JP2006320494A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which keeps players from being confused or feeling suspicion regardless of changes in the commands as caused by noises or the like during the transmission or reception of the commands for display between boards within a game machine. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine is provided with the main board 37 which outputs a variation pattern designation command for designating the contents of the performance display after the outputting of a pattern designation command for designating a pattern for displaying the result of each lottery and a symbol control board 49 which receives both the commands and carries out a performance display on a display part following the variation pattern designation commands received and displays the symbols corresponding to the symbol designation commands thereafter. When receiving both the commands from the main board 17, the symbol control board 49 judges whether the data of the results of lotteries coincide or not between both the commands (S810). When both coincide, the performance display and the pattern display are carried out from the respective commands. Otherwise, abnormality is reported about through an error display device 24. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides an abnormality notification function for notifying an abnormality when an abnormality occurs during transmission / reception of a command for display control performed between boards inside the gaming machine when displaying a lottery result relating to a specific gaming state. It relates to a gaming machine equipped with.

  Conventionally, when a game ball passes through the start winning device, a lottery for determining whether or not to shift the gaming state to the specific gaming state is performed, and the lottery result is displayed on the display unit. At this time, after performing the effect display that changes the display in a predetermined pattern based on the lottery result, the symbol representing the lottery result is displayed.

  And, when performing display or symbol display on the display unit, inside the gaming machine, from the main board that performs the lottery, various commands for performing the effect display and symbol display, the symbol control that performs display control of the display unit It was transmitting to the board.

  Specifically, first, a “variation pattern designation command” for designating a display variation pattern is sent from the main board to the symbol control board, and the symbol control board displays the variation pattern specified by the received “variation pattern designation command”. Start to fluctuate. Next, the “symbol designation command” designating the symbol representing the lottery result is sent from the main board, and the symbol control board that receives the symbol prepares to stop the display that is changing at the designated symbol. Finally, a “symbol stop command” is sent from the main board to stop the changing display, and the design control board that receives it stops the display that is changing so that the specified pattern is displayed. is there.

  During the series of command transmission / reception between the main board and the symbol control board, the symbol control board did not receive the symbol designation command within the specified time after receiving the “variable pattern designation command”. In some cases, there is a gaming machine that displays an error on a display unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In addition, when a command is transmitted / received, after the “variation pattern designation command” is received at the symbol control board, the “design designation command” is received within a predetermined time (for example, within 0.5 seconds). There is also a gaming machine that checks whether the received “designation command” is normal or not (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 2001-112983 A JP 2002-35318 A

  However, in any of the above gaming machines, when the symbol control board receives the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main substrate, first, the effect display designated by the variation pattern designation command is started, and then the symbol designation command is started. Is not received normally within a predetermined time, an error is displayed (in the case of Patent Document 1), or when the predetermined time has elapsed, the received symbol designation command is checked (in the case of Patent Document 2). . In other words, in any gaming machine, the effect display designated by the variation pattern designation command is displayed for a predetermined time. Therefore, when the contents of each command change due to noise or the like during the transmission / reception of those commands, the contents of the effect display and the contents of the stop symbol are inconsistent, resulting in confusion of the player. .

  For example, when the lottery result on the main board is “missing”, first, a fluctuation pattern designation command of “missing” is transmitted from the main board to the symbol control board. When the symbol control board receives the “out of” variation pattern designation command, the symbol control board starts the “out of” effect display. However, when the fluctuation pattern designation command is received as “big hit” by the symbol control board due to noise or the like during transmission / reception of the fluctuation pattern designation command, the symbol control board starts displaying the effect of “big hit”. Then, for the effect display, a symbol designation command “out of” is sent from the main board to the symbol control board, and the symbol control board checks whether the variation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command match. It is done until.

  In other words, if a communication error occurs during the transmission / reception of each command between the main board and the symbol control board, it can be determined as a reception error only after receiving the symbol designation command on the symbol control board. The player is confused by a situation in which a “big hit” is not generated (the “big hit” stop symbol is not displayed) even though the effect is displayed with a notice or character that only occurs during the “big hit” Or it sometimes gave distrust.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and even if an abnormality occurs in which a command transmitted from the main board changes due to noise or the like until it is received by the symbol control board, the player may be confused or Provide gaming machines that do not distrust.

