection table) One of the latter half fluctuation selection tables, the second half fluctuation pattern (second half fluctuation number), and the first half fluctuation pattern (first half fluctuation number) is selected from the fluctuation number).

Then, when the game control device 100 determines in step A4505 that the new random number value is smaller than "0" (the result of A4505 is "Y"), the game control device 100 updates the address of the data corresponding to the distributed result. (A4507), the sorting process is completed.

[Fluctuation start information setting process]
Next, the details of the fluctuation start information setting processing (A3407, A3507) in the special figure 1 fluctuation start processing and the special drawing 2 fluctuation start processing will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the fluctuation start information setting process.

The game control device 100 first clears the random number storage area of the target variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 (A4601). Next, the first half fluctuation time value table is set (A4602), and the first half fluctuation time value corresponding to the first half fluctuation number is acquired (A4603). Further, the latter half fluctuation time value table is set (A4604), and the latter half fluctuation time value corresponding to the latter half fluctuation number is acquired (A4605).

Then, the game control device 100 adds the first half fluctuation time value and the second half fluctuation time value (A4606), and saves the added value in the special figure game processing timer area (A4607). After that, the variation command (MODE) corresponding to the first half variation number is prepared (A4608), the variation command (ACTION) corresponding to the second half variation number is prepared as an effect command (A4609), and the effect command setting process is performed (A4610). ). Next, the number of special symbols held corresponding to the variable symbol discrimination flag is updated by -1 (A4611), and the address of the random number storage area corresponding to the variable symbol discrimination flag is set (A4612). Next, the random number storage area is shifted (A4613), the free area after the shift is cleared (A4614), and the fluctuation start information setting process is completed.

By the above processing, the information regarding the start of the special figure variation display game is set. That is, the game control device 100 serves as a determination means for determining various random value values stored in the start storage means (game control device 100). Further, the game control device 100 serves as a variation pattern determining means capable of determining the variation pattern of the identification information to be executed in the variation display game based on the determination information of the start memory.

Then, the information regarding the start of the special figure variation display game is later transmitted to the effect control device 300, and the effect control device 300 responds to the determined variation pattern based on the reception of the information regarding the start of the special figure variation display game. Decorate special figure variable display Set detailed production contents in the game. Information on the start of these special figure variation display games includes a decorative special figure hold number command including information on the number of start memories (holds), a decorative special figure command including information on a stop symbol, and a variation of the special figure variation display game. A variation command including information on the pattern and a stop information command including information on extension of the stop time are mentioned, and the commands are transmitted to the effect control device 300 in this order. In particular, by transmitting the decorative special figure command before the variable command, the processing in the effect control device 300 can be efficiently advanced.

[Public map game processing]
Next, the details of the normal figure game processing (A1310) in the timer interrupt processing will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the normal figure game processing. In the normal map game process, the input of the gate switch 34a is monitored, the entire process related to the normal map variation display game is controlled, and the normal map display is set.

First, the game control device 100 executes a gate switch monitoring process for monitoring the input from the gate switch 34a (A7601).

Subsequently, the game control device 100 executes a general electric winning switch monitoring process for monitoring the input from the start port 2 switch 37a (A7602).

Next, the game control device 100 updates -1 (subtracts only 1) if the normal game processing timer is not 0 (A7603). The minimum value of the normal figure game processing timer is set to 0. Then, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the value of the normal figure game processing timer becomes 0 (A7604).

When the value of the normal figure game processing timer is 0 (the result of A7604 is "Y"), that is, when the time is up or the time is already up, the game control device 100 is set to the normal figure game processing number. A general-purpose game sequence branch table to be referred to for branching to the corresponding process is set in the register (A7605).

Further, the game control device 100 acquires the branch destination address of the process corresponding to the game process number of the game based on the set table of the game sequence of the game (A7606). Then, a subroutine call is made based on the game processing number of the game, and the game branching process according to the game processing number of the game is executed (A7607).

When the game processing number is "0" in step A7607, the game control device 100 monitors the fluctuation start of the normal map variation display game, sets the fluctuation start of the normal map variation display game, sets the effect, and sets the effect. The normal processing is executed (A7608), in which information necessary for performing the processing during the fluctuation of the normal map is set. The details of the normal processing will be described later in FIG. 22.

Further, when the game processing number is "1" in step A7607, the game control device 100 executes the normal map changing process for setting the information necessary for performing the normal map display process (the normal map changing process). A7609). For example, in the normal map fluctuation processing, in order to shift to the normal map display process, "2" is set as the game processing number and saved in the normal map game processing number area, and the normal map display time is set to the normal map game. Save to the processing timer area.

Further, in the game control device 100, when the game processing number is "2" in step A7607, if the result of the normal map variation display game is a hit, the normal power according to whether or not the time is shortened. The normal map display processing is executed (A7610), in which the opening time is set, the information necessary for performing the normal drawing per-game processing is set, and the like. For example, in the normal map display process, when the result of the normal map variable display game is a hit, "3" is set as the game process number and the normal map game process number area is set in order to shift to the normal map hit process. On the other hand, in the case of a loss, in order to shift to the normal drawing game processing number, "0" is set as the game processing number and the game is saved in the normal drawing game processing number area.

Further, when the game processing number is "3" in step A7607, the game control device 100 normally continues the processing during the normal drawing or sets the information necessary for performing the normal electric remaining ball processing. The middle process per figure is executed (A7611). For example, in the normal processing per figure, after setting to open the normal variable winning device 37 a predetermined number of times, "4" is set as the game processing number in order to shift to the normal electric remaining ball processing. Save to the normal game processing number area.

Further, when the game processing number is "4" in step A7607, the game control device 100 executes the normal electric remaining ball processing for setting the information necessary for performing the normal drawing end processing (A7612). ). For example, in the Fuden remaining ball processing, in order to shift to the Fuzu hit end processing, "5" is set as the game processing number and saved in the Fuzu game processing number area, and the Fuzu ending time is set to the Fuzu game. Save to the processing timer area.

Further, when the game processing number is "5" in step A7607, the game control device 100 executes the normal drawing end processing for setting the information necessary for performing the normal drawing normal processing (A7608). (A7613). For example, in the normal figure per end process, in order to shift to the normal figure normal process, "0" is set as the game process number and the game is saved in the normal figure game process number area.

After that, the game control device 100 prepares a normal map fluctuation control table for controlling the fluctuation of the normal symbol by the normal map display 53 (A7614). After that, the symbol fluctuation control process related to the control of the fluctuation of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display 53 is executed (A7615), and the normal symbol game process is terminated.

On the other hand, the game control device 100 executes the processes after step A7614 when the value of the game processing timer is not 0 (the result of A7604 is "N"), that is, when the time is not up.

[Usually processing]
Next, the details of the normal drawing normal processing (A7608) in the normal drawing game processing will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a procedure for normal processing.

The game control device 100 first determines whether or not the number of reserved figures is 0 (A7901). When the number of holdings of the normal figure is 0 (the result of A7901 is "Y"), the normal process transition setting process 1 of the normal figure is executed (A7923), and the normal process of the normal figure is terminated. In the normal-figure normal processing transition setting process 1, "0" is set as the game processing number and saved in the normal-figure game processing number area in order to shift to the normal-figure normal processing.

Further, when the number of reserved numbers in the game control device 100 is not 0 (the result of A7901 is "N"), the game control device 100 loads a random number per RWM from the random number storage area per normal figure (for the number of reserved numbers 1), and RWM. The hit symbol random number is loaded from the normal symbol per symbol random number storage area (for the number of hold 1) (A7902). Then, the random number storage area per normal figure (for 1 hold number) and the symbol random number storage area per normal figure (for 1 hold number) are cleared to 0 (A7903). Furthermore, whether or not the probability of winning the result in the normal map fluctuation display game is higher than usual in the normal figure high probability (in the high probability state), that is, whether or not the time is shortened (normal power support state). (A7904). The probability of hitting a normal figure in a high probability is 250/251, and the probability of hitting a normal figure in a low probability is 0/251.

When the game control device 100 is not in the high probability of the normal figure (the result of A7904 is "N"), the game control device 100 sets the low probability lower limit judgment value (251 in this case) which is the lower limit judgment value in the low probability of the normal figure (A7905). , When the high probability of the normal figure is in progress (the result of A7904 is "Y"), the high probability lower limit judgment value (1 in this case) which is the lower limit judgment value in the high probability of the normal figure is set (A7906), and the step A7907 is performed. Move to processing.

The game control device 100 determines whether or not the winning random number is equal to or greater than the upper limit determination value (251 in this case) (A7907). The upper limit judgment value here is common to the high probability of the normal map and the low probability of the normal figure. If the winning random number is equal to or greater than the upper limit determination value (the result of A7907 is "Y"), that is, if it is out of order, the process proceeds to step A7909. When the hit random number is less than the upper limit determination value (the result of A7907 is "N"), it is determined whether or not the hit random number is less than the lower limit determination value (A7908).

The game control device 100 saves the loss information in the hit flag area when the hit random number is less than the lower limit determination value (the result of A7908 is "Y"), that is, when the hit is out. Further, the out-of-order stop symbol number is set as the normal symbol stop symbol number (A7910), the out-of-order symbol information is saved in the normal symbol stop symbol information area (A7911), and the process proceeds to step A7915.

When the hit random number is not less than the lower limit determination value (the result of A7908 is "N"), that is, in the case of hit, the game control device 100 saves the hit information in the hit flag area (A7912) and converts it into the loaded hit symbol random number. The corresponding stop symbol number is set (A7913), the hit stop symbol information corresponding to the hit stop symbol number is saved in the normal symbol stop symbol information area (A7914), and the process proceeds to step A7915. There may be several types of hit stop symbols.

Next, the game control device 100 saves the stop symbol number in the normal symbol stop symbol area (A7915) and saves the stop symbol number in the test signal output data area (A7916). Next, prepare a Fuzu command corresponding to information related to the Fuzu variation display game (particularly information on hit / miss of the Fuzu variation display game) as an effect command (A7917), and execute the effect command setting process. (A7918). Then, the random number storage area per normal figure is shifted (A7919), the free area after the shift is cleared to 0 (A79220), and then the number of reserved normal figures is updated by -1 (A7921).

That is, as the oldest normal figure holding number 1 game is executed, the rankings of the normal figure holding numbers 2 to 4 that are held after the normal figure holding number 1 are moved up one by one. By this processing, the value for the number of holdings of the normal figure 2 in the random number storage area per normal figure is moved from the number of holdings of the normal figure 1 to the number of holdings of the normal figure 3 in the random number storage area per normal figure. Will be done. Then, the value for the number of reserved numbers 4 in the random number storage area per normal figure is cleared, and the number of reserved numbers is decremented by 1.

Next, the game control device 100 executes the process transition setting process during the normal map change (A7922), and ends the normal map normal process. In the normal map fluctuation processing transition setting process, in order to shift to the normal map fluctuation processing, "1" is set as the game processing number and saved in the normal map game processing number area, and the normal map fluctuation time is saved in the normal map game processing number area. Save to the game processing timer area.

[Control of production control device]
The control (process) executed by the effect control device 300 by the effect control program will be described below.

[Main processing (effect control device)]
First, the details of the main processing executed by the effect control device 300 will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the main process (main program) executed by the effect control device 300. The main process is executed by the main control microcomputer 311 (directing microcomputer) when the power is turned on to the gaming machine 10. In the flowchart of the process executed by the effect control device 300, the step code (number) is represented as "B ***".

When the execution of the main process is started, the effect control device 300 first disables interrupts (B0001). Next, the initial settings of the CPU 311 and VDP 312 are executed (B0002, B0003), and interrupts are permitted (B0004). When the interrupt is permitted, the command reception interrupt process for receiving the command transmitted from the game control device 100 can be executed.

Next, the effect control device 300 permits the generation of display data to be displayed on the display device 41 or the like (B0005), and sets a random number seed to be used for random number generation (B0006). Then, the initial value at the time of turning on the power is saved in the area to be initialized (B0007).

Subsequently, the effect control device 300 clears the WDT (watchdog timer) (B0008). The WDT is started with the above-mentioned CPU initial setting (B0002) and monitors whether or not the CPU 311 is operating normally. If the WDT is not cleared even after a certain period of time, the WDT time is up and the CPU 311 is reset.

After that, the effect control device 300 executes an RTC reading process for reading time information from the RTC (real-time clock) 338 (B0009).

The RTC reading process may be configured to read the time information from the RTC 338 at a predetermined cycle (for example, every two hours), and it is not necessary to read the time information every time the process shifts to step B0009. The RTC reading process may be executed only once when the power is turned on to the effect control device 300 (that is, the power is turned on to the gaming machine 10) (the position of the RTC reading process may be changed, for example, steps B0003 and B0004). May be executed between). The effect control device 300 sets a time timer (timekeeping means) for measuring the time in the timer area in the RAM, and when the time information is read from the RTC 338 at a predetermined cycle or when the power is turned on, the time is set from the RTC 338 only once. When the information is read, the time timer (timekeeping means) may be adjusted to match the time of RTC338. Then, the effect control device 300 may execute various processes by using the time timer. By doing so, the number of times of processing for reading the time from the RTC 338 can be reduced, and the load on the CPU 311 is reduced.

Next, the effect control device 300 detects the operation signal of the effect button 25 by the player (the signal of the effect button switch 25a or the touch panel 25b), or changes the effect content (setting) according to the detected signal. The effect button input process is executed (B0010). Subsequently, the hall / player setting mode process for accepting operations such as changing the brightness and volume of the LED or liquid crystal by the person in charge of the game hall (game store) or the player is executed (B0011). In the hall / player setting mode processing, the player can customize the effect according to the effect points described later.

Next, the effect control device 300 executes an effect point control process for adding or clearing the effect points (B0012). In the effect point control process, the effect points are added by executing the effect or operation for which the effect points are to be added, and at the end of the game so that the effect points can be carried over to the next game. For example, information including information on production points and the like is displayed on the display device 41 as a QR code (registered trademark). For example, the effect control device 300 can display the QR code (registered trademark) on the display device 41 in the hall / player setting mode processing.

Next, the effect control device 300 executes a random number update process for updating a random number such as an effect random number (B0013), analyzes the received command received from the game control device 100, and executes the corresponding received command check process. (B0014). The details of the received command check process will be described later with reference to FIG. 24.

Subsequently, the effect control device 300 executes a customer waiting demo editing process (B0015) that edits and controls the contents of the customer waiting demo displayed on the display device 41, and determines the power saving state of the gaming machine 10 waiting for customers. The power saving control process to be controlled is executed (B0016).

Next, the effect control device 300 updates various data according to the contents to be displayed on the display device (display means) such as the display device 41, or sets the drawing to be displayed on the display device 41 in the display frame buffer. The effect display editing process to be performed is executed (B0017). As for the drawing data set at this time, the image of the display device 41 can be updated without any problem as long as the VDP 312 can complete the drawing within the frame period of 1/30 second (about 33.3 msec). Then, the preparation for drawing in the display frame buffer is completed, and the drawing command preparation end setting is executed (B0018).

Subsequently, the effect control device 300 determines whether or not it is the frame switching timing (B0019). If it is not the frame switching timing (the result of B0019 is "N"), the process of B0019 is repeated until the frame switching timing is reached, and if it is the frame switching timing (the result of B0019 is "Y"), the display device 41 is displayed. Instruct screen drawing (B0020). Since the frame period of this embodiment is 1/30 second, the frame is switched when the periodic V blank (image update) is executed twice every 1/60 second (1/2 of the frame period), for example. .. The image may not be updated in 1/60 seconds, and the interval may be further increased.

Further, the effect control device 300 executes a sound control process for controlling the sound output from the speaker 19 (B0021).

Further, the effect control device 300 executes a decoration control process for controlling a decoration device (board decoration device 46, frame decoration device 18) including LEDs and the like (B0022). In the decoration control process, for example, brightness control (light emission control) of a decoration device such as an LED is executed.

Further, the effect control device 300 executes a movable body control process for controlling an effect device (board effect device 44) such as an electric accessory driven by a motor and a solenoid (B0023). In the movable body control process, for example, an accessory operation effect for driving the motor is set.

Then, when the effect control device 300 finishes the process of B0023 described above, the effect control device 300 returns to the process of B0008. After that, the processes from B0008 to B0023 are repeated.

[Receive command check process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 24, the details of the received command check process (B0014) in the above-mentioned main process (FIG. 23) will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the reception command check process executed by the effect control device 300.

