JP7759906B2 - gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines, arrange ball machines, mahjong ball gaming machines, slots, and enclosed pachinko machines (controlled gaming machines) that circulate enclosed gaming balls internally, and more specifically to gaming machines that can effectively increase the enjoyment of the game without imposing a burden on the control aspects.

Conventional gaming machines, such as pachinko machines, include the one described in Patent Document 1. In this gaming machine, when a special effect button is pressed, the channel to which sound data has been assigned becomes an empty channel.

Patent No. 61397395

However, the number of effects installed in gaming machines is steadily increasing, and along with this, the number of audio and lamp effects is also steadily increasing. As a result, gaming machines like the ones mentioned above have had the problem of requiring further ingenuity in terms of control.

In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can effectively increase the enjoyment of gaming without imposing a burden on the control system.

The above-mentioned object of the present invention is achieved by the following means. Note that the reference symbols in parentheses are used to refer to embodiments described below, but the present invention is not limited to these.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, there is provided a sound output means (for example, the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1) for outputting effect sounds used for various effects;
a sound reproducing means (for example, the sound LSI 801 shown in FIG. 4) for reproducing sound data including the effect sound;
a drawing means (for example, a VDP 803 shown in FIG. 3) for drawing an image on a display means (for example, a liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 2);
The drawing means (for example, the VDP 803 shown in FIG. 3) updates a frame in which one screen's worth of image is drawn on the display means at each predetermined drawing update period,
the sound reproducing means (for example, the sound LSI 801 shown in FIG. 4) reproduces sound data including the effect sound in accordance with the update of the frame,
The sound data includes a predetermined sound effect that is generated when a symbol among the various effects displayed on the display means stops at a predetermined stop position, and the sound data is configured to include a silent section (for example, a silent section MK shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 ),
The sound reproducing means reproduces sound data (e.g., stop sound effect) including the predetermined effect sound that is generated when a symbol displayed variably on the display means (e.g., liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 2) stops at a predetermined stop position , from a frame in which an image of the symbol executing a stop effect operation is drawn, which is prior to a frame in which an image of the symbol stopping at a predetermined stop position is drawn (e.g., see 10th frame (10F) shown in FIG. 25(a) and 9th frame (9F) shown in FIG. 25(b) ). First, a silent section having a playback time longer than the cycle time of one frame of the predetermined drawing update cycle and shorter than the cycle time of two frames, or shorter than the cycle time of one frame, is played, and when the playback of the silent section ends , the timing at which the player can hear the predetermined effect sound is from after the start of a frame in which an image for displaying the stop that comes after the frame in which an image for performing a stop effect operation of the pattern on the display means is drawn until before the end of the frame, or from after the start of a frame in which an image for performing a stop effect operation of the pattern is drawn until before the end of the frame ( for example, see 11.5 frames (11.5F) shown in FIG. 25(a) and 10.5 frames (10.5F) shown in FIG. 25(b) ) , and on the other hand,
When the symbols stop, high-speed fluctuation (see, for example, Figures 27 and 28) in which all the symbols stop at approximately the same time, and normal fluctuation (see, for example, Figures 25 and 26) in which the symbols stop individually, are characterized in that the high-speed fluctuation allows the player to hear the sound effects earlier (see, for example, Figures 25 and 27).

This invention effectively increases the enjoyment of the game without imposing a burden on the control aspects.

1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board according to the embodiment. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional side views of the special symbol 2 starting device according to the embodiment, in which FIG. 10A shows the open state and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control device of the gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. (a) to (c) are example screens showing the flow of information preview performance, and (d) to (f) are example screens showing the flow of chime sound preview performance. (a) to (c) are example screens showing the flow of preview performances. FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing background music, sound effects, and dialogue sounds that are produced in accordance with the preview performance shown in FIG. 7. (a) to (e) are example screens showing the flow of preview effects that have a high degree of reliability in predicting a jackpot gaming state. FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing BGM1, BGM2, sound effects, and dialogue sounds that are produced in accordance with the preview performance shown in FIG. 8. (a) to (e) are example screens showing the flow of effects that develop from normal reach effects to SP reach effects. FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing BGM2, BGM3, sound effects, and dialogue sounds that are produced in accordance with the effects shown in FIG. 10. 12(a-1) shows a schematic diagram of the gaming machine according to the embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram explaining a method of flashing the decorative lamp according to the embodiment, in which FIG. 12(a-1) shows a state in which the decorative lamp is lit, FIG. 12(b-1) shows a state in which the decorative lamp is turned off, FIG. 12(a-2) shows a state in which the decorative lamp is lit, FIG. 12(b-2) shows a state in which the decorative lamp is turned off, FIG. 12(c-2) shows a state in which the decorative lamp is lit in a color different from that in FIG. 12(a-2), and FIG. 12(d-2) shows a state in which the decorative lamp is turned off. (a-1) to (f-1) are explanatory diagrams showing an example of adjusting the brightness of a decorative lamp according to the same embodiment, and (a-2) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of adjusting the color of a decorative lamp according to the same embodiment. 10A to 10E are explanatory diagrams showing an example of gradational flashing (strobe flashing) by adjusting the brightness of the decorative lamp according to the embodiment. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a "static" lamp pattern and explaining the number of frames for turning on and off the decorative lamp; (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a "static" lamp pattern and explaining an example of slow gradation of the decorative lamp; (c) is an explanatory diagram showing a "dynamic" lamp pattern and explaining an example of fast flashing of the decorative lamp; (d) is an explanatory diagram showing a "dynamic" lamp pattern and explaining an example of flashing in gradations (strobe flash). FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which a "static" ramp pattern and a "dynamic" ramp pattern are combined. 1A is a front view showing a schematic diagram of the gaming machine according to the embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a vertical cross-sectional view of the right side. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which an illumination panel is about to be placed on the front of the liquid crystal display device according to the embodiment. FIG. A front view of the game board according to the embodiment is shown, where (a) shows the state before the jackpot game state is started, in which the lamp presentation pattern in the guide presentation is being executed, and (b) shows the state after the jackpot game state is started, in which the lamp presentation pattern in the round presentation is being executed. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing sound channels preset for each application. This is an explanatory diagram that explains that when multiple production scenarios occur at the same time, the upper limit of sounds that can be played simultaneously may be exceeded. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a sound table according to the embodiment; This is an explanatory diagram that explains that when multiple performance scenarios are executed from the same frame (same timing), there is a possibility that the upper limit on the number of sound channels that can start playing from the same frame (same timing) may be exceeded. 10A and 10B show an example of setting the sound to be played to an available channel, where (a) shows a state where sound channels "11" and "12" are available, (b) shows a state where sound channel "12" is available, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing a state where a new sound is not set to a sound channel but is discarded. 10A to 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the timing at which a stop sound effect starts to sound when the left decorative pattern decelerates and stops. (a) is an example screen showing the state in which the left decorative pattern is decelerating and fluctuating, (b) is an explanatory diagram explaining the state when the left decorative pattern is bouncing, and (c) is an example screen showing the state in which the left decorative pattern is stopped. An explanatory diagram illustrating the timing at which a stop sound effect starts to sound when all decorative patterns decelerate and stop. 10A is an example of a screen showing a state in which all decorative symbols are decelerating and fluctuating, and FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the decorative symbols are stopped. This is an example of sound data in which a certain silent section is provided from the beginning. 1A is an explanatory diagram explaining that sound data having a silent interval of 1.5 frames (1.5F) from the beginning starts to be played from 1.5 frames (1.5F); FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram explaining that sound data having a silent interval of 0.5 frames (0.5F) from the beginning starts to be played from 1.5 frames (1.5F). FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a main process of a main control according to the embodiment. FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating the continuation of the main processing of the main control shown in FIG. 31 . FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating the setting switching process shown in FIG. 31. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply abnormality check process. A flowchart explaining the prize ball winning number management process 1 shown in Figure 32. FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating the initial setting of the measurement RAM area shown in FIG. 35. FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating the counting process shown in FIG. 35. FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating the counting process shown in FIG. 35. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process of main control according to the embodiment. A flowchart explaining the normal pattern processing shown in Figure 39. FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating the special symbol processing shown in FIG. 39. A flowchart illustrating the start port check process 1 (2) shown in Figure 41. A flowchart explaining the special pattern change start processing shown in Figure 41. A flowchart explaining the processing during special pattern fluctuation shown in Figure 41. FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating the processing during the special pattern confirmation time shown in FIG. 41. FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating the out-of-use area process shown in FIG. 39. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing main processing of sub-control according to the embodiment. FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing the data analysis process shown in FIG. 47. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a command reception process of sub-control according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process of the sub-control according to the embodiment. 1A is a flowchart illustrating an initial command list for moving images, FIG. 1B is a flowchart illustrating a regular command list for moving images, and FIG. 1C is a flowchart illustrating a command list for still images.

One embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings, using a pachinko gaming machine as an example. Note that in the following description, when referring to up, down, left, and right directions, these refer to up, down, left, and right when viewed from the front of the illustration.

<Explanation of the external structure of the pachinko machine>
First, the external configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Explanation of the front appearance of the pachinko machine>

As shown in Figure 1, pachinko gaming machine 1 comprises a rectangular front frame 3 attached to the front of a wooden outer frame 2 so that it can be opened and closed, and a gaming board 4 mounted within a gaming board storage frame (not shown) attached to the underside of front frame 3. The gaming board 4 is mounted with the gaming area 40 shown in Figure 2 facing the front, and a glass door frame 5 supporting transparent glass is provided in front of this gaming area 40 as shown in Figure 1. The gaming area 40 is an area surrounded by a ball guide rail 6 (see Figure 2) arranged on the surface of the gaming board 4.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a front operation panel 7 disposed below the glass door frame 5, an upper tray unit 8 disposed on the front operation panel 7, and an upper tray 9 integrally formed with the upper tray unit 8 for storing dispensed game balls. The front operation panel 7 also has a ball lending button 11 and a prepaid card ejection button 12 (card return button 12). The upper tray surface of the upper tray 9 is provided with a push-button effect button device 13 that the player can press to change the effect when a built-in lamp (not shown) is lit. The upper tray 9 also has a ball ejection button 14 for ejecting game balls stored in the upper tray 9 downward, and a setting button 15 consisting essentially of a cross key. This setting button 15 can be operated by the player and consists of a circular enter key 15a located in the center, a triangular up key 15b located above the enter key 15a in the illustration, a triangular left key 15c located to the left of the enter key 15a in the illustration, a triangular right key 15d located to the right of the enter key 15a in the illustration, and a triangular down key 15e located below the enter key 15a in the illustration.

As shown in Figure 1, a launch handle 16 for operating the launch unit is provided on the right end of the front operation panel 7, and speakers 17 that emit background music, sound effects, dialogue, etc. are provided on both sides of the upper part of the front frame 3 and near the launch handle 16. Furthermore, decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create decorative lighting effects are arranged around the perimeter of the front frame 3.

<Explanation of the appearance of the game board>
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a liquid crystal display device 41 such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is located approximately in the center of the play area 40 of the game board 4. This liquid crystal display device 41 divides the display area into three areas, left, center, and right, and can independently display numbers, characters, letters (such as character conversations and lyrics), or patterns (such as special and regular patterns). Decorative top decorations 42a, left decorations 42b, and right decorations 42c are provided around the liquid crystal display device 41, and movable gadget devices 43 are located on the backsides of the top decorations 42a, left decorations 42b, and right decorations 42c. Decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create decorative lighting effects are located in the top decorations 42a, left decorations 42b, and right decorations 42c.

As shown in Figure 2, this movable role device 43 is composed of an upper movable role 43a, a left movable role 43b, a right movable role 43c, and an upper-left movable role 43d, which perform predetermined performance actions as the game progresses, and a motor (not shown), such as a two-phase stepping motor, that drives each of the upper, left, right, and upper-left movable roles 43a-43d. Furthermore, decorative lamps, such as full-color LED lamps, that create performance effects through light decoration are attached to these upper, left, right, and upper-left movable roles 43a-43d.

Meanwhile, directly below the LCD display 41 is a special symbol 1 start hole 44, which contains a special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a (see Figure 4) that detects winning balls. The number of valid winning balls detected by this special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a (see Figure 4), i.e., the number of first start reserved balls, is displayed on the LCD display 41 as a predetermined number (e.g., four). Note that this first reserved ball number is incremented (+1) when a game ball enters the special symbol 1 start hole 44 and is detected by the special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a (see Figure 4), and decremented (-1) when the display of a special symbol, such as a number, character, or symbol (decorative symbol), begins. Note that decorative lamps, such as full-color LED lamps, are located around the special symbol 1 start hole 44 to create decorative lighting effects.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2, a special symbol 2 start device 45 is located on the lower right side of the LCD display device 41. As shown in Figure 3, this special symbol 2 start device 45 is composed of a special symbol 2 start port 45a, an opening/closing unit 45b that can change the special symbol 2 start port 45a between an "open state" that allows the game ball YK to enter and a "closed state" that prevents the game ball from entering, a ball entry guide unit 45c that can change between a "guiding state" that guides the game ball YK toward the special symbol 2 start port 45a and a "non-guiding state" that does not, and a special symbol 2 start port switch 45a1 (see Figure 4) that detects the game ball YK that has entered the special symbol 2 start port 45a.

The special symbol 2 start hole 45a opens substantially horizontally toward the right side of the front in the left-right direction as shown in Figure 2, and a special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a1 (see Figure 4) that detects winning balls is provided inside the special symbol 2 start hole 45a. The number of valid winning balls detected by this special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a1 (see Figure 4), i.e., the number of second start pending balls, is displayed on the LCD display device 41 as a predetermined number (e.g., four). Note that when a game ball enters the special symbol 2 start hole 45a and is detected by the special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a1 (see Figure 4), one is added (+1) to the number of second start pending balls, and when the variable display of special symbols such as numbers, characters, or symbols (decorative symbols) begins, one is subtracted (-1).

The opening/closing unit 45b includes an opening/closing member 45b1 that can move left and right relative to the special symbol 2 starting opening 45a, and a normal electric role solenoid 45b2 (see Figure 4) that drives and controls the opening/closing member 45b1. When this opening/closing unit 45b is in the closed state, as shown in Figure 3(b), the opening/closing member 45b1 protrudes into the special symbol 2 starting opening 45a (moves to the left in the figure) to prevent the game ball YK from entering this special symbol 2 starting opening 45a. When in the open state, as shown in Figure 3(a), the opening/closing member 45b1 retracts to the right in the figure to allow the game ball YK to enter the special symbol 2 starting opening 45a.

The ball entry guide section 45c includes a guide member 45c1 that slopes downward from the right to the left as shown in Figure 2 (sloping downward toward the special symbol 2 starting hole 45a). This guide member 45c1 is driven and controlled by a standard electric role solenoid 45b2 (see Figure 4).

As shown in Figure 3(a), when this ball entry guide section 45c is in the guide state, the guide member 45c1 slides and protrudes toward the front of the play area 40 (toward the glass door frame 5 shown in Figure 1), guiding a game ball YK placed on top of it to the special symbol 2 start opening 45a. When in the non-guide state, the guide member 45c1 slides backward (toward the rear of the play area 40) and retracts, as shown in Figure 3(b). As a result, even if a game ball YK lands on the guide member 45c1 while it is in the guide state, if the guide member 45c1 changes to the non-guide state and slides backward before the game ball YK enters the special symbol 2 start opening 45a, the game ball YK will flow downstream without entering the special symbol 2 start opening 45a. The guide member 45c1 and the opening/closing member 45b1 operate in conjunction with each other. That is, when the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state, the opening/closing member 45b1 retracts to the right as shown in Figure 3(a) to allow the game ball YK to enter the special pattern 2 starting hole 45a, and when the guide member 45c1 is in the non-guiding state, the opening/closing member 45b1 protrudes to the left as shown in Figure 3(b) to prevent the game ball YK from entering the special pattern 2 starting hole 45a.

In the following, the special symbol 2 starting device 45 described above may be referred to as a normal electric device. The special symbol 2 starting device 45 is also equipped with decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create dramatic effects through decorative lighting.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2, a prize-winning device 46 is located to the right of the special symbol 1 starting hole 44. When the special symbol lottery described below is won, i.e., during a winning game state, this prize-winning device 46 is controlled by a special electric device solenoid 46b (see Figure 4) so that the large prize hole (not shown), which is closed by the door 46a, opens, allowing game balls to enter the large prize hole (not shown). Game balls that enter the large prize hole (not shown) are detected as winning balls by a large prize hole switch 46c (see Figure 4) located inside the large prize hole (not shown).

On the other hand, when the special symbol is not selected, i.e., when the game is not in a winning state, the special electric device solenoid 46b (see Figure 4) drives and controls the opening and closing door 46a, closing the large prize opening (not shown). This prevents game balls from entering the large prize opening (not shown). Note that, hereinafter, the device combining the opening and closing door 46a and the special electric device solenoid 46b may be referred to as the special electric device. In addition, the winning device 46 is equipped with decorative lamps, such as full-color LED lamps, that create decorative lighting effects.

The prize-winning device 46 is equipped with a distribution device 47, which has a conventionally well-known structure. As shown in FIG. 2, this distribution device 47 has a V-area 47a and an outlet 47b. When a gaming ball enters the large prize opening (not shown), the gaming ball is distributed to either the V-area 47a or the outlet 47b. The distribution device 47 does not distribute gaming balls that enter the large prize opening (not shown) to the V-area 47a, but instead distributes them to the outlet 47b, unless a specified gaming state is reached.

By the way, a type 1/type 2 mixed gaming machine refers to a machine that combines a type 1 model in which a special symbol is drawn and a jackpot game state is reached, and a type 2 model in which a large prize opening (not shown) opens in a small prize game state, and a jackpot game state is reached when a game ball that enters the large prize opening (not shown) passes through V area 47a.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2, a normal symbol start opening 48 consisting of a gate is located in the upper right portion of the LCD display device 41, and a normal symbol start opening switch 48a (see Figure 4) that detects the passage of a gaming ball is provided inside it. Furthermore, general winning openings 49 are located to the right of the winning device 46 and to the left of the special symbol 1 starting opening 44. These general winning openings 49 are composed of an upper right general winning opening 49a located to the right of the winning device 46, an upper left general winning opening 49b located to the left of the special symbol 1 starting opening 44, a middle left general winning opening 49c, and a lower left general winning opening 49d. The upper right general prize opening 49a is provided with an upper right general prize opening switch 49a1 (see Figure 4) that detects the passage of game balls, the upper left general prize opening 49b is provided with an upper left general prize opening switch 49b1 (see Figure 4) that detects the passage of game balls, the middle left general prize opening 49c is provided with a middle left general prize opening switch 49c1 (see Figure 4) that detects the passage of game balls, and the lower left general prize opening 49d is provided with a lower left general prize opening switch 49d1 (see Figure 4) that detects the passage of game balls. The general prize openings 49 are equipped with decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create decorative lighting effects.

On the other hand, directly below the special symbol 1 starting hole 44 is an outlet 50 into which game balls (out balls) that have flowed down to the lowest part of the game area 40 without winning are admitted. Game balls that enter this outlet 50 are detected as non-winning balls by the outlet switch 50a (see Figure 4) located inside. Furthermore, the winning balls mentioned above also flow down to the lowest part of the game area 40 through the back side of the game board 4, and are therefore detected by the outlet switch 50a (see Figure 4). Therefore, the outlet switch 50a (see Figure 4) detects the total number of outs dispensed, i.e., the same number of game balls as the game balls launched into the game area 40 by the launch handle 16.

On the other hand, the lower right periphery of the play area 40 of the game board 4 is configured with three 7-segment displays, two of which are special symbol display devices 51, and the remaining 7-segment display device 53a displays special symbol 1, special symbol 2, the number of balls reserved for the initial normal symbol, and the game status (e.g., advantageous game status, etc.). As shown in Figure 2, this special symbol display device 51 is composed of a special symbol 1 display device 51a and a special symbol 2 display device 51b, and to the left of the special symbol 1 display device 51a is a normal symbol display device 52 consisting of a single LED. In addition, there is a round lamp 53b that indicates the number of rounds of the jackpot game, and a right-hit notification lamp 53c that indicates a right-hit.

In addition, an identification lamp device 51A that displays identification information corresponding to special pattern 1 and special pattern 2 is provided on the upper end side of the left ornament 43b.

This identification lamp device 51A has first and second identification lamps 51Aa and 51Ab, which notify the player when special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 is changing, or when special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 has won or lost. The first identification lamp 51Aa corresponds to special symbol 1, and the second identification lamp 51Ab corresponds to special symbol 2. When special symbol 1 is changing, the first identification lamp 51Aa flashes; when special symbol 1 is a win, the first identification lamp 51Aa lights up; and when special symbol 1 is a loss, the first identification lamp 51Aa goes out. Furthermore, when special symbol 2 is changing, the second identification lamp 51Ab flashes; when special symbol 2 is a win, the second identification lamp 51Ab lights up; and when special symbol 2 is a loss, the second identification lamp 51Ab goes out.