  In order to solve such a problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a lottery means for performing a lottery to determine whether or not the gaming state is shifted to the specific gaming state by passing the game ball through the start winning device. And a symbol designation command for designating a symbol for displaying the lottery result on the display unit based on the lottery result by the lottery means, and a symbol representing the lottery result on the display unit after the game ball passes the start winning device Command control means for outputting a fluctuation pattern designation command for designating a symbol fluctuation pattern for effect display on the display unit until the symbol is displayed, and a symbol designation command and fluctuation output from the command control means A display device that receives a pattern designation command, displays an effect on the display unit in accordance with the received variation pattern designation command, and then displays a symbol corresponding to the symbol designation command. Thus, lottery result data representing the lottery result is added to the symbol designation command and the variation pattern designation command output by the command control means, and the command control means outputs the variation pattern designation command after outputting the symbol designation command. The display control means determines whether or not the lottery result data added to each designation command match when the symbol designation command and the variation pattern designation command are received from the command control means. If the lottery result data added to is matched, an effect display and a symbol display based on each designation command are performed, and if the lottery result data does not match, an abnormality is notified to the surroundings through the notification means. Features.

  In the gaming machine having such characteristics, the command control means outputs the variation pattern designation command after outputting the symbol designation command. In other words, the display control means receives the symbol designation command indicating the lottery result and then receives the variation pattern designation command indicating the effect display content.

  In other words, the display control means can receive the lottery result data of the symbol designation command first (in other words, the lottery result to be finally notified to the player can be known before the variation pattern), so that symbol The display of the variation pattern corresponding to the lottery result data of the designation command can be prepared before receiving the variation pattern designation command. Therefore, when the variation pattern designation command is received, if the lottery result data matches the lottery result data of the symbol designation command received earlier, the effect display can be started immediately. On the other hand, if the lottery result data do not match, if the prepared display is stopped, the effect display is not made, so the player is not confused or distrusted.

  Further, according to the gaming machine of the first aspect, when the lottery result data of each designation command received by the display control means is coincident, an effect display designated by the variation pattern designation command is made, and thereafter A symbol representing the lottery result designated by the symbol designation command is displayed.

  For example, if both the lottery result data of the variation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command are so-called “big hits” that shift the gaming state to a big hit state that is advantageous to the player, an effect display indicating “big hit” Is performed, a symbol representing “big hit” is displayed. If the lottery result data of the variation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command are both so-called “out” that does not shift the gaming state to the big hit state that is advantageous to the player, an effect display indicating “out” is performed. After being dismissed, a symbol representing “out of” is displayed.

  On the other hand, if the lottery result data of each designation command received by the display control means do not match, an abnormality has occurred (for example, when the variation pattern designation command is “big hit” and the symbol designation command is “out”) And the surroundings are informed through the notification means that an abnormality has occurred.

  That is, according to the gaming machine of claim 1, if each designation command is normally transmitted and received (that is, if no abnormality occurs), the effect display and the symbol display are performed, and each designation command is normally If there is no transmission / reception (that is, if an abnormality occurs), an abnormality notification is made, so that the player can know whether the gaming machine is operating normally, and may be confused or distrustful. Nothing is gone.

  In addition, if each designated command is not transmitted and received normally, an abnormality notification is made, so that the employee can surely know that an abnormality has occurred, and the employee can perform a quick service. Become.

  By the way, the lottery result data added to the symbol designation command and the variation pattern designation command includes data of various contents such as “big hit”, “out of” or “reach”. It is preferable to notify the abnormality based on the result data.

  That is, as described in claim 2, the display control means is a data in which the lottery result data of any designation command among the received designation commands is a big hit, and the lottery result data of other designation commands is a big hit. When the data does not indicate the abnormality, the abnormality is notified through the notification means.