First, the effect control device 300 loads the value of the command reception counter in the command reception counter area of the RAM as the number of command receptions in order to check the number of commands received from the game control device 100 (B1101). Then, it is determined whether or not the number of command receptions is 0 (B1102). When the number of commands received is 0, that is, when there is no command received from the game control device 100 (the result of B1102 is "N"), there is no command to analyze, so the received command check process ends.

On the other hand, when the number of command receptions is not 0, that is, when the command is received from the game control device 100 (the result of B1102 is "Y"), the effect control device 300 is a command reception counter in the command reception counter area. After subtracting the value by the number of received commands (B1103), the contents of the received command buffer of the RAM are copied to the command area for analysis (B1104). Here, since the received command buffer is a ring buffer, there is no problem even if the number of command received is subtracted before copying the contents in the buffer to the command area. Also, even if a new command is received during copying, the data will not be overwritten.

Then, the effect control device 300 updates the command read index by +1 in the range of 0 to 31 (adds only 1) (B1105). The receive command buffer is configured to store up to 32 received commands. The received commands are stored in the received command buffer in the order of the command read index 0 to 31, and here, the received commands are read in the index order and copied to the command area for analysis. When the copy to the command area for analysis is completed, the storage area of the received command buffer corresponding to the read command read index is cleared.

The effect control device 300 determines whether or not the copy of the command for the number of received commands loaded in the process of step B1101 is completed (B1106), and if the copy is not completed (the result of B1106 is "N". ”), The processing of steps B1104 to B1106 is repeated.

When the effect control device 300 receives the command transmitted from the game control device 100, the content of the received command is saved in the reception command buffer, and at the same time, the command reception counter value in the command reception counter area is added and updated. Although 32 commands can be stored in the received command buffer, the received commands are analyzed separately in the analysis command area. Then, when the content of the received command is copied to the command area for analysis, the received command buffer and the command reception counter value are cleared. In this way, by always securing a free area without performing direct analysis in the received command buffer, it is possible to prepare for a large amount of commands received.

Subsequently, when the copy is completed (the result of B1106 is "Y"), the effect control device 300 loads the received command content of the command area for analysis (B1107), and analyzes the content of the received command. The process is executed (B1108). The details of the received command analysis process will be described later with reference to FIG. 25 below. Also, the address of the command area for analysis is updated (B1109). After that, it is determined whether or not the analysis of the command for the number of received commands loaded in the process of step B1101 is completed (B1110), and if the analysis is not completed (the result of B1110 is "N"), the step. The processing of B1107 to B1110 is repeated. When the analysis is completed (the result of B1110 is "Y"), the reception command check process is terminated.

[Received command analysis processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 25, the details of the received command analysis process (B1108) in the above-mentioned received command check process (FIG. 24) will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the received command analysis process executed by the effect control device 300.

First, the effect control device 300 separates the upper byte of the received command as a MODE unit and the lower byte as an ACTION unit (ACT unit) (B1201). The command transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 is composed of a MODE unit (MODE command) and an ACTION unit (ACTION command), and is usually continuously transmitted from the MODE unit indicating the type of command. NS. Therefore, the upper and lower ranks of the received command are configured in the order of the MODE section and the ACTION section.

Next, the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the MODE unit is in the normal range (B1202). That is, it is determined whether or not the value (value assigned as the command specification indicating the type) that can be taken by the MODE unit indicating the type of the command. Then, when the MODE unit is in the normal range (the result of B1202 is “Y”), it is similarly determined whether or not the ACTION unit is in the normal range (B1203). That is, it is determined whether or not the value (value assigned as the command specification indicating the content) that can be taken by the ACTION unit indicating the content of the command (specific production instruction, etc.) is determined. Then, when the ACTION section is in the normal range (the result of B1203 is "Y"), the ACTION section for the MODE section determines whether or not the combination is correct (B1204). That is, it is determined whether or not the value of the ACTION section is a value that can be taken by a command of the type specified by the MODE section. Then, if the combination is correct (the result of B1204 is "Y"), the command processing according to the command system is executed in the processing after B1205.

The effect control device 300 first determines whether or not the value of the MODE unit is within the range of the variable command (B1205). The variable command is a command for instructing a variable pattern of a special decorative symbol, for example, a variable command (A3407). Then, when the MODE unit represents a variable command (the result of B1205 is "Y"), the variable command process is executed (B1206), and the received command analysis process is terminated.

When the MODE unit does not represent a variable command (the result of B1205 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether or not the MODE unit is within the range of the jackpot command (B1207). The jackpot command is a command for commanding an operation (display of a fanfare screen or a round screen, etc.) related to an effect during a jackpot. For example, a fanfare command (A2610) for commanding a fanfare screen or a round screen is commanded. Round command (A2611) for commanding, interval command (A2612) for commanding the interval screen, ending command (A2612) for commanding the ending screen, and the like. Then, when the MODE unit represents a jackpot command (the result of B1207 is "Y"), the jackpot command process is executed (B1208), and the received command analysis process is terminated.

When the MODE unit does not represent a jackpot command (the result of B1207 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether or not the MODE unit is within the range of the symbol command (B1209). The symbol-based commands include, for example, decorative special symbol commands (A3403, A3503) corresponding to the stop symbol pattern. Then, when the MODE unit represents a symbol-based command (the result of B1209 is "Y"), the symbol-based command process is executed (B1210), and the received command analysis process is terminated.

When the MODE unit does not represent a symbol-based command (the result of B1209 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether or not the MODE unit is within the range of a single-shot command (B1211). Then, when the MODE unit represents a single-shot command (the result of B1211 is "Y"), the single-shot command process is executed (B1212), and the received command analysis process is terminated.

When the MODE unit does not represent a single-shot command (the result of B1211 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether or not the MODE unit is within the range of the look-ahead symbol command (B1213). .. The look-ahead symbol command includes, for example, the look-ahead stop symbol command (A2913). Then, when the MODE unit represents a look-ahead symbol-based command (the result of B1213 is "Y"), the look-ahead symbol-based command process is executed (B1214), and the received command analysis process is terminated.

When the MODE unit does not represent the look-ahead symbol command (the result of B1213 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether the MODE unit is within the range of the look-ahead variable command (B1215). ). The look-ahead variation command includes, for example, the look-ahead variation pattern command (A2913). Then, when the MODE unit represents a look-ahead variable command (the result of B1215 is "Y"), the look-ahead variable command process is executed (B1216), and the received command analysis process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the MODE unit does not represent a look-ahead variable command (the result of B1215 is "N"), the effect control device 300 may have received an unexpected command (for example, a command used only in the test mode). Since there is a possibility, the received command analysis process is terminated. Further, when the MODE part is not in the normal range (the result of B1202 is "N"), the ACTION part is not in the normal range (the result of B1203 is "N"), or the ACTION part for the MODE part is not the correct combination ( The result of B1204 is "N"), and the received command analysis process is completed.

[Single-shot command processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 26, the details of the one-shot command processing (B1212) in the reception command analysis processing (FIG. 25) described above will be described. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a procedure of one-shot command processing executed by the effect control device 300.

The effect control device 300 first determines whether or not the MODE unit represents a model designation command indicating the type of the gaming machine (B1301). Then, when the MODE unit represents a model designation command (the result of B1301 is "Y"), the model setting process for setting the type of the gaming machine is executed (B1302), and the single-shot command process is terminated.

When the MODE unit does not represent the model designation command (the result of B1301 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether or not the MODE unit represents the RAM initialization command (B1303). ). Then, when the MODE unit represents a RAM initialization command (the result of B1303 is "Y"), the RAM initialization setting process for notifying the RAM initialization and the like is executed (B1304), and the single-shot command process is performed. finish.

When the MODE unit does not represent the RAM initialization command (the result of B1303 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether or not the MODE unit represents the power failure recovery command (B1305). ). Then, when the MODE unit represents a power failure recovery command (the result of B1305 is "Y"), the power failure recovery setting process is executed (B1306), and the single-shot command process is terminated.

If the MODE unit does not represent a power failure recovery command (the result of B1305 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether or not the MODE unit represents a customer waiting demo command (B1307). .. Then, when the MODE unit represents the customer waiting demo command (the result of B1307 is "Y"), the customer waiting demo setting process is executed (B1308), and the single-shot command process is terminated.

When the MODE section does not represent the customer waiting demo command (the result of B1307 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether or not the MODE section represents the decorative special figure 1 hold number command. (B1309). Then, when the MODE section represents the decorative special figure 1 hold number command (the result of B1309 is "Y"), the special figure 1 hold information setting process is executed (B1310), and the one-shot command process is terminated.

In the effect control device 300, if the MODE section does not represent the decorative special figure 1 hold number command (the result of B1309 is "N"), then whether or not the MODE section represents the decorative special figure 2 hold number command. (B1311). Then, when the MODE section represents the decorative special figure 2 hold number command (the result of B1311 is “Y”), the special figure 2 hold information setting process is executed (B1312), and the one-shot command process is terminated.

When the MODE unit does not represent the decorative special figure 2 hold number command (the result of B1311 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether or not the MODE unit represents the probability information command. (B1313). Then, when the MODE unit represents a probability information command (the result of B1313 is "Y"), the probability information setting process is executed (B1314), and the one-shot command process is terminated.

If the MODE unit does not represent a probability information command (the result of B1313 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether or not the MODE unit represents an error / invalid command (". B1315). Note that, as error / illegal commands, for example, an illegal occurrence command, an illegal release command, a state off command, a state on command, a magnet illegal notification command (magnetic error command), and a panel radio wave illegal notification command (panel radio error command) are available. be. As the fraud occurrence command, there is a command indicating the occurrence of a fraudulent prize based on the signals of the start port 1 switch 36a, the start port 2 switch 37a, the winning port switch 35a, and the large winning port switch 39a. The fraud release command is a command indicating the fraud release. In the winning opening switch / status monitoring process (A1310), the occurrence of fraudulent winning and the cancellation of fraud are monitored, and the fraud occurrence command and the fraud release command can be transmitted. As a status on command, a signal is generated from the glass frame opening detection switch 63 (glass frame opening error) and a signal is generated from the front frame opening detection switch 64 (main body frame opening detection switch) (main body frame opening error, front frame). There is a command indicating (open error). In addition, the status off command indicates that no error has occurred. A status on command and a status off command can be transmitted in the winning opening switch / status monitoring process (A1310). When there is a detection (magnet fraud) from the magnetic sensor switch 61, a magnet fraud notification command is transmitted in the magnet fraud monitoring process (A1315). When there is a detection (radio wave fraud) from the radio wave sensor 62, a panel radio wave fraud notification command is transmitted in the radio wave fraud monitoring process (A1316).

Then, when the MODE section represents an error / illegal command (the result of B1315 is "Y"), an error / illegal setting process for notifying or canceling the error or invalidity is executed (B1316). Terminates single-shot command processing. In the error / invalid setting process, it is set to generate an error or invalid notification sound.

In the effect control device 300, when the MODE unit does not represent an error / illegal command (the result of B1315 is "N"), the MODE unit then issues a command for switching the effect mode (processing during special figure display). Etc.) is determined (B1317). Then, when the MODE unit represents a command for switching the effect mode (the result of B1317 is "Y"), the effect mode switching setting process is executed (B1318), and the single-shot command process is terminated.

When the effect control device 300 does not represent the command for switching the effect mode (the result of B1317 is "N"), then the MODE section represents the out ball number command indicating the number of out balls. Whether or not it is determined (B1319). Then, when the MODE unit represents the out-ball number command (the result of B1319 is "Y"), the out-ball number reception processing is executed (B1320), and the single-shot command processing is terminated.

In the effect control device 300, if the MODE section does not represent the out-ball count command (the result of B1319 is "N"), then whether or not the MODE section represents the count command (large winning opening count command). (B1321). Then, when the MODE unit represents the count command of the large winning opening switch (the result of B1321 is "Y"), the count information setting process is executed (B1322), and the single-shot command process is terminated.

The effect control device 300 determines whether or not the MODE unit represents a set value information command (probability set value information command) when the MODE unit does not represent a count command (the result of B1321 is “N”). (B1323). The set value information command is included in the command at the time of power failure recovery in step A1046 of FIG. 6B and the command at the time of RAM initialization transmitted in the process of step A1044. Then, when the MODE unit represents the set value information command (the result of B1323 is "Y"), the set value reception processing is executed (B1324), and the single-shot command processing is terminated. In the set value reception processing, the set value (probability set value) is stored in a storage unit such as RAM and necessary processing is executed.

When the MODE unit does not represent the setting value information command (the result of B1323 is "N"), the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the MODE unit represents the setting change type command (B1325). As a command for changing the setting, for example, there is a command (A1030) for changing the probability setting. Then, when the MODE unit represents a setting change system command (the result of B1325 is "Y"), the setting change system information setting process is executed (B1326), and the single-shot system command process is terminated. In the setting change information setting process, the contents of the setting change command are memorized and the process corresponding to the command is executed. For example, when a command for which the probability setting is being changed is received, in the setting change system information setting process, a setting changing display for notifying the player that the setting is being changed is displayed on the display device 41.

The effect control device 300 determines whether or not the MODE unit represents a setting confirmation command when the MODE unit does not represent a setting change command (the result of B1325 is “N”) (B1327). .. As a command for setting confirmation, for example, there is a command (A1033) for confirming probability setting. Then, when the MODE unit represents a setting confirmation system command (the result of B1327 is "Y"), the setting confirmation system information setting process is executed (B1328), and the single-shot system command process is terminated. In the setting confirmation system information setting process, the contents of the setting confirmation system command are memorized and the process corresponding to the command is executed. For example, when a command during probability setting confirmation is received, in the setting confirmation system information setting process, a setting confirmation display for notifying the player that the setting is being confirmed is displayed on the display device 41.

Next, it is determined whether or not the MODE unit represents a command to stop the symbol (B1329). The symbol stop command includes, for example, a symbol stop command of special figure 1 (decorative special figure 1 stop command) and a symbol stop command of special figure 2 (decorative special figure 2 stop command). Then, when the MODE section represents a command to stop the symbol (the result of B1329 is "Y"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether or not the command of the MODE section is a normal command (". B1330).

When the command of the MODE section is a normal command (the result of B1330 is "Y"), the effect control device 300 sets the stop mode of the corresponding special figure (B1331), and the game is played after all the symbols are stopped. The status flag is set to the normal status (B1332), and the single-shot command processing is terminated. In the process of B1332, the game state flag is set to the normal state as an example, but the game state flag is a flag of "changing", "big hit", and "small hit" depending on the timing when this process is executed. Is set.

On the other hand, when the MODE section does not represent the command to stop the symbol (the result of B1329 is "N"), or when the command of the MODE section is not normal (the result of B1330 is "N"), the effect control device. 300 ends the one-shot command processing.

In addition, the effect control device 300 may execute a process for a command not shown in FIG. 26. For example, the effect control device 300 receives a start winning command indicating that the start winning opening 36 and / or the normal variable winning device 37 has won a prize from the game control device 100, and responds to the start winning command from the speaker. It may be set to generate a start winning sound that notifies the player that there is a start winning.

[Look-ahead design command processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 27, the details of the look-ahead symbol-based command processing (B1214) in the reception command analysis processing (FIG. 25) described above will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a procedure of pre-reading symbol-based command processing executed by the effect control device 300.

First, the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the latest hold information is the information of the special figure 1 hold (special figure 1 start memory), for example, the latest received decorative special figure hold number command is the decorative special figure 1 hold number. It is determined whether or not it is a command (B1601). When the latest hold information is the information of special figure 1 hold (the result of B1601 is "Y"), the look-ahead symbol system command (look-ahead stop symbol command) is set to the special figure 1 look-ahead symbol command area corresponding to the number of special figure 1 hold. Save (B1602).

In the effect control device 300, when the latest hold information is not the information of the special figure 1 hold (the result of B1601 is "N"), that is, the latest received decorative special figure hold number command is the decorative special figure 2 hold number command. In this case, the look-ahead symbol system command (look-ahead stop symbol command) is saved in the special figure 2 look-ahead symbol command area corresponding to the special figure 2 hold number (B1603).

After steps B1602 and B1603, the effect control device 300 sets a look-ahead variable command reception waiting flag indicating that the read-ahead variable command is waiting to be received (B1604). This is because the look-ahead symbol command and the look-ahead variable command are set, and the game control device 100 transmits the look-ahead variable command following the look-ahead symbol command. After that, the look-ahead symbol command processing is terminated.