In addition, although not shown, multiple game pegs are arranged in the play area 40 of the game board 4, and a windmill 54 is also arranged as a member for changing the falling direction of the game ball.

<Explanation of the control device>
Next, the control device that performs electronic control according to the progress of the game and is provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 having the external configuration described above will be explained using Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, this control device is mainly composed of a main control board 60 that controls the overall game operation, a payout/launch control board 70 that pays out game balls based on control commands from the main control board 60, and a sub-control board 80 that controls images, lights, and sounds.

<Explanation about the main control board>
The main control board 60 is mainly equipped with a one-chip microcomputer 600 consisting of a main control CPU 600a, a main control ROM 600b that stores a game program that describes a series of game control procedures, and a main control RAM 600c that functions as a working area, buffer memory, etc., a measurement/setting display device 610 consisting of 7 segments that displays (performance display) information such as the ratio of the number of winning balls when the probability of winning is low (when the probability of winning is in a normal low probability state), and also displays the setting contents of the probability that will create a game state that is advantageous to the player, a RAM clear switch 620, and a setting key switch 630.

The main control board 60 configured in this manner is connected to a payout/launch control board 70 which controls the payout motor M to pay out game balls. Furthermore, there are connected a special pattern 1 start port switch 44a which detects winnings in the special pattern 1 start port 44, a special pattern 2 start port switch 45a1 which detects winnings in the special pattern 2 start port 45a, a normal pattern start port switch 48a which detects passage through the normal pattern start port 48, a top right general prize port switch 49a1, top left general prize port switch 49b1, middle left general prize port switch 49c1, and bottom left general prize port switch 49d1 which detect winnings in the general prize ports 49 (top right general prize port 49a, top left general prize port 49b, middle left general prize port 49c, and bottom left general prize port 49d), a large prize port switch 46c which detects winnings in a large prize port (not shown) which is opened or closed by the opening and closing door 46a, and an outlet switch 50a which can detect the same number of game balls as those launched into the game area 40 by the launch handle 16. Furthermore, a normal electric role solenoid 45b2 that drives and controls the opening/closing member 45b1 and guide member 45c1, a special electric role solenoid 46b that controls the operation of the opening/closing door 46a, a distribution device 47, a special symbol 1 display device 51a, a special symbol 2 display device 51b, a normal symbol display device 52, a 7-segment display device 53a, a round lamp 53b, and a right-hit notification lamp 53c are also connected.

When the main control board 60 configured in this manner receives a signal from the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a, the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a1, or the normal symbol start port switch 47a at the main control CPU 600a, it conducts a lottery and determines the special symbol variation pattern and the display content of the stop symbol or normal symbol based on the lottery result, which is the win/loss information, and sends this determined information to the special symbol 1 display device 51a, the special symbol 2 display device 51b, or the normal symbol display device 52. As a result, the lottery result is displayed on the special symbol 1 display device 51a, the special symbol 2 display device 51b, or the normal symbol display device 52. Furthermore, the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, generates a performance control command DI_CMD including the determined information and sends it to the sub-control board 80. Furthermore, when the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, receives signals from the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a, the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a, the upper right general prize port switch 49a1, the upper left general prize port switch 49b1, the middle left general prize port switch 49c1, the lower left general prize port switch 49d1, and the large prize port switch 46c, it determines how many game balls to pay out to the player and sends a payout control command PAY_CMD containing this determined information to the payout/launch control board 70, which then pays out game balls to the player.

Furthermore, if the result of the lottery is that a normal symbol is selected, the normal electric role solenoid 45b2 is controlled to keep the opening/closing member 45b1 open and the guide member 45c1 in the guiding state for a predetermined time, and if the result is that a special symbol is selected, the special electric role solenoid 46b is controlled to open the big prize opening (not shown).

In a type 1/type 2 mixed gaming machine, when a small win game state is reached, the opening/closing door 46a is controlled to repeatedly open and close the large prize opening (not shown), and when a gaming ball enters the large prize opening (not shown), the distribution device 47 is controlled so that the gaming ball is distributed to the V area 47a.

On the other hand, the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, counts the number of prize balls each time it receives a signal from the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a, the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a, the upper right general prize port switch 49a1, the upper left general prize port switch 49b1, the middle left general prize port switch 49c1, the lower left general prize port switch 49d1, and the large prize port switch 46c, and counts the total number of dispensed game balls each time it receives a signal from the outlet switch 50a. Based on the counted number of prize balls and the total number of dispensed game balls, the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, outputs information (performance display) regarding the ratio of prize balls dispensed during low probability to the measurement/setting display device 610. This causes the measurement/setting display device 610 to display information (performance display) regarding the ratio of prize balls dispensed during low probability.

Furthermore, the measurement/setting display device 610 can display the setting of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player in six levels, for example, from "1" to "6." Therefore, to change such settings, a dedicated key is inserted into the setting key switch 630 and turned ON, and the RAM clear switch 620 can be used to change the setting of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player in six levels, for example, from "1" to "6" (for example, setting "6" has the highest probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player, and setting "1" has the lowest probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player). The setting change is then displayed on the measurement/setting display device 610, and once the setting change is confirmed, the dot on the lower right of the 7-segment display lights up, indicating that the setting has been confirmed.

On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch 620 is pressed, except when a dedicated key is inserted into the setting key switch 630 and turned ON, only a portion of the memory area of the main control RAM 600c is cleared, not the entire memory area.

<Explanation about the payout and launch control board>
The payout/launch control board 70 receives a payout control command PAY_CMD from the main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a) and generates a payout motor signal based on the received payout control command PAY_CMD. The generated payout motor signal controls the payout motor M to pay out game balls to the player. Furthermore, the payout/launch control board 70 performs processing to start or stop the operation of firing game balls in response to a player's operation, based on a prize ball count signal indicating the payout operation of game balls and a status signal related to an abnormality in the payout operation.

Meanwhile, a touch sensor is provided on the periphery of the launch handle 16 shown in Figure 1. When a player's hand touches the touch sensor on the launch handle 16, the touch sensor outputs a detection signal to the payout/launch control board 70, as shown in Figure 4. In response to this, the payout/launch control board 70 transmits the detection signal to the main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a). The main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a) then transmits the detection signal to the sub-control board 80 as a presentation control command DI_CMD. This makes it possible to transmit information as to whether or not the player has touched the handle 16 to play to the sub-control board 80.

<Explanation about the sub-control board>
The sub-control board 80 is equipped with a sub-one-chip microcomputer 800 which is made up of a sub-control CPU 800a which receives performance control commands DI_CMD from the main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a) and controls the execution and display of various performances, as well as controls the display images displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, a sub-control ROM 800b which stores control programs describing performance control procedures, and a sub-control RAM 800c which functions as a working area, buffer memory, etc.

Furthermore, the sub-control board 80 is equipped with a sound LSI 801 that generates desired background music and sound effects; a sound RAM 802 that functions as a work area and buffer memory; a VDP 803 that generates image data to be displayed on the LCD display 41 based on instructions from the sub-single-chip microcomputer 800; a DDR2 SDRAM 804 consisting of a work area for decompressing compressed video data and a frame buffer area for temporarily storing image data to be displayed on the LCD display 41; and a game ROM 805 that pre-stores CG data for compressed still image data and compressed video data, as well as sound data such as background music, sound effects, and dialogue. Note that "still images" refer to so-called sprite images, which represent a single image, such as text data (e.g., characters), background images, or special designs. Note that "video" refers to a collection of multiple (multiple frames) continuously changing still images, and smooth movement is reproduced by continuously displaying multiple still images on the LCD display 41.

Connected to the sub-control board 80 configured in this manner is a decorative lamp board 90 equipped with decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create lamp effects. Also connected is a push-button effect button device 13 that the player can press to change the effect when the built-in lamp (not shown) is lit, and a speaker 17 that emits background music and sound effects. The sub-control board 80 is also connected to a movable gadget device 43 that performs predetermined effect operations as the game progresses, an identification lamp device 51A that notifies the player when special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 is changing, or when special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 has won or lost, a setting button 15 that allows various settings, and an LCD display device 41.

The sub-control board 80 configured in this way receives a presentation control command DI_CMD sent from the main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a) at the sub-control CPU 800a, which contains basic information required for the special symbol variation pattern based on the lottery results, the current game status, the number of balls on hold for starting, and the decorative symbols to be stopped based on the lottery results. The sub-control CPU 800a then determines by lottery the presentation pattern corresponding to the received presentation control command DI_CMD from among the many presentation patterns pre-stored in the sub-control ROM 800b, and temporarily stores a control signal instructing the execution of the determined presentation pattern in the sub-control RAM 800c.

The sub-control CPU 800a transmits to the sound LSI 801 a sound-related control signal, one of the control signals that instructs the execution of a presentation pattern stored in the sub-control RAM 800c. In response, the sound LSI 801 reads sound data corresponding to the control signal from the game ROM 805 or sound RAM 802 and outputs it to the speaker 17. This causes the speaker 17 to emit background music, sound effects, dialogue, etc. that correspond to the presentation pattern determined above.

The sub-control CPU 800a also transmits light-related control signals, among the control signals that instruct the execution of the effect patterns stored in the sub-control RAM 800c, to the decorative lamp board 90. This causes the decorative lamp board 90 to control the lighting on and off of decorative lamps, such as full-color LED lamps, that produce the lamp effect, thereby executing a lamp effect corresponding to the determined effect pattern.

The sub-control CPU 800a then transmits to the VDP 803 a command list related to images, among the control signals that instruct the execution of the effect pattern stored in the sub-control RAM 800c. The VDP 803 then generates image data to display an image based on the command list, and transmits the generated image data to the LCD display device 41, thereby displaying an image corresponding to the determined effect pattern on the LCD display device 41. The image data displayed on the LCD display device 41 is updated every frame, and the VDP 803 transmits the VSYNC (vertical synchronization signal) shown in Figure 4 as an interrupt signal to the sub-control CPU 800a so that the sub one-chip microcomputer 800 (sub-control CPU 800a) can know that the display operation for one frame has ended. This allows the sub-control CPU 800a to know that one frame's worth of image data has been displayed on the LCD display device 41. This VSYNC interrupt signal is generated, for example, every 33 ms.

Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 800a transmits to the movable role device 43 a control signal related to a movable role object, among the control signals that instruct the execution of the performance pattern stored in the sub-control RAM 800c. As a result, the movable role device 43 moves in accordance with the determined performance pattern.

<Power supply board explanation>
Incidentally, power is supplied to each of the boards described above from a power supply board 130 shown in Fig. 4. This power supply board 130 is configured to include a voltage generation unit 1300, a voltage monitoring unit 1310, and a system reset generation unit 1320. This voltage generation unit 1300 receives an AC 24V external power supply supplied from a transformer (not shown) installed in the gaming establishment and generates multiple types of DC voltages, and the generated DC voltages are supplied to each board (not shown).

The voltage monitoring unit 1310 monitors the AC 24V voltage and outputs a voltage abnormality signal ALARM to the main control board 60 if a voltage abnormality is detected due to a cutoff of this voltage or a power outage. The voltage abnormality signal ALARM outputs an "L" level signal when a voltage abnormality occurs and an "H" level signal when the voltage is normal.

On the other hand, the system reset generation unit 1320 generates a system reset signal RST when power is turned on, and this generated system reset signal RST is output to each board.

<Explanation of sound and lamp effects>
Next, the sound and lamp effects will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

<Explanation of the sounds used in the preview>
First, with reference to Figure 5, the sound in the preview effect will be described. The preview effects shown in Figures 5(a) to 5(c) are examples of information preview effects. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5(a), a rapidly changing decorative pattern (see image P1) and a rapidly changing permanent pattern (see image P2) are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and at this time, the word "Ganbatte" (try your best) is displayed in a speech bubble in the lower left corner of the screen (see image P3). If the word "Ganbatte" is in black letters, for example, indicating a low expectation of a jackpot game state, a "pop" sound effect SE1 will be emitted from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1.

Next, as shown in Figure 5(b), the words "Feels good!" are displayed in a speech bubble in the lower left corner of the screen on the liquid crystal display device 41 (see image P4), and if the words "Feels good!" are in red, for example, which increases the likelihood of a jackpot game state, a "ping-pong" sound effect SE2 will be emitted from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1.

Next, as shown in Figure 5(c), when the LCD display device 41 displays in a speech bubble in the lower left corner of the screen the words "Super Hot!" sandwiched between the word "DANGER," indicating a high level of expectation for a jackpot game state (see image P5), the sound effect SE3 of "Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!" is emitted from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1.

On the other hand, the preview effects shown in Figures 5(d) to (f) are examples of chime sound preview effects. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5(d), a rapidly changing decorative pattern (see image P1) and a rapidly changing permanent pattern (see image P2) are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and the word "ping pong" is displayed slightly above the center of the screen (see image P10). If the word "ping pong" is, for example, in white, indicating a low expectation of a jackpot game state, the sound effect SE4 of "ping pong" will be emitted from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1.

Next, as shown in Figure 5(e), the words "Ping Pong! Ping Pong!" are displayed slightly above the center of the screen on the liquid crystal display device 41 (see image P11), and if the words "Ping Pong! Ping Pong!" are, for example, in red, which increases the expectation of a jackpot game state, the sound effect SE5 of "Ping Pong! Ping Pong!" will be emitted from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1.

Next, as shown in Figure 5(f), when the LCD display device 41 displays the so-called danger-patterned words "DANGER DANGER DANGER" (see image P12) slightly above the center of the screen, indicating high expectations for a jackpot game state, the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1 emits a sound effect SE6 of "Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!" In other words, the same sound effect as the information preview performance is emitted from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1.

Thus, even with these different preview effects, in the so-called danger patterns where there is high anticipation of a jackpot game state, a common sound effect is emitted from speaker 17, allowing the player to recognize that there is high anticipation of a jackpot game state regardless of the preview effect. Therefore, in this way, even in situations where multiple types of previews and reach effects are being executed in parallel, it is possible to effectively increase the enjoyment of the game without placing a burden on the control system.

In addition, the sound effects in the information preview effect shown in Figures 5(a)-(b) are different from the sound effects in the chime preview effect shown in Figures 5(d)-(e). Therefore, the information preview effect shown in Figures 5(a)-(b) may be executed during the chime preview effect shown in Figures 5(d)-(e). In other words, the execution timing of the chime preview effect shown in Figures 5(d)-(e) may overlap in part or in whole with the execution timing of the information preview effect shown in Figures 5(a)-(b). However, the execution timing of the information preview effect shown in Figure 5(c) and the execution timing of the chime preview effect shown in Figure 5(f) should not overlap. If they overlap, the same sound effects will be emitted from speaker 17 in duplicate, which may cause the player to feel uncomfortable and reduce their interest in the game.

In this embodiment, when a so-called danger pattern occurs, where there is a high expectation of a jackpot game state, the speaker 17 emits a "Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!" sound effect, but the length of time this sound effect is played may be different between the information preview effect and the chime preview effect. In other words, the common sound effect does not have to be the same, as long as it is of the same type.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the words "Feels good!" in the information preview are displayed in red, for example, to increase the likelihood of a jackpot game state, a "ping" sound effect SE2 is emitted from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1. However, even if different words (for example, "It's hot!") are displayed in red to increase the likelihood of a jackpot, the same "ping" sound effect SE2 may be emitted from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1. In this way, even if the words are different, as long as they are the same color, the same "ping" sound effect SE2 will be emitted, allowing the player to recognize that the same color (for example, red) increases the likelihood of a jackpot.

Furthermore, the preview effects in this embodiment are merely examples and can be applied to any preview effects.

<Explanation of sound classification in production>
Next, the classification of sounds in effects will be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 9. Background music (BGM), sound effects, and dialogue sounds are known as classifications of sounds in effects. These may be played simultaneously in a series of effects, but if they are all set to the same volume, the BGM, sound effects, and dialogue sounds may not be recognized by the player, which may reduce the enjoyment of the game.

In this embodiment, therefore, in cases where the maximum volumes of background music, sound effects, and dialogue occur simultaneously, the volume settings for these sound data are set so that the relationship dialogue > sound effects > background music is established, so that the maximum volumes of the background music, sound effects, and dialogue do not overlap. Note that the volume setting for sound data here does not refer to the volume that can be set by the player using the setting button 15, or the volume that can be set by the gaming parlor (hall) using a setting device (not shown) such as a dial on the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1, but rather the volume that is set by the sound LSI 801 during playback. This point will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

Figure 6 shows the preview effect. First, as shown in Figure 6(a), the LCD display device 41 displays a stopped decorative symbol (see image P20, "767" in the figure), followed by a stopped resident symbol (see image P21, "767" in the figure). At this time, the sound LSI 801 plays the background music shown in Figure 7 at a volume one level lower than the maximum volume (see timing T1). As a result, the background music is emitted from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1 at a volume one level lower than the maximum volume. Note that the maximum volume shown here is the volume set by the sound LSI 801 or the sound function in the VDP 803 when the volume that can be set by the player using the setting button 15 or by the gaming parlor (hall) using a setting means (not shown) such as a dial on the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is at its maximum.

Next, the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in Figure 6(b) displays decorative symbols that change at high speed (see image P20), and also displays resident symbols that change at high speed (see image P21). At this time, the sound LSI 801 plays the background music shown in Figure 7 at a constant volume.

Next, when a preview effect that increases the expectation of a jackpot game state is executed and sound effects are generated, the sub-control CPU 800a sends a control signal to the sound LSI 801 to lower the volume of the background music. In response to this, the sound LSI 801 plays the background music at the minimum volume at timing T2, as shown in FIG. 7. This causes the background music to be emitted from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1 at the minimum volume. Note that this minimum volume is a volume that the player can still perceive, even if the player further lowers it using the setting button 15 to the lowest volume value to which the player can lower it. Furthermore, the volume that the player can lower using the setting button 15 is not limited to background music; it can also be used to lower the volume of sound effects and dialogue. Note that, although the volume is instantaneously switched to the minimum in the illustration, it is of course also possible to gradually lower the volume to the minimum.

Next, a preview effect is executed to increase the expectation of a jackpot game state. That is, as shown in FIG. 6(c), the screen on the liquid crystal display device 41 goes dark, and the word "CHANCE" (see image P22) appears in the center of the screen. When the word "CHANCE" (see image P22) appears, the sound LSI 801 plays the sound effect shown in FIG. 7 at a volume one level lower than the maximum volume (see timing T3). As a result, the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1 emits the "bang" sound effect SE10 shown in FIG. 6(c) at a volume one level lower than the maximum volume. At this time, the speaker 17 is emitting background music at the lowest volume, but because the volume of sound effect SE10 is louder than the volume of the background music, the player can easily hear sound effect SE10. The volume of sound effect SE10 gradually decreases, as shown in FIG. 7.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6(d), the screen on the liquid crystal display device 41 goes dark, and the word "CHANCE" (see image P22) continues to be displayed in the center of the screen. At timing T4 shown in FIG. 7, when the playback of sound effect SE10 is almost complete, the sound LSI 801 plays the dialogue sound shown in FIG. 7 at maximum volume, causing the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1 to emit the dialogue sound VC1 "Chance" shown in FIG. 6(d) at maximum volume. At this time, the speaker 17 emits the background music and sound effect SE10 at the lowest volume, but because the volume of the dialogue sound VC1 is louder than the volume of the background music and sound effect SE10, the player can easily hear the dialogue sound VC1. The volume of this dialogue sound VC1 gradually decreases, as shown in FIG. 7.

In this way, after the word "CHANCE" (see image P22) is displayed on the LCD display device 41, a dialogue sound VC1 indicating the content of the words is emitted from the speaker 17, and by adding a time delay, it is possible to make it easier for the player to recognize the content of the presentation.

Next, when playback of the dialogue sound VC1 ends and a screen similar to that shown in Figure 6(b) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 as shown in Figure 6(e), that is, when the preview effect that increases the expectation of a jackpot game state ends, the sub-control CPU 800a sends a control signal to the sound LSI 801 to restore the volume of the background music. In response to this, the sound LSI 801 will play the background music at the original volume at timing T5 shown in Figure 7.

Therefore, in this way, in preview performances in which sound effects and dialogue are generated, controlling the volume of the background music to lower the sound effects and dialogue can make them easier to hear. However, in this case, the sound LSI 801 ensures that the sound effects and dialogue do not start playing at the same time. If they were played at the same time, the sound effects and dialogue would mix, which could reduce the effect of the performance for the player. For this reason, in this embodiment, the timing at which the sound effects and dialogue start playing are staggered to make each sound easier to hear.