  In this way, if an abnormality occurs during the “big hit” that gives the player the most expectation, an abnormality notification is made. Therefore, even if the display unit cannot display a normal effect display or symbol display, the player can know that an abnormality has occurred, so that the player is not greatly distrusted. It becomes possible.

  By the way, it is determined whether or not the lottery result data of the variation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command are different, and based on the result, display on the display unit or abnormality notification by the notification means, However, it is possible to improve the production effect if the display is performed based on the received symbol designation command or variation pattern designation command. it can. That is, as described in claim 3, each time the display control means receives the symbol designation command or the variation pattern designation command, the display control means is predetermined on the display unit based on the lottery result data of each designation command received. It is recommended that a notice be displayed.

  In this way, every time a symbol designation command or a variation pattern designation command is received, a notice display indicating the contents of the lottery result data of the command (for example, “big hit” or “miss”) is made on the display unit. Therefore, the contents of each notice display are associated with the lottery result (for example, in the case of “big hit”, the contents of the notice display of each designation command include all symbols and characters meaning “big hit”. ), If the transmission / reception is successful and the notice display that is displayed sequentially is “big hit”, the expectation given to the player can be gradually increased. In the case where is the content of “out”, the player can know the lottery result earlier. In addition, when an abnormality occurs in transmission / reception, the notice display sequentially displayed on the display unit is not associated with each other at all (for example, the notice display of the contents of “big hit” and “out”). The person can know that some abnormality has occurred. In addition, when the notice display shows the contents of “big hit” and “out of line” that are not associated with each other, either the “big hit” or “out of line” notice is due to a communication error. However, in this case, since at least one is a notice display based on the lottery result of “big hit”, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that the probability of “big hit” will be higher than usual.

  Further, as described above, the lottery result data includes various data, but instead of displaying a notice based on all the lottery result data, a notice display is performed based on the lottery result data of “big hit”. Good. That is, as described in claim 4, the display control means, when the lottery result data of each designation command received is data indicating a jackpot to shift the gaming state to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player, It is advisable to perform a notice display indicating that the probability of winning a big hit is higher than the normal gaming state as a notice display on the display unit.

  In this way, when the lottery result data of each designation command received by the display control means is “big hit”, a notice display indicating that there is a high probability of being “big hit” every time the designation designation is received. . Therefore, if the transmission / reception is normally performed, the display unit is successively displayed with a notice indicating that the probability of being a “big hit” is high, so that the expectation given to the player can be gradually increased. . Further, the player can know earlier that the “big hit” has been determined by the number of continuous display of the notice display indicating that the probability of being a “big hit” is high.

  On the other hand, if the transmission / reception is not performed normally, even if a display indicating that there is a high probability of being a “big hit” once, it will not actually be a “big hit”, By displaying a notice that the probability of becoming high is high, it is possible to produce an effect that gives the player a sense of expectation. Also, in this case, since it is only a “notice display” indicating that there is a high probability that it will be a “big hit”, even if it becomes “out” after the display, There will be no distrust to the player regarding the function.

  Further, as described in claim 5, the display control means notifies the display unit when the lottery result data of the previously received designated command among the received designated commands is data indicating a big hit. As a display, a notice display indicating that there is a higher probability of winning the game than the normal gaming state may be performed.

  In this way, if it is determined whether or not it is a “big hit” only with the lottery result data of the designated command received earlier and the notice display is made earlier, the “big hit” notice display will be performed earlier, so at an early timing , It can give a player a sense of expectation of “big hit”.

  Then, the processing of the display control means may be realized by processing executed by a microcomputer as described in claim 6. That is, the display control means determines whether or not the lottery result data of each designation command received from the command control means matches, and the lottery result data of each designation command matches by the judgment process. Display processing for displaying a pattern according to the symbol designation command after the effect display of the pattern according to the variation pattern designation command is performed on the display unit, and lottery of each designation command by the judgment processing When it is determined that the result data do not match, the abnormality notification process for notifying the abnormality via the notification means is executed, and among the processes executed by the microcomputer, At least the determination process and the abnormality notification process are executed in one interrupt process that is started every predetermined time by the microcomputer. It is.