[Look-ahead variable command processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 28, the details of the look-ahead variable command process (B1216) in the received command analysis process (FIG. 25) described above will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a procedure of pre-reading variation command processing executed by the effect control device 300.

The effect control device 300 first determines whether or not the read-ahead fluctuation system command (look-ahead fluctuation pattern command) is waiting to be received (B1701). When the above-mentioned read-ahead variable command reception wait flag (B1604) is set, it can be determined that the read-ahead variable command is waiting to be received. If the read-ahead variable command is not waiting to be received (the result of B1701 is "N"), the look-ahead variable command processing is terminated. When the read-ahead variable command reception waiting flag is being waited for (the result of B1701 is "Y"), the look-ahead variable command reception waiting flag is cleared (B1702).

Next, the effect control device 300 (sub-board) sets a look-ahead variation MODE conversion table corresponding to the number of holds of the latest hold information symbol (special figure 1 or special figure 2) (B1703), and sets a look-ahead variation MODE command (B1703). Acquires the sub-internal look-ahead fluctuation command MODE unit corresponding to the MODE unit (B1704). Next, the look-ahead variation ACT conversion table is set (B1705), and the sub-internal look-ahead variation command ACT section corresponding to the look-ahead variation command ACTION section (ACT section) is acquired (B1706).

Next, the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the converted MODE unit and ACT unit (that is, the sub-internal look-ahead fluctuation command MODE unit and ACT unit) are both other than 0 (B1707). If the command is normal (valid), it is converted to a command other than 0. When both the MODE section and ACT section after conversion are other than 0 (the result of B1707 is "Y"), the converted command consisting of the MODE section and ACT section after conversion corresponds to the latest hold information and the number of holds. Save in the look-ahead fluctuation command area (special figure 1 look-ahead change command area or special figure 2 look-ahead change command area) (B1708). Then, the look-ahead command consistency check process is executed (B1709), and it is determined whether or not the combination of the MODE unit and the ACT unit after conversion is normal (B1710).

It should be noted that the time of the first half fluctuation corresponding to the MODE section changes depending on the number of holds when the hold is changed and the display game is started. Holds vary When starting a display game, if there are no other holds, the first half will be longer, and if a new hold occurs and the number of holds is large, the first half will be shorter. Therefore, even if the time value of the first half fluctuation is changed, the MODE section of the received look-ahead fluctuation command is converted into the sub-internal look-ahead fluctuation command MODE section so that the internal command of the effect control device 300 can be handled in the same way.

Further, since the type of reach is not related to the number of holds, the latter half change corresponding to the sub-internal look-ahead change command ACT section does not depend on the number of holds. However, since there are different types of reach for the same system, if the effect control device 300 is used as it is without converting the ACT section (value of the latter half fluctuation) of the look-ahead fluctuation system command, the number will increase and it will be difficult to check. .. For example, there are various types of normal reach, such as normal reach-1 stop off and normal reach +1 stop off. Therefore, by converting the ACT unit showing the reach of the same system into the same sub-pre-reading variation command ACT unit, the number is reduced and the burden of the check processing such as the pre-reading command matching check processing is reduced.

Next, in the effect control device 300, when at least one of the converted MODE unit and the ACT unit (that is, the sub-internal look-ahead fluctuation command MODE unit and the ACT unit) is 0 (the result of B1707 is "N"), or If the combination of the MODE unit and the ACT unit after conversion is not normal (the result of B1710 is "N"), it is considered that the command after conversion is abnormal, and the look-ahead variable command processing is terminated.

When the combination of the MODE unit and the ACT unit after conversion is normal (the result of B1710 is "Y"), the effect control device 300 loads the hold information (latest hold information) to be read ahead from the look-ahead fluctuation command area. (B1711), a look-ahead lottery process relating to the latest hold look-ahead effect is executed (B1712). The look-ahead effect includes, for example, a continuous notice effect (including a chance look-ahead effect), a look-ahead zone effect, and a hold change advance notice. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the latest hold look-ahead effect (hold change notice, etc.) occurs (B1713). When the latest hold look-ahead effect occurs (the result of B1713 is "Y"), the point information corresponding to the selected look-ahead effect is set (B1714).

Next, the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the pre-reading effect (holding change notice, etc.) that occurs is an effect that immediately starts (B1715). When the generated look-ahead effect is an effect that starts immediately (the result of B1715 is "Y"), the display corresponding to the selected look-ahead effect is set (B1716). If the pre-reading effect that occurs is not an effect that starts immediately (the result of B1715 is "N"), set and save the display corresponding to the pre-reading effect at the time of hold shift (when the hold display is moved or when the number of holds is reduced) (B1717). ). Then, the look-ahead variable command processing is terminated.

On the other hand, in the effect control device 300, when the latest hold look-ahead effect does not occur (the result of B1713 is "N"), or when the generated look-ahead effect does not start immediately (the result of B1715 is "N"). As it is. Ends the look-ahead variable command processing.

[Design command processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 29, the details of the symbol-based command processing (B1210) in the reception command analysis processing (FIG. 25) described above will be described. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a procedure of symbol-based command processing executed by the effect control device 300.

The effect control device 300 sets a special symbol type corresponding to the MODE unit of the received symbol-based command (decorative special figure 1 command or decorative special figure 2 command) (B1801). The special figure type is special figure 1 or special figure 2. Then, the symbol type corresponding to the combination of the MODE unit and the ACTION unit (ACT unit) of the symbol system command is set and saved in a predetermined area such as RAM (B1802). Here, since the distribution ratio of the symbols changes between the special figure 1 and the special figure 2, the symbol type is set by using the table for each MODE. In addition, in this embodiment, the symbol type is an outlier symbol, a 4R probability variation jackpot symbol (4R-A1, symbol 1), a 4R normal jackpot symbol (4R-A2, symbol 2), and an 8R probability variation jackpot symbol (8R-A1, symbol 1). It corresponds to the symbol 3), the 8R normal jackpot symbol (8R-A2, symbol 4), the 12R probability variation jackpot symbol (12R-A1, symbol 5), and the 12R normal jackpot symbol (12R-A2, symbol 6).

[Variable command processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 30, the details of the variable command processing (B1206) in the reception command analysis processing (FIG. 25) described above will be described. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a procedure of variable command processing executed by the effect control device 300.

The effect control device 300 determines whether or not the special figure type (special figure 1 or special figure 2) of the received variable system command (variable command) is undetermined (B1901). When the special figure type is undecided (the result of B1901 is "Y"), the variable command processing is terminated. If the special symbol type is not undetermined (the result of B1901 is "N"), the combination of the received variable command and symbol command is checked (B1902), and whether the variable command and symbol type are inconsistent. Is determined (B1903). Here, the inconsistency means that there is a contradiction in the production, such as when a design command of a jackpot symbol is received even though a variable command of an outlier is received. If the variable command and the symbol type are inconsistent (the result of B1903 is "Y"), the variable command processing is terminated.

When the effect control device 300 determines the variation pattern type from the variation command (variation command) when the variation command and the symbol type are not inconsistent (the result of B1903 is "N"), the effect control device 300 determines the variation pattern type from the variation command (variation command) (B1904). A variation effect setting process for setting a certain variation effect is executed (B1905). There are multiple effects for the same variable command. Subsequently, the special figure changing is set in the game state flag indicating the game state (P machine state) (B1906), and if the number of pre-reading effects such as continuous effects is not 0, -1 is updated (B1907).

[Variable effect setting process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 31, the details of the variation effect setting process (B1905) in the variation system command process (FIG. 30) described above will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the variable effect setting process executed by the effect control device 300.

First, the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the variation pattern type is reachless variation (variation that does not reach the reach state) (B2001). When the fluctuation pattern type is non-reach fluctuation (the result of B2001 is "Y"), the first half notice distribution group corresponding to the number of production points, model code, special figure type, production mode, and setting information (set value). The address table is set (B2002), and the address of the first half advance notice distribution group table corresponding to the MODE section of the variable command (variable command) and the number of reservations of the special figure type is acquired (B2003). In the case of non-reach fluctuation, the fluctuation time is shortened as the number of holds increases, so the address of the table corresponding to the number of holds is acquired.

When the fluctuation pattern type is not reachless fluctuation (the result of B2001 is “N”), that is, when the fluctuation pattern type is reach fluctuation, the effect control device 300 includes the number of production points, the model code, the special figure type, and the effect mode. Set the first half notice distribution group address table corresponding to the symbol type and setting information (set value) (B2004), and set the MODE part of the variable command (variable command) and the first half notice distribution group table corresponding to the variable pattern type. Get the address (B2005).

The effect control device 300 draws a lottery for advance notices that appear during the first half fluctuation (before reach) after steps B2003 and B2005 (B2006). Next, set the second half notice distribution group address table corresponding to the number of production points, model code, special figure type, production mode, symbol type, and setting information (set value) (B2007), and ACT the variable command. The address of the second half notice distribution group table corresponding to the department is acquired (B2008), and the notice lottery that appears during the second half fluctuation (during reach) is performed (B2009). After that, the content of the variable effect corresponding to the MODE section and the ACT section of the variable command (variable command) is determined (B2010). In addition, the fluctuation time and main reach contents can be known from the fluctuation command.

Next, the effect control device 300 determines the content of the effect (notice effect) corresponding to the lottery result of the advance notice (B2011). After that, the stop symbol of the decorative special figure variation display game is determined according to the content of the variation effect such as the reach effect and the notice effect (B2012). Here, the decoration stop symbol is specifically determined, such as determining the looseness in the case of the out-of-order symbol.

Next, the effect control device 300 sets the display of the variable effect (B2013) and sets the display of the notice effect (B2014). Subsequently, the display of the hold reduction corresponding to the special figure type is set, and for example, the display in which the hold display corresponding to the decorative special figure that fluctuates this time is reduced is set (B2015). Subsequently, a voice number that determines the effect mode (sound output mode) by the sound of the speaker and a decoration number that determines the effect mode by the light emission of the decoration device are set (B2016). The decoration device (board decoration device 46, frame decoration device 18) has a plurality of decorative light emitting units (decorative LEDs, etc.) and emits light in a light emitting mode (color, light emitting timing, etc. of each LED) defined by a decoration number. ..

It is also possible to set the voice number and the decoration number based on the setting information (setting value) as well as the effect content. In this way, the player can enjoy inferring the setting information (set value) of the gaming machine 10 from the light emitting mode of the decorative device, that is, the light emitting mode of the decorative light emitting unit (LED).

Next, the effect control device 300 sets the display of the decorative special symbol variation corresponding to the special symbol type (B2017), and the fourth special symbol other than the above-mentioned first to third special symbols that fluctuate in the display device 41. The display setting of the fourth symbol variation regarding (fourth symbol, identification information) is performed (B2018). The fourth symbol variation may be displayed by the lamp display units 1 and 2 (LED) of the lamp display device 80 provided in addition to the display device 41, or may be executed on the display screen of the display device 41. May be good.

[Hit system command processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 32, the details of the hit command process (B1208) in the above-mentioned received command analysis process (FIG. 25) will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a procedure of hit system command processing executed by the effect control device 300.

The effect control device 300 first determines whether or not the MODE unit of the received hit system command represents a fanfare (B2101). If the MODE part of the hit command represents a fanfare (the result of B2101 is "Y"), that is, if the hit command is a big hit fanfare command (or a small hit fanfare command if there is a small hit), the fanfare effect is set. The fanfare effect setting process for this is executed (B2102). The fanfare command includes information on the upper limit of the number of rounds for this big hit. Subsequently, the game state flag indicating the game state (P machine state) of the current game machine 10 is set to during fanfare (B2103), and the hit-type command process is terminated. The upper limit of the number of rounds can also be obtained from the symbol type determined from the symbol command (decorative special symbol command corresponding to the stop symbol pattern).

The effect control device 300 determines whether or not the MODE section of the hit command represents a round when the MODE section of the received hit command does not represent a fanfare (the result of B2101 is "N"). B2104). When the MODE unit represents a round (the result of B2104 is "Y"), that is, when the hit system command is a round command (or a command during which the small hit is open if there is a small hit), the effect control device 300 determines the round effect. The setting process is executed, the game state flag indicating the game state (P machine state) of the current game machine 10 is set during the round (B2105, B2106), and the hit system command process is terminated.

If the MODE section of the received hit command does not represent a round (the result of B2104 is "N"), the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the MODE section of the hit command represents an interval (the result of B2104 is "N"). B2107). When the MODE unit represents an interval (the result of B2107 is "Y"), that is, when the hit system command is an interval command, the effect control device 300 executes the interval effect setting process, and the game of the current gaming machine 10 is executed. The game status flag indicating the status (P machine status) is set during the interval (B2108, B2109), and the hit system command processing is terminated. (In addition, if there is a small hit and the big winning opening is opened only once in the small hit, that is, if the small hit is one round, there is no interval command.)

When the MODE section of the received hit command does not represent the interval (the result of B2107 is "N"), the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the MODE section of the hit command represents the ending (the result of B2107 is "N"). B2110). When the MODE unit represents the ending (the result of B2110 is "Y"), that is, when the hit system command is the ending command (or the small hit end screen command if there is a small hit), the effect control device 300 determines the ending effect. The ending effect setting process for setting is executed, the ending is set in the game state flag indicating the game state (P machine state) of the current game machine 10 (B2111, B2112), and the hit system command process is terminated. ..

If the MODE section of the received hit command does not represent the ending (the result of B2110 is "N"), the effect control device 300 ends the hit command process without executing any process. do.

[Structure of sound source LSI]
Next, the configuration of the sound source LSI 314 will be described with reference to FIG. 33. FIG. 33 is a configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of the sound source LSI 314. The sound source LSI 314 outputs sound source information (phrase data, sound source data, voice data) such as various melody (music) and sound effects (error notification sound, start opening winning sound) related to the production to the internal decoder unit 721 (sound source). A sound source generating means for generating sound by allocating to the channel of the reproducing means) is configured. The sound source reproducing means may include a mixer unit 731 (described later), an amplifier circuit 337, and a speaker 19 in addition to the decoder unit 721.

The sound source LSI 314 follows the CPUI / F701 (CPU interface) as an interface with the main control microcomputer 311, the command storage unit 702 (command register) in which control commands are written, and various commands stored in the command storage unit 702. It also has a voice processing control module 703 (sound control module) that collectively controls a processing operation for producing voice data. Further, the sound source LSI 314 has a main generator 704 that performs processing to generate an audio signal from audio data, a multi-effector 705 that processes an audio signal generated by the main generator 704, and an audio processed by the multi-effector 705. It has an audio signal I / F 706 that supplies a signal to the amplifier circuit 337. The voice processing control module 703, the main generator 704, and the multi-effector 705 are connected to the voice ROM 327 via the memory I / F 707 (memory interface).

As shown in FIG. 4, the sound source LSI 314 is connected to the voice ROM 327. In the audio ROM 327, information on audio sound sources such as various melodies (musical pieces) and sound effects according to the production mode (sound output mode) of the game machine 10 may be described as audio data (hereinafter, "phrase data"). ) Is stored.

The main control microcomputer (CPU) 311 of the production control device 300 sets the phrase number (that is, the voice number) of the voice data (phrase data) used in various productions of one special figure variation display game according to the various productions. Yes (B2016 of variable effect setting process). Further, the main control microcomputer (CPU) 311 sets the phrase number and the start as a start setting for starting the reproduction of the phrase of the phrase number (that is, the voice number, a plurality of possible numbers) corresponding to the various effects at the execution timing of the various effects. Write necessary information such as a command to the register of the command storage unit 702 (sound control process of B0021). The start command is, for example, a command indicating the virtual track number x (command to the register QTRK described later), a command for setting playback (value of register QPLAY_x described later = 1), and the like. The virtual track number x may be selected in ascending order of the available virtual tracks (unused virtual tracks). Further, both the sound source LSI 314 and the main control microcomputer (CPU) 311 can appropriately set the virtual track number x (command to the register QTRK).

The sound source LSI 314 can form a plurality of "virtual tracks", and the "virtual tracks" include a plurality of channels of sound source reproduction means such as a decoder unit 721 and a mixer unit 731 for reproducing phrase data related to the production. (For example, the channel of the decoder unit 721 and the input channel of the mixer unit 731), one of the channels is assigned to perform the process of reproducing the phrase data.