Therefore, in this way, even in situations where multiple types of previews, reach effects, etc. are executed in parallel, it is possible to effectively increase the enjoyment of the game without placing a burden on the control system.

This background music is played in a loop. The background music volume is set so that it is louder during jackpot play and electric support play (probability variable play state/time-saving play state) than during normal play state (no low probability electric support). In other words, the relationship is set so that BGM (during jackpot play and electric support play) > BGM (normal play state (no low probability electric support)).

In this embodiment, the maximum initial volume of sound effect SE10 and the maximum initial volume of dialogue sound VC1 are set so that they do not overlap, and dialogue sound VC1 is played just before the playback of sound effect SE10 ends. However, this is not limiting, and dialogue sound VC1 may also be played after the playback of sound effect SE10 has ended. In other words, they may not overlap at all.

In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the volume of the background music is set to the minimum volume when an effect that increases the expectation of a jackpot game state, as shown in Figures 6(c) to (d), is executed. However, this is not limiting; the volume of the background music may be muted (i.e., "0" or approximately "0"), or the sound LSI 801 may stop playback of the background music. This point will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 8 and 9.

Figure 8 shows a preview effect that provides a high degree of confidence in a jackpot game state. First, as shown in Figure 8(a), the LCD display device 41 displays a stopped decorative symbol (see image P30, shown as "767"), followed by a stopped resident symbol (see image P31, shown as "767"). At this time, the sound LSI 801 plays BGM 1 shown in Figure 9 at a volume one level lower than maximum (see timing T10), causing BGM 1 to be emitted from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1 at a volume one level lower than maximum. Note that this BGM 1 is played in a loop.

Next, the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 8(b) displays decorative symbols fluctuating at high speed (see image P30), and further displays resident symbols fluctuating at high speed (see image P31). Furthermore, a character CH1 holding a sword is displayed on the left side of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41. At this time, the sound LSI 801 plays the dialogue sound shown in FIG. 9 at maximum volume (see timing T11), causing the dialogue sound VC10 shown in FIG. 8(b) to be emitted at maximum volume from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1. Because the dialogue sound VC10 is short, the volume of BGM1 shown in FIG. 9 is not lowered. Therefore, BGM1 is emitted from the speaker 17 at a volume one level lower than maximum volume, but because the volume of the dialogue sound VC10 is louder than the volume of BGM1, the player can easily hear the dialogue sound VC10. The volume of this dialogue sound VC10 gradually decreases, as shown in Figure 9.

Next, an effect that increases the expectation of a jackpot game state is executed. That is, as shown in FIG. 8(c), the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41 goes dark, the decorative symbols disappear or become difficult to see, and the words "DANGER DANGER DANGER" are displayed in the center of the screen, along with an explosion effect (see image P32). At this time, the sound effect shown in FIG. 9 is played by the sound LSI 801 at a volume one level lower than maximum (see timing T12). As a result, the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1 emits a "Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!" sound effect (not shown) at a volume one level lower than maximum. At this time, to highlight the so-called danger-pattern sound effect, which indicates a high expectation of a jackpot game state, the sub-control CPU 800a mutes BGM1 (i.e., "0" or approximately "0") or sends a control signal to the sound LSI 801 to stop the playback of BGM1. In response to this, the sound LSI 801 mutes BGM1 (i.e., sets it to "0" or approximately "0") or stops the playback of BGM1. Note that the volume of this sound effect gradually decreases, as shown in Figure 9.

Next, at timing T13 shown in Figure 9, when the playback of the sound effect is almost complete, the screen shown on the liquid crystal display device 41 changes from dark to bright, as shown in Figure 8(d), and character CH2 is displayed on the left side of the screen. At this time, the sound LSI 801 plays the dialogue sound shown in Figure 9 at maximum volume (see timing T13), causing the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1 to emit the dialogue sound VC11, "It's so hot!", as shown in Figure 8(d), at maximum volume. At this time, the speaker 17 emits the sound effect at a gradually decreasing volume, but because the volume of the dialogue sound VC11 is louder than the volume of the sound effect, the player can easily hear the dialogue sound VC11. Note that the volume of this dialogue sound VC11 gradually decreases, as shown in Figure 9.

Next, at timing T14 shown in Figure 9, playback of the dialogue sound VC11 ends, and as shown in Figure 8(e), the decorative symbol for the reach state is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 (see image P30), and the word "REACH" (see image P33) is displayed superimposed on the decorative symbol for the reach state. At this time, the sub-control CPU 800a sends a control signal to the sound LSI 801 to play BGM2, which is different from BGM1. In response, the sound LSI 801 plays BGM2, which is different from BGM1, at a volume one level lower than the maximum volume (see timing T14). As a result, BGM2 is emitted from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1 at a volume one level lower than the maximum volume. If the sound LSI 801 continues to play BGM1 at muted volume (i.e., "0" or approximately "0"), at timing T14 shown in Figure 9, the sub-control CPU 800a sends a control signal to the sound LSI 801 to stop the playback of BGM1. In response to this, the sound LSI 801 stops the playback of BGM1. Note that BGM2 is not played in a loop.

Therefore, in this way, during preview performances in which sound effects and dialogue are generated, the sound effects and dialogue can be made easier to hear by muting or stopping the volume of BGM1. However, in this case, the sound LSI 801 ensures that the sound effects and dialogue do not start playing at the same time. If they were played at the same time, the sound effects and dialogue would mix, which could reduce the effect of the performance for the player. For this reason, in this embodiment, the timing at which the sound effects and dialogue start playing are staggered to make each sound easier to hear.

Therefore, even in situations where multiple types of previews, reach effects, etc. are executed in parallel, this can effectively increase the excitement of the game without placing a burden on the control system.

In this embodiment, the maximum initial volume of the sound effect and the maximum initial volume of the dialogue sound VC11 are set so that they do not overlap, and the dialogue sound VC11 is played just before the playback of the sound effect ends. However, this is not limiting, and the dialogue sound VC11 may be played after the playback of the sound effect ends. In other words, they may not overlap at all.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the effect of uttering the line sound VC10 "Yaa!" shown in Figure 8(b) is executed, the volume of BGM1 is not lowered, but it may be lowered as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

In addition, in this embodiment, the volume of BGM1 is muted or stopped, but as shown in Figure 7, the volume of BGM1 may also be set to the minimum volume.

<Explanation of an example where only sound is played in the performance>
In the above example, when the volume of the background music is lowered due to the occurrence of a preview effect, the volume is lowered by controlling the volume in response to the occurrence of the preview effect. This is because, if the occurrence of a preview effect is determined by lottery, the volume of the background music is lowered, but if the lottery is not won and the preview effect does not occur, the volume of the background music continues to be played at the same volume without being lowered. For this reason, the volume is lowered by controlling the occurrence of the preview effect.

However, for example, in reach effects, it is certain that a preview effect will always occur in which sound effects or dialogue indicating that it is an SP reach will be played. Therefore, rather than lowering the volume by control until such a preview effect occurs, it is also possible to have the sound LSI 801 play background music data with the volume set to a lowered level in advance to coincide with the timing of such a preview effect, in order to avoid placing a burden on the control system. This point will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 10 and 11.

Figure 10 shows the progression from a normal reach effect to an SP reach effect. First, as shown in Figure 10(a), the reach state decorative symbol is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 (see image P40), the word "REACH" (see image P41) is displayed superimposed on the reach state decorative symbol, and a rapidly changing resident symbol is displayed (see image P42). At this time, the sub-control CPU 800a sends a control signal to the sound LSI 801 to play BGM2. In response, the sound LSI 801 plays BGM2 at a volume one level lower than the maximum volume, as shown in Figure 11 (see timing T20). As a result, BGM2 is emitted from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1 at a volume one level lower than the maximum volume.

Next, the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in Figure 10(b) displays a decorative pattern in which the left decorative pattern moves to the upper left corner of the screen, the right decorative pattern moves to the upper right corner of the screen, and the center decorative pattern is rapidly changing (see image P40), and further displays a resident pattern that is rapidly changing (see image P42). At this time, the sound LSI 801 plays BGM2 shown in Figure 11 at a constant volume.

Next, when playback of BGM2 ends, a preview effect is executed on the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in Figure 10(c), where the words "SP Reach" (see image P43) are displayed in the center of the screen instead of the rapidly changing central decorative symbols. At this time, the sub-control CPU 800a sends a control signal to the sound LSI 801 to play BGM3 and the dialogue sounds. In response, the sound LSI 801 plays BGM3 and the dialogue sounds at timing T21 shown in Figure 11. At this time, the volume of the beginning of BGM3 is muted in advance (i.e., "0" or approximately "0"), so although BGM3 is being played, it is not emitted from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1. Note that this BGM3 is not played in a loop.

Meanwhile, the sound LSI 801 plays the dialogue sound shown in Figure 11 at maximum volume (see timing T21), causing the dialogue sound VC20 "SP Reach!" shown in Figure 10(c) to be emitted at maximum volume from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1. At this time, since only the dialogue sound VC20 is emitted from the speaker 17, the player can easily hear the dialogue sound VC10. Note that the volume of this dialogue sound VC20 gradually decreases, as shown in Figure 11.

Next, the text color changes according to the reliability of the jackpot gaming state, and a sound effect according to the reliability of the jackpot gaming state is played. That is, on the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 10(d), the color of the "SP Reach" text displayed in the center of the screen changes to, for example, red (see image P43). At this time, the sub-control CPU 800a sends a control signal to the sound LSI 801 to play the sound effect. In response, the sound LSI 801 plays the sound effect at timing T22 shown in FIG. 11. As a result, the sound is played at a volume one level lower than the maximum volume (see timing T22), and the "Da-da-da-n!" sound effect SE20 shown in FIG. 10(d) is emitted from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1 at a volume one level lower than the maximum volume. At this time, if BGM3, which has been set to a volume that starts from mute (i.e., "0" or approximately "0") and goes to the lowest volume, is being played by the sound LSI 801, the volume automatically switches from mute (i.e., "0" or approximately "0") to the lowest volume at timing T22 shown in FIG. 11 . In other words, the sound LSI 801 is only playing BGM3, not controlling the volume. Therefore, although sound effect SE20 is emitted from speaker 17 at a volume one level lower than the maximum volume and BGM3 is being emitted at the lowest volume, the player can easily hear sound effect SE20 because the volume of sound effect SE20 is louder than BGM3. Note that the volume of sound effect SE20 gradually decreases, as shown in FIG. 11 .

By the way, if the "SP Reach" text displayed in the center of the screen is black, a sound effect of "Dang!" will be played, and if it is a danger pattern, a sound effect of "Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!" will be played. Therefore, the preview effect based on the title text color as shown in Figure 10(d) is not a matter of whether it will be performed or not, but rather a lottery as to which color it will be performed in. Therefore, no matter which color is selected, the sound effect will always be played.

Next, at timing T23 shown in Figure 11, the volume of BGM3 switches from the minimum volume to one level lower than the maximum volume after a predetermined period of time, starting the SP Reach effect. That is, instead of the words "SP Reach" (see image P43), the LCD display device 41 shown in Figure 10(e) displays character CH10 holding a sword in the center of the screen. At this time, the sub-control CPU 800a sends a control signal to the sound LSI 801 to play a dialogue sound. In response, the sound LSI 801 plays the dialogue sound shown in Figure 11 at maximum volume (see timing T24). As a result, the dialogue sound VC21 "Let's go!" shown in Figure 10(e) is emitted at maximum volume from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1. At this time, BGM3 is emitted from the speaker 17 at a volume one level lower than the maximum volume, but because the volume of the dialogue sound VC21 is louder than the volume of BGM3, the player can easily hear the dialogue sound VC21. Note that the volume of this dialogue sound VC21 gradually decreases, as shown in Figure 11.

Therefore, by preparing background music with the volume turned down in advance, you can effectively increase the enjoyment of the game without placing a burden on the control system.

In this embodiment, an example is shown in which BGM3 is set to go from muted to minimum volume from timing T21 to timing T23 shown in FIG. 23, but this is not limiting. The volume may remain muted from timing T21 to timing T23, or may remain at minimum volume from timing T21 to timing T23.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been shown in which, in "SP Reach," dialogue sound VC20 is played followed by sound effect SE20, but this is not limiting, and dialogue sound VC20 may also be played after sound effect SE20 is played.

<Explanation of the lamp effects>
Next, the lamp effect will be described.

<Explanation of lamp pattern types>
First, we will explain the case of flashing a lamp pattern. The decorative lamps, such as full-color LED lamps, mounted on the decorative lamp substrate 90 described above can flash in a lamp pattern to create a lamp effect. Specifically, the flashing can be achieved using the methods shown in FIGS. 12(a-1) and 12(b-1). That is, as shown in FIG. 12(a-1), the decorative lamp LA, such as a full-color LED lamp mounted on the decorative lamp substrate 90, is turned on (e.g., white), and then, after a predetermined period, is turned off (e.g., white), as shown in FIG. 12(b-1). Then, after a predetermined period, the decorative lamp LA shown in FIG. 12(a-1) is turned on (e.g., white), and this cycle is repeated alternately to flash the decorative lamp LA. The periods during which the decorative lamp LA is turned on and off do not have to be the same; different periods may be set and repeated periodically. Furthermore, in order to make the player aware that the light is blinking, the cycle is set to be no shorter than one frame (=33 ms), which is the drawing update cycle for drawing one screenful of image on the liquid crystal display device 41. This allows for the decorative lamp LA and the liquid crystal display to produce effects without giving the player a sense of incongruity, by synchronizing the cycle for drawing one screenful of image with the update cycle of the decorative lamp LA, or by synchronizing the blinking cycle with an integral multiple of the cycle for drawing one screenful of image.

On the other hand, the methods shown in Figures 12(a-2) to 12(d-2) can also be used. That is, as shown in Figure 12(a-2), a decorative lamp LA, such as a full-color LED lamp mounted on a decorative lamp board 90, is turned on (e.g., white), and then, after a predetermined period, is turned off, as shown in Figure 12(b-2). Next, as shown in Figure 12(c-2), the decorative lamp LA is turned on in a color different from the color shown in Figure 12(a-2) (e.g., yellow), and after a predetermined period, is turned off, as shown in Figure 12(d-2). Next, after a predetermined period, the decorative lamp LA shown in Figure 12(a-2) is turned on (e.g., white), and this cycle is repeated, causing it to flash. Therefore, when an effect is performed in which the decorative lamp LA is turned on alternately in white and yellow as an effect for the player, it is flashed via the off state, as described above. This is because when the lamp changes from white to yellow, it goes off first, so that the player does not get an afterimage of the white decorative lamp LA, and the lamp effect when switching between different colors appears natural. The cycle is set to no shorter than one frame (= 33 ms) so that the player can recognize that it is flashing.

As shown in Figures 12(a-2) to 12(d-2), when flashing the decorative lamp LA using different colors, it is preferable not to use blue and red. This is because there is a risk of players suffering from photosensitive seizures or other similar accidents.

Next, we will explain lamp patterns that gradually change the brightness and color of decorative lamps. Decorative lamps, such as full-color LED lamps mounted on the decorative lamp board 90 described above, can gradually change their brightness and color as lamp patterns that create a lamp effect. Specifically, the decorative lamps can control their light emission based on brightness data for setting the brightness and RGB data for setting the color. Therefore, the methods shown in Figures 13(a-1) to 13(f-1) can be used to adjust the brightness. That is, as shown in Figure 13(a-1), the decorative lamp LA lights up at 100% brightness, for example, in white. Then, based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to 75% brightness after a predetermined period, changing from white to light gray, as shown in Figure 13(b-1). Next, based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to 50% brightness after a predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. 13(c-1), and illuminates in a color that changes from light gray to dark gray. Next, based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to 25% brightness after a predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. 13(d-1), and illuminates in a color that changes from dark gray to darker gray. Next, based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to 50% brightness after a predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. 13(e-1), and illuminates in a color that changes from darker gray to dark gray. Next, based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to 75% brightness after a predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. 13(f-1), and illuminates in a color that changes from dark gray to light gray. Next, based on the brightness data sent from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to 100% brightness after a predetermined period of time, and turns on in white, as shown in Figure 13 (a-1).

In this way, the decorative lamp LA remains lit without being turned off, and the brightness adjustment cycle shown in Figures 13(a-1) to (f-1) is repeated to gradually change the brightness of the decorative lamp. The reason for not turning it off is to prevent the player's interest in the game from decreasing. In other words, if brightness gradation is used to gradually change the brightness, turning it off may give the player the impression that the brightness change has ended, which may cause the player to feel uncomfortable and decrease the player's interest in the game. The cycle is set to be no shorter than one frame (= 33 ms) so that the player is aware that the brightness of the decorative lamp is changing.

On the other hand, when adjusting the color, the method shown in Figure 13 (a-2) can be used. That is, based on the RGB data for setting the color sent from the sub-control CPU 800a, as shown in Figure 13 (a-2), the decorative lamps LA, such as full-color LED lamps mounted on the decorative lamp board 90, change color from yellow ⇒ green ⇒ blue ⇒ red (so-called rainbow colors) from the bottom to the top of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Even when using such color gradations, turning the lamp off can give the player the feeling that the color change has ended, which can cause the player to feel uncomfortable and reduce the player's interest in the game. To prevent this from happening, the lamps are not turned off, but rather the color is changed gradually while remaining lit.

Next, we will explain the lamp pattern that causes the decorative lamp to flash in gradations (strobe flash). The decorative lamps, such as the full-color LED lamps mounted on the decorative lamp board 90 described above, can be made to flash in gradations (strobe flash) as a lamp pattern that creates a lamp effect. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14(a), the decorative lamp LA lights up at 100% brightness, for example, in white. Then, based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to 75% brightness after a predetermined period, as shown in FIG. 14(b), changing from white to light gray. Then, based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to 50% brightness after a predetermined period, as shown in FIG. 14(c), changing from light gray to dark gray. Next, based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to 25% brightness after a predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. 14(d), and changes from dark gray to an even darker gray. Next, based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to 0% brightness after a predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. 14(e), and turns off. Next, based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, the decorative lamp LA is adjusted to 100% brightness after a predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. 14(a), and turns on in white. Therefore, by turning off the lamp in this manner, a lamp pattern that flashes in gradations (strobe flashes) can be executed when it is desired to intentionally give the player the strange feeling caused by the above-described light-off, thereby making a stronger impression than other effects. For this reason, the frequency of occurrence is set lower than that of brightness gradations and color gradations.

In this way, by gradually changing the brightness of the decorative lamp LA to 0% and then suddenly changing it to 100%, a strobe-like lamp pattern can be realized. Note that the cycles shown in Figures 14(a) to (e) are set to no shorter than one frame (= 33 ms) so that the player is aware that the brightness of the decorative lamp is changing.

As a result, simply by turning the decorative lamps LA on and off and adjusting their brightness and color, a variety of lamp patterns can be realized, effectively increasing the enjoyment of the game without placing a burden on the control system in situations where multiple types of previews, reach effects, etc. are being executed in parallel.

<Explanation of "static" and "dynamic" ramp patterns>
By the way, the lamp patterns described above can be used to create "static" lamp patterns and "dynamic" lamp patterns. That is, the "static" lamp pattern is used when creating a lamp effect with no (small) movement, and for example, as shown in Fig. 15(a), the decorative lamp is turned on and off from 0 frame (0f) to 150 frame (150f), and then turned off from 150 frame (150f) to 300 frame (300f).

Also, as shown in Figure 15(b), slow gradation can be achieved by adjusting the brightness of the decorative lamp. That is, the decorative lamp is illuminated, for example, in white at 100% brightness from frame 0 (0f) to frame 15 (15f), and then illuminated from white to light gray at 75% brightness from frame 15 (15f) to frame 30 (30f). Next, the decorative lamp is illuminated from light gray to medium-dark gray at 65% brightness from frame 30 (30f) to frame 45 (45f). Next, the decorative lamp is illuminated from medium-dark gray to dark gray at 50% brightness from frame 45 (45f) to frame 60 (60f). Next, the decorative lamp is illuminated from dark gray to darker gray at 25% brightness from frame 60 (60f) to frame 75 (75f). Next, the decorative lamps are illuminated from darker gray to dark gray at 50% brightness from 75 frames (75f) to 90 frames (90f). Next, the decorative lamps are illuminated from dark gray to medium-dark gray at 65% brightness from 90 frames (90f) to 105 frames (105f). Next, the decorative lamps are illuminated from medium-dark gray to light gray at 75% brightness from 105 frames (105f) to 120 frames (120f). Next, the decorative lamps are illuminated from light gray to white at 100% brightness from 120 frames (120f) to 135 frames (135f). This process is repeated up to 300 frames (300f).

Thus, by doing this, slow gradation can be achieved using the brightness adjustment of the decorative lamp.