  In this way, the lottery data match / mismatch determination process and the abnormality notification process for the symbol designation command and the variation pattern designation command are executed in one interrupt process, which is unnecessary when an abnormality occurs. No notification is made and the player is not confused.

  That is, there is no occurrence of a situation where a “big hit” is not generated (the “big hit” stop symbol is not displayed) even though the effect display is performed with a notice or character that occurs only at the time of the “big hit”, and the game It will not cause confusion or distrust to the person.

  By the way, if the number of communication anomalies that occurred during transmission / reception of the designation command between the command control means and the display control means is known, it is convenient for maintenance of the gaming machine. Therefore, as described in claim 7, the display control unit accumulates the number of notifications every time an abnormality is notified, and notifies the accumulated number of notifications via the notification unit when the abnormality is notified. It is good to.

In this way, maintenance work such as repair or replacement of the gaming machine can be performed based on the cumulative number of abnormalities that have occurred in the gaming machine, leading to an improvement in service quality.
In addition, when an abnormality occurs, the notification means is not always notified, but an external operation for setting whether to notify the gaming machine by the notification means as described in claim 8 is possible. The switch means is provided, and the display control means may perform abnormality notification when notification by the notification means is set via the switch means.

  In this way, even if the notification means is arranged at an easy-to-see position such as the front of the gaming machine, only the employee can easily see the maintenance without notifying the player that an abnormality has occurred. Work becomes easy.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter also simply referred to as “pachinko machine”) 1 includes an outer frame 4 fixed to a gaming machine island, and an inner frame pivotally supported by the outer frame 4 so as to be freely opened and closed. 5.
The inner frame 5 includes three inner frame lamps 7 that are lit to produce a game, and an error display device 24 that displays that a communication error has occurred when data is transmitted / received between the boards in the pachinko machine 1. A game area 9 in which a player throws a game ball, a metal frame 11 that covers the front of the game area 9 with glass, a handle 13 for the player to perform a game ball throw-in operation on the game area 9, The upper tray 15 for storing game balls (rental balls and prize balls) to be paid out from the pachinko machine 1 and the game balls discharged from the upper tray 15 are stored by the upper tray 15 being unable to store the game balls. A lower tray 17 is provided.

  Also, on the game area 9, there are LCDs, a display 19 for displaying three special symbols 19a having characters and figures as elements and various images related to the game, and a variable display of the special symbols 19a are suspended. Four special symbol holding lamps 23 that indicate to the player that the player is present, a start winning device 25 for the player to throw in a game ball to start the variable display of the special symbol 19a, and a jackpot that is executed when a "big hit" occurs A big winning device 27 is provided for a player to throw in a game ball during a game.

The display 19 is embedded in the back of a rectangular parallelepiped recess 20 formed at the center of the game area 9.
The start winning device 25 is a so-called tulip-type start winning device, and includes a pair of movable pieces 25a that are tilted in the left and right directions in the drawing to expand the entrance to the winning opening of the start winning device 25. Prepare. The big winning device 27 is provided with an opening / closing plate 27a that tilts forward in the drawing to open the winning port (hereinafter referred to as “big winning port”) of the big winning device 27.

  Further, on the game area 9, a normal symbol display device 29, which is composed of a 7-segment LED and displays a normal symbol consisting of a one-digit number, and 4 which indicates to the player that the normal symbol variation display is suspended. There are provided two normal symbol holding lamps 31, a pair of game board lamps 33 which are turned on to produce a game, and a pair of start gates 35 which detect the passage of the game ball and start normal symbol variation display. ing.

Next, FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram showing a partial configuration of the control system in the pachinko machine 1.
As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko machine 1 includes a CPU 371, a ROM 373, a RAM 375, a PIO (parallel input / output port) 377, and a microcomputer (hereinafter simply referred to as a “microcomputer”) with a CTC (counter / timer circuit) 379. ) 37a, an input / output interface (hereinafter referred to as “input / output I / F”) 37b, and the like, and a main board 37 that performs overall control of the pachinko machine 1 is provided. The microcomputer 37a is configured to be able to separately supply power to the RAM 375 and other components (that is, the CPU 371, the ROM 373, the PIO 377, and the CTC 379).