The "virtual track" is virtually constructed by a register (memory) such as a command storage unit 702 that stores various commands for executing the reproduction of the phrase data of the audio ROM 327, and is a mode of reproducing the phrase data. It consists of control commands for specifying. The control command consists of a command or the like that determines the phrase number of the phrase to be played. In the present embodiment, the sound source LSI 314 can construct a maximum of 128 virtual tracks.

Hereinafter, details of each configuration of the sound source LSI 314 will be described.

[CPU I / F (CPU interface)]
The CPUI / F701 sends and receives various control commands and status information between the main control microcomputer 311 and the sound source LSI 314. The CPUI / F701 is configured to support a plurality of read / write methods. As the read / write method, for example, either a parallel interface or a synchronous serial interface can be used.

[Command storage (command register)]
The command storage unit 702 includes a group of registers used in the voice processing control module 703, the main generator 704, the multi-effect unit 705, and the like. The register includes a control register for transmitting and receiving control commands via the voice processing control module 703, and a register for storing status information, flags, and the like from the voice processing control module 703, the main generator 704, and the multi-effector 705. The control command stored in the control register can be written not only from the inside of the sound source LSI 314 (particularly the voice processing control module 703) but also from the main control microcomputer 311 as needed.

A plurality of banks are set in the address space of the command storage unit 702. In this embodiment, seven banks (register banks 0 to 6) are set.

In the CPUI / F701, when the parallel interface is selected, the plurality of register banks are the register banks (for example, register banks 0 to 5) to which the registers related to the process for reproducing the phrase data are assigned. , It is divided into a register bank (for example, register bank 6) related to control of interrupt processing different from the phrase data reproduction processing. The information to the control register of the register bank 6 is not stored in the FIFO (queue), and can be directly read / written by the voice processing control module 703.

When the serial interface is selected, the information to all the control registers is temporarily stored in the FIFO by the voice processing control module 703 after being sent from the main control microcomputer 311 at the time of data read. Similarly, at the time of data read, the voice processing control module 703 temporarily stores the data in the FIFO and then transfers the data to the main control microcomputer 311.

An example of the register stored in the command storage unit 702 will be described later.

[Voice processing control module (sound control module)]
The voice processing control module 703 includes a batch control unit 711 (collective controller) and an operation control unit 712 (sequencer unit) as functional blocks, and performs playback control according to a plurality of set phrase playback orders. The batch control unit 711 and the operation control unit 712 are composed of arithmetic processing circuits and the like, but they do not necessarily have to have a one-to-one correspondence with the physical configuration, and are duplicately composed of the same arithmetic processing circuits and the like. May be good.

The batch control unit 711 sequentially reads out the batch control code (DBC) registered in an external ROM such as the voice ROM 327. The DBC is a command that collectively performs the setting of a plurality of registers of the command storage unit 702 and the control of the operation control unit 712. The DBC data is registered in an external ROM such as a voice ROM 327 in association with the DBC code.

The batch control unit 711 reads the DBC from an external ROM such as the voice ROM 327 and stores it in the command storage unit 702.

In the present embodiment, a maximum of 8192 DBCs can be registered in the voice ROM 327. The batch control unit 711 can read up to four different DBCs at a time from these 8192 DBCs, and can execute commands set in the four DBCs at the same time.

The operation control unit 712 is a sequencer, and realizes an automatic performance function that performs sound processing based on a command set in the command storage unit 702. A plurality of operation control units 712 are provided, read sequence data corresponding to the sequence code from an external ROM such as the voice ROM 327, and write the designated sequence data to the address of the register specified in the sequence code. In this embodiment, a 16-channel sequencer (motion control unit 712) can be provided.

The sequence code includes the specification of the pronunciation for starting / stopping the reproduction of the phrase data and the specification of the timing for setting the register. Playback of the specified phrase data is executed based on the sequence data corresponding to the sequence code.

In the present embodiment, a maximum of 8192 sequence codes can be registered in the voice ROM 327. The batch control unit 711 can set the reproduction order of up to eight different sequences at a time from these 8192 sequence codes. Sequence means phrase reproduction corresponding to one sequence code.

The operation control unit 712 performs phrase playback processing, voice volume adjustment and pan processing, effect processing, and pause based on the sequence data corresponding to the sequence code received from the external ROM such as the voice ROM 327 via the memory I / F707. / It is possible to control audio reproduction processing such as resume, infinite loop, and number setting loop. Therefore, the sequence data includes the phrase number of the phrase to be reproduced, the virtual track number (virtual track number), the volume (volume) data, and the like.

[Main generator]
The main generator 704 can be used for a decoder unit 721 that generates an audio signal from information (phrase data, sound source data, audio data) of a sound source for which playback start is specified, and for music reproduction, sound effects, etc. using the generated audio signal. A tone generation unit 722 (tone generator unit) that generates a periodic waveform is provided as a functional block. The main generator 704 generates an audio signal from the phrase data. The decoder unit 721 and the tone generation unit 722 are composed of arithmetic processing circuits and the like, but they do not necessarily have a one-to-one correspondence with the physical configuration, and may be duplicated and composed of the same arithmetic processing circuits and the like. good.

The main generator 704 uses the setting contents of the control register of the command storage unit 702 to start, stop, pause, play halfway from the pause position, repeat play (loop play), play fade out, and phrase data. Switching processing, monaural playback, stereo playback, continuous playback, and error handling processing can be executed.

The decoder unit 721 decodes the encoded phrase data (for example, compressed phrase data), and has a predetermined number of channels (up to 32) corresponding to the phrase data to be decoded. The decoder unit 721 has a maximum of 32 channels, and can simultaneously reproduce phrase data of 32 channels. In the dynamic allocation described later, the channel to be used (for example, 6 channels) can be set from the 32 channels as appropriate.

The tone generator 722 generates a periodic signal in which the waveform "type" of a sine wave, a triangle wave, a sawtooth wave, a square wave, etc., the "amplitude", the "frequency", etc. of the waveform are determined according to a command from the main control microcomputer 311. Generate.

The tone generation unit 722 can generate a plurality of tones (monotones) based on the generated periodic signal. The tone generation unit 722 is capable of executing mix processing, effect processing, and the like for audio reproduction for up to 16 channels. As a result, the sound source LSI 314 can simultaneously execute a plurality of sound source reproductions (tone generation).

In the fixed allocation described later, the virtual track and the channel (maximum 16) of the tone generation unit 722 are not assigned to the tone generation unit 722, and the tone generation unit 722 does not allocate the tone (maximum 16) only in the dynamic allocation described later. (Monotone) can be generated.

When playback is selected by the control parameters from the main control microcomputer 311, the tone generation unit 722 is one of the 32 mixing channels to be mixed and effect processed, as in the case of phrase data. Treated as minutes. In addition, playback start, playback pause, and playback resume are set.

Further, the tone generation unit 722 has a normal operation of reproducing a sound control code supplied from an external ROM such as an audio ROM 327 and an operation when there is no external ROM. In normal operation, 16 tones can be generated by a sound control code (SCC) downloaded from an external ROM such as a voice ROM 327 in which phrase data is stored.

In the present embodiment, the tone generation unit 722 is used only in special cases such as at boot time (when the sound source LSI 314 is started up, when the power of the effect control device 300 is turned on), and therefore is basically treated as not being used. ..

The main generator 704 further sets information (phrase data, sound source data, audio data) of the sound source to be reproduced in each of the plurality of virtual tracks, and sets the virtual track in which the information of the sound source to be reproduced is set as the sound source reproduction means (decoder). It includes a dynamic allocation unit 723 that dynamically allocates to the channel of the unit 721 or the like), and a fixed allocation unit 724 that fixedly (one-to-one) allocates a virtual track to the channel of the sound source reproduction means (decoder unit 721 or the like). In the following, the channel of the decoder 721 (sound source reproduction means) is referred to as a reproduction channel. Further, the function of dynamic allocation may be called a ZAQ function. The dynamic allocation unit 723 and the fixed allocation unit 724 may be provided in the voice processing control module 703 instead of the main generator 704. The dynamic allocation unit 723 and the fixed allocation unit 724 constitute the allocation unit 725.

The dynamic allocation unit 723 and the fixed allocation unit 724 are composed of arithmetic processing circuits and the like, but they do not necessarily have to have a one-to-one correspondence with the physical configuration, and are duplicately composed of the same arithmetic processing circuits and the like. You may. The dynamic allocation unit 723 and the fixed allocation unit 724 may not be distinguished, and the allocation unit 725 may have both dynamic allocation and fixed allocation functions.

The dynamic allocation unit 723 and the fixed allocation unit 724 are selectively enabled, and when one is valid, the other is invalid and does not function. Information on whether to enable the dynamic allocation unit 723 or the fixed allocation unit 724 is stored in a memory (storage unit) such as the voice ROM 327. The main generator 704 (which may be the voice processing control module 703) reads information on whether to enable the dynamic allocation unit 723 or the fixed allocation unit 724, and reads the information of whether the dynamic allocation unit 723 or the fixed allocation unit 724 is enabled, and the dynamic allocation unit 723 and the fixed allocation unit 724 Enable one. Depending on the situation, the main control microcomputer 311 may instruct the sound source LSI 314 whether to enable the dynamic allocation unit 723 or the fixed allocation unit 724 by a control command.

-Dynamic allocation unit The operation of the dynamic allocation unit 723 will be described below. The dynamic allocation unit 723 uses a predetermined number (L) of virtual tracks from 128 (N) virtual tracks. The dynamic allocation unit 723 dynamically allocates and uses virtual tracks to a predetermined number (M) of the maximum 32 reproduction channels of the decoder unit 721. The dynamic allocation unit 723 extracts a reproduction channel that does not contribute to phrase reproduction from the reproduction channels to which the decoder unit 721 is assigned. Of the play channels that are assigned and can be used, those that do not contribute to phrase playback are referred to as "unused playback channels". The number of virtual tracks (N) is larger than the number of playback channels (M ≦ 32) of the decoder unit 721.

Further, the dynamic allocation unit 723 refers to a register (for example, ZAQSET_TRK_x described later) that specifies a range (use target area) of the virtual track number of the virtual track to be used from 128 virtual tracks (virtual track area). , A predetermined number (L) of virtual tracks are used as the usage target area. The dynamic allocation unit 723 refers to a register (for example, ZAQSET_DESCH_x, which will be described later) that specifies a predetermined number (M) of the maximum 32 playback channels of the decoder unit 721, and refers to a predetermined number (M). ) Play channel is used. In the present embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the dynamic allocation unit 723 uses 6 playback channels by allocating virtual tracks (M = 6). This is associated with the six output channels (EL0, ER0, EL1, ER1, ZUB0, ZUB1 described later) from the mixer unit 731, but the dynamic allocation unit 723 uses six playback channels. (For example, it may be less than 6 or the maximum number of 32).

As an example, the dynamic allocation unit 723 can operate in the following five modes # 1 to # 5.

(Dynamic allocation mode # 1)
When the dynamic allocation unit 723 writes the start command (start setting information) for starting the reproduction of the phrase data (voice data) to the command storage unit 702, the main generator 704 sets the unused reproduction channel when there is an unused reproduction channel. , Assign the virtual track to play to an unused playback channel. Further, when there is no unused playback channel, the dynamic allocation unit 723 forcibly stops the playback of the phrase data being played, releases the playback channel, and sets a virtual track to be played as the playback channel after the release. assign.

As an example of the allocation process when there is no unused playback channel, if a virtual track with a number higher than the virtual track number for which the phrase data playback start command is set is playing, the virtual track with this large number is playing. The playback of the phrase data set for the track is forcibly stopped, the playback channel assigned to this virtual track is released, and the virtual track with the new playback start command is released and is no longer used. Assign to a playback channel. As a result, the playback of the phrase data set in the virtual track for which playback start is newly specified is started. The virtual track for which the reproduction of the phrase data is forcibly stopped does not have to be a virtual track having a number higher than the number of the virtual track for which the new reproduction start command is set.

If there is no unused playback channel, the dynamic allocation unit 723 may not play the phrase data set in the virtual track to which the playback start command is specified as a playback channel allocation error. Similarly, when there is no unused playback channel and there is no virtual track that can be forcibly stopped, the phrase data set in the virtual track for which the playback start command is specified may not be played. As a result, the phrase data being played is not forcibly stopped, and the player does not feel uncomfortable.

(Dynamic allocation mode # 2)
Subsequently, the dynamic allocation mode # 2 in the dynamic allocation unit 723 will be described with reference to FIG. 34. FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram illustrating an allocation operation in the dynamic allocation unit 723. The dynamic allocation unit 723 classifies L virtual tracks out of 128 (N) virtual tracks as use target areas to be allocated to the channels of the decoder unit 721 (sound source reproduction means). In addition, virtual tracks other than the target area (128-L) are classified as non-use areas. Then, the dynamic allocation unit 723 sets the voice sound source information (phrase data, sound source data, voice data) in the virtual track of the use target area. The number of virtual tracks (L) constituting the use target area is set to be less than or equal to the number of channels (M, for example, 6) of the decoder unit 721 (sound source reproducing means) (L ≦ M).

As a result, the number of channels (M) of the decoder unit 721 (sound source reproducing means) is not insufficient for the L virtual tracks in the usage target area, and the reproduction of the phrase data is not forcibly stopped. .. The dynamic allocation mode # 2 is a channel of the decoder unit 721 (sound source reproduction means) under predetermined conditions, for example, when phrase data (voice data) is used to generate an error or an illegal notification sound. It can be used to prevent a shortage of the number (M).

When an error / fraud is detected in the game machine 10, the error / fraud command includes, for example, a fraud occurrence command, a fraud release command, a status off command, a status on command, and a magnet fraud notification command (magnetic). An error / illegal setting process (B1316) is executed by issuing an error command), a panel radio wave error notification command (panel radio wave error command), or the like, and an error or illegal notification sound is generated.

For example, the dynamic allocation unit 723 does not use all of the maximum 128 virtual tracks, but reduces the number of play channels (M, for example, 6 channels) that can be used by the decoder unit 721 (sound source reproduction means). Corresponding continuous virtual tracks (6) are set as the usage target area (example of FIG. 34 (A)). The dynamic allocation unit 723 may set a discontinuous virtual track as a usage target area in the virtual track area (example of FIG. 34 (B)).

The dynamic allocation unit 723 sets the number of virtual tracks (L) constituting the use target area to be at most the same as the number of reproduction channels (M) of the decoder unit 721 (sound source reproduction means). In addition, the playback channel is set to be released after the playback of the phrase data (called the first-come-first-served phrase) that is already being played is completed. In this case, when a command to start playback of new phrase data (called a trailing phrase) is set for the virtual track, the playback channel is released in order from the playback channel at which playback has ended, and the playback channel at which playback has ended is selected. A trailing phrase is assigned. Therefore, in the dynamic allocation mode # 2, the phrase data is not forcibly stopped during reproduction.

(Dynamic allocation mode # 3)
When the number of playback channels of the decoder unit 721 is changed, the dynamic allocation unit 723 changes the number of virtual tracks constituting the usage target area in the virtual track area according to the number of playback channels after the change. .. In this mode, for example, when the number of reproduction channels contributing to reproduction is smaller than the setting due to a failure of the speaker 19, the number of virtual track areas in the use target area is also reduced. As a result, when the number of virtual track areas in the usage target area exceeds the number of playback channels, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the first-come-first-served phrase being played is forcibly stopped and the second-arrival phrase starts playing. ..

(Dynamic allocation mode # 4)
The dynamic allocation unit 723 sets the number of reproduction channels capable of reproducing the sound source according to the number of virtual tracks constituting the usage target area set in the virtual track area. In this mode, virtual tracks are assigned to playback channels (M) that are less than the number of play channels (32) that can be used by the decoder unit 721, and are used for production when sound is currently being generated. When the types of sound sources used for melody and sound effects (that is, the number of phrase data) suddenly increase, the number of playback channels (M) to which virtual tracks are assigned is increased. As a result, when the number of virtual tracks that make up the usage target area of the virtual track area exceeds the number of playback channels currently in use, the first-come-first-served phrase being played is forcibly stopped, and the second-arrival phrase is played back. It is possible to prevent the situation where it is started.