On the other hand, the "dynamic" lamp pattern is used to create dynamic (intense) lamp effects. For example, as shown in Figure 15(c), decorative lamps can be turned on and off at high speed to cause them to flash. In other words, as shown in Figure 15(c), the decorative lamps are turned on from frame 0 (0f) to frame 1 (1f), and then turned off from frame 1 (1f) to frame 2 (2f), and this is repeated alternately.

Also, as shown in Figure 15(d), gradational flashing (strobe flashing) can be achieved by adjusting the brightness of the decorative lamp. That is, the decorative lamp is illuminated, for example, in white at 100% brightness from frame 0 (0f) to frame 1 (1f), and then illuminated from white to light gray at 75% brightness from frame 1 (1f) to frame 2 (2f). Next, the decorative lamp is illuminated from light gray to dark gray at 50% brightness from frame 2 (2f) to frame 3 (3f). Next, the decorative lamp is illuminated from dark gray to darker gray at 25% brightness from frame 3 (3f) to frame 4 (4f). Next, the decorative lamp is turned off from dark gray to black at 0% brightness from frame 4 (4f) to frame 5 (5f). The decorative lamp is then returned to 100% brightness and illuminated in white, performing a gradational flash (strobe flash), and this process is repeated.

Therefore, by combining such "static" lamp patterns with "dynamic" lamp patterns, it is possible to create a more dynamic lamp effect. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the decorative lamps are turned on at a slow gradation rate (see Figure 15(b)) from 0 frame (0f) to 60 frames (60f) (e.g., while the decorative symbols are changing). Next, the decorative lamps are turned on at a high speed (see Figure 15(c)) from 60 frames (60f) to 90 frames (90f) (e.g., when the Tenpai Aori begins). Next, the decorative lamps are turned off from 90 frames (90f) to 120 frames (120f). Next, the decorative lamp is turned on at a slow gradation rate (see FIG. 15B) from 120 frames (120f) to 150 frames (150f) (e.g., during the "Tenpai" stage), and then turned on at a high speed (see FIG. 15C) from 150 frames (150f) to 210 frames (210f) (e.g., during the "Tenpai" stage). Next, the decorative lamp is turned off at a high speed (see FIG. 15C) from 210 frames (210f) to 270 frames (270f) (e.g., during the "Tenpai" stage). Next, the decorative lamp is turned off at a high speed (see FIG. 15C) from 270 frames (270f) to 300 frames (300f) (e.g., during the "Tenpai" stage). Next, the decorative lamp is turned off at a high speed (see FIG. 15C) from 300 frames (300f) to 330 frames (330f). Next, the decorative lamp is illuminated at a slow gradation (see Figure 15(b)) from frame 330 (330f) to frame 390 (390f) (e.g., while waiting for the decorative pattern).

Thus, when combining a "still" lamp pattern with a "moving" lamp pattern, by inserting a "lights out" at the point where the effect changes, it is possible to create a well-balanced lamp effect.

<Explanation about the placement of decorative lamps>
The decorative lamps described above can be arranged as shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a pachinko gaming machine 1. As shown in the schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in Fig. 17(a), a first decorative lamp LA1 made up of a plurality of decorative lamps is arranged at an angle at the upper right of the peripheral frame of the front frame 3, a second decorative lamp LA2 made up of a plurality of decorative lamps is arranged at an angle at the lower right of the figure, a third decorative lamp LA3 made up of a plurality of decorative lamps is arranged at an angle at the upper left of the figure, and a fourth decorative lamp LA4 made up of a plurality of decorative lamps is arranged at an angle at the lower left of the figure. As shown in Figure 17 (a), a fifth decorative lamp LA5 consisting of multiple decorative lamps is arranged in a straight line above the liquid crystal display device 41 of the game board 4, a sixth decorative lamp LA6 consisting of multiple decorative lamps is arranged in a straight line on the right side of the liquid crystal display device 41 of the game board 4, and a seventh decorative lamp LA7 consisting of multiple decorative lamps is arranged in a straight line on the left side of the liquid crystal display device 41 of the game board 4.

Thus, of the decorative lamps arranged in this manner, as shown in the schematic right-side vertical cross-sectional view of Figure 17(b), the first decorative lamp LA1 and the third decorative lamp LA3 are arranged at a downward incline from the front side (the side visible to the player) of the front frame 3 to the rear side (the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1), and the second decorative lamp LA2 and the fourth decorative lamp LA4 are arranged at an upward incline from the front side (the side visible to the player) of the front frame 3 to the rear side (the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1). Therefore, when lighting the first decorative lamp LA1 to the fourth decorative lamp LA4, if they are lit from the front side of the front frame 3 (the side visible to the player) to the rear side (the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1), or from the rear side of the front frame 3 (the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1) to the front side (the side visible to the player), a three-dimensional effect can be created, producing a flowing lighting pattern, thereby creating a sense of dynamism in the lamp effects.

As shown in FIG. 17(b), the sixth decorative lamps LA6 are composed of a front sixth decorative lamp LA6a and a rear sixth decorative lamp LA6b. As shown in FIG. 17(b), the front sixth decorative lamp LA6a is positioned on the front side of the gaming board 4 (the side visible to the player), while the rear sixth decorative lamp LA6b is positioned on the rear side of the gaming board 4 (the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1), offset from the front sixth decorative lamp LA6a, so as to be located behind the front sixth decorative lamp LA6a. This results in the sixth decorative lamps LA6 being arranged in multiple layers, creating a three-dimensional effect and a sense of dynamism in the lamp effects.

<Explanation about the illumination panel>
Next, the illumination panel will be described. As shown in FIG. 18 , the illumination panel IP is disposed on the front side (the side viewed by the player) of the liquid crystal display device 41 and is composed of a transparent light guide plate IPa and an illumination section IPb, in which multiple full-color LEDs are arranged along the edge side (the upper end side in the figure) of the light guide plate IPa. The surface of the light guide plate IPa is formed with numerous minute recesses (not shown) that reflect light irradiated by the illumination section IPb forward. Therefore, the high-density collection of these minute recesses allows a predetermined display mode to be displayed on the light guide plate IPa. For example, in FIG. 18 , a display mode simulating a movable gambling device 43 is displayed. When the movable gambling device 43 moves to the front of the liquid crystal display device 41, the illumination panel IP is illuminated with light, thereby enhancing the visual effect of the movable gambling device 43. The color of the multiple full-color LEDs is set based on RGB data, and the brightness can be set based on brightness data.

To effectively create such an illuminated panel, when the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination unit IPb are illuminated in white based on the RGB data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a, they are illuminated at a brightness of less than 100% based on the brightness data transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a. If they were illuminated at 100% brightness, the specified display pattern displayed on the light guide plate IPa would be extremely dazzling, which could potentially be unpleasant for the player. As will be described later, to effectively create an illuminated panel, it is necessary to arrange many full-color LEDs within a specified range. Therefore, when illuminating in white, illuminating all three RGB LEDs within the full-color LEDs will further increase the brightness. Therefore, when illuminating in white, it is preferable to illuminate the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination unit IPb at a brightness of less than 100%. However, unlike the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination unit IPb, the decorative lamp described above does not display anything, so even when emitting white light, it may be emitted at 100% brightness, or of course at a brightness below 100%.

As such, even if decorative lamps with different uses and multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination unit IPb are illuminated in the same white color, optimal expression can be achieved simply by changing the brightness. Therefore, in situations where multiple types of previews, reach effects, etc. are being executed in parallel, the excitement of the game can be effectively increased without placing a burden on the control system.

The brightness of both the decorative lamp and the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination unit IPb can be adjusted by the player using the setting button 15. However, even if the brightness adjustment value adjusted by the player using the setting button 15 is at its maximum value, the brightness of the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination unit IPb is configured to be less than 100%, even if the multiple full-color LEDs are illuminated in the same white color.

On the other hand, when the power is turned on to the pachinko gaming machine 1, there is no player present, so if the RGB data for the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination unit IPb is set to white and they are lit in white to check their operation, the brightness of the full-color LEDs can be set to 100% to emit light.

On the other hand, to effectively create an illumination panel, it is preferable to set the spacing between the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination unit IPb to, for example, 10 mm or less, which is smaller than the spacing between decorative lamps. It is also preferable to increase the current value of the full-color LEDs to the allowable limit. Furthermore, it is preferable to position the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination unit IPb at a right angle (90 degrees) to the light guide plate IPa.

In addition, it is preferable to reduce the brightness of the LCD screen of the LCD display device 41 to 50% to 100% in order to effectively display the illuminated panel. However, even without reducing the brightness of the LCD screen, a black semi-transparent image may be displayed in front of the LCD screen to darken the screen. Alternatively, the background image may be a black image, and only necessary images, such as permanent images, may be displayed.

<Explanation of specific lamp effects>
Next, a specific lamp effect will be described. For example, when a jackpot game is won and before the jackpot game state begins, as shown in FIG. 19( a), a guidance effect is executed to guide the player to use the launch handle 16 to hit the game ball to the right side of the game area 40 of the game board 4. For example, a display of "Hit to the right" is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. At this time, the opening and closing door 46a of the prize winning device 46 is opened, allowing the game ball to enter the big prize opening (not shown). However, some players may not know where on the right side of the game board 4 they should aim the game ball so that it will flow down.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a lamp effect pattern is implemented to clarify the target. That is, as shown in FIG. 19(a), multiple decorative lamps LA arranged on the winning device 46 are rapidly flashed (see FIG. 15(c)), and multiple decorative lamps LA arranged on the top ornament 42a, right ornament 42c, etc. are sequentially lit from left to right in the direction of arrow Y1, creating the appearance of light flowing toward the winning device 46. At this time, some of the other decorative lamps arranged on the gaming board 4 are turned off. FIG. 19(a) illustrates a state in which multiple decorative lamps LA arranged on the left ornament 42b side, the special symbol 1 starting hole 44 side, or the general winning hole 49 side are turned off. Therefore, by implementing such a lamp effect pattern, the player can recognize where to aim the gaming ball. Note that this type of lamp effect pattern is the "dynamic" lamp pattern described above, and is executed when a guide effect occurs so that players are not disadvantaged by a dynamic lamp pattern, and is not executed in other effects. This is because, in order to emphasize the switch in playing method from left-handed to right-handed, if it were executed in other effects, the degree of emphasis may be diminished.

Meanwhile, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the state shown in FIG. 19(a) and the jackpot game state begins, a round effect is executed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 19(b), the LCD display 41 displays "Right Hit ⇒" and then "ROUND 1." At this time, a lamp effect pattern is executed. Unlike FIG. 19(a), as shown in FIG. 19(b), multiple decorative lamps LA arranged on the winning device 46 are made to flash slowly (by lengthening the flashing cycle). Alternatively, they are made to light up in rainbow colors. Then, as shown in FIG. 19(b), multiple decorative lamps LA arranged on the top ornament 42a, left ornament 42b, right ornament 42c, special symbol 1 start slot 44, or general winning slot 49 are made to light up in rainbow colors. Therefore, by executing such a lamp effect pattern, the player can recognize that the jackpot game state has begun. This lamp effect pattern is the "still" lamp pattern described above, and is used to inform players who have already realized that they will be aiming for the jackpot slot with a right hit that a jackpot game will be executed without any change from the right hit state. Furthermore, this type of lamp effect pattern can be used in other effects besides round effects, such as jackpot fluctuations.

Therefore, simply by changing the lighting state of the multiple decorative lamps LA arranged on the winning device 46 in accordance with the differences in the presentation, the player can be made aware of the differences in the presentation. This effectively increases the enjoyment of the game without imposing a burden on the control system in situations where multiple types of presentations such as previews and reaches are being executed in parallel.

While this embodiment shows an example of the lighting of the multiple decorative lamps LA arranged on the winning device 46, it is not limited to this. After a jackpot game, when a player aims the game ball at the electric chute (a normal electric device), i.e., the special symbol 2 starting device 45, using the launch handle 16, the multiple decorative lamps arranged on the special symbol 2 starting device 45 may be made to flash rapidly (see FIG. 15(c)), as in FIG. 19(a) , and the multiple decorative lamps LA arranged on the top decoration 42a, right decoration 42c, etc. may be made to light up sequentially from left to right in the direction of arrow Y1, creating the appearance of light flowing toward the special symbol 2 starting device 45. However, as long as the guidance to the winning device 46 or the special symbol 2 starting device 45 is clear, decorative lamps other than those on the winning device 46 or the special symbol 2 starting device 45 may be turned off.

Furthermore, it is preferable not to use the high-speed flashing lamp lighting pattern of the multiple decorative lamps LA arranged on the winning device 46 shown in this embodiment when flashing decorative lamps other than the winning device 46, except when the opening/closing door 46a of the winning device 46 is opened. In other words, if such a high-speed flashing lamp lighting pattern is executed when the opening/closing door 46a of the winning device 46 is not opened, a player who sees it may mistakenly believe that the opening/closing door 46a of the winning device 46 is about to open, which could lead to trouble with the gaming facility (hall). Therefore, when flashing decorative lamps other than the multiple decorative lamps LA arranged on the winning device 46, it is preferable to make the cycle for switching on and off longer than the cycle of the high-speed flashing lamp lighting pattern.

<Explanation of sound playback limit>
Next, the above-described restriction on the number of sounds to be reproduced will be described.

As explained above, sound is played by the sound LSI 801, but the number of sounds that can be played simultaneously is limited to, for example, 32 channels. That is, as shown in Figure 20, the sound LSI 801 is assigned, for example, 32 channels as sound channels for playback, and these 32 channels are pre-set for each application. Specifically, as shown in Figure 20, sound channels "00" to "01" are set to BGM that is played during preview and other effects. 20, sound channels "02" to "13" are set to sounds (including sound effects and dialogue) belonging to the first effect category, such as step-up announcements and conversation announcements, sound channels "14" to "21" are set to sounds (including sound effects and dialogue) belonging to the second effect category, which has a higher priority than the first effect category, such as step-up final full screen and role announcements, and sound channels "22" to "23" are set to sounds (including sound effects and dialogue) belonging to the third effect category, which has a higher priority than the first and second effect categories, such as sudden full-screen cut-ins and jackpot gimmick activation effects. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 20, sound channels "24" to "26" are set to sounds for sequencers, such as parallel speaker output and virtual surround sound output. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, sound channel "27" is set to sounds associated with the first external input, such as the sound of a special button appearing or a suggestion sound, while sound channel "28" is set to sounds associated with the second external input, such as the sound of a pending win. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, sound channel "29" is set to sounds that are generated when an error occurs, sound channel "30" is set to sounds for manufacturing inspection, and sound channel "31" is set to be disabled for emergency use. These sound channels can be played in either mono or stereo.

The sound effects and dialogue sounds in the first, second, and third performance categories described above are each set to separate channels. For example, sound effects in the first performance category are set to sound channel "4," dialogue sounds in the first performance category are set to sound channel "6," sound effects in the second performance category are set to sound channel "16," dialogue sounds in the second performance category are set to sound channel "18," sound effects in the third performance category are set to sound channel "22," and dialogue sounds in the third performance category are set to sound channel "23." However, if multiple settings are required at the same time, sound effects and dialogue sounds may be set to the same sound channel.

As explained above, the sound LSI 801 is assigned, for example, 32 sound channels to play, as shown in Figure 20, and these 32 channels are set in advance for each application. The sound LSI 801 is also limited to a maximum of 32 channels for the number of sounds it can play simultaneously.

For this reason, as shown in Figure 21, if multiple performance scenarios occur at the same time, there is a possibility that the upper limit of sounds that can be played simultaneously will be exceeded. To explain this point in more detail, as shown in Figure 21, when the sub-control CPU 800a executes the A preview scenario performance from frame 1 (1F), the sound LSI 801 plays sounds related to the A preview scenario performance using 10 channels in accordance with the A preview scenario performance. Then, as shown in Figure 21, when the sub-control CPU 800a executes the B preview scenario performance from frame 10 (10F), the sound LSI 801 plays sounds related to the B preview scenario performance using 10 channels in accordance with the B preview scenario performance. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21, when the sub-control CPU 800a executes the C preview scenario performance from frame 20 (20F), the sound LSI 801 plays sounds related to the C preview scenario performance using 15 channels in accordance with the C preview scenario performance.

In this case, if the sub-control CPU 800a executes the C preview scenario presentation from frame 20 (20F), the number of sounds simultaneously played by the sound LSI 801 at the time the C preview scenario presentation is executed will be 35 channels, exceeding the upper limit.

As a result, if things continue as they are, there is a possibility that some kind of malfunction will occur in the sound LSI 801, and the sound that the player is interested in or wants to be noticed by will not be played, which could reduce the player's interest. Therefore, in this embodiment, sounds with low priority are erased. In other words, in this embodiment, the priority of sounds is set in advance.

To explain this point in more detail, the sub-control ROM 800b stores a sound table OTO_TBL in which priorities are set, as shown in FIG. 22. This sound table OTO_BTL has priorities set to 1, 2, 3, 4, etc., as shown in FIG. 22. When the gaming state is low probability (the probability of winning is a normal low probability state), the background music and the sound during the normal reach effect, or the sound during the revival effect, are set to priority 1. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 22, when the gaming state is high probability (the probability of winning is high probability state), the background music and the sound during the sudden win notice effect are set to priority 1. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 22, when the gaming state is a jackpot, the sound during the ED (ending) effect is set to priority 1.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 22, when the gaming state is low probability (the probability of winning is in a normal low probability state), the sound during the reach button preview effect or the sound during the information preview effect is set to priority 2. And as shown in Figure 22, when the gaming state is high probability (the probability of winning is in a high probability state), the sound during the result effect is set to priority 2. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 22, when the gaming state is a jackpot, the sound during the opening effect is set to priority 2.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 22, when the gaming state is low probability (the probability of winning is a normal low probability state), the sound on the demo screen is set to priority 3. And as shown in Figure 22, when the gaming state is high probability (the probability of winning is a high probability state), the sound on the demo screen is set to priority 3. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 22, when the gaming state is a jackpot, the sound on the demo screen is set to priority 3.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 22, when the game state is low probability (the winning probability is the normal low probability state), the sound in the pseudo consecutive win preview performance is set to priority 4.

In this embodiment, the higher the priority value, the higher the priority.

Thus, as shown in the sound table OTO_TBL in FIG. 22, sound priorities are set for each sound. As a result, when the sub-control CPU 800a executes the A preview scenario presentation, B preview scenario presentation, and C preview scenario presentation shown in FIG. 21, it reads the priorities of the sounds generated in these preview scenario presentations from the sound table OTO_TBL shown in FIG. 22 and transmits them as control signals to the sound LSI 801. In response, if the number of sounds being played simultaneously exceeds the upper limit, or if the number has already been exceeded, the sound LSI 801 takes into account the priority of the transmitted sounds and deletes sounds with lower priorities. This allows the sound LSI 801 to play multiple sounds without exceeding the upper limit, thereby reducing the possibility of a malfunction causing a sound that the player is paying attention to or wants to draw their attention to not be played (no sound is emitted from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1), thereby reducing the player's disinterest.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, by simply erasing low-priority sounds, it is possible to effectively increase the enjoyment of the game without imposing a burden on the control system.

In this embodiment, for ease of understanding, sound priorities are set on a per-effect basis, but of course priorities can also be set for the background music, sound effects, and dialogue sounds that occur during effects, including preview effects. In this way, the sound LSI 801 will not erase all sounds related to a certain effect (some will not be erased), reducing the likelihood of the player losing interest.

Needless to say, if the number of sounds being played simultaneously exceeds the upper limit and a new preview scenario is executed, causing new sounds to be played, the sound LSI 801 will, as described above, take into account the priority of the transmitted sounds and erase sounds with lower priority.

As explained above, the sound LSI 801 is designed to erase low-priority sounds if the number of sounds being played simultaneously exceeds the upper limit, or if the number has already been exceeded. However, the A preview scenario presentation, B preview scenario presentation, and C preview scenario presentation shown in Figure 21 that are currently being executed will continue to be executed as is. This is because scenario presentations, including preview scenario presentations, involve processes other than sound, such as operating lamps and presentation button devices 13, and these processes must be executed even if no sound is produced (even if no sound is emitted from speaker 17 shown in Figure 1). Therefore, the scenario presentation itself will continue to be executed as is. Therefore, if the number of sounds being played simultaneously exceeds the upper limit, or if the number has already been exceeded, simply no sound will be produced (no sound will be emitted from speaker 17 shown in Figure 1), and since this does not impede game progress, no error message will be displayed on the LCD display device 41.