And the control system of the pachinko machine 1 is constructed by connecting various substrates and various devices to the main substrate 37.
That is, the main board 37 is first provided on the start gate 35, a gate switch (hereinafter referred to as “gate SW”) 35 a that detects that the game ball has passed through the start gate 35, and the start winning device 25. A start switch (hereinafter referred to as “start SW”) 25 b that is provided and detects that a game ball has been inserted into the start winning device 25, and a movable piece 25 a of the start winning device 25 that is also provided in the start winning device 25. Is connected to a solenoid 25c for driving the motor.

  The main board 37 includes a specific area switch (hereinafter referred to as a “specific area SW”) 27b that is provided in the big prize device 27 and detects that a game ball is thrown into a specific area at the big prize opening. Similarly, a count switch (hereinafter referred to as “count SW”) 27c that is provided in the grand prize winning device 27 and detects that a game ball is thrown into a general area different from the specific area at the grand prize winning opening, is also a big prize. A solenoid 27d that is provided in the device 27 and that drives the opening / closing plate 27a of the special winning device 27 is connected.

  The main board 37 is provided with a payout device 39 for paying out game balls to the upper tray 15 and the lower tray 17, and there are not enough game balls (supply balls) to be paid out to the upper tray 15 and the lower tray 17. A supply ball shortage switch (hereinafter referred to as “replenishment ball shortage SW”) 39a for detecting the presence of the overflow tray 39a and an overflow switch (hereinafter referred to as “the supply ball shortage SW”) which is also provided in the dispensing device 39 and detects that the tray 17 is full. (Referred to as “overflow SW”) 39b is connected to a payout control board 41 that is mounted with a microcomputer (not shown) configured similarly to the microcomputer 37a of the main board 37 and controls the payout device 39.

  Further, a CPU (not shown), a ROM (not shown), a RAM (not shown), a voice control IC (not shown), etc. are mounted on the main board 37 and installed in the pachinko machine 1. A voice control board 43 that outputs voice, sound effects, music and other voices through the speaker 45, a CPU (not shown), a ROM (not shown), a RAM (not shown), and a driver circuit (see FIG. Etc.), and an illumination control board 47 that lights the inner frame lamp 7, the game board lamp 33, the special symbol holding lamp 23, and the normal symbol holding lamp 31 is connected.

  Further, a CPU (not shown), a ROM (not shown), a RAM (not shown), an image control IC (not shown), etc. are mounted on the main board 37, and a special symbol 19a or A symbol control board 49 for displaying various images related to the game, informing the error display device 24 that a communication abnormality with the main board 37 has occurred, and for displaying a normal symbol on the normal symbol display device 29; AC power supplied from the outside of the pachinko machine 1 (AC24V in the present embodiment) is converted into a plurality of types of DC power (DC + 5V, DC + 12V, DC + 24V, DC + 32V in the present embodiment), and the above-described various substrates and various devices. A power supply board 51 is connected to the power supply board 51. It should be noted that the power supply board 51 has DC power supplied to these RAMs so that the RAM 375 of the microcomputer 37a and the RAM of the microcomputer of the payout control board 41 can continue to retain the stored contents even after the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned off. Is mounted with an electric double layer capacitor (not shown) capable of supplying for 20 hours or more. On the other hand, a clear switch (clear SW) 51a composed of a push button switch is also mounted so that the stored contents of these RAMs can be initialized as necessary.

  In the control system of the pachinko machine 1 configured as described above, the CPU 371 built in the microcomputer 37a of the main board 37 executes various processes in accordance with the programs stored in the ROM 373, via the PIO 377 and the input / output I / F 37b. While outputting various commands to the various substrates and various devices described above, these various substrates and various devices perform various processes and various operations in accordance with various commands from the CPU 371 to control each part of the pachinko machine 1.