(Dynamic allocation mode # 5)
The dynamic allocation unit 723 changes sound source information (phrase data, sound source data, audio data) according to the number (L) of virtual tracks constituting the use target area in the virtual track area. In this mode, for example, when sound is currently being generated using a playback channel (M) that is smaller than the number of playable channels (32) of the decoder unit 721, sound source information (phrase). The number of data, sound source data, and audio data) is limited to match the number of virtual tracks (L) constituting the usage target area of the virtual track area. The dynamic allocation unit 723 or the main control microcomputer (CPU) 311 of the effect control device 300 limits the number of sound source information (number of phrase numbers). As a result, when the number of virtual tracks exceeds the number of playback channels currently in use, the first-come-first-served phrase being played is forcibly stopped by the second-arrival phrase, and the second-arrival phrase starts playing. Can be prevented.

-Fixed allocation unit The fixed allocation unit 724 uses only a predetermined number of virtual tracks out of a maximum of 128 virtual tracks, and fixes the allocation of the playback channel of the decoder unit 721 to the predetermined number of virtual tracks (fixed allocation). mode). In the present embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the fixed allocation unit 724 allocates virtual tracks and uses 6 playback channels. Therefore, the number of virtual tracks that can be assigned when operating in the fixed allocation mode is also set to 6. Has been done. That is, in the present embodiment, the fixed allocation unit 724 allocates six playback channels to the six virtual tracks on a one-to-one basis.

Whether to use the dynamic allocation mode or the fixed allocation mode described above may be set by the main control microcomputer 311 of the effect control device 300 in the hall / player setting mode (B0011). Further, the above-mentioned dynamic allocation modes # 3, # 4, and # 5 are executed by the control command from the main control microcomputer 311 even if the virtual track number of the use target area is set by the main control microcomputer 311. good.

[Multi-effector]
The multi-effect unit 705 performs mixing processing and effect processing on the audio signal from the main generator 704, and outputs the processed audio signal to the audio signal I / F 706. As shown in FIG. 33, the multi-effect unit 705 includes a mixer unit 731 that mixes an audio signal from the main generator 704 and a digital audio input signal, and an effector unit 732 for performing various effect processing.

FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a basic signal flow of the multi-effector 705. Each function of the multi-effector 705 is realized by each configuration shown in FIG. 35. The multi-effect unit 705 includes an input selector 751, a mixer 752, 754, 756, 758, an insertion Gx block (IGX) 753, a send / return Gx block (SRGX) 755, and a master Gx block (MGX) 757. .. The mixer unit 731 is composed of a plurality of mixers 752, 754, 756, 758. The effector unit 732 is composed of IGX753, SRGX755, and MGX757.

The IGX753 performs effect processing on an audio signal of a single phrase. The SRGX755 performs effect processing on the signal mixed on the Gx bus, which is a bus for effect processing. The MGX757 has a 3-band equalizer 361, an acoustic total linear equalizer 362, and a compressor 363. The acoustic total linear equalizer 362 is a function of correcting the acoustic characteristics of the sound system of the gaming machine 10, and can correct the amplitude and phase of the audio signal. Further, the acoustic total linear equalizer 362 can reduce the phase distortion and bring the amplitude characteristic closer to flat according to the phase characteristic and the amplitude characteristic of the housing of the gaming machine 10.

According to the configuration of FIG. 35, the multi-effector 705 sets the channel mix function of mixing the audio signals reproduced in the reproduction channels in the mixer unit 731 and the effector unit 732, and the reproduction volume for each phrase data set in the virtual track. Channel volume function, function to adjust the volume balance (called panpot) in the horizontal and vertical directions when playing phrase data, function to adjust the level to the Gx bus for effect processing, and audio from all playback channels It is possible to execute the total volume adjustment function after mixing.

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating the signal flow of the channel volume function and the panpot function in the mixer unit 731 (particularly, the mixers 725 and 754). The mixer unit 731 inputs a maximum of 32 channels from the audio signals of the decoder unit 721, the tone generation unit 722, and the audio input, mixes them into 6 channels, and outputs the audio of EL0, ER0, EL1, ER1, ZUB0, and ZUB1. It can be output as a signal. EL0, ER0, EL1, and ER1 are signals assuming sound image localization in the vertical and horizontal directions by four speakers, and ZUB0 and ZUB1 are two monaural signals. For example, the audio output signals of EL0, ER0, EL1, and ER1 are processed in the subsequent stages (mixers 756,758, MGX757, etc.), respectively, and then the left upper speaker 19a, the right upper speaker 19a, and the left lower speaker 19a, respectively. 19b, it will be output as audio from the lower speaker 19b on the right side. Further, for example, ZUB0 and ZUB1 are output as audio from the left and right upper speakers 19a or the left and right lower speakers 19b after undergoing the subsequent processing. A dedicated speaker may be provided for ZUB0 and ZUB1.

The signals input to the mixer unit 731 are distributed into six signals by various channel volumes (primary volume, secondary volume, ZUB0 volume, ZUB1 volume) and up / down / left / right panpots (left / right pan, up / down pan). It is mixed as an audio signal of 6 channels of EL0, ER0, EL1, ER1, ZUB0, and ZUB1.

The panpot function is set with a 4-channel mode assuming sound image localization by 4 speakers and a 3-channel mode assuming sound image localization by 3 speakers. The mixer unit 731 can be connected to the effector unit 732, and input / output signals are exchanged between the mixer unit 731 and the effector unit 732. When the Gx bus is used as the effect processing bus, the signal input to the mixer unit 731 is divided into four signals according to the send level sent to the Gx bus, and is used as a signal of four channels of the Gx buses 0 to 3. Be mixed.

[Audio signal I / F (digital audio interface)]
The audio signal I / F 706 is connected to the amplifier circuit 337, and outputs the audio signal from the multi-effector 705 as a digital audio signal to the amplifier circuit 337. Further, the audio signal I / F706 inputs a digital audio signal via an audio device such as a codec (not shown). In this embodiment, 24-bit / maximum 6 channels of digital audio signals can be input / output.

[Memory I / F (Memory Interface)]
The memory I / F707 is made accessible to an external memory in which not only phrase data, sequence data, and DBC, but also data necessary for sound source sound control in the sound source LSI 314 are stored. The external memory includes an external ROM such as an audio ROM 327.

[Explanation of Registers Set in Each Configuration of Sound Source LSI]
Next, an example of the register of the command storage unit 702 for operating the sound source LSI 314 will be described. FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of a register stored in one register bank of the command storage unit 702. The register value (control command, etc.) can be set by the sound source LSI 314 itself, or by the main control microcomputer (CPU) 311 of the effect control device 300.

In the register bank shown in FIG. 37, W indicates that it is writable (write), and R indicates that it is writable (read). Further, ● in the SeqW column indicates a register that can be written by the operation control unit 712. Similarly, a ● in the IndW column indicates a register whose write value is independent depending on the write path. A ● in the TG column indicates a register that can be written and accessed in the tone generation unit 722 at boot time (when the sound source LSI 314 is started up, when the power of the effect control device 300 is turned on). Registers without ● in TG indicate that they can be read at boot time, but their values cannot be changed by writing. The RB column indicates the register bank number.

QN_xy represents a phrase number register. In QN_xy, x represents a virtual track number (virtual track number), and y represents a sequential number that is a playback order when the phrase is played continuously. The phrase data of the number specified in this register is selected from a maximum of 8192 phrases registered in an external ROM such as the voice ROM 327, and is reproduced in the virtual track of the number x according to the sequential number y.

QL_xy represents a phrase loop register. The number of times the phrase data specified in this register is looped (the number of times playback is repeated) is set.

BP0_x represents a panpot register that sets the volume balance in the left-right direction when playing back phrase data.

BP1_x represents a panpot register that sets the volume balance in the vertical direction when reproducing phrase data.

BV1_x represents a volume register for setting the primary volume when playing back the phrase data.

BV2_x represents a volume register for setting a secondary volume when playing back phrase data.

BV3_x and BV4_x represent registers for setting a sub-volume when reproducing phrase data.

EARGAIN_x represents an ear gain register for setting the gain of the ear component when using the virtual surround function.

GXBUS0V_x, GXBUS1V_x, GXBUS2V_x, GXBUS3V_x, EARGAIN_x, SW3DPAN_x represent registers for setting processing in the multi-effect unit 705.

LOOQ_x represents a register for setting the reproduction operation of continuously reproducing the phrase specified by QN_xy for the number of phrases indicated by QNUM_x to be loop-reproduced as many times as the value of LOOQ_x.

PVUP_x is a register for volume setting and pan setting, and when it is 1, the setting of each register related to volume setting and pan setting is enabled. QL_xy, BP0_x, BP1_x, BV1_x, BV2_x, BV3_x, BV4_x, GXBUS0V_x, GXBUS1V_x, GXBUS2V_x, GXBUS2V_x, GXBUS2V_x, GXBUS2V_x, GXBUS3V_x, EARGAIN Imported (set) into the virtual track of x.

A virtual track number (number x) is specified for QTRK. When registering a stereo phrase, data is specified in the nth virtual track of QTRK and the n + 1th virtual track of QTRK. Therefore, in the case of phrase data to be reproduced in stereo, QTRK = 127 cannot be specified.

QPLAY_x represents a register that sets the phrase specified by QN_xy to be continuously played by the number of phrases indicated by QNUM_x in the virtual track having the virtual track number x. When 1 is written to the QPLAY_x register, the phrase specified by QN_xy is continuously played back by the number of phrases indicated by QNUM_x in the virtual track of the number x specified by QTRK.

QPLAY_PRI represents a register for setting priority for reproduction of either the first-come-first-served phrase that is already being reproduced or the second-arrival phrase instructed this time. When the phrase playback start command by the QPLAY_x register is issued, if the virtual track with the virtual track number x is being played back and 1 is specified in the QPLAY_PRI, for example, the trailing phrase is played with priority. be able to.

PNRCL reflects the setting of the virtual track indicated by QTRK in the register. In the case of 1, the values of QNUM_x, QPLAY_PRI, and QPLAY_x are ignored.

QNUM_x represents a register for specifying the number of phrases to be continuously played. For example, when the value of QNUM_x is 1, the phrases specified by QN_x0 and QN_x1 are continuously played. For example, when the value of QNUM_x is 7, eight phrases specified by QN_x0 ... QN_x7 are continuously reproduced.

TVx represents a register for setting the total volume of output audio.

3CH represents a register for setting the switching of the pan mode. When 3CH = 1, the panpot (volume balance) of L1 / R1 is fixed in the center, and when 3CH = 0, the panpot of L1 / R1 reflects the contents of the BP0_x register.

ECLR represents a register for setting the ear gain setting to the initial value. When ECLR = 1, the EARGAIN setting of all virtual tracks is set to the initial value.

BCLR represents a register for setting the bus setting to the initial value. When BCLR = 1, the Gx bus setting of all virtual tracks is set to the initial value.

SRCN_xy, SRCL_xy, SRLT_x, TRG_x, SROT_x, SRTM_x, SRSC_x represent registers for setting control of sequence playback. Here, x is a sequence system number (sequence number, 0 to 15) which is a sequencer channel number, and y is a sequential number.

SRCN_xy represents a register that sets the sequence code. One code selected from the maximum 8192 codes registered in the external ROM is set.

SRCL_xy represents a register that sets the number of loops for repeating each sequence (each sequence code).

SRLT_x represents a register that sets the number of loops for the entire sequence.

TRG_x represents a register for setting the enable / disable of the off-trigger of the sequence x, and if it is 1, it is set to be valid, and if it is 0, it is set to be invalid. Off-trigger is a process of stopping the progress of sequence steps until a specific virtual track is stopped.

SROT_x represents a register for setting the off-trigger channel of the operation control unit 712 (sequencer). For example, SROT_x can store the virtual track number of the above-mentioned specific virtual track corresponding to the off-trigger.

SRTM_x represents a register for setting the timer value of the operation control unit 712 (sequencer). When the timer value SRTM_x = 0, the sequence step (sequence code step) is advanced to the next step.

SRSC_x represents a register for setting the stop channel of the operation control unit 712 (sequencer). SRSC_x is used to stop and resume playback for each sequencer channel at the same timing for virtual tracks. The value of the SRSC_x register is used to specify the target virtual track. The bit in the SRSC_x register corresponds to each virtual track. Virtual tracks with 0 bits are excluded. The virtual track of 1 is the target of the stop channel function. When the sequencer stops or pauses, the playback of each virtual track specified by SRSC_x = 1 is stopped or paused. When the sequencer resumes playback, each virtual track specified by SRSC_x = 1 is resumed.

SRRCL represents a register for making a setting that reflects the internal setting of the operation control unit 712 (sequencer) of the number x indicated by SRH in the current value of the register.

The SRC represents a register for designating which system (sequencer channel) to execute the sequence in the operation control unit 712 having 16 systems (16 channels). The SRH specifies a sequence system number x (sequence number, 0 to 15), which is a sequencer channel number.

SRS_x represents a register for setting playback start, pause, end, and playback restart of the operation control unit 712 (sequencer). 0 is set to end, 1 is set to start playback, 2 is set to pause, and 3 is set to resume playback.

SRNUM_x is a register for setting a value n and continuously performing sequence reproduction only in the range (y = 0 to n) specified by SRNUM_x from SRCN_x0 to SRCN_n.

ZAQSET_TRK_x represents a register for setting a range of virtual track numbers used in dynamic allocation. In the dynamic allocation mode # 2 (described above), the range of this virtual track number may be a use target area including a predetermined number (L) of virtual tracks, but it is used when the use target area is set separately. The range of this virtual track number may be set from the target area.

ZAQSET_DECH_x represents a register for setting the number of decoder channels used in dynamic allocation (the number of channels (M) of the decoder unit 721). For example, the number of decoder channels M is 6.

ZAQSETCH represents a ZAQ set number x for performing dynamic allocation, i.e. a register for setting a ZAQ set setting channel. ZAQSET_TRK_x and ZAQSET_DECH_x when ZAQSETCH is written are taken in as the value of ZAQ set x indicated by ZAQSETCH.

As the ZAQ set 0, the allocation of virtual tracks and channels (decoder channel: maximum 32) may be set for the decoder unit 721. For example, in the present embodiment, the virtual tracks 0 to 127 and the reproduction channels 0 to 5 are assigned to the ZAQ set 0 in the dynamic allocation mode # 1. Further, in the dynamic allocation mode # 2, for example, virtual tracks 0 to 4 and reproduction channels 0 to 5 are assigned to the ZAQ set 0. In the dynamic allocation, the virtual track may be divided into up to 16 groups and controlled (ZAQ sets 0 to 15 can be used).

The ZAQ set can also be used to set the allocation of virtual tracks and channels (tone channels: up to 16, audio inputs: up to 6) with respect to the tone generator 722 and audio inputs. For example, as the ZAQ set 1, the allocation of virtual tracks and tone channels (up to 16) may be set for the tone generator 722. As described above, since the audio signal input of the mixer unit 731 is a maximum of 32 channels (FIG. 36), a channel that is not used as a decoder channel can be used for the tone generation unit 722 and the audio input. , Of the 128, virtual tracks that are not used for phrase playback can be used.

On the other hand, in the fixed allocation, as an example, virtual tracks 0 to 5 and reproduction channels 0 to 5 are assigned to the ZAQ set 0. As another example, ZAQ set 0 is assigned virtual tracks 0 to 31 and playback channels 0 to 31. Therefore, in the fixed allocation, the reproduction channel cannot be assigned to the tone generation unit 722 (virtual tracks 106 to 121) and the audio input (virtual tracks 122 to 127).

DBCN_x represents a register for setting a batch control code (DBC) to be executed.

SAT_x represents a register for setting a timer function for waiting for DBC execution.

SA_STS_x represents a register for setting the execution status of a maximum of four DBCs to be executed, 0 indicates stop or pause, and 1 indicates that execution is in progress.

RB is a register for setting a register bank number.

DEVEN represents a device enable and is a register for setting whether or not to enable a command for the sound source LSI 314.

The ID is the ID of the sound source LSI 314, and is used by the main control microcomputer 311 to read the ID of the sound source LSI 314.

[Operation of sound source LSI]
The sound source LSI 314 has the configuration shown in FIG. 33, and when a command such as a control command is set in the command storage unit 702 described above, voice generation processing by a phrase reproduction function, a sequential phrase reproduction function, a sequence reproduction function, or the like is executed. It is possible. In addition, the voice signal generated by these voice generation processes can be subjected to voice generation processing by a tone generation function, a mixer function, an effector function, or the like.