As explained above, the sound LSI 801 has a set upper limit of, for example, 32 channels for the number of sounds that can be played simultaneously. In addition, the number of sound channels that can start playing from the same frame (same timing) is set to, for example, 15 channels. Therefore, as shown in Figure 23, if the sub-control CPU 800a executes the D preview scenario presentation, E preview scenario presentation, and F preview scenario presentation from frame 1 (1F) when the special pattern variation begins, there is a possibility that the upper limit (for example, 15 channels) for the number of sound channels that can start playing from the same frame (same timing) will be exceeded. If this limit is exceeded, some kind of malfunction will occur in the sound LSI 801, and the sound that the player is paying attention to or wants to draw attention to may not be played, which may reduce the player's interest.

In this embodiment, when the sub-control CPU 800a executes the D preview scenario presentation, E preview scenario presentation, and F preview scenario presentation from the same frame as shown in FIG. 23, the preview scenario presentation itself is executed from frame 1 (1F) when the special symbol variation begins. However, the sound LSI 801 plays the normal variation background music from frame 1 (1F), plays sound effects from frame 2 (2F), and plays dialogue from frame 3 (3F). In other words, the sound playback start frame is shifted so as not to exceed the number of sound channels that can start playback from the same frame (same timing). This prevents the number of sound channels that can start playback from the same frame (same timing) from exceeding the upper limit (e.g., 15 channels). This reduces the possibility of a malfunction in the sound LSI 801 causing a sound that the player is interested in or wants to draw their attention to not be played (no sound is emitted from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1), thereby reducing the player's interest.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, by simply shifting the frame at which sound playback begins, it is possible to effectively increase the enjoyment of the game without imposing a burden on the control system.

Meanwhile, while the above explanation only describes shifting the frame at which sound playback begins, the sound LSI 801 can also, for example, mask all sounds other than those with high priority, preventing them from being played (preventing sound from being emitted from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1), depending on the priority of the sounds transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a described above. However, because the sounds are only masked, they are included in the upper limit (for example, 15 channels) on the number of sound channels that can start playing from the same frame (same timing), rather than being excluded from it. In the above explanation, an example was given in which the sound LSI 801 masks all sounds other than those with a high priority in accordance with the priority of the sounds transmitted from the sub-control CPU 800a described above, so that no sound is produced (so that no sound is produced from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1). However, if there is a sound that is already being masked, that sound is not subject to priority control because it is already masked, and the sound LSI 801 will mask all sounds other than those with a high priority in accordance with the priority of the sounds other than the sound being masked, so that no sound is produced (so that no sound is produced from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1).

This means that unnecessary sounds are masked, enhancing the player's enjoyment. Therefore, according to this embodiment, only sounds other than those with high priority are masked, effectively enhancing the enjoyment of the game without placing a burden on the control system. Furthermore, sounds that have been masked in this way will continue to be played by the sound LSI 801 as long as the number of sounds that can be played simultaneously has not reached the upper limit (for example, 32 channels), and so if the mask is removed midway, the sounds can be played without any delay.

In addition to masking, other ways to prevent sound from being emitted (to prevent sound from being emitted from speaker 17 shown in Figure 1) include turning off or muting the sound so that it does not interfere with other sounds, including the reverberation.

In the above explanation, we have shown an example in which the sound LSI 801 erases low-priority sounds when the number of simultaneously played sounds exceeds the upper limit, or when the number has already been exceeded. However, this is not limited to this; sounds can also be put into a waiting state. To explain this point in more detail, as shown in Figure 23, the sub-control CPU 800a executes the D preview scenario performance, E preview scenario performance, and F preview scenario performance from the same frame. The D preview scenario performance should end at 60 frames (60F) so that the number of simultaneously played sounds does not exceed the upper limit. However, if some malfunction occurs and the new G preview scenario performance is executed from 60 frames (60F), the number of simultaneously played sounds will exceed the upper limit. In this case, the sound LSI 801 puts multiple sounds (sound effects and dialogue) related to the G preview scenario performance on hold until the D preview scenario performance ends. Then, as shown in Figure 23, when the D preview scenario presentation ends at frame 70 (70F), the sound LSI 801 plays multiple sounds (sound effects and dialogue) related to the G preview scenario presentation from frame 70 (70F). However, in this case, the multiple sounds (sound effects and dialogue) will not be played partway through, but will be played from the beginning.

As shown in Figure 20, sound channel "29" is set to play a sound when an error occurs, and the following will explain the sound that plays when this error occurs.

These errors are errors related to gameplay, such as door open errors, ball jam errors, out-of-supply errors, and right-hand hit errors. When such an error occurs, the sound LSI 801 masks all sounds from sound channels other than sound channel "29," so that only the error sound is emitted from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1. Then, when the error is resolved, the sound LSI 801 releases the masking, and the masked sound is once again emitted from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 20, instead of pre-setting the 32 channels for each purpose, it is also possible to set the sound to be played to an available channel. In this case, if an error occurs, the sound LSI 801 opens another channel for error use. The sound LSI 801 then uses the opened channel to play an error sound, which is then emitted from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1. In this case, unlike the method described above, sounds other than the error sound are not masked, so that sounds other than the error sound are emitted from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1 along with the error sound. Note that the sound that was set to the opened channel will either remain muted, or be set again and played from the beginning.

Thus, when a game-related error occurs, there are two methods for emitting an error sound from speaker 17 shown in Figure 1, as described above, and which of these two methods to use can be determined depending on the type of error.

Here, we will specifically explain, with reference to Figure 24, an example in which sound to be played is set to an available channel rather than pre-configured for each application. As shown in Figure 24(a), if the sound LSI 801 has sound channels "2" through "12" and sound channels "11" and "12" are available, when a new sound (shown as "mono" in the figure) is requested, the sound LSI 801 sets the new sound (shown as "mono" in the figure) to available sound channel "11" as shown in Figure 24(b). Furthermore, when a new sound (shown as "stereo" in the figure) is requested, this sound is stereo, requiring two sound channels, so there are no available channels for two. Therefore, the sound LSI 801 discards the new sound (shown as "stereo" in the figure) and issues a debug command.

In this way, it is possible to set the sound to be played to an available channel without having to pre-set it for each application. Even when setting the sound to be played to an available channel without having to pre-set it for each application, the above-described case where the sound LSI 801 can play back an upper limit of, for example, 32 channels, and the number of sound channels that can start playing from the same frame (same timing) is set to 15, can still be applied.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper limit set by the sound LSI 801 has been described, but this is not limited to this and can also be applied when a limit is set in the program.

In addition, while this embodiment has been described using a preview scenario presentation as an example, it is not limited to this and can be applied to any scenario presentation.

<Explanation of how to play sound between frames>
Next, a method for generating sound between frames will be described.

As shown in Figure 25, if the timing when the left decorative pattern of the rapidly changing decorative patterns starts to decelerate is the first frame (1F), then as shown in Figure 26 (a), the liquid crystal display device 41 will display the state in which the left decorative pattern P50a, of the rapidly changing decorative patterns (see image P50), is decelerating.

Next, as shown in Figure 25, from the seventh frame (7F), the left decorative pattern P50a (see Figure 26(a)) performs a bounding motion before stopping. Specifically, as shown in Figure 26(b), the left decorative pattern P50a bounds up and down from the stop position O shown by the solid line to bound positions O1 and O2 shown by the dashed lines, and finally stops at stop position O. Note that for ease of understanding, Figure 26(b) shows the left decorative pattern P50a bouncing left and right, but it actually bounds up and down.

Next, as shown in Figure 25, in the 11th frame (11F), the left decorative pattern P50a (see Figure 26(a)) stops, and as shown in Figure 26(c), the LCD display device 41 displays the left decorative pattern P50a stopped among the decorative patterns (see image P50) that are changing at high speed.

When the decorative symbols are stopped in this way, the sound LSI 801 plays a stop sound effect. Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 25, the stop sound effect was played simultaneously with the left decorative symbol P50a (see FIG. 26(c)) stopping in the 11th frame (11F). However, because the player actually realizes that the left decorative symbol P50a (see FIG. 26(c)) has stopped later than the 11th frame (11F), the player feels that the stop sound effect is being played a little early. This creates a problem in that the player may feel that the stop sound effect does not match the image displayed on the LCD display device 41 (in this embodiment, the image of the stopped left decorative symbol P50a (see FIG. 26(c))), which could reduce the player's interest.

Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25(a), the sound effect for stopping the game begins to be played by the sound LSI 801 from the 10th frame (10F), which is before the 11th frame (11F). However, the sound effect for stopping the game begins to be played from the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1 between the 11th frame (11F) and the 12th frame (12F), for example, from the 11.5th frame (11.5F). In this way, the player feels that the image and the sound effect for stopping the game are in sync, and the same sound feels heavy and profound, thereby enhancing the player's interest. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 25(b), the sound effect for stopping the game can also be played from the 9th frame (9F), which is before the 11th frame (11F). In this case, the stop sound effect will begin to sound from speaker 17 shown in Figure 1 between 10 frames (10F) and 11 frames (11F), for example, at 10.5 frames (10.5F), as shown in Figure 25(b). Even in this way, the player will feel that the image and stop sound effect are in sync, and even though it is the same sound, it will feel heavy and profound, which will increase the player's interest.

On the other hand, when the stop sound effect starts to play before the decorative symbols stop, it is also possible to do so as shown in Figure 27. That is, as shown in Figure 27, if the timing when the rapidly changing decorative symbols simultaneously start to decelerate is taken as the first frame (1F), then, as shown in Figure 28(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 will display the decelerating state of all rapidly changing decorative symbols (see image P60), i.e., the left decorative symbol P60a, the center decorative symbol P60b, and the right decorative symbol P60c.

Next, as shown in Figure 27, in the fifth frame (5F), the left decorative pattern P60a, the middle decorative pattern P60b, and the right decorative pattern P60c stop moving simultaneously or approximately simultaneously at the stop position O shown in Figure 28(b). Note that Figure 28(b) shows the left decorative pattern P60a as an example, and for ease of understanding, the left decorative pattern P60a is shown moving to the right and stopping, but it actually moves from top to bottom and stops.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 27, the sound LSI 801 starts playing the stop sound effect from the third frame (3F), which is before the fifth frame (5F). The speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1 starts to play the stop sound effect between the fourth frame (4F) and the fifth frame (5F), for example, from the fourth frame (4.5F). This allows the player to feel the decorative symbols fluctuating and moving at a rapid pace, making the image and the stop sound effect seem to match, thereby enhancing the player's interest. When all decorative symbols are stopped in this way, the stop sound for the center decorative symbol P60b is played, and the stop sounds for the left decorative symbol P60a and the right decorative symbol P60c are not played. This prevents the overall sound from becoming too loud.

By the way, in order to start playing the sound described above at the timing of one frame between the previous frame and the next frame, in this embodiment, the following is done.

That is, in this embodiment, sound data such as that shown in FIG. 29 is created in advance. FIG. 29 illustrates an example of sound data, which includes a silent section MK of 1.5 frames (1.5F) from the beginning, as shown in FIG. 29. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 25(a), even if the sound LSI 801 plays the stop sound effect from the 10th frame (10F), the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1 does not start to play the stop sound effect because there is a silence of 1.5 frames (1.5F). Then, when playback of the silent section MK of 1.5 frames (1.5F) ends, the stop sound effect starts to play from the 11.5th frame (11.5F). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 25(b), even if the sound LSI 801 plays the stop sound effect from the 9th frame (9F), the speaker 17 shown in FIG. 1 does not start to play the stop sound effect because there is a silence of 1.5 frames (1.5F). Then, when playback of the silent section MK for 1.5 frames (1.5F) finishes, the stop sound effect will begin to play from 10.5 frames (10.5F).

Also, as shown in Figure 27, even if the sound LSI 801 plays the stop sound effect from the third frame (3F), there is 1.5 frames (1.5F) of silence, so the stop sound effect does not start to be heard from the speaker 17 shown in Figure 1. Then, when playback of the silent section MK for 1.5 frames (1.5F) is completed, the stop sound effect will start to be heard from the 4.5th frame (4.5F).

In this way, by setting a certain silent interval MK (1.5 frames (1.5F) is used as an example in this embodiment) from the beginning, it is possible to start playing sound one frame between the previous and next frames.

Accordingly, according to this embodiment, by simply providing a fixed silent section MK from the beginning (in this embodiment, 1.5 frames (1.5F) is used as an example), it is possible to effectively increase the enjoyment of the game without imposing a burden on the control system.

By the way, one idea is to have the sound LSI 801 play sound so that it can start playing one frame between the previous and next frames, rather than leaving a fixed silent interval MK (1.5 frames (1.5F) is used as an example in this embodiment) from the beginning. However, because sound playback by the sound LSI 801 is processed in synchronization with the frame-by-frame update of the image data displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, it is not possible to start playing sound from one frame between the previous and next frames by playing sound by the sound LSI 801.

In this embodiment, therefore, by providing a fixed silent section MK (1.5 frames (1.5F) is used as an example in this embodiment) from the beginning of the sound data, it is possible to start playing sound one frame between the previous and next frames simply by adjusting the sound data.

In addition, in this embodiment, a certain silent section MK from the beginning is intentionally shifted by 1.5 frames (1.5F) instead of 0.5 frames (0.5F) to match the video playback timing (see 11 frames (11F) in Figure 25 and 5 frames (5F) in Figure 27).

On the other hand, when adjusting the video playback timing in this way, if a fixed silent section MK of 0.5 frames (0.5F) is created from the beginning and sound is played by the sound LSI 801 from the 11th frame (11F) shown in Figure 25(a) or the 10th frame (10F) shown in Figure 25(b), the stop sound effect will similarly begin to play from the 11.5th frame (11.5F) or the 10.5th frame (10.5F). Also, if a fixed silent section MK of 0.5 frames (0.5F) is created from the beginning and sound is played by the sound LSI 801 from the 4th frame (4F) shown in Figure 27, the stop sound effect will similarly begin to play from the 4.5th frame (4.5F).

To explain this point in more detail using Figure 30, as shown in Figure 30(a), a silent section MK of 1.5 frames (1.5F) is provided in the sound data, and as the performance scenario is executed and the sound data is played back by the sound LSI 801, the stop sound effect will begin to play from the 1.5th frame (1.5F).

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 30(b), if a silent section MK of 0.5 frames (0.5F) is provided within the sound data, and the sound is played by the sound LSI 801 on the first frame (1F) after the performance scenario is executed, the stop sound effect will begin to play from the 1.5th frame (1.5F). In other words, even in this way, the start of the stop sound effect can be made to play in the same way.

In this way, it is possible not only to adjust the sound data, but also to adjust the sound data and shift it within the scenario.

Note that if the width of the silent section MK is changed as described above, it will be necessary to create sound data with each silent section MK, even if it is the same sound.

Furthermore, the sound data described in this embodiment is still played even during silent sections, so this is added to the number of sound channels that can start playing from the same frame (same timing) as described above.

<Main control: Program explanation>
The processing method for the various items described above will now be explained in detail. First, an outline of the program stored in the main control ROM 600b (see FIG. 4) processed by the main control board 60 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 31 to 46.

First, when the power is turned on to the pachinko gaming machine 1, a power-on signal is sent indicating that the DC voltage generated by the voltage generation unit 1300 of the power supply board 130 (see Figure 4) has been applied to each control board. Upon receiving this signal, the main control CPU 600a (see Figure 4) reads the program stored in the main control ROM 600b and performs the main control processing shown in Figure 31. At this time, the main control CPU 600a first sets itself to an interrupt-disabled state (step S1).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a stack pointer setting process to set the value of the stack pointer inside the main control CPU 600a to correspond to the final address of the normal stack area (step S2).

Next, the main control CPU 600a clears the watchdog timer (WDT) (not shown) built into the main control CPU 600a (step S3) and clears the output port that outputs the launch control signal (step S4).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the startup waiting time for the sub-control board 80 (step S5), decrements (-1) the set waiting time (step S6), and clears the watchdog timer (WDT) (not shown) (step S7).

The main control CPU 600a then checks whether the set waiting time has become "0" (step S8). If it has not become "0" (step S8: ≠ 0), it returns to processing in step S7; if it has become "0" (step S8: = 0), it proceeds to processing in step S9.

Next, the main control CPU 600a acquires the voltage abnormality signal ALARM (see FIG. 4) output from the power supply board 130 (voltage monitoring unit 1310) (see FIG. 4) twice, checks whether the levels of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM acquired twice match, stores the signal in an internal register of the main control CPU 600a (not shown), and checks the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM (step S9). If the voltage abnormality signal ALARM is at "L" level (step S10: YES), the process returns to step S9. If the voltage abnormality signal ALARM is at "H" level (step S10: NO), the process proceeds to step S11. In other words, the main control CPU 600a repeats the same process (steps S9-S10) until the voltage abnormality signal ALARM changes to a normal level (i.e., "H" level). In this way, by acquiring the voltage abnormality signal ALARM twice, an accurate signal can be read.

Next, the main control CPU 600a allows data to be written to the main control RAM 600c (step S11) and initializes the work area of the main control RAM 600c (step S12). Specifically, it sets the power supply abnormality confirmation counter to 00H and sets the system operation status to 01H.

Next, the main control CPU 600a sends a processing command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 to display a standby screen on the LCD display device 41 (step S13).

Next, the main control CPU 600a clears a watchdog timer (WDT) (not shown) (step S14) and checks whether a signal indicating that power has been applied (power-on signal) has been received from the dispensing control board 70 (step S15). If a power-on signal has not been received (step S15: OFF), the process returns to step S14; if a power-on signal has been received (step S15: ON), the process proceeds to step S16.

Next, the main control CPU 600a acquires the level data of the RAM clear switch 620 and the setting key switch 630 and saves it in the work area of the main control RAM 600c (step S16).

Next, the main control CPU 600a acquires a door open signal indicating whether the glass door frame 5 shown in FIG. 1 is open, the signal from the RAM clear switch 620 saved in the work area of the main control RAM 600c, and the signal from the setting key switch 630 (step S17), and checks whether all are ON (step S18). If all are ON (step S18: YES), the main control CPU 600a performs setting switching processing (step S19).

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of setting switching processing>
Here, this setting switching process will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

First, the main control CPU 600a sends a setting change start command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80, indicating that a setting change is in progress (step S50).

Next, the main control CPU 600a clears the backup flag (step S51). This backup flag is data that indicates whether backup processing was performed when a voltage drop due to a power outage or the like was detected during the power supply abnormality check processing shown in Figure 32. The backup flag is cleared so that step S21 shown in Figure 32, which will be described later, can detect cases where power was interrupted for some reason during the setting switching processing and the main control RAM 600c was not backed up properly.

The main control CPU 600a then sets the system operation status to 02H (step S52), obtains the set value for the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player, which is stored in the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4), and sets this value in the W register (step S53). Specifically, if the set value is, for example, "1" to "6," the program will set the set values "1" to "6" in the W register, corresponding to values "00H" to "05H."

The main control CPU 600a then compares the value set in the W register with the maximum set value for the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player (e.g., "05H" corresponding to "6") (step S54). If the value set in the W register is greater than the maximum set value for the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player (e.g., "05H" corresponding to "6") (step S55: YES), the main control CPU 600a determines that the value is an abnormal value and sets 00H to the W register (step S56).

On the other hand, if the value set in the W register is smaller than the maximum set probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player (for example, "05H" corresponding to "6") (step S55: NO), it is determined to be a normal value and the process proceeds to step S57.

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets to ON a security signal that is output to a hall computer (not shown) used to manage the amusement center's game island via an external terminal (not shown), and outputs that security signal to the hall computer (not shown) via an external terminal (not shown) (step S57).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the LED common port to 00H (step S58).

Next, the main control CPU 600a outputs the value set in the W register to the LED data port (step S59).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the LED common port that displays the setting value to ON (step S60).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets a predetermined value in a register within the main control CPU 600a so that a 4 ms wait is applied, and then performs a countdown process (step S61). Note that this process is performed to confirm that changes in the level data of the RAM clear switch 620 (see Figure 4) and the setting key switch 630 (see Figure 4) are not due to irregularities such as noise, by waiting at least 4 ms from the previous acquisition of the switch level. Furthermore, when checking for changes in the voltage abnormality signal in the subsequent power abnormality check process and counting the power abnormality confirmation counter, waiting 4 ms also confirms that the "L" level of the voltage abnormality signal is not due to irregularities such as noise.

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a power supply abnormality check process (step S62). This power supply abnormality check process will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 34.

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of power supply abnormality check processing>
34, the main control CPU 600a acquires the voltage abnormality signal ALARM (see FIG. 4) output from the power supply board 130 (voltage monitoring unit 1310) (see FIG. 4) twice (step S80), and checks whether the levels of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM acquired twice match (step S81). If they match (step S81: YES), the main control CPU 600a checks the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM (step S82), and if they do not match (step S81: NO), the process returns to step S80.

Next, if the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM is "H" level (step S82: OFF), the main control CPU 600a clears the power supply abnormality confirmation counter (step S83) and ends the power supply abnormality check process.