The sequence playback function and the phrase playback function will be described below. The phrase reproduction function includes a sequential phrase reproduction function.

-Sequence playback function The sound source LSI 314 can perform automatic performance by controlling the phrase playback function, volume / pan, effect function, etc. according to the sequence data registered in the external ROM such as the voice ROM 327 by the operation control unit 712. .. Further, the sound source LSI 314 can also perform chain reproduction of a plurality of sequences (sequence chain function). Sequence reproduction can execute up to 16 systems (16 channels) at the same time.

In the sequence playback function, the operation control unit 712 reads the sequence code from an external ROM such as the voice ROM 327, and writes the command in the sequence data (data string) of the sequence code to the address of the command storage unit 702 specified by the sequence code. .. The content of the sequence code consists of specifying the pronunciation such as start / stop of playback of phrase data and specifying the timing for setting those registers. By setting the register according to this sequence code, the phrase data can be automatically played.

Sequence reproduction is executed by setting SRCN_xy, SRCL_xy, SRLT_x, SRH = x, SRNUM_x, SRS_x = 1 and the like among the registers shown in FIG. 37. Further, with respect to the sequencer (operation control unit 712) of the sequence system number x, the stop of sequence reproduction is executed by the setting of SRH = x and SRS_x = 0.

Regarding the sequencer of sequence system number x (operation control unit 712), the sequence reproduction control sets SRCN_xy, SRCL_xy, SRLT_x, TRG_x, SROT_x, SRTM_x, SRSC_x when 1 is written to SRS_x in the register shown in FIG. 37. Is taken into the operation control unit 712 as a set value of the sequencer channel represented by SRH = x. The main control microcomputer (CPU) 311 may set the sequence system number x as the voice number instead of the phrase number (B2016 of the variation effect setting process). Further, the main control microcomputer (CPU) 311 sets the sequence system number, the sequence start command, and the like as start settings for starting the reproduction of the sequence (s) corresponding to the various effects at the execution timing of the various effects. The necessary information is written to the registers (SRCH, SRS_x, etc.) of the command storage unit 702 (B0021).

For example, when 1 is written to the SRS_x register, sequence playback is in progress, and the values specified by SRCN_xy, SRCL_xy, SRLT_x, TRG_x, SROT_x, SRTM_x, and SRSC_x are set for the sequencer channel specified by SRC. Then, playback starts from the first sequence code. When 0 (stop) or 2 (pause) is written in the SRS_x register, the sequence reproduction is stopped.

Further, in the sequence reproduction, the phrase data specified in the predetermined sequence code can be reproduced in a loop.

FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating a loop process in sequence reproduction. In the loop processing, when the reproduction of the sequence corresponding to one sequence code reaches the end of each sequence data, the value of SRCL_xy is read as the number of loops of each sequence, and the loop reproduction is performed for the specified number of times. After looping the last sequence by the value of SRCL_xy (SRCL_xn), loop processing is performed using the value of the SRLT_x register as the number of loops in the entire sequence.

In FIG. 38, the sequence data corresponding to the sequence code specified in SRCN_x0 is loop-reproduced by the value specified in SRCL_x0, and when the loop reproduction is completed, the sequence corresponding to the sequence code specified in SRCL_x1 is subsequently performed. It is shown that the reproduction order of loop reproduction of the data by the value specified in SRCL_x1 is specified. The sequence data of each sequence code is sequentially reproduced in the range specified in SRNUM_x + 1, and the total number of loops can be specified in SRLT_x.

In this way, the sound source LSI 314 can automatically play the sequence data composed of the predetermined phrase data according to the sequence reproduction control.

-Phrase playback function The sound source LSI 314 selects a phrase corresponding to a phrase number from a maximum of 8192 phrase data registered in an external ROM such as an audio ROM 327 by the main generator 704, sets it as a virtual track, and sets it as a playback channel. Automatic performance can be performed by sorting. Further, the sound source LSI 314 can automatically execute playback on / off control such as playback start / stop, pause / resume, and an infinite loop or a loop in which the number of times is specified.

Phrase reproduction is executed by setting in QN_xy, QL_xy, LOOQ_x, QNUM_x, QPLAY_x, etc. among the registers shown in FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating a loop process in phrase reproduction. When 1 is written to QPLAY_x in the register shown in FIG. 37, the main generator 704 uses the phrase specified by QN_xy as the phrase indicated by QNUM_x in one virtual track (virtual track number x) specified by QTRK. You can specify to play continuously for several minutes (sequential phrase playback function). Further, each phrase can be specified to be played in a loop for the number of times specified in QL_xy. Further, the total number of loops can be specified by LOOQ_x.

Further, the main generator 704 fades out when the phrase playback is paused / stopped in order to prevent noise due to a sudden change in the audio output level when the playback sound of the phrase data is interrupted in the phrase playback. It can be stopped later. In the case of a stereo phrase, fade-out is executed for each of the decoder channels of both the L-side channel and the R-side channel.

Further, the main generator 704 refers to the information in the register QPLAY_PRI so that when switching the phrase data, priority is given to the reproduction of either the first-come-first-served phrase already being reproduced or the second-arrival phrase instructed to be reproduced this time. Can be done.

When the main generator 704 gives priority to the first-come-first-served phrase, when the command to start playing the phrase data is issued, if all the set virtual tracks are stopped, the first-come-first-served phrase to which the command is issued is issued. Start playback. On the other hand, if any of the virtual tracks is being played, the first-come-first-served phrase is played after waiting until the end is reached.

In this way, the sound source LSI 314 can automatically play the predetermined phrase data according to the phrase reproduction control.

When giving priority to the trailing phrase, the main generator 704 starts playing the specified trailing phrase when the command to start playing the phrase data is issued, regardless of whether the virtual track is playing or not. .. In this case, since the playback start processing of the first-arrival phrase is executed when the last decoding of the first-arrival phrase is completed, the playback processing of the second-arrival phrase is performed before the final frame of the first-come-first-served phrase is voiced. It has been started. In this case, the decoding of the first frame of the second-arrival phrase may be completed and the voice generation may be possible before the voice generation of the last frame of the first-arrival phrase is completed. In such a case, the first frame of the second-arrival phrase may be voice-generated before the last frame of the first-arrival phrase is voice-generated.

The sound source LSI 314 is subjected to the following direct sound processing by the decoder unit 721, sound processing by the motion control unit 712, sound processing by the decoder unit 721 by the DBC, and sound processing by the DBC by the sequence reproduction function and phrase reproduction function described above. Sound processing of the tone generation unit 722 becomes possible.

(Direct pronunciation processing by the decoder section)
In the direct sounding process by the decoder unit 721, the following steps 1 to 5 are executed.
1. 1. In the register related to the virtual track of the command storage unit 702, the main control microcomputer 311 sets the phrase number corresponding to the phrase data in the external ROM and sets the start of playback (writing the start command).
2. Subsequently, the allocation unit 725 provided in the main generator 704 (or the voice processing control module 703) or the like extracts an unused reproduction channel from the reproduction channel and allocates the phrase data of the virtual track to be reproduced to the unused reproduction channel. Control pronunciation. The virtual track can be assigned to an unused playback channel by dynamic allocation.
3. 3. Subsequently, the decoder unit 721 reads the phrase data corresponding to the phrase number from an external ROM such as the voice ROM 327 via the memory I / F707.
4. Subsequently, the decoder unit 721 decodes the encoded phrase data (compressed data, etc.) and sends the decoded PCM data to the multi-effect unit 705.
5. The multi-effector 705 is subjected to processing for adjusting to a required volume, sound effect processing, and the like, and is sounded via an audio signal I / F706 and an audio system such as an amplifier circuit 337 and a speaker 19.

(Pronunciation processing of the decoder section by the motion control section)
In the sounding process of the decoder unit by the operation control unit 712 (sequencer unit), the following steps 1 to 6 are executed.
1. 1. The sequence system number x (sequence number) to be executed and the start setting to start the sequence reproduction are set in the registers related to the sequencer reproduction in the command storage unit 702 from the main control microcomputer 311.
2. Subsequently, the operation control unit 712 of the voice processing control module 703 sequentially reads the sequence code corresponding to the set sequence system number x from an external ROM such as the voice ROM 327 according to a predetermined format, and sequence data (data string) of the sequence code. ) Is written to a predetermined register in the corresponding register bank of the command storage unit 702.
3. 3. Subsequently, the allocation unit 725 provided in the main generator 704 (or the voice processing control module 703) or the like extracts an unused playback channel from the playback channel, and sets the phrase number included in the sequence data and the playback start setting as a virtual track. Set to, assign a virtual track to an unused playback channel, and control the sound. The virtual track can be assigned to an unused playback channel by dynamic allocation.
4. Subsequently, the decoder unit 721 reads the phrase data corresponding to the phrase number from an external ROM such as the voice ROM 327 via the memory I / F707.
5. Subsequently, the decoder unit 721 decodes the encoded phrase data (compressed data, etc.) and sends the decoded PCM data to the multi-effect unit 705.
6. The multi-effector 705 is subjected to processing for adjusting to a required volume, sound effect processing, and the like, and is sounded via an audio signal I / F706 and an audio system such as an amplifier circuit 337 and a speaker 19. Then, after that, steps 2 to 5 are repeated.

(Pronunciation processing of the decoder section by DBC)
In the sounding process of the decoder unit 721 by the batch control code (DBC), the following steps 1 to 6 are executed.
1. 1. The DBC number is set and the batch control playback based on the DBC is started in the register related to the DBC in the command storage unit 702 from the main control microcomputer 311.
2. The batch control unit 711 of the voice processing control module 703 sequentially reads the data string corresponding to the set DBC number according to a predetermined format, and sends the command in the data string to a predetermined register in the corresponding register bank of the command storage unit 702. Write.
3. 3. Subsequently, the allocation unit 725 provided in the main generator 704 (or the voice processing control module 703) or the like extracts an unused playback channel from the playback channel, and sets the phrase number included in the data string and the playback start setting as a virtual track. Set to, assign a virtual track to an unused playback channel, and control the sound. The virtual track can be assigned to an unused playback channel by dynamic allocation.
4. Subsequently, the decoder unit 721 reads the phrase data corresponding to the phrase number from an external ROM such as the voice ROM 327 via the memory I / F707.
5. Subsequently, the decoder unit 721 decodes the encoded phrase data (compressed data, etc.) and sends the decoded PCM data to the multi-effect unit 705.
6. The multi-effector 705 is subjected to processing for adjusting to a required volume, sound effect processing, and the like, and is sounded via an audio signal I / F706 and an audio system such as an amplifier circuit 337 and a speaker 19.

(Pronunciation processing of tone generator by DBC)
In the sound generation process by the tone generation unit 722, the following steps 1 to 3 are executed.
1. 1. The DBC number is set and the batch control playback based on the DBC is started in the register related to the DBC in the command storage unit 702 from the main control microcomputer 311.
2. The batch control unit 711 of the voice processing control module 703 sequentially reads the data string corresponding to the set DBC number according to a predetermined format, and sends the command in the data string to a predetermined register in the corresponding register bank of the command storage unit 702. Write.
3. 3. Subsequently, the tone generation unit 722 assigns the tone channel based on the ZAQ set (may be assigned by the allocation unit 725), the voice waveform, the frequency, and the like, based on the command set in the predetermined register in the command storage unit 702. Execute settings such as volume and start / stop settings, generate waveforms by setting the sound to the virtual track, and sound.

[Other forms of sound source LSI]
The sound source LSI 314 replaces the above-mentioned board decoration LED control circuit 332 and frame decoration LED control circuit 333 with an LED driver that drives the LED included in the board decoration device 46 or the frame decoration device 18, and a peripheral that outputs the LED driver. It may further include an interface. The peripheral interface is connected to an externally connected LED driver. By controlling the lighting of the LED driver connected to the port by the LED sequence, various effects can be produced as in the case of the above-mentioned voice generation processing.

[Action / effect of the first embodiment]
In the gaming machine 10 according to the first embodiment, a predetermined sound is generated by a sound source generating means (for example, a sound source LSI 314). The sound source generating means is a virtual consisting of a sound source reproducing means capable of reproducing sound sources of M channels (for example, a decoder unit 721, a mixer unit 731, etc.) and N virtual tracks provided more than M and designating sound sources. It has a track area and an allocation means (for example, allocation unit 725) that allocates information of a sound source designated in the virtual track area to a channel of a sound source reproduction means (for example, decoder unit 721, mixer unit 731, etc.). The sound source generating means (for example, the sound source LSI 314) classifies N virtual tracks into a use target area as an allocation target area to the sound source reproduction means and a non-use target area other than the use target area. The sound source generating means allocates the information of the sound source to the target area to be used, and sets the number (L) of the virtual tracks to be the target area to be used to be M or less.

According to such a gaming machine 10, the number of channels (M) of the sound source reproducing means (for example, the decoder unit 721 and the mixer unit 731) is not insufficient for the L virtual tracks in the use target area. Due to the shortage, the playback of phrase data will not be forcibly stopped.

The sound source generating means (sound source LSI 314) can form a plurality of "virtual tracks", and any one of the plurality of channels of the sound source reproducing means for reproducing the phrase data related to the production in the "virtual track". Channels can be assigned, so the process of playing back phrase data can be performed efficiently.

In the gaming machine 10 according to the first embodiment, the predetermined sound generated by the sound source generating means (for example, the sound source LSI 314) includes a specific notification sound that is not related to the effect related to the game.

When an error / fraud is detected in the gaming machine 10, the error / fraud setting process (B1316) is executed to generate a specific notification sound of the error or fraud.

For example, if an error / fraud notification sound is suddenly generated and there is no unused playback channel in the channel (playback channel) of the sound source playback means (for example, decoder section 721, mixer section 731, etc.), either The playback of the phrase data on the playback channel of is forcibly stopped, and the playback channel released by the stop is used to generate an error to be played or an illegal notification sound.

Therefore, if the phrase data that has been forcibly stopped is, for example, a main melody or sound effect for directing, the melody or sound effect that the player is consciously listening to is suddenly interrupted. Since you will hear the notification sound of an error or fraud, you will feel a sense of discomfort, which will lead to a decline in interest. Also, it is difficult to recognize whether it is a notification sound.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, a use target area (and a non-use target area) is set in the virtual track area. The number of virtual tracks constituting the usage target area is set to be at most the same as the number of playback channels, and the playback channels are set to be released after the playback of the phrase data is completed.

Therefore, the playback channel being played is not forcibly stopped, and an error or an illegal notification sound is generated together with the voice such as a melody or a sound effect for the production. As a result, the player can hear the notification sound without discomfort by superimposing it on the melody or the sound effect.

Further, for example, one of the M playback channels is set to be always released, and a virtual track in which an error or fraudulent notification sound is set is assigned to this constantly released playback channel. You may do so. By doing so, the first-come-first-served phrase during playback of the main melody for the production and the sound effect for notifying the game state is not interrupted by the second-arrival phrase such as an error or an illegal notification sound, and the production is produced. It is generated together with the main melody for and the sound effect for notifying the game state. As a result, the player can hear the notification sound without discomfort by superimposing it on the melody or the sound effect, and further, it becomes easier for the player to be aware of the alert by the notification sound.

Further, in the gaming machine 10 according to the first embodiment, the sound source generating means (for example, the sound source LSI 314) responds to the changed number of channels when the number of channels capable of reproducing the sound source in the sound source reproducing means is changed. , The number of virtual tracks constituting the usage target area in the virtual track area may be changed.

As a result, for example, when one of the speakers (upper speaker 19a, lower speaker 19b) cannot generate sound due to some factor such as a failure and the number of playable playback channels decreases, the virtual track constituting the use target area By reducing the number, it is possible to prevent one of the first-come-first-served phrases being played from being forcibly terminated due to the playback of the second-arrival phrase.

In the gaming machine 10 according to the first embodiment, the sound source generating means may set the number of channels capable of reproducing the sound source of the sound source reproducing means according to the number of virtual tracks constituting the use target area.

As a result, for example, by adding a playback channel that does not always contribute to the generation of audio and increasing the number of playback channels, the number of virtual tracks that make up the usage target area of the virtual track area can be reduced to the playback that is currently in use. When the number of channels is exceeded, the number of channels of the sound source reproduction means can be increased. As a result, it is possible to prevent one of the first-come-first-served phrases being played from being forcibly terminated due to the playback of the second-arrival phrase.

In the gaming machine 10 according to the first embodiment, the sound source generating means may change the information of the sound source according to the number of virtual tracks constituting the use target area.

As a result, the number of sound source information (phrase data) to be reproduced can be changed to match the number of virtual tracks constituting the usage target area of the virtual track area. For example, the number of virtual tracks to which this phrase data is assigned can be saved by deleting the phrase data corresponding to the bass sound from the melody related to the production. As a result, when the number of virtual tracks exceeds the number of playback channels currently in use, it is possible to prevent one of the first-come-first-served phrases being played from being forcibly terminated due to the playback of the second-arrival phrase.

In the gaming machine 10 according to the first embodiment, the sound source generating means (for example, the sound source LSI 314) is instructed to start playback when the sound source reproducing means does not have an unused channel to which the information of the sound source specified in the virtual track area is assigned. The sound source specified for the virtual track may not be played.

As a result, when there is no unused playback channel, or when there is no unused playback channel and there is no virtual track that can be forcibly stopped, the information (phrase data) of the sound source currently being played is forcibly terminated. It can be prevented and does not cause discomfort to the player.

[Second Embodiment]
A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 40 to 42. The configuration other than that described below may be the same as that of the first embodiment. Further, in the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for configurations that perform the same functions as those in the first embodiment, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[Production control device of the second embodiment]
FIG. 40 is a block diagram showing an effect control device 300 constituting the gaming machine 10 of the second embodiment, a substrate connected to the effect control device 300, and the like. As shown in FIG. 40, the game machine 10 of the present embodiment includes a power supply device 400, a game control device 100 (game control means, not shown here), and an effect control device 300 (effect control means). A board surface relay board 915, a frame relay board 916, a cooling fan 45, an LVDS board 918, a ROM board 920, and the like are connected to the 300 via a harness and a connector (CN).

The effect control device 300 is connected to the power supply device 400, and a DC power supply (32V, 15V, 12V, 5V), a power failure monitoring signal (5V), and a reset signal (5V) are input. Further, an analysis port 955 or the like can be connected to the effect control device 300.

The effect control device 300 is provided with a voltage generation unit 800 (voltage generation means). The voltage generation unit 800 generates output voltages of 1.05V, 1.5V, and 3.3V from the DC power supply (5V) from the power supply device 400.

The board surface relay board 915 is connected to the board surface motor driver 44a (a part of the board surface effect device 44), the board surface motor sensor 47a (directing accessory switch 47), and the board surface decoration LED driver 46a (a part of the board surface decoration device 46). It is a relay board for transmitting and receiving signals. Further, DC power (32V, 15V, 12V, 5V) is supplied from the power supply device 400 to the board surface relay board 915 via the effect control device 300.

The frame relay board 916 includes a frame motor driver 44b (a part of the frame effect device), an effect button switch 25a, a frame motor sensor 47b, a first frame speaker (upper speaker 19a), a second frame speaker (lower speaker 19b), and a frame. It is a relay board for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the decorative LED driver (a part of the frame decoration device 18). Further, DC power (12V, 5V) is supplied from the power supply device 400 to the frame relay board 916 via the effect control device 300.

The cooling FAN 45 operates by supplying a DC power supply (12V) from the power supply device 400 via the effect control device 300.

The LVDS board 918 is a relay board that relays the effect control device 300 and the display device 41. A DC power supply (32V, 12V, 5V) is supplied from the power supply device 400 to the LVDS board 918 via the effect control device 300. Further, a DC power supply (3.3V) is supplied from the voltage generation unit 800 to the LVDS board 918, and the DC power supply is output to the display device 41.

A power generation circuit 919 can be provided on the LVDS board 918. The power supply generation circuit 919 converts the DC power supply (32V) supplied from the power supply device 400 into a DC power supply (12V) and outputs the DC power supply 41 (LED backlight 917). As a result, the power generation circuit 919 can be designed according to the standard of the display device 41 to be connected, and even when the display device 41 is replaced, it is necessary to modify the effect control device 300 simply by replacing the LVDS board 918. Therefore, the display device 41 can be easily replaced accordingly.

The ROM board 920 includes an image ROM 325 and outputs image information stored in the image ROM 325 to a VDP 312 (video display processor). A DC power supply (3.3V) is supplied to the ROM board 920 from the voltage generation unit 800.

The effect control device 300 is provided with a first VDP-RAM 923 (storage means) and a second VDP-RAM 924 (storage means). The first VDP-RAM 923 and the second VDP-RAM 924 are storage media for temporarily storing image information (moving images, still images) decoded by VDP 312, and a DC power supply (1.5 V) is supplied from the voltage generator 800. It works by.

The VDP 312 (general-purpose port 942) constituting the effect control device 300 transmits and receives a signal to and from the outside by using a 3.3 V signal. However, the built-in host CPU (CPU311, image processing means, VDP core, arithmetic processing means) constituting the VDP 312 operates at 1.05 V and becomes the first VDP-RAM 923 (storage means) and the second VDP-RAM 924 (storage means). The connected DRAMI / F940 operates at 1.5V. Therefore, the VDP 312 operates by supplying a DC power supply (1.05V, 1.5V, 3.3V) from the voltage generation unit 800.

As the input side of the VDP 312, the effect control device 300 includes a level conversion circuit 921 that performs signal level conversion (5.0V → 3.3V) of the power supply device 400 (power failure monitoring signal, reset signal), and a game control device 100 (game control device 100). Level conversion circuit 922 that performs signal level conversion (5.0V → 3.3V) of the production command), level conversion circuit 926 that performs level conversion (5.0V → 3.3V) of the signal from the board motor sensor 47a, A level conversion circuit 929 that performs level conversion (5.0V → 3.3V) of signals from the effect button switch 25a and the frame motor sensor 47b is provided.

Further, as the output side of the VDP 312, the effect control device 300 performs level conversion (3.3V → 5.0V) of a signal transmitted to the board surface relay board 915 (board surface motor driver 44a, board surface motor sensor 47a). A level conversion circuit 928 and an LVDS board 918 that perform level conversion (3.3V → 5.0V) of a signal transmitted to the circuit 925 and the frame relay board 916 (frame motor driver 44b, effect button switch 25a, frame motor sensor 47b). A level conversion circuit 934 that performs level conversion (3.3V → 5.0V) of a signal transmitted to the display device 41 (LED backlight 917) via the display device 41 (LED backlight 917) is provided.

Further, for the bidirectional communication of the VDP 312, the effect control device 300 has a level shift circuit (3.3V⇔5.0V) for level shifting (3.3V⇔5.0V) of the signal transmitted in both directions by the board decoration LED driver 46a and the I2C communication method. A level shift circuit 932 is provided which performs a level shift (3.3V⇔5.0V) of a signal transmitted in both directions by a frame decoration LED driver (decoration device 18a) and an I2C communication method.

The direct current power supply (15V) from the power supply device 400 is supplied to the effect control device 300, and the amplifier circuit 337 (first amplifier circuit 930, second amplifier circuit 931) that amplifies the sound source data (audio data) output from the VDP 312 is supplied. ) Is provided. The first amplifier circuit 930 outputs the amplified sound source data to the first frame speaker (upper speaker 19a), and the second amplifier circuit 931 outputs the amplified sound source data to the second frame speaker (lower speaker 19b). do.

The effect control device 300 is provided with a protection circuit 933 that stabilizes the LVDS signal output from the VDP 312, and the protection circuit 933 outputs the LVDS signal (3.3V) to the display device 41 via the LVDS board 918. ..

The effect control device 300 includes a watchdog timer circuit 324 that monitors the operation of the VDP 312, a PROM 321 that stores programs executed by the VDP 312 and various data, and a FeRAM 323 that can retain the stored contents even if power is not supplied in the event of a power failure. A volume control switch 335 and the like are provided. Further, the LVDS board 918 is provided with a real-time clock circuit 338 connected to the high voltage (5V) side of the level shift circuit 932.

The VDP 312 has a CPU 311 (built-in host CPU) that analyzes production commands transmitted from the game control device 100, a RAM 322 (built-in CPU work memory) that provides a work area for the CPU 311, and a CPU I / that sends and receives data in the CPU 311 and the VDP 312. Initialize the HOSTCPUI / F938 and VDP312 that transmit the data in F937 and PROM321 to the CPU311 and output various commands (display list, motor command, lamp command, sound command) obtained by the CPU311 analyzing the production commands. It has a system control register 939.

The VDP 312 transmits and receives image information (moving images, still images) between a general-purpose port 942 that transmits and receives signals to and from the outside, a CG bus I / F 941 that reads image information from an image ROM 325, and a first VDP-RAM 923 and a second VDP-RAM 924. Has a DRAM I / F 940 to perform.

The VDP 312 has a controller 943 that outputs motor control data based on a motor command and outputs LED control data based on a lamp command. The controller 943 generates motor control data based on the motor command, and outputs the data to the board motor driver 44a, the board motor sensor 47a, the frame motor driver 44b, and the frame motor sensor 47b in a form that can be distinguished from each other.

Further, the controller 943 decodes the lamp command based on the lamp decoder 944 to generate LED control data, and identifies them to the board decoration LED driver 46a and the frame decoration LED driver 18a (a part of the frame decoration device 18). Output in a form that can be done.

The VDP 312 has an audio ROM 327 that stores sound source data (audio data). The sound circuit 961 (corresponding to the sound decoder and sound source LSI 314) selects, reads, and decodes the sound source data of the voice ROM 327 based on the sound command transmitted from the CPU 311 via the HOSTCPUI / F938, and the sound quality by the volume control switch 335. Output (play) under adjustment. The sound command includes the phrase number. Then, the sound source data output by the sound circuit 961 is output to the first frame speaker (two upper speakers 19a) and the second frame speaker (two lower speakers 19b) through the post effector 945 and the amplifier circuit 337. The internal configuration of the sound circuit 961 of the second embodiment may be different from that of the sound source LSI 314 of the first embodiment. Further, if the sound source data is not encoded data (compressed data or the like) (linear PCM or the like), the sound circuit 961 can output the sound source data without decoding.

The VDP 312 includes an image processing circuit that performs image processing based on a display list. The image processing circuit decodes the read image information into the VRAM 326 (or the first VDP-RAM 923, the second VDP-RAM 924) and the preloader circuit 946 that reads the image information from the image ROM 325 or the VRAM 326 (storage means) based on the display list. A graphics decoder 947, a drawing circuit 948 that draws image information in the frame buffer on the VRAM 326 (or the second VDP-RAM 924), a geometry engine 949 that sets the coordinates of the image information, and a VRAM 326 (or the first VDP-). The index table circuit 950 that allocates the storage area in the RAM 923 and the second VDP-RAM 924) and the display circuit 951 (display A) that displays and outputs the frame buffer data and the like stored in the VRAM 326 (or the first VDP-RAM 923 and the second VDP-RAM 924). , Display B, Display C), a signal conversion circuit 313 that outputs frame buffer data and the like to the display device 41 via the output selection circuit 952, and other data transfer that transmits and receives data in the image processing circuit. It has a circuit 953 and a circuit 953, which transmits and receives data to and from each other through a bus 954.

The VDP 312 has an address bus 935 and a data bus 936. The address bus 935 includes a HOSTCPUI / F938, a system control register 939, a DRAMI / F940, a CG bus I / F941, a general-purpose port 942, a controller 943, an audio ROM 327, a graphics decoder 947, a data transfer circuit 953, a preloader circuit 946, and a display circuit. Addresses are transmitted and received between 951 and the drawing circuit 948. The data bus 936 is located between the HOSTCPUI / F938, DRAMI / F940, VRAM326, CG bus I / F941, controller 943, audio ROM 327, graphics decoder 947, data transfer circuit 953, preloader circuit 946, display circuit 951, and drawing circuit 948. Data is sent and received at.

In this embodiment, the first VDP-RAM 923 and the second VDP-RAM 924 have a common address bus 959a and data bus 959b connected to the DRAMI / F940. The first VDP-RAM 923 can access the upper 8 bits of the image information (16 bits) via the data bus 959b, and the second VDP-RAM 924 can access the lower 8 bits of the image information via the data bus 959b. It is composed.

Here, in the image information (16 bits), the moving image (upper 8 bits) data and the still image (lower 8 bits) data are associated with one address. Therefore, the moving image data is stored in the first VDP-RAM 923, and the still image data is stored in the second VDP-RAM 924.

As a result, when the display circuit 951 specifies one address for reading, the moving image data stored in the first VDP-RAM 923 and the still image data stored in the second VDP-RAM 924 can be read out at the same time. Therefore, the transfer speed of image information (moving image data, still image data) to the display device 41 can be improved.

[Functional block diagram of sound circuit]
FIG. 41 is a block diagram schematically explaining the configuration and function of the sound circuit 961 (sound source LSI 314).

The sound circuit 961 sets (stores) an initial setting unit 963 for initializing the sound circuit 961, a reproduction unit 964 for reproducing the sound source data of the audio ROM 327, a phrase number confirmation area 966 for storing the number of phrases, and a phrase number. ) Is provided with a phrase number setting area 967. The reproduction unit 964 is composed of a controller (audio processing control module), a decoder (main generator), a multi-effect unit, and the like. The phrase number confirmation area 966 and the phrase number setting area 967 are included in a register unit 970 (command register) composed of various registers, and correspond to a register for the number of phrases and a register for the phrase number, respectively. The phrase number confirmation area 966 and the phrase number setting area 967 may be provided outside the sound circuit 961 as, for example, a register in the CPU 311 or a system control register 939.

The initial setting unit 963 (initial setting circuit unit) sounds when a reset signal is input to the VDP 312 or when a reset command is written to the register unit 970 in the initial setting of the VDP 312 by the CPU 311 (B0003 in FIG. 23). The circuit 961 is initialized (reset) and the initial setting is executed. The initial setting unit 963 reads the header information of the audio ROM 327 into the register unit 970 as an initial setting. The header information includes the number of phrases corresponding to the number of sound source data recorded in the voice ROM 327. In particular, the initial setting unit 963 stores (stores) the number of phrases in the phrase number confirmation area 966 (phrase number register) of the register unit 970. In this way, the initial setting unit 963 functions as a phrase number setting means.

After setting the number of phrases by the initial setting unit 963 (phrase number setting means), the CPU 311 sets the phrase number in the phrase number setting area 967 included in the register unit 970 (B0021 in FIG. 23). The phrase number corresponds to the voice number (B2016) set in the variable effect setting process (FIG. 31). When a predetermined effect (reach effect in the present embodiment) is executed, the CPU 311 sets a phrase number (voice number) corresponding to the predetermined effect to be executed (B2016). The phrase number may be set in the phrase number setting area 967 by the reproduction unit 964 when the reproduction unit 964 executes automatic performance after the number of phrases is set by the initial setting unit 963. In this way, the CPU 311 or the playback unit 964 constitutes the phrase number setting means.

16 bits are used in the phrase number setting area 967 (phrase number register), and the value stored as the phrase number is "0000h" to "FFFFh" in hexadecimal (0 to 65535 in decimal). On the other hand, in the phrase number confirmation area 966 (phrase number register), the value of "0000h" is stored at the time of initialization (reset), but since the number of phrases cannot be 0, the initial setting thereafter. Sets a value other than "0000h". Therefore, the maximum value of the number of phrases stored in the phrase number confirmation area 966 is "10000h" in hexadecimal (65536 in decimal). Therefore, preferably, the phrase number confirmation area 966 uses 17 bits, which is larger than the phrase number setting area 967, and the capacity (bit number, bit size) of the phrase number confirmation area 966 is the capacity of the phrase number setting area 967. Will be larger than. For the number of phrases less than the maximum value, 0 is stored in the most significant bit of the 17 bits instead of an indefinite value, so that the number of phrases does not become an erroneous value due to noise or the like.

After the phrase number is set in the phrase number setting area 967, the reproduction unit 964 (reproduction circuit unit) reads out and reproduces the sound source data (voice data) corresponding to the phrase number in response to the reproduction instruction. The reproduction unit 964 reproduces the sound source data and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 337 and the speakers (upper speaker 19a and lower speaker 19b). The reproduction unit 964 constitutes a reproduction means. For example, the playback instruction is executed by the CPU 311 (B0021 in FIG. 23) or the playback unit 964 writing a playback command to the register unit 970 after setting the phrase number in the phrase number setting area 967. When the phrase number is set in the phrase number setting area 967, the reproduction unit 964 may start the reproduction even if there is no instruction for the reproduction.