On the other hand, if the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM is "L" (step S82: ON), the main control CPU 600a increments (+1) the power supply abnormality confirmation counter (step S84) and checks the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter (step S85). If the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter is not 2 or greater (step S85: NO), the power supply abnormality check process ends.

On the other hand, if the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter is 2 or greater (step S85: YES), the main control CPU 600a sends a power cutoff command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 indicating that the power supply has been cut off (step S86).

The main control CPU 600a then checks the value of the system operation status (step S87). If the value of the system operation status is 02H, it determines that a setting change process is in progress (step S87: YES), does not set the backup flag to ON, and proceeds to step S89. In this way, a case in which power is interrupted for some reason during the setting change process and the main control RAM 600c is not backed up properly can be detected in step S21 shown in Figure 32, which will be described later.

On the other hand, if the value of the system operation status is not 02H, it is determined that the setting change process is not in progress (step S87: NO), and the backup flag is set to ON (step S88).

Next, the main control CPU 600a disables data writing to the main control RAM 600c (step S89) and clears the output data from all output ports (step S90). It then disables timer interrupts (step S91) and performs an infinite loop process to wait for the voltage to drop.

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of setting switching processing>
Thus, after completing the power supply abnormality check process (step S62) through the above-described processes, the main control CPU 600a creates switch edge data for the RAM clear switch 620 signal and switch edge data for the setting key switch 630 signal from the previous and current level data of the RAM clear switch 620 and the level data of the setting key switch 630 (step S63).The main control CPU 600a stores the created edge data in the main control RAM 600c.

The main control CPU 600a then checks the edge data stored in the main control RAM 600c, and if the setting key switch 630 is ON (step S64: NO), proceeds to processing in step S65; if the setting key switch 630 is OFF (step S64: YES), proceeds to processing in step S67.

Next, if the RAM clear switch 620 is ON (step S65: NO), the main control CPU 600a increments (+1) the value of the W register (step S66) and returns to processing in step S54.

On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch 620 is OFF (step S65: NO), processing returns to step S57.

Thus, the above process is repeated until the setting key switch 630 is turned OFF. When the setting key switch 630 is turned OFF, the main control CPU 600a overwrites the value of the W register with the setting value for the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player (for example, the setting value "00H" to "05H" corresponding to "1" to "6") stored in the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4) and stores it (step S67).

The main control CPU 600a then outputs a setting confirmation display to the LED data port (step S68).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sends a setting switching end command (performance control command DI_CMD) reflecting the setting value to the sub-control board 80 (step S69).

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
Thus, after going through the above-described processing and completing the setting switching processing (step S19) shown in FIG. 31, the main control CPU 600a proceeds to processing step S26 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the signal from the RAM clear switch 620 and the signal from the setting key switch 630 are all ON (step S18), and if they are not all ON (step S18: NO), the main control CPU 600a performs the processing of step S20 shown in Figure 32.

That is, the main control CPU 600a obtains the set value (e.g., a set value between "00H" and "05H" corresponding to "1" to "6") of the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player, which is stored in the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4), and checks whether it is equal to or less than the set maximum value (e.g., "05H" corresponding to "6") (step S20). If it is equal to or less than the set maximum value (step S20: YES), it checks whether the backup flag is set to ON (step S21).

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of RAM error processing>
If the value is not below the set maximum value (step S20: NO), or if the backup flag is not set to ON (step S21: NO), the main control CPU 600a sends a RAM error command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 indicating a RAM error (step S22).

The main control CPU 600a then outputs an error message to the LED data port (step S23).

The main control CPU 600a then performs a power supply abnormality check process (step S24), returns to step S23, and repeats the process. Note that this power supply abnormality check process is the same as the power supply abnormality check process shown in Figure 34.

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
On the other hand, if the backup flag is set to ON (step S21: YES), the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 is checked (step S25).

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of RAM clear processing>
When the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 is ON (step S25: YES), or when the setting switching process (step S19) shown in Fig. 31 is performed, the main control CPU 600a does not clear the measurement RAM area and measurement stack area of the main control RAM 600c, but clears the normal RAM area and normal stack area of the main control RAM 600c (step S26). Note that since the normal RAM area and normal stack area of the main control RAM 600c are cleared, the game state becomes the normal game state.

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the RAM clear notification timer to 30 seconds (30 s) (step S27), and sets the timer that outputs a security signal to a hall computer (not shown) used to manage the amusement center's game island via an external terminal (not shown) to 30 seconds (30 s) (step S28).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets initial values in part of the main control RAM 600c (step S29) and proceeds to processing in step S41.

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
On the other hand, if the signal from the RAM clear switch 620 is OFF (step S25: NO), the main control CPU 600a acquires a door open signal indicating whether the glass door frame 5 shown in Figure 1 is open or not, and a signal from the setting key switch 630 (step S30), and checks whether all are ON or not (step S31). If all are not ON (step S31: NO), the process proceeds to step S40.

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of setting confirmation processing>
On the other hand, if all are ON (step S31: YES), the main control CPU 600a sends a setting value command (performance control command DI_CMD) reflecting the setting value to the sub-control board 80 (step S32).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets a timer to 30 seconds (30s) to output a security signal to a hall computer (not shown) used to manage the amusement center's game island via an external terminal (not shown) (step S33).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the security signal to ON via an external terminal (not shown) that is output to the hall computer (not shown) used to manage the amusement center's game island, and outputs the security signal to the hall computer (not shown) via an external terminal (not shown) for the 30 seconds (30s) set by the timer (step S34).

The main control CPU 600a then outputs the set value to the LED data port (step S35).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets a predetermined value in a register within the main control CPU 600a so that a 4 ms wait is applied, and performs a countdown process (step S36).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a power supply abnormality check process (step S37). Note that this power supply abnormality check process is the same as the power supply abnormality check process shown in Figure 34.

Next, the main control CPU 600a creates switch edge data for the setting key switch 630 signal from the previous and current level data of the setting key switch 630 (step S38). The main control CPU 600a stores the created edge data in the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4).

The main control CPU 600a then checks the edge data stored in the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4) (step S39), and if the setting key switch 630 is ON (step S39: NO), returns to processing in step S34.

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
On the other hand, if the setting key switch 630 is OFF (step S39: YES), initial values for the backup flag, error detection timer, etc. are set in part of the main control RAM 600c (step S40).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sends a command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 indicating whether power will be restored by clearing RAM or by using a backup (step S41).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a game status notification information update process to update the game status notification information (step S42).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the internal function register (step S43). Specifically, it sets the launch control signal to ON and sends it to the dispensing control board 70. This causes the dispensing control board 70 to control the launch control board 71 to start operating. It also sets the CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) inside the main control CPU 600a, which has functions such as generating pulse output at regular intervals and measuring time. In other words, the main control CPU 600a sets the time constant register of the CTC so that a timer interrupt occurs periodically every 4 ms.

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a prize ball winning count management process 1 (step S45) that calculates performance information such as the total number of game balls fired into the game area 40, including the number of winning balls and the number of non-winning balls, while disabling interrupts to itself (step S44). The main control CPU 600a then updates various random number counters (step S46), returns to an interrupt-enabled state (step S47), returns to step S44, and performs a loop process that repeatedly executes steps S44 to S47.

<Main Control: Explanation of Prize Ball Winning Number Management Process 1>
Here, the winning ball number management process 1 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 35 to 38.

As shown in Figure 35, the prize ball winning count management process 1 first executes a save process to save the contents of the register group in the main control CPU 600a to the measurement stack area in the main control RAM 600c (step S100).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs initial settings for the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c (step S101).

<Main control: Explanation of initial settings for measurement RAM area>
This will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 36. In this initial setting, the main control CPU 600a (see Figure 4) first checks the RAM error flag (step S110), as shown in Figure 36. If the RAM error flag is set to ON, it is determined that the value does not indicate any of "1" to "6" (step S110: YES), and an abnormality has occurred in the main control RAM 600c (RAM error). The processing proceeds to step S113 without performing the processing of steps S111 and S112.

On the other hand, if the RAM error flag is set to OFF, the main control CPU 600a determines that it indicates a value between "1" and "6" (step S110: NO) and acquires the value of the initialized flag (step S111). Next, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the acquired value of the initialized flag is 5AH (step S112). If it is not 5AH (step S112: NO), it sets the initialized flag to 5AH (step S113), initializes (clears) the measurement RAM area (step S114), and ends the initial setup process for the measurement RAM area. On the other hand, if it is 5AH (step S112: YES), it determines that the measurement RAM area has already been initialized, and ends the initial setup process for the measurement RAM area.

Therefore, if the acquired setting value does not indicate one of the values "1" to "6," it is possible that measurements (described below) based on the current setting value are not being performed correctly, so even if initialization has already been performed, the measurement RAM area in the main control RAM 600c should be cleared.

<Main Control: Explanation of Prize Ball Winning Number Management Process 1>
Thus, as shown in FIG. 35, the main control CPU 600a initializes the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c (step S101), and then executes counting processing (step S102).

<Main control: Explanation of counting process>
This point will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 37. As shown in Figure 37, the main control CPU 600a acquires a set value (for example, a set value of "1" to "6") of the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player, which is stored in the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4), and selects a counting counter table corresponding to the set value using the current set value as an offset (step S120).

By the way, this counting counter table stores contents corresponding to setting values 1 to 6.

That is, the counter table for set value 1 contains the following:
Total prize ball counter for setting value 1: 1
Total prize ball counter 2 for setting value 1,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 1,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 1,
Second role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 1,
Second role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 1,
Accumulation out counter 1 for set value 1,
Accumulation out counter 2 for set value 1,
is stored.

The counter table for setting value 2 includes
Total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2,
Total prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2,
Second role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2,
Second role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2,
Accumulation out counter 1 for set value 2,
Accumulation out counter 2 for set value 2,
is stored.

The counter table for setting value 3 includes:
Total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 3,
Total prize ball counter 2 for setting value 3,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 3,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 3,
Second role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 3,
Second role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 3,
Accumulation out counter 1 for set value 3,
Accumulation out counter 2 for set value 3,
is stored.

The counter table for setting value 4 includes the following:
Total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 4,
Total prize ball counter 2 for setting value 4,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 4,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 4,
Second role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 4,
Second role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 4,
Accumulation out counter 1 for set value 4,
Accumulation out counter 2 for set value 4,
is stored.

The counter table for setting value 5 includes the following:
Total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 5,
Total prize ball counter 2 for setting value 5,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 5,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 5,
Second role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 5,
Second role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 5,
Accumulation out counter 1 for set value 5,
Accumulation out counter 2 for set value 5,
is stored.

The counter table for setting value 6 includes
Total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 6,
Total prize ball counter 2 for setting value 6,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 6,
First role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 6,
Second role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 6,
Second role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 6,
Accumulation out counter 1 for set value 6,
Accumulation out counter 2 for set value 6,
is stored.

Therefore, for example, if the current setting value is "2," the count counter table for setting value 2 will be selected. Note that the count counter table corresponding to the setting value described above is stored in the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c.

Next, in step S505 (see FIG. 46), the main control CPU 600a retrieves the input flags stored in the main control RAM 600c for the upper right general prize entrance switch 49a1, the upper left general prize entrance switch 49b1, the middle left general prize entrance switch 49c1, the lower left general prize entrance switch 49d1, and the special symbol 1 start entrance switch 44a (step S121). These input flags are then checked (step S122). If all of the input flags are OFF (step S122: NO), processing proceeds to step S126. If any one of the input flags is ON (step S122: YES), the value is added to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting value is "2," the total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) (step S123). Specifically, if the input flag of the upper right general prize opening switch 49a1 is ON, five prize balls are awarded, so +5 is added to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2," then +5 is added to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2). If the input flags of the upper left general prize opening switch 49b1, the middle left general prize opening switch 49c1, and the lower left general prize opening switch 49d1 are ON, then ten prize balls are awarded for each ON input flag, so +10 (× the number of ON input flags) is added to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2," then +10 is added to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2). Furthermore, if the input flag for the special symbol 1 start switch 44a is ON, three prize balls will be awarded, so +3 (x the number of input flags that are ON) is added to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the game state is low probability (the winning probability is the normal low probability state) (step S124). If the game state is not low probability (step S124: NO), the process proceeds to step S126.

On the other hand, if the game state is low probability (step S124: YES), the main control CPU 600a adds to the value of the cumulative prize ball counter (step S125). Specifically, if the input flag of the upper right general prize gate switch 49a1 is ON, five prize balls are awarded, and +5 is added to the value of the cumulative prize ball counter. If the input flags of the upper left general prize gate switch 49b1, the middle left general prize gate switch 49c1, and the lower left general prize gate switch 49d1 are ON, ten prize balls are awarded for each ON input flag, and +10 (x the number of ON input flags) is added to the value of the cumulative prize ball counter. Furthermore, if the input flag of the special symbol 1 start gate switch 44a is ON, three prize balls are awarded, and +3 (x the number of ON input flags) is added to the value of the cumulative prize ball counter. Note that this cumulative prize ball counter is stored in the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c.

Next, in step S505 shown in FIG. 46 (described later), the main control CPU 600a acquires the input flag of the special symbol 2 start switch 45a1 stored in the main control RAM 600c (step S126). If this input flag is OFF (step S127: NO), the process proceeds to step S132. If this input flag is ON (step S127: YES), the value is added to the value of the first bonus feature cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting is "2," the value is added to the value of the first bonus feature cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) (step S128), and then added to the value of the total bonus ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting is "2," the value is added to the value of the total bonus ball counter 1 for setting value 2) (step S129). Specifically, if the input flag for the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a1 is ON, three prize balls will be awarded, so +3 is added to the value of the first role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the first role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2), and +3 is added to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the game state is low probability (the winning probability is the normal low probability state) (step S130). If the game state is not low probability (step S130: NO), the process proceeds to step S132.

On the other hand, if the game state is low probability (step S130: YES), the main control CPU 600a adds to the value of the first role cumulative prize ball counter (step S131). Specifically, if the input flag of the special pattern 2 start switch 45a1 is ON, three prize balls will be awarded, so +3 is added to the value of the first role cumulative prize ball counter. This first role cumulative prize ball counter is stored in the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c.

Next, in step S505 shown in FIG. 46, the main control CPU 600a acquires the input flag of the large prize slot switch 46c stored in the main control RAM 600c (step S132). If this input flag is OFF (step S133: NO), the process proceeds to step S138. If this input flag is ON (step S133: YES), the value is added to the value of the second bonus item cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting value is "2," then the value is added to the value of the second bonus item cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) (step S134), and then added to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting value is "2," then the value is added to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) (step S135). Specifically, if the input flag of the large prize slot switch 46c is ON, 15 prize balls will be awarded, so +15 is added to the value of the second device cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the second device cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2), and +15 is added to the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the game state is low probability (the winning probability is the normal low probability state) (step S136). If the game state is not low probability (step S136: NO), the process proceeds to step S138.

On the other hand, if the game state is low probability (step S136: YES), the main control CPU 600a adds to the value of the second jackpot cumulative prize ball counter (step S137). Specifically, if the input flag of the large prize slot switch 46c is ON, 15 prize balls will be awarded, so +15 is added to the value of the second jackpot cumulative prize ball counter. This second jackpot cumulative prize ball counter is stored in the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c.

Next, in step S505 shown in FIG. 46 (described later), the main control CPU 600a acquires the input flag of the outlet switch 50a stored in the main control RAM 600c (step S138). If this input flag is OFF (step S139: NO), processing proceeds to step S142. If this input flag is ON (step S139: YES), the value of the cumulative out counter is incremented (+1) (step S140), and the value of cumulative out counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting value is "2," then cumulative out counter 1 for setting value 2) is incremented (+1) (step S141). The cumulative out counter is stored in the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c.

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks the value of the cumulative out counter (step S142), and if the cumulative total number of outs has not reached the predetermined value (60,000) (step S142: NO), it proceeds to processing in step S148. If the cumulative total number of outs has reached the predetermined value (60,000) (step S142: YES), it sets the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) to "0" in step S148. The value of the first jackpot cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the first jackpot cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 is stored in the second jackpot cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the first jackpot cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the first jackpot cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) The value of the first role cumulative prize ball counter 2 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", the first role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2) is stored in the first role cumulative prize ball counter 2 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", the first role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2) (step S144), and the value of the second role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", the second role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 is stored in the second role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2") in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120. If so, the value is stored in the second bonus item cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2 (step S145), and the value of cumulative out counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then cumulative out counter 1 for setting value 2) is stored in cumulative out counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then cumulative out counter 2 for setting value 2) (step S146).

The main control CPU 600a then clears the values of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting is "2," then the total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2), the first cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting is "2," then the first cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2), the second cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting is "2," then the second cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2), and the cumulative out counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 (for example, if the current setting is "2," then the cumulative out counter 1 for setting value 2) (step S147).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the game state is low probability (the winning probability is the normal low probability state) (step S148). If the game state is not low probability (step S148: NO), the counting process ends. If the game state is low probability (step S148: YES), the low probability cumulative out counter is incremented (+1) (step S149) and the counting process ends. The low probability cumulative out counter is stored in the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c.

<Main Control: Explanation of Prize Ball Winning Number Management Process 1>
Thus, as shown in FIG. 35, the main control CPU 600a executes counting processing (step S102) and then executes counting processing (step S103).

<Main control: Explanation of counting process>
This will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 38. As shown in Figure 38, the main control CPU 600a checks the value of the low-probability cumulative out counter (step S160). If the value of the low-probability cumulative out counter is 0 (step S160: YES), the counting process ends.

On the other hand, if the value of the low probability cumulative out counter is not 0 (step S160: NO), the main control CPU 600a adds the values of the cumulative prize ball counter, the first feature cumulative prize ball counter, and the second feature cumulative prize ball counter, and divides this sum by the value of the low probability cumulative out counter to calculate a base value for how many prize balls were played during low probability, and stores this value in the bL base monitor work area of the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c (step S161).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks the value of the cumulative out counter (step S162). If the value of the cumulative out counter is 0 (step S162: YES), the counting process ends.

On the other hand, if the cumulative out counter is not 0 (step S162: NO), the main control CPU 600a adds the values of the cumulative prize ball counter, the first feature cumulative prize ball counter, and the second feature cumulative prize ball counter, and divides the added value by the value of the cumulative out counter to calculate a base value of how many prize balls have been won, and stores this in the b6 base monitor work area of the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c (step S163).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks the value of the cumulative out counter 2 for set values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current set value is "2", then the cumulative out counter 2 for set value 2) in the counting counter table for set values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 37 (step S164).

If the value of the cumulative out counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in Figure 37 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the cumulative out counter 2 for setting value 2) has reached 60,000 (step S164: YES), the main control CPU 600a will select the first role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in Figure 37 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the first role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2) and the first role cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in Figure 37. The value of the second bonus feature cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 37 is added to the value of the second bonus feature cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the second bonus feature cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2) and the added value is divided by the value of the total prize ball counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 37 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the total prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2) to calculate the bonus feature ratio and store it in the y6 bonus feature ratio work area in the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c (step S165).

The main control CPU 600a then calculates the bonus feature ratio for the large prize slot by dividing the value of the second bonus feature cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 37 (for example, if the current setting value is "2," then the second bonus feature cumulative prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2) by the value of the total prize ball counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 37 (for example, if the current setting value is "2," then the total prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2). The main control CPU 600a then calculates the bonus feature ratio for the large prize slot by dividing the value of the total prize ball counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 37 (for example, if the current setting value is "2," then the total prize ball counter 2 for setting value 2). The main control CPU 600a then stores the calculated value in the yA bonus feature ratio work area in the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c (step S166), completing the counting process.

On the other hand, if the value of the cumulative out counter 2 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in Figure 37 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the cumulative out counter 2 for setting value 2) has not reached 60,000 (step S164: NO), the main control CPU 600a will select the first role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in Figure 37 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the first role cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) and The value of the second bonus feature cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the selected counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the second bonus feature cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) is added, and the added value is divided by the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 37 (for example, if the current setting value is "2", then the total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) to calculate the bonus feature ratio, and this is stored in the y6 bonus feature ratio work area in the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c (step S167).

The main control CPU 600a then divides the value of the second bonus feature cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 37 (for example, if the current setting value is "2," then the second bonus feature cumulative prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) by the value of the total prize ball counter 1 for setting values 1 to 6 in the counting counter table for setting values 1 to 6 selected in step S120 shown in FIG. 37 (for example, if the current setting value is "2," then the total prize ball counter 1 for setting value 2) to calculate the bonus feature ratio for the large prize slot, and stores this in the yA bonus feature ratio work area in the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c (step S168), completing the counting process.