The audio ROM 327 is recorded (stored) in a format in which the phrase number of the predetermined effect (in this embodiment, the reach effect) and the sound source data are associated with each other. For example, the phrase number of the sound source data may be included in the header portion of the sound source data. Further, the order in which the audio ROM 327 is recorded (the order in which the address of the sound source data is larger or smaller) may be used as the phrase number.

Further, in the present embodiment, the phrase number and the music name of the sound source data may be stored in association with each other in the memory of the PROM 321 or the like in advance. As a result, the CPU 311 can display the music name corresponding to the selected phrase number on the display device 41.

In the present embodiment, the number of phrases corresponds to the number of sound source data recorded in the audio ROM 327, and if all the sound source data are songs, it is the number of songs recorded in the audio ROM 327 (number of songs accommodated). The sound source data may be sound effects and dialogue voices instead of music.

The number of phrases in the phrase number confirmation area 966 can be used in various situations. For example, the CPU 311 can display the number of phrases as the number of songs recorded in the voice ROM 327 on the display device 41, and can notify the player. Alternatively, when the playback unit 964 automatically plays the sound source data of the voice ROM 327 in order, it is preferable in terms of control to grasp the number of songs recorded in the voice ROM 327 in advance by the number of phrases in the phrase number confirmation area 966. .. Further, for example, the CPU 311 records the number of unplayed or unselected sound source data (phrases), the number of played or selected sound source data, and the number of phrases (here, the recording of the audio ROM 327) when the predetermined effect is executed. It can be grasped from the number of songs) and displayed on the display device 41.

In the present embodiment, the number of phrases (the number of songs recorded in the audio ROM 327) set by the initial setting unit 963 is larger than the number of types of predetermined effects that can be executed. Here, the predetermined effect is a reach effect. For example, there are five types (systems) of reach production, and as in the first embodiment, normal reach (N reach), special 1 reach (SP1 reach), special 2 reach (SP2 reach), and special 3 reach (SP3 reach). ), Premier reach is fine. The number of phrases set by the initial setting unit 963, that is, the number of songs recorded in the audio ROM 327 is 10, for example, 10 phrase numbers 0 to 9 (phrases 0 to 9) are used in the reach production, respectively. Corresponds to possible reach songs A to J (reach sounds A to J).

As an example, the CPU 311 has one of 0 and 1 for N reach, one of 2 and 3 for SP1 reach, and one of 4 and 5 for SP2 reach as a phrase number (voice number). One of 6 and 7 for SP3 reach and one of 8 and 9 for premier reach may be selected and set by lottery (B2016). The reproduction unit 964 reads out and reproduces the sound source data corresponding to the set phrase number. In this way, since the number of phrases is larger than the number of types of predetermined effects that can be executed, the range of selection of phrases is widened with respect to the types of predetermined effects. Then, it becomes possible to perform various effects by sound in relation to (accompanying) the predetermined effect, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game. In this example, one phrase can be selected from a group of different phrases (reach music) for each type of reach effect as a predetermined effect.

Further, as an example, the CPU 311 has a phrase number (voice number) of 0 to 5 for N reach, 1 to 6 for SP1 reach, and 2 to 7 for SP2 reach. Any of 3 to 8 for SP3 reach and any of 4 to 9 for premier reach may be selected and set by lottery (B2016). The reproduction unit 964 reads out and reproduces the sound source data corresponding to the set phrase number. Even in this way, the range of phrase selection for the type of predetermined effect (reach effect) is widened, and a variety of predetermined effects can be performed, which can improve the fun of the game.

The range of phrase numbers that can be selected by lottery for each type of reach effect may be determined based on the set value information (probability set value). In this way, the probability setting value can be estimated from the selected phrase (reach music), and the interest of the game can be improved. Further, in the hall / player setting mode processing (B0011), a range of phrase numbers (voice numbers) that can be selected by lottery for each type of reach effect by operating the effect button 25 of the player or the staff of the game hall. Alternatively, the range of phrase numbers that can be used in the entire reach effect may be set.

It should be noted that a configuration in which the predetermined effect is a jackpot round effect is also possible, but in this configuration, for example, the CPU 311 sets one of 0 and 1 as the phrase number (voice number) for the 4R probability variation jackpot, and 4R is normal. One of 2 and 3 for the jackpot, one of 4 and 5 for the 8R probability variation jackpot, one of 6 and 7 for the 8R normal jackpot, and one of 8 and 9 for the 12R probability variation jackpot. One of 10 and 11 may be selected and set by lottery for the 12R normal jackpot (B2016). There are six types of jackpot round effects, corresponding to 4R probability variation jackpot, 4R normal jackpot, 8R probability variation jackpot, 8R normal jackpot, 12R probability variation jackpot, and 12R normal jackpot. On the other hand, the number of phrases set by the initial setting unit 963, that is, the number of songs recorded in the audio ROM 327 is 12, for example, 12 phrase numbers 0 to 11 (phrases 0 to 11) are each a jackpot round. Corresponds to the jackpot songs A to L (big hit sounds A to L) that can be used in the production. The number of phrases (12 in this case) is larger than the number of types of predetermined effects (round effects of big hits) that can be executed (6 in this case). The playback unit 964 reads out the sound source data corresponding to the set phrase number and reproduces it as a musical piece to be used in the jackpot round.

Further, it is possible to configure the predetermined effect as a dialogue sound generation effect that generates a dialogue reading sound that reads out the dialogue, but in this configuration, for example, the CPU 311 is set to the first dialogue as a phrase number (voice number). On the other hand, one of 0 and 1, one of 2 and 3 for the second line, one of 4 and 5 for the third line, and one of 6 and 7 for the fourth line. , One of 8 and 9 may be selected and set by lottery for the fifth line (B2016). There are five types of serif sound generation effects, corresponding to the first serif, the second serif, the third serif, the fourth serif, and the fifth serif. On the other hand, the number of phrases set by the initial setting unit 963, that is, the reading sound of the dialogue recorded in the voice ROM 327 is 10, for example, 10 phrase numbers 0 to 9 (phrases 0 to 9) are each. , Corresponds to the dialogue reading sounds A to L that can be used in the dialogue sound generation production. The number of phrases (10 in this case) is larger than the number of types of predetermined effects (5 in this case) that can be executed. The reproduction unit 964 reads out the sound source data corresponding to the set phrase number and reproduces it as a dialogue reading sound. In this way, the first to fifth lines are read out by one of the two line reading sounds, respectively, but the two line reading sounds are each read out by the two characters displayed on the display device 41. (For example, enemy and ally characters) may be supported. Further, the dialogue read aloud may be displayed as a character image on the display device 41.

It should be noted that the dialogue sound generation effect and the reach effect are examples of predetermined effects that can suggest the degree of expectation of a big hit.

<Modification example>
As a modification, as shown in FIG. 42, the sound source data (phrase) may be the data of each part of one song, and the playback unit 964 may play a plurality of sound source data when playing one song. May be mixed and played at the same time. For example, each part is a piano sound part, a guitar sound part, a bass sound part, a drum sound part, a singing part, etc., which are musical instrument parts (accompaniment parts). The singing part may be further divided into parts for each singer to sing, and in the case of chorus, it may be further divided into a soprano part, an alto part, a tenor part, and a bass part. The playback unit 964 can change the volume (loudness) for each sound source data (part).

In this case, the CPU 311 sets the phrase number (voice number) to 0 for N reach, all 0 to 2 for SP1 reach, all 0 to 4 for SP2 reach, and SP3 reach. All of 0 to 6 are set, and all of 0 to 9 are set for the premier reach (B2016). Then, the reproduction unit 964 displays the sound source data of the part A having the phrase number 0 for the N reach, the sound source data of the parts A to C of the phrase numbers 0 to 2 for the SP1 reach, and the phrase number for the SP2 reach. Sound source data of parts A to E of 0 to 4, sound source data of parts A to G with phrase numbers 0 to 6 for SP3 reach, sound source of parts A to J with phrase numbers 0 to 9 for premier reach. All data is played back and output at the same time. Here, the part A is set as a basic part (singing part, etc.) to be reproduced in all reach productions. The PROM 321 may store the type of effect (N reach, SP1 reach, SP2 reach, SP3 reach, premier reach) in association with the phrase number (voice number) used in the type of effect, and the CPU 311 may store the type of effect. One or more phrase numbers may be set depending on the situation.

In such a modified example, the higher the expectation of the jackpot of the predetermined effect (reach effect), the more the number of sound source data (parts) to be reproduced, the richer the tone, and the more interesting the game. As described above, the expectation of the big hit of the reach production increases in the order of N reach <SP1 reach <SP2 reach <SP3 reach <premier reach.

Further, as described above, the special figure variation display game (first variation display game) having N reach and the special figure variation display game (second variation display game) having SP reach are more than the first variation display game. The number of sound source data (musical parts) played in connection with the second variable display game, which has a high degree of expectation, is larger than the number of sound source data played in relation to the first variable display game. For this reason, the variable display game with a high degree of expectation can be made flashy, and the fun of the game is improved.

The CPU311 uses 0 and 1 for N reach, 2 and 3 for SP1 reach, 4 and 5 for SP2 reach, and 6 for SP3 reach as phrase numbers (voice numbers). 7 may be set to 8 and 9 for the premier reach (B2016), and the reproduction unit 964 may simultaneously reproduce and output all the two sound source data corresponding to the phrase numbers. In this way, the timbre can be changed for each type of predetermined production (reach production), and the interest of the game is improved.

Further, the sound source data may include sound effects and the like other than the music. The sound effect and the like here may include a dialogue reading sound. In this modification, the sound effects and the like are used at the same time as the music, and the synergistic effect of the music and the sound effects can enhance the production and improve the interest of the game. It does not necessarily have to be used at the same time as the music. Even if the same reach effect occurs in the special figure variation display game, the number of sound effects and the like generated in this special figure variation display game may be different depending on whether it is a big hit or not. That is, the larger the number of sound effects and the like played together with the music, the higher the expectation of the jackpot of the special figure variation display game. Conversely, the higher the expectation that the special figure variation display game will be a big hit, the greater the number of sound effects and the like that are played together with the music.

For example, the sound effect is used as a sound effect at the time of development from N reach to SP reach (at the time of chance up) and as a definite sound (single sound is also possible) as a definite effect of a big hit. The final sound as the final effect of the jackpot may be generated by the operation of the effect button 25 (operation unit, operation means) as the operation effect. The operation effect in this case may be a special operation effect (back operation effect) that does not involve an operation promotion display that prompts the player to operate the effect button 25 on the display device 41.

Further, the sound effect may be generated for each single effect together with the music in a continuous effect in which related effects (single effect) are continuous, such as a step-up effect or a pseudo continuous effect. Here, the step-up effect is an effect in which a single effect (sub-effect) set in a plurality of stages is sequentially executed from a lower stage (step) to a predetermined stage (step). The pseudo continuous effect is an effect in which a pseudo variation (single effect) for varying and temporarily stopping the identification information is performed a predetermined number of times in one variation display game.

<Other variants>
A phrase number confirmation area 966 may be provided for each predetermined effect such as a reach effect, a jackpot effect, and a dialogue sound generation effect, and the number of sound source data used for each type of effect may be stored as the number of phrases. In that case, the audio ROM 327 is recorded (stored) in a format in which the phrase number of each predetermined effect and the sound source data are associated with each other.

Further, instead of the audio ROM 327, the sound source data (phrase) may be stored in another ROM such as the image ROM 325.

[Action / effect of the second embodiment]
In the second embodiment, the game machine 10 reads the number of phrases from the sound source storage means (for example, voice ROM 327) for storing the number of phrases and the sound source data corresponding to the phrase number, and the number of phrases, and confirms the number of phrases. A phrase number setting means (for example, initial setting unit 963 of the sound circuit 961) for setting the number of phrases in the area, and a phrase number setting means (for example, CPU311) for setting the phrase number in the phrase number setting area after setting the number of phrases by the phrase number setting means. And, after the phrase number is set in the phrase number setting area, a reproduction means (for example, a sound circuit 961) for reading and reproducing the sound source data corresponding to the phrase number in response to the reproduction instruction is provided. When a predetermined effect (for example, reach effect) is executed, the phrase number setting means (for example, CPU311) sets a phrase number corresponding to the predetermined effect to be executed. The number of phrases set by the number of phrases setting means is larger than the number of types of predetermined effects that can be executed.

According to such a game machine 10, the range of selection of phrase numbers corresponding to a predetermined effect is widened, and various effects can be produced by sounds executed in connection with (accompanying) the predetermined effect. Therefore, the interest of the game can be improved.

In the second embodiment, the capacity of the phrase number confirmation area (bit number, bit size) is larger than the capacity of the phrase number setting area (bit number, bit size). Therefore, the number of phrases can be preferably set in the phrase number confirmation area.

In the second embodiment, it is possible to execute a variable display game (for example, a special figure variable display game) in which identification information is variablely displayed based on the establishment of a starting condition (for example, winning a prize in a starting winning opening 36 or a normal variable winning device 37). , A sound source storage means for storing a plurality of sound source data (for example, in a gaming machine capable of generating a special gaming state capable of imparting a game value to a player when the result of a variable display game is a special result (for example, a big hit). It includes an audio ROM 327) and a reproduction means (for example, a sound circuit 961) for reading and reproducing sound source data. The variable display game includes a first variable display game (for example, a special figure variable display game having N reach) and a second variable display game different from the first variable display game (for example, a special figure variable display game having SP reach). ,including. The number of sound source data (for example, a part of a musical piece) reproduced by the reproduction means in connection with the second variable display game is larger than the number of sound source data reproduced in connection with the first variable display game.

Therefore, for example, in the second variable display game in which the expectation of a special result (for example, a big hit) is higher than that of the first variable display game, the variable display game can be excited and the fun of the game is improved. In addition, the sound production is different in different variable display games, so that the player does not get bored and the interest of the game can be improved.

The sound source data is the data of each part of one song. Therefore, the higher the expectation that the special result (for example, a big hit) of the variable display game is, the richer the tone color is, and the more exciting the variable display game is.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the technical idea, and it is clear that these are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Is. For example, it is possible to combine a plurality of embodiments. Further, for example, the present invention can be applied to other types of gaming machines (slot machines, etc.). The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and content equivalent to the claims.

10 Pachinko machine 25 Direction button 30 Gaming board 32 Gaming area 36 1st start winning opening (1st starting winning area)
37 Ordinary variable winning device (second starting winning area)
39 Special variable prize device 40 Center case 41 Display device 50 Collective display device (LED)
100 Game control device (main board)
200 Payout control device 300 Production control device (sub-board)
327 voice ROM
701 CPUI / F (CPU interface)
702 Command storage (command register)
703 Speech processing control module (sound control module)
704 Main generator 705 Multi-effector 706 Audio signal I / F (digital audio interface)
707 Memory I / F (Memory Interface)
711 Collective control unit (collective controller)
712 Operation control unit (sequencer unit)
721 Decoder section 722 Tone generator section (tone generator section)
731 Mixer section 732 Effector section 751 Input selector 752 Mixer 961 Sound circuit 964 Playback section 966 Phrase number confirmation area 967 Phrase number setting area

Claims (2)

In a gaming machine that can execute a game based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions
A game control means for controlling the progress of the game, and
It is provided with an effect control means for controlling an effect related to the game based on a command from the game control means.
The effect control means
A sound source reproduction means capable of reproducing sound sources of M channels, and
A virtual track area consisting of N virtual tracks that are provided more than M and specify sound sources,
An allocation means that allocates sound source information specified in the virtual track area to a channel of the sound source reproduction means, and
Equipped with a sound source generating means having
It is possible to generate a predetermined sound by the sound source generating means , and it is possible to generate a predetermined sound.
The sound source generating means
The N virtual tracks are classified into a use target area to be allocated to the sound source reproduction means and a non-use target area other than the use target area.
While allocating the information of the sound source to the usage target area,
Set so that the number of virtual tracks used as the target area is M or less ,
A dynamic allocation function that dynamically allocates the virtual track to an unused channel among the channels when playing a sound source specified in the virtual track area to be used, and the virtual track and the channel. It has a fixed allocation function that assigns and to one-to-one.
A gaming machine characterized in that the dynamic allocation function and the fixed allocation function can be selectively selected. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined voice includes a specific notification sound that is not related to the effect related to the game.

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