<Main Control: Explanation of Prize Ball Winning Number Management Process 1>
Thus, after completing the above processing, the main control CPU 600a executes counting processing as shown in Figure 35 (step S103), restores the contents of the register that were saved in the measurement stack area of the main control RAM 600c (step S104), and completes the prize ball winning number management processing 1.

<Main control: Explanation of timer interrupt processing>
Next, with reference to FIG. 39, a timer interrupt program that interrupts the above-described main processing and is started every 4 ms will be described.

When this timer interrupt occurs, a save process is executed to save the contents of the registers in the main control CPU 600a to the normal stack area of the main control RAM 600c (step S200), and then a voltage abnormality check process is executed (step S201). This voltage abnormality check process is the same as the power supply abnormality check process shown in Figure 34.

Next, the main control CPU 600a inputs ON/OFF signals for various switches, including the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a (see Figure 4), the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a1 (see Figure 4), the normal symbol start port switch 48a (see Figure 4), the upper right general prize port switch 49a1 (see Figure 4), the upper left general prize port switch 49b1 (see Figure 4), the middle left general prize port switch 49c1 (see Figure 4), the lower left general prize port switch 49d1 (see Figure 4), the outlet switch 50a (see Figure 4), and the large prize port switch 46c (see Figure 4), and stores the ON/OFF signal levels and their start-up states in the working area of the main control RAM 600c (step S202).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs timer subtraction processing for the various timers (normal symbol fluctuation timer, normal symbol feature timer, etc.) that manage the time of each game operation (step S203).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs random number management processing (step S204). Specifically, it performs processing to update the random numbers used in the winning/losing lottery, such as the regular symbols and special symbols.

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs error management processing (step S205). The error management processing determines whether any abnormalities have occurred within the device, such as a halt in the supply of game balls, a jammed game ball, or a broken wire in the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a (see FIG. 4), special symbol 2 start port switch 45a1 (see FIG. 4), normal symbol start port switch 48a (see FIG. 4), upper right general prize port switch 49a1 (see FIG. 4), upper left general prize port switch 49b1 (see FIG. 4), middle left general prize port switch 49c1 (see FIG. 4), lower left general prize port switch 49d1 (see FIG. 4), outlet switch 50a (see FIG. 4), or special prize port switch 46c (see FIG. 4). When an error occurs, a command (performance control command DI_CMD) corresponding to the error is sent to the sub-control board 80.

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes the prize ball management process (step S206). This prize ball management process outputs a payout control command PAY_CMD to the payout control board 70 (see Figure 4) to perform a payout operation.

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes normal symbol processing (step S207). This normal symbol processing executes a lottery to determine whether the normal symbol will be selected, and determines the normal symbol variation pattern and the normal symbol stop display state based on the results of the lottery. Details of this processing will be provided later.

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes the normal electric feature management process (step S208). This normal electric feature management process generates a signal related to the control of the normal electric feature solenoid 45b2 (see Figure 4) required to generate the normal electric feature release game, based on the lottery results of the normal symbol process (step S207).

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes special symbol processing (step S209). In this special symbol processing, a lottery is held to determine whether the special symbol will be selected, and the variation pattern of the special symbol and the stop display mode of the special symbol are determined based on the results of the lottery. Details of this processing will be provided later.

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes the special electric device management process (step S210). This special electric device management process mainly performs the setting process required to control the execution of the winning game corresponding to the winning result when the jackpot lottery result is a "big win" or a "small win." At this time, a signal related to the control of the special electric device solenoid 46b (see Figure 4) is also generated. If the jackpot lottery result is a "big win" or a "small win," a related command (presentation control command DI_CMD) is sent to the sub-control board 80.

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs right-hit notification information management processing (step S211). This right-hit notification information management processing performs processing to display a "launch position guidance effect (right-hit notification effect)" that provides a right-hit instruction notification in situations where right-hit is advantageous, such as when the opening/closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric device) is in the open state and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state is extended, or when the opening/closing door 46a is opened and the large prize opening (not shown) is opened. When a right-hit notification effect is performed, a command (effect control command DI_CMD) related to the right-hit notification effect is sent to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) during this right-hit notification information management processing. In response, the sub-control CPU 800a sends to the VDP 803 a command list related to an image (video) that will display the determined stop pattern (normal stop pattern) on the LCD display device 41. As a result, the VDP 803 generates image (video) data to display an image based on the command list, and sends the generated image (video) data to the liquid crystal display device 41, causing the message "Hit right" to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. When encouraging the player to hit left, a command related to hitting left (presentation control command DI_CMD) is sent to the sub-control board 80. As a result, the message "Hit left" is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41.

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes LED management processing (step S212). In this LED management processing, an easy-to-win game state LED signal is output. That is, if the easy-to-win flag is turned ON during the special pattern processing described above within the same timer interrupt, an easy-to-win game state LED signal is output from the output port of the main control CPU 600a to the 7-segment display device 53a shown in FIG. 2. This causes the LED of the 7-segment display device 53a shown in FIG. 2 to light up. On the other hand, if the easy-to-win flag is turned OFF, an easy-to-win game state LED signal is output from the output port of the main control CPU 600a. This causes the LED of the 7-segment display device 53a shown in FIG. 2 to turn off.

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes external terminal management processing (step S213). In this external terminal management processing, predetermined game information, such as the number of wins during a winning game, the number of times a special symbol changes, information on the detection of winning balls entering the winning slot, information on the time-saving game state, and security information, is output from an external terminal (not shown) to a hall computer (not shown) used to manage the game center's game island.

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs solenoid management processing (step S214). At this time, the main control CPU 600a checks the signal related to the control of the normal electric role solenoid 45b2 (see FIG. 4) generated in the normal electric role management processing (step S208), and also checks the signal related to the control of the special electric role solenoid 46b (see FIG. 4) generated in the special electric role management processing (step S210). Based on this signal, the operation/stop of the normal electric role solenoid 45b2 or the special electric role solenoid 46b is controlled, and the opening/closing member 45b1 of the electric chute (normal electric role) is opened, and the time during which the guide member 45c1 is in the guiding state is extended/non-extended, or the opening/closing door 46a (see FIG. 2) is operated to open or close the special prize opening (not shown).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs out-of-use area processing (step S215). Details of this processing will be described later.

The main control CPU 600a then clears the watchdog timer (WDT) (not shown) (step S216), returns to the interrupt enabled state (step S217), restores the contents of the registers that were saved to the normal stack area of the main control RAM 600c, and ends the timer interrupt (step S218). This causes the process to return from the interrupt processing routine to the main processing (see Figures 31 and 32).

<Main control: explanation of normal pattern processing>
Next, the normal symbol processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

As shown in Figure 40, the normal symbol processing first checks whether the passage of a gaming ball has been detected at the normal symbol start gate 48 (see Figure 2), which is comprised of a gate. That is, it checks the signal level of the normal symbol start gate switch 48a (see Figure 4) of the normal symbol start gate 48 (step S250). If the passage of a gaming ball is detected (step S250: YES), the main control CPU 600a checks the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4), which stores the number of normal symbol start-up reserved balls, to determine whether the number of normal symbol start-up reserved balls is, for example, four or more (step S251). At that time, if the number of normal symbol start-up reserved balls is less than four (step S251: ≠ MAX), it increments the number of normal symbol start-up reserved balls by one (step S252). The main control CPU 600a then stores the random number value for determining whether a normal symbol wins, which is used in the lottery to determine whether a normal symbol wins, in the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4), which stores the number of balls reserved for starting the normal symbol (step S253), and then proceeds to the processing of step S254.

On the other hand, if no passing game ball is detected in step S250 (step S250: NO), or if it is determined in step S251 that the number of normal symbol initial reserved balls is 4 or more (step S251: = MAX), steps S252 and S253 are not performed, and the process proceeds to step S254.

When the main control CPU 600a proceeds to processing of step S254, it checks whether the normal symbol win activation flag is set to ON, i.e., whether the normal symbol win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S254). If the normal symbol win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S254: ON), it determines that the normal symbol is winning, updates the normal symbol display data (step S263), and then ends normal symbol processing.

On the other hand, if the normal symbol win activation flag is not set to 5AH (step S254: OFF), the processing state indicating the behavior of the normal symbol, i.e., the value of the normal symbol operation status flag, is checked (step S255). If the normal symbol operation status flag is 00H, the main control CPU 600a determines that the state is before the normal symbol has started to change, and proceeds to step S256, where it checks whether the number of balls reserved for the normal symbol at start is 0 (step S256).

The main control CPU 600a checks the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4) where the number of initial reserved balls for normal symbols is stored. If it determines that the number is 0 (step S256: = 0), it updates the display data for the normal symbols (step S263) and then ends normal symbol processing. On the other hand, if it determines that the number is not 0 (step S256: ≠ 0), it subtracts 1 from the initial reserved balls for normal symbols (step S257).

Then, the main control CPU 600a uses a normal symbol winning determination table (not shown) to perform a winning determination of the random number value corresponding to the number of balls reserved for the normal symbol starting, stored in the main control RAM 600c. If a winning result is found, the normal symbol winning determination flag is set to 5AH and turned ON. If a winning result is not found, the normal symbol winning determination flag is turned OFF (step S258).

Next, the main control CPU 600a determines the stopping symbol (normal symbol stopping symbol) based on the lottery results determined in the random number lottery process (step S259).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the normal pattern time reduction flag, which shortens the normal pattern fluctuation time, is set to ON, and if it is set to ON, it sets the normal pattern fluctuation timer to the corresponding fluctuation time; if it is set to OFF, it performs processing to set the normal pattern fluctuation timer to the normal fluctuation time (step S260).

Next, the main control CPU 600a shifts the memory area of the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4) in which the random number value used to draw the winning or losing lottery for the normal pattern corresponding to the number of balls in the initial hold for the normal pattern is stored (step S261). In other words, assuming that a maximum of four normal symbol start-up reserved balls can be reserved, the random number value used in the lottery to determine whether the normal symbol corresponds to four normal symbol start-up reserved balls is shifted to the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4) in which the random number value used in the lottery to determine whether the normal symbol corresponds to three normal symbol start-up reserved balls is stored, the random number value used in the lottery to determine whether the normal symbol corresponds to three normal symbol start-up reserved balls is shifted to the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4) in which the random number value used in the lottery to determine whether the normal symbol corresponds to two normal symbol start-up reserved balls is stored, and the random number value used in the lottery to determine whether the normal symbol corresponds to two normal symbol start-up reserved balls is shifted to the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4) in which the random number value used in the lottery to determine whether the normal symbol corresponds to one normal symbol start-up reserved ball is stored.

After this process, the main control CPU 600a sets the normal symbol operation status flag used in step S255 above to 01H, and sets the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4) in which the random number value used to determine whether the normal symbol corresponding to the initial reserved ball count of 4 is to win or lose is stored to 00H (step S262).

After completing the processing of step S262, the main control CPU 600a updates the display data for the normal symbol (step S263) and ends the normal symbol processing.

On the other hand, if the processing status indicating the behavior of the normal symbol, i.e., the value of the normal symbol operation status flag, is 01H in step S255 above, the main control CPU 600a determines that the normal symbol is changing and proceeds to step S264 to check whether the normal symbol change timer is 0 (step S264). If the normal symbol change timer is not 0 (step S164: ≠ 0), the normal symbol display data is updated (step S263) and normal symbol processing is terminated. Then, if the normal symbol change timer is 0 (step S264: = 0), the main control CPU 600a sets the normal symbol operation status flag used in step S255 above to 02H, and sets the normal symbol change timer to, for example, approximately 600 ms in order to maintain the result of the normal symbol lottery for a certain period of time (step S265).

After completing the processing of step S265 above, the main control CPU 600a updates the display data for the normal symbol (step S263) and ends the normal symbol processing.

On the other hand, if the processing status indicating the behavior of the normal symbol, i.e., the value of the normal symbol operation status flag, is 02H in step S255 above, the main control CPU 600a determines that the normal symbol is in the confirmation time (the normal symbol fluctuation has ended and is stopped), proceeds to step S266, and checks whether the normal symbol fluctuation timer is 0 (step S266). If the normal symbol fluctuation timer is not 0 (step S266: ≠ 0), the normal symbol display data is updated (step S263), and normal symbol processing is terminated. Then, if the normal symbol fluctuation timer is 0 (step S266: = 0), the main control CPU 600a sets the normal symbol operation status flag used in step S255 above to 00H (step S267), and checks whether the normal symbol winning determination flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S268).

As a result, if the normal symbol winning determination flag is set to OFF (5AH is not set) (step S268: OFF), the main control CPU 600a updates the normal symbol display data (step S263) and ends normal symbol processing. If the normal symbol winning determination flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S268: ON), the main control CPU 600a sets the normal symbol winning activation flag used in step S254 to ON (5AH is set) (step S269), and then ends normal symbol processing.

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
Next, the special symbol process will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

As shown in Figure 41, the special symbol processing first checks whether a game ball (winning ball) has been detected at the special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a (see Figure 4) of the special symbol 1 start hole 44 (see Figure 2) (step S300), and then checks whether a game ball (winning ball) has been detected at the special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a1 (see Figure 4) of the special symbol 2 start hole 45a (see Figure 2) (step S301).

<Main control: Special pattern processing: Explanation of starting port check processing>
42, the main control CPU 600a checks whether a gaming ball has entered (won) the special symbol 1 start hole 44 or the special symbol 2 start hole 45a, that is, checks the level of the special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a of the special symbol 1 start hole 44 or the special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a1 of the special symbol 2 start hole 45a (step S350). If no gaming ball has entered (won) (step S350: NO), the special symbol processing ends.

On the other hand, if a game ball is detected to have entered the game (winning) (step S350: YES), the main control CPU 600a checks whether a predetermined number of start-up reserved balls, which trigger a change in the special symbol, is stored in the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4) (step S351). If the start-up reserved ball count is less than four (step S351: ≠ MAX), the start-up reserved ball count is incremented by one (+1) (step S352).

Next, the main control CPU 600a stores the random number value used when the special symbol stops, the random number value for the variation pattern, and the random number value for determining a jackpot in the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4), which stores the number of start-up reserved balls that trigger the variation of the special symbol (step 353).

The main control CPU 600a then checks the current game state (e.g., whether the special symbol jackpot determination flag is set to ON) and determines whether pre-reading is prohibited (step S354). If pre-reading is not prohibited (step S354: NO), the main control CPU 600a obtains the random number value for jackpot determination used in the lottery to determine whether the special symbol will win or lose, which was stored in the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4) in step S353 (step S355), and then obtains a random number determination table for when the special symbol wins (not shown) at the starting gate (step S356).

Next, the main control CPU 600a conducts a jackpot lottery using the random number value for jackpot determination obtained in step S355 and the start-gate entry random number determination table (not shown) obtained in step S356. It then determines the type of jackpot (rank-up bonus win, regular jackpot, etc.) using the special symbol random number value stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4) in step S353, determines the variation pattern using the variation pattern random number value, and generates a corresponding special symbol start-gate entry command (step S357). Note that at this time, in addition to the jackpot lottery, a small jackpot lottery and a special time-saving symbol lottery may also be conducted, and the type of small jackpot or special time-saving symbol may be determined using the special symbol random number value described above, or a random number value different from the special symbol random number value, and the variation pattern may be used to determine the variation pattern, and a corresponding special symbol start-gate entry command may be generated.

Next, the main control CPU 600a generates a lower-byte start pending addition command corresponding to the special pattern start slot winning command generated above (step S358).

On the other hand, the main control CPU 600a either completes the processing of step S358 above, or if the number of start-up reserved balls for special pattern 1 or 2 in step S351 above is 4 or more (step S351: = MAX), or if pre-reading is prohibited (step S354: YES), it generates a start-up reserved addition command for the upper byte according to the increased number of start-up reserved balls (step S359).

Next, the main control CPU 600a combines the lower-byte start pending addition command generated in step S358 and the upper-byte start pending addition command generated in step S359, and transmits this as a start pending addition command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 (step S360).

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
41, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the special symbol small win activation flag is set to ON, i.e., whether the special symbol small win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S302). If the special symbol small win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S302: ON), it determines that the special symbol is in a small win state, updates the display data for the special symbol (step S308), and then ends the special symbol processing.

On the other hand, if the special symbol small win activation flag is not set to 5AH (step S302: OFF), it is checked whether the special symbol big win activation flag is set to ON, i.e., whether the special symbol big win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S303). If the special symbol big win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S303: ON), it is determined that the special symbol is in a big win, and after updating the special symbol display data (step S308), the special symbol processing is terminated.

On the other hand, if the special symbol jackpot activation flag is not set to 5AH (step S303: OFF), the processing status indicating the behavior of the special symbol, i.e., the value of the special symbol operation status flag, is checked (step S304). More specifically, if the value of the special symbol operation status flag is 00H or 01H, the main control CPU 600a determines that the special symbol is waiting to change (indicating that the special symbol has not changed and is waiting for the next change), and performs special symbol change start processing (step S305).

<Main control: Special symbol processing: Explanation of special symbol variation start processing>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 43. The main control CPU 600a checks whether the number of start-up reserved balls, which triggers the change of the special symbol, is 0 (step S400). That is, the main control CPU 600a checks whether it is stored in the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4), and if it determines that the number of start-up reserved balls is 0 (step S400: = 0), it checks whether the value of the special symbol operation status flag is 00H (step S401). If the value of the special symbol operation status flag is 00H (step S401: YES), the special symbol change start process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the value of the special symbol operation status flag is not 00H (step S401: NO), the main control CPU 600a sends a customer waiting demo command to the sub-control board 80 (see Figure 4) as a performance control command DI_CMD (step S402).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the special symbol operation status flag to 00H (step S403) and ends the special symbol variation start process.

On the other hand, if the main control CPU 600a determines that the number of start-up pending balls is not 0 (step S400: ≠ 0), it subtracts 1 (-1) from the start-up pending ball number (step S404) and sends the start-up pending subtraction command as a performance control command DI_CMD to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) (step S305).

Next, the main control CPU 600a shifts the memory area in the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4) that stores the random number values used when the special symbol stops, the random number values for the variable pattern, and the random number values for determining whether or not a jackpot has been awarded (see step S353 in Figure 42) (step S406), and sets 0 to the area in the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4) that stores the random number values used to determine whether or not the special symbol corresponding to start hold 4 has been awarded (step S407).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a win determination process (step S408). Specifically, the main control CPU 600a performs a lottery to determine whether special pattern 1 is a winner or loser, and a lottery to determine whether special pattern 2 is a winner or loser. If a big win is achieved, the special pattern big win determination flag is set to 5AH and turned ON, and if a small win is achieved, the special pattern small win determination flag is set to 5AH and turned ON.

Next, after completing the above-described hit determination process (step S408), the main control CPU 600a performs the special time-saving symbol hit determination process (step S409).

Next, after completing the special time-saving symbol winning determination process (step S409) as described above, the main control CPU 600a generates the special symbol stopping symbol (step S410) using the random number value used when the special symbol stops, which was stored in the main control RAM 600c (see Figure 4) in step S353 of Figure 42.

Next, the main control CPU 600a prepares to transition to a game state such as normal mode, time-saving mode, latent probability change mode, probability change mode, advantageous game mode, etc. (step S411).

Next, the main control CPU 600a generates a special symbol variation pattern using the variation pattern random number value stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 4) in step S353 of FIG. 42, and sends the variation pattern command for the generated special symbol variation pattern as a performance control command DI_CMD to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) (step S412). In response to this, the sub-control CPU 800a will execute the performances shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 8, 10, 19, 21, 23, 25-28, and 30. In step S412, the main control CPU 600a sets the variation time in the special symbol variation timer, sets the number of time-saving times in the special symbol time-saving times counter, and sets the number of probability changes in the special symbol probability change times counter.

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the special pattern changing flag to 5AH and turns it ON (step S413).

Next, the main control CPU 600a generates a pattern designation command that designates the special pattern to be displayed on the LCD display device 41 (step S414), and performs processing to transmit the generated pattern designation command to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) as a performance control command DI_CMD (step S415).

The main control CPU 600a then sets the special symbol operation status flag to 02H (step S416) and ends the special symbol variation start process.

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
On the other hand, as shown in Figure 41, if the value of the special pattern operation status flag is 02H, the main control CPU 600a determines that the special pattern is changing (indicating that the special pattern is currently changing) and performs special pattern changing processing (step S306).

<Main control: Special symbol processing: Explanation of processing during special symbol fluctuation>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to Fig. 44. First, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the change time set in the special symbol change timer in step S412 of Fig. 43 has elapsed, i.e., whether it has reached 0 (step S420). If the special symbol change timer is not 0 (step S420: NO), the main control CPU 600a ends the special symbol change process.

On the other hand, if the special symbol variation timer is 0 (step S420: YES), the main control CPU 600a sends a symbol determination command to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) as a performance control command DI_CMD (step S421). In response, the sub-control CPU 800a sends a command list for determining the symbol to the VDP 803. In response, the VDP 803 generates image (video) data to display an image based on the command list, and sends the generated image (video) data to the LCD display device 41. As a result, the LCD display device 41 will display an image such as that shown in Figures 6(a) and 8(a).

The main control CPU 600a then sets the special symbol operation status flag to 03H and the special symbol changing flag to 00H. Furthermore, the main control CPU 600a sets the special symbol changing timer to, for example, approximately 500 ms in order to maintain the result of the special symbol winning/losing lottery for a certain period of time (step S422). The main control CPU 600a then ends the special symbol changing processing.

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
On the other hand, as shown in Figure 41, if the value of the special pattern operation status flag is 03H, the main control CPU 600a determines that the special pattern is being confirmed (indicating that the special pattern fluctuation has ended and is stopped), and performs processing during the special pattern confirmation time (step S307).

<Main control: Special symbol processing: Explanation of special symbol confirmation processing>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to Fig. 45. First, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the change time set in the special symbol change timer in step S412 of Fig. 43 has elapsed, i.e., whether it has reached 0 (step S450). If the special symbol change timer is not 0 (step S450: ≠ 0), the main control CPU 600a ends the special symbol confirmation time process.

On the other hand, if the special symbol fluctuation timer is 0 (step S450: = 0), the main control CPU 600a sets the special symbol operation status flag to 01H (step S451) and checks whether the special symbol jackpot determination flag is set to ON (whether 5AH is set) (step S452). If the special symbol jackpot determination flag is set to ON (if 5AH is set) (step S452: YES), the main control CPU 600a sets the special symbol jackpot determination flag to 00H, sets the special symbol jackpot activation flag to 5AH, sets the special symbol time-saving flag to 00H, sets the special symbol probability change flag to 00H, and sets the special symbol time-saving count counter and special symbol probability change count counter (described below) to 00H (step S453). The main control CPU 600a then terminates the special symbol confirmation time processing.

On the other hand, if the special symbol jackpot determination flag is not set to ON (5AH is not set) (step S452: NO), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the special time-saving hit determination flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S454). If the special time-saving hit determination flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S454: YES), the special time-saving hit determination flag is set to 00H, and the main control CPU 600a performs processing to set values for the normal symbol probability change flag, normal symbol time-saving flag, and extension status flag according to the selected special time-saving symbol (step S455). The main control CPU 600a then ends the special symbol confirmation time processing.

On the other hand, if the special time-saving win determination flag is not set to ON (5AH is not set) (step S454: NO), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the special pattern small win determination flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S456). If the special pattern small win determination flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S456: YES), the special pattern small win determination flag is set to 00H and the special pattern small win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S457).

After completing the processing of step S457 above, or if the special symbol small win determination flag is not set to ON (5AH is not set) (step S456: NO), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the value of the special symbol time-saving count counter is 0 (step S458).

If the value of the special symbol time-saving count counter is not 0 (step S458: NO), the value of the special symbol time-saving count counter is decremented by 1 (-1) (step S459), and the main control CPU 600a again checks whether the value of the special symbol time-saving count counter is 0 (step S460). If the value of the special symbol time-saving count counter is 0 (step S460: YES), various settings are made when the special symbol time-saving count counter ends (step S461).

After completing the processing of step S461 above, or if the value of the special pattern time-saving count counter is 0 (step S458: YES), or if the value of the special pattern time-saving count counter is not 0 (step S460: NO), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the value of the special pattern probability change count counter is 0 (step S462). If the value of the special pattern probability change count counter is 0 (step S462: YES), the main control CPU 600a ends the processing during the special pattern confirmation time.

On the other hand, if the value of the special symbol probability change counter is not 0 (step S462: NO), the main control CPU 600a subtracts 1 (-1) from the value of the special symbol probability change counter (step S463) and checks again whether the value of the special symbol probability change counter is 0 (step S464). If the value of the special symbol probability change counter is not 0 (step S464: NO), the main control CPU 600a ends the special symbol confirmation time processing.

On the other hand, if the value of the special symbol probability change count counter is 0 (step S464: YES), the main control CPU 600a sets the special symbol time-saving flag to 00H, performs processing to set the special symbol probability change flag to 00H (step S465), and ends processing during the special symbol confirmation time.

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
Thus, when the processing of any of the steps S305, S306, and S307 shown in FIG. 41 is completed, the main control CPU 600a updates the display data of the special symbol (step S308), and then ends the special symbol processing.

<Main control: Explanation of processing outside the use area>
Next, the out-of-use area processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The main control CPU 600a saves all registers to the measurement stack area of the main control RAM 600c (step S500) and saves the stack pointer during normal processing to the measurement stack area of the main control RAM 600c (step S501).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the stack pointer address for outside the used area to the stack pointer within the main control CPU 600a (step S502).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs prize ball entry management process 2 (step S503). In this prize ball entry management process 2, the performance display value calculated in prize ball entry management process 1 in step S45 shown in Figure 32 is displayed on the measurement/setting display device 610 (see Figure 4).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs out-of-use LED update processing (step S504).

Next, the main control CPU 600a stores input flags, which are detection information for switches outside the usage area, such as the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a (see Figure 4), special symbol 2 start port switch 45a1 (see Figure 4), normal symbol start port switch 48a (see Figure 4), upper right general prize port switch 49a1 (see Figure 4), upper left general prize port switch 49b1 (see Figure 4), middle left general prize port switch 49c1 (see Figure 4), lower left general prize port switch 49d1 (see Figure 4), outlet switch 50a (see Figure 4), and large prize port switch 46c (see Figure 4), in the measurement RAM area of the main control RAM 600c (step S505).

Next, the main control CPU 600a updates the test firing signal used to output various game-related signals to the test machine during the gaming machine certification test (test firing test) (step S506), restores the stack pointer from normal processing that was saved to the measurement stack area of the main control RAM 600c (step S507), and restores all registers (step S508).

<Processing contents of the sub-control board>
Next, the processing contents (program outline) of the sub-control board 80 shown in Figures 47 to 51 will be specifically described.

First, when the power is turned on to the pachinko gaming machine 1, the power supply board 130 (see Figure 4) sends a power-on signal to each control board indicating that power has been turned on. Then, upon receiving this signal, the sub-control CPU 800a performs the main processing shown in Figure 47.

<Sub-control: Main processing>
As shown in Figure 47, the sub-control CPU 800a first initializes the internal registers and sets the input/output direction of the input/output ports, and then sets the data sent from the output port set to the output direction to be transferred serially (step S1000).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a initializes the memory area in the sub-control RAM 800c that stores the performance control command DI_CMD received from the main control board 60 (see Figure 4) (step S1001). The sub-control CPU 800a then performs interrupt permission setting processing for the input port that receives the interrupt signal from the main control board 60 (step S1002).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a initializes the memory areas in the sub-control RAM 800c used as a working area and stack area (step S1003) and issues an initialization command to the sound LSI 801 (see Figure 4). This causes the sound LSI 801 to initialize the registers provided within it (step S1004).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a checks the memory area in the sub-control RAM 800c where the motor data for operating the motors (not shown) that operate the up, left, right, and upper left movable parts 43a to 43d (see Figure 2) is stored to determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the motors. If abnormal data is stored, the sub-control CPU 800a issues a command to return the motors to their origin positions. This causes the up, left, right, and upper left movable parts 43a to 43d to return to their initial positions (step S1005).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a configures the internal CTC (Counter Timer Circuit), which has functions such as generating pulse output at a fixed period and measuring time. In other words, the sub-control CPU 800a configures the time constant register of the CTC so that a timer interrupt occurs periodically every 1 ms (step S1006).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a performs a checksum calculation, which is an 8-bit addition operation, on the working area of the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1007), and compares the checksum calculation value with the checksum calculation value calculated in the memory backup (see step S1015) described below and stored in the sub-control RAM 800c to confirm whether they match (step S1008). If they do not match (step S1008: NO), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a process to clear all areas of the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1009).

On the other hand, if there is a match (step S1008: YES), or after completing the processing of step S1009, the sub-control CPU 800a disables the watchdog timer function (not shown) (step S1010) and refreshes the hardware of the sub-control CPU 800a, VDP 803, etc. (step S1011).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a reads the presentation control command DI_CMD received from the main control board 60 (see Figure 4) stored in the memory area of the sub-control RAM 800c, and determines by lottery the presentation pattern corresponding to the command from among the many presentation patterns pre-stored in the sub-control ROM 800b (step S1012). At this time, if a customer waiting demo command is not provided and the game state transitions to the customer waiting demo state in response to a symbol determination command, a timer will start when the symbol determination command is received and will count down for a predetermined period of time.

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a performs a process to analyze the input contents of the setting button 15 or effect button device 13 obtained in the timer interrupt process described below (step S1013). Specifically, it analyzes whether the setting button 15 or effect button device 13 was pressed by the player at the moment it was released, or whether it remained pressed.

Next, based on the presentation pattern determined by lottery in step S1012, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the operation of the top, left, right, and top-left movable parts 43a-43d (see Figure 2), controls the turning on and off of decorative lamps such as LED lamps mounted on the decorative lamp board 90 (see Figure 4), controls the speaker 17, and controls the image displayed on the LCD display device 41 (step S1014). Specific processing methods will be described later.

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a performs a checksum calculation, which is an 8-bit addition operation, on the working area of the sub-control RAM 800c, and performs memory backup processing to store the checksum calculation value in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1015).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a checks whether a VSYNC interrupt signal has been sent from the VDP 803 to the sub-control CPU 800a (step S1016). If a VSYNC interrupt signal has not been sent (step S1016: NO), the sub-control CPU 800a repeats the processing of step S1016 until a VSYNC interrupt signal is sent. If a VSYNC interrupt signal is sent (step S1016: YES), the sub-control CPU 800a returns to the processing of step S1007 and repeats the processing of steps S1007 to S1016.

<Sub-control: Data analysis processing>
Next, the data analysis process of step S1014 of the main process will be described in detail with reference to Figure 48. First, the sub-control CPU 800a generates a command list for generating image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 by the VDP 803 based on the effect pattern determined by lottery in step S1012 (step S1050).

The sub-control CPU 800a then generates light-related control signals based on the determined effect pattern and stores them in the sub-control RAM 800c. At this time, light-related control signals are generated for turning on and off the decorative lamps described with reference to Figures 12 to 19 and the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination unit IPb.

In addition, the sub-control CPU 800a determines the operation content of the upper, left, right, and upper left movable role devices 43a-43d based on the determined performance pattern, and generates motor data for the motor (not shown) of the movable role device 43 according to the determined operation content.

Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 800a generates sound-related control signals based on the determined effect pattern (step S1051). At this time, control signals related to the sound effects SE1-SE6 described with reference to FIG. 5, the BGM, sound effect SE10, and dialogue VC1 described with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the BGM1, BGM2, sound effects, and dialogue VC10-VC11 described with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, and the BGM2, BGM3, sound effect SE20, and dialogue VC20-VC21 described with reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are generated. The generated sound-related control signals are then transmitted by the sub-control CPU 800a to the sound LSI 801. In response, the sound LSI 801 reads sound data corresponding to the transmitted control signals from the game ROM 805 or sound RAM 802 and outputs the data to the speaker 17. As a result, the speaker 17 emits the sound effects SE1 to SE6 described with reference to FIG. 5, the BGM, sound effect SE10, and dialogue VC1 described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the BGM1, BGM2, sound effects, and dialogue VC10 to VC11 described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, and the BGM2, BGM3, sound effect SE20, and dialogue VC20 to VC21 described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

Furthermore, as explained above, when the sub-control CPU 800a executes the A preview scenario performance, B preview scenario performance, and C preview scenario performance shown in Figure 21 based on the performance pattern determined above, it reads the priority of the sounds generated in these preview scenario performances from the sound table OTO_TBL shown in Figure 22 and transmits this as a control signal to the sound LSI 801. In response to this, if the number of sounds being played simultaneously exceeds the upper limit, or if the number has already been exceeded, the sound LSI 801 takes into account the priority of the transmitted sounds and erases the sounds with lower priority.

On the other hand, when the sub-control CPU 800a executes the D preview scenario presentation, E preview scenario presentation, and F preview scenario presentation shown in Figure 23 from the same frame based on the presentation pattern determined above, it sends a control signal to the sound LSI 801 to play normal fluctuation background music from the first frame (1F), sound effects from the second frame (2F), and dialogue sounds from the third frame (3F). In response to this, the sound LSI 801 shifts the frame at which sound playback starts and plays the sound. This prevents the number of sound channels that can start playback from the same frame (same timing) from exceeding the limit.

In addition, a control signal related to the stop sound effect described with reference to Figures 25 and 27 is also generated. The generated control signal related to the stop sound effect is then transmitted by the sub-control CPU 800a to the sound LSI 801. In response, the sound LSI 801 reads sound data corresponding to the transmitted control signal from the game ROM 805 or sound RAM 802 and outputs it to the speaker 17. As a result, the stop sound effect begins to be emitted from the speaker 17 between 11 frames (11F) and 12 frames (12F), for example, at 11.5 frames (11.5F), as shown in Figure 25(a); between 10 frames (10F) and 11 frames (11F), for example, at 10.5 frames (10.5F), as shown in Figure 25(b); and between 4 frames (4F) and 5 frames (5F), for example, at 4.5 frames (4.5F), as shown in Figure 27.

Thus, the sub-control CPU 800a repeats the processing of steps S1050 and S1051 described above until all data based on the presentation pattern determined by lottery in step S1012 shown in FIG. 47 has been generated (step S1052: NO), and once all of the data has been generated (step S1052: YES), it proceeds to processing of step S1053.

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a performs button-enabled processing based on the contents stored in the sub-control RAM 800c in step S1051 above and the input contents of the setting button 15 or effect button device 13 processed in step S1013 shown in FIG. 47 (step S1053).

<Sub-control: command reception interrupt processing>
Next, referring to Figure 49, we will explain the processing that occurs when a performance control command DI_CMD and an interrupt signal are sent from the main control board 60 while such main processing is being executed.

As shown in Figure 49, when the sub-control CPU 800a receives the interrupt signal, it executes a save process to save the contents of each register to the stack area in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1100). The sub-control CPU 800a then reads the register of the input port that received the performance control command DI_CMD (step S1101) and calculates a pointer indicating the address of the command transmission/reception memory area in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1102).

Then, the sub-control CPU 800a again reads the register of the input port that received the performance control command DI_CMD (step S1103) and checks whether the value read in step S1101 matches the value read in step S1103. If they do not match (step S1104: NO), proceed to step S1107. If they match (step S1104: YES), store the performance control command DI_CMD received from the main control board 60 at the address corresponding to the calculated pointer (step S1105). Note that this stored performance control command DI_CMD will be read by the sub-control CPU 800a when processing step S1012 shown in Figure 47.

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a updates the pointer indicating the address of the command transmission/reception memory area in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1106) and restores the registers saved in the processing of step S1100 (step S1107). This results in a return to the main processing shown in Figure 47.

<Sub-control: Timer interrupt processing>
Next, referring to FIG. 50, a process when a timer interrupt occurs every 1 ms, which is set in the process of step S1006 (see FIG. 47) of the main process, will be described.

As shown in Figure 50, when a timer interrupt occurs every 1 ms, the sub-control CPU 800a executes a save process to save the contents of each register to the stack area in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1150).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a twice acquires the setting button 15 data, the effect button device 13 data, the movable role device 43 motor data, etc. (step S1151) and checks whether the data acquired twice matches (step S1152). If the data does not match (step S1152: NO), the sub-control CPU 800a repeats the processing of step S1151 until the data matches, and if the data matches (step S1152: YES), it stores the matching data in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1153).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a receives a signal from the setting button 15 or the effect button device 13 (step S1154). This received signal is analyzed by the button analysis process of step S1013 shown in FIG. 47.

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a transmits the light-related control signal stored in the sub-control RAM 800c in step S1051 shown in FIG. 48 to the decorative lamp board 90 (see FIG. 4), as well as to the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination unit IPb shown in FIG. 18. It also transmits the control signal required to turn on or off the identification lamp device 51A (see FIG. 2) (step S1155). This causes the decorative lamp and the multiple full-color LEDs arranged in the illumination unit IPb to turn on or off, thereby executing the lamp patterns and lamp effects described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 19.

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a restores the registers saved in step S1150 (step S1156). This returns to the main processing shown in Figure 47.

<Sub-control: Command list>
The command list generated in step S1050 shown in FIG. 48 will now be described in detail with reference to FIG.

This command list is a sequence of commands for the VDP803, but the content and order of the commands differ slightly depending on whether you are instructing the drawing of a video or a still image.

When instructing VDP803 to draw a video, the initial command list shown in Figure 51(a) and the regular command list shown in Figure 51(b) are used.

As shown in Figure 51 (a), the sub-control CPU 800a first generates a command to set the memory area of the DDR2 SDRAM 804 in which the frame buffer area is set, as well as the memory area of the DDR2 SDRAM 804 that stores video data (step S1200).

Next, a command to decode the video is generated (step S1201). Specifically, this is an instruction as to which compressed video data to decode, along with the address of the CG data storage area in the game ROM 805 (shown in Figure 4) where the video is stored, the number of frames of the video, etc.

Next, the finalization command is entered to complete the generation of the initial command list (step S1202).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a generates the steady-state command list shown in Figure 51 (b).

As shown in Figure 51 (b), this steady-state command list is composed of video rendering instructions, and in the initial command list, commands are generated to determine which frame number of decoded data is to be rendered at which coordinate position on the LCD display device 41 for the decoded video data (step S1203). Next, a termination processing command is entered, completing the generation of the steady-state command list (step S1204).

On the other hand, when instructing the VDP 803 to draw a still image, as shown in Figure 51 (c), the sub-control CPU 800a first generates a command to set the memory area of the DDR2 SDRAM 804 in which the frame buffer area is set, and the memory area of the built-in VRAM (not shown) in which the still image data is stored (step S1210).

Next, a command to decode the still image is generated (step S1211). Specifically, this is an instruction as to which compressed still image data to decode, along with the address and data size of the CG data storage area in the game ROM 805 (shown in Figure 4) where the relevant still image is stored.

Next, a command is generated specifying the coordinate position on the LCD display device 41 and the manner (rotation angle, scaling, etc.) in which the decoded still image data should be drawn (step S1212). Next, a termination command is entered, completing the generation of the command list for still images (step S1213).

These command lists for moving images and still images are sent to the VDP 803 (see Figure 4), processed appropriately, and then sent to the LCD display device 41. This causes the desired image to be displayed on the LCD display device 41. Specific examples include the displays shown in Figures 5 to 6, 8, 10, 26, and 28.

Therefore, according to the embodiment described above, it is possible to effectively increase the enjoyment of the game without imposing a burden on the control aspect.

In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the sound LSI 801 and VDP 803 are configured separately, but they may also be integrated into a single chip.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the sub-control CPU 800a is provided within the sub one-chip microcomputer 800, but this is not limiting, and the sub-control CPU 800a may also be provided within the VDP 803.

1 Pachinko gaming machine 17 Speaker (sound output means)
41 Liquid crystal display device (display means)
801 Sound LSI (sound reproduction means)
MK Silent section

Claims (1)

a sound output means for outputting sound effects used for various effects;
a sound reproducing means for reproducing sound data including the effect sound;
a drawing means for drawing an image on the display means ,
the drawing means updates a frame in which one screen's worth of image is drawn on the display means at each predetermined drawing update period;
the sound reproducing means reproduces sound data including the effect sound in accordance with the update of the frame;
The sound data includes a predetermined sound effect that is generated when a symbol among the various effects displayed on the display means stops at a predetermined stop position , and the sound data is configured to have a silent section provided in advance.
When the sound reproducing means reproduces sound data including the predetermined effect sound that is generated when the pattern that is variably displayed on the display means is stopped and displayed at a predetermined stopping position , from a frame in which an image of the pattern executing a stop effect operation is drawn prior to a frame in which an image of the pattern stopped and displayed at a predetermined stopping position is drawn , first a silent section having a reproduction time longer than a cycle time of one frame of the predetermined drawing update period and shorter than a cycle time of two frames, or shorter than a cycle time of one frame, is reproduced, and when the reproduction of the silent section ends , the timing at which the player can hear the predetermined effect sound is a timing between after the start and before the end of a frame in which an image that displays the pattern stopped and displayed after a frame in which an image that displays the pattern executing a stop effect operation is drawn on the display means, or between after the start and before the end of a frame in which an image of the pattern executing a stop effect operation is drawn ,
When the symbols stop, the timing at which the player can hear the effect sound is earlier in the high-speed variation where all the symbols stop almost simultaneously than in the normal variation where the symbols stop individually.