Hereinafter, various processes executed by the CPU 371 of the microcomputer 37a will be described.
First, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the main routine executed by the CPU 371. This process is executed immediately after the pachinko machine 1 is turned on and the microcomputer 37a is activated.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in this process, first, the top address of the stack area of the RAM 375 is set in the stack pointer of the CPU 371 (S10). Subsequently, after setting the interruption to prohibited (S15), the interruption mode is set (S20). At this time, the CPU 371 sets the value set in a specific register of the CPU 371 (in this embodiment, the interrupt register) as the upper bit, and sets the interrupt vector output by the built-in device of the microcomputer 37a such as the PIO 377 and CTC 379 as the lower bit ( However, in this embodiment, an interrupt mode is set in which the address with the least significant bit set to 0) is used as the start address of various interrupt processes. That is, as a result, the CPU 371 can respond to an interrupt request from each built-in device.

  Then, after permitting access to the RAM 375 (S25), it is determined whether or not the clear SW 51a is ON (pressed) (S30). At this time, the CPU 371 determines that the clear SW 51a is turned on when a clear signal generated when the clear SW 51a is turned on is input for a predetermined time (one second in this embodiment).

  If it is determined that the clear SW 51a is turned on (Yes: S30), the process immediately proceeds to S55 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not turned on (that is, when it is determined that it is turned off) (No: S30), whether or not data indicating the gaming state at the time of the previous power-off is backed up in the RAM 375. (S35), and if not backed up (No: S35), the process immediately proceeds to S55 described later.

  On the other hand, if it is backed up (Yes: S35), a checksum that is a numerical value indicating whether the backed up data is normal or not is calculated based on the backed up data (S40). It is determined whether or not the checksum is normal (S45). At this time, the CPU 371 determines that the checksum is normal when the calculated checksum matches the checksum stored in the RAM 375.

  If it is determined that the checksum is normal (Yes: S45), a known game state return process for returning the game state at the time of the previous power-off is executed based on the backed up data. (S50).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S45 that the checksum is not normal (No: S45), after the stored contents of the RAM 375 are cleared (S55), the initial values of various random values and data used for various processes described later are used. The value is set in the RAM 375, and the RAM 375 is initialized (S60).

  Then, after setting the timer interrupt period (4 ms in this embodiment) in the CTC 379 (S65), the interrupt is set to be permitted (S70), and thereafter, a preset loop process is repeatedly executed (S70). S75).

Here, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the loop processing described above.
As shown in FIG. 4, in this process, interrupt is first set to be prohibited (S100), and then a preset first initial random number update process is executed (S105).

  In this first initial random number value update process, the first initial random number value (initial value = 0) set in the first initial random number setting area of the RAM 375 is added by 1, and the first initial random number value is updated. However, when the first initial random number value has reached an upper limit value designated in advance (the same value as the upper limit value of the reach random number value described later), the first initial random number value is reset (that is, the first Initial random value = 0 is set.), The first initial random value is updated.

When the first initial random number update process is thus completed, a preset second initial random value update process is executed (S110).
In this second initial random value update process, the second initial random value (initial value = 0) set in the second initial random value setting area of the RAM 375 is incremented by 1, and the second initial random value is updated. However, when the second initial random number value has reached a predetermined upper limit value (the same value as the upper limit value of the wrong random number value described later), the second initial random number value is reset (that is, the second Initial random value = 0 is set.), The second initial random value is updated.

When the second initial random number update process is thus completed, the interrupt is set to be permitted (S115), and this process ends.
In S100 of this process, the reason for disabling the interrupt is that the interrupt process occurs during the execution of the first initial random number update process and the second initial random value update process, This is to prevent the random value from being updated incompletely.

Next, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of interrupt processing executed by the CPU 371.
This process is executed when an interrupt signal (timer interrupt) is input from the CTC 379 to the CPU 371 when the interrupt is permitted.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in this process, first, interrupts are disabled (S200), and then the contents of various registers in the CPU 371 are saved to the stack area of the RAM 375 (S205). Then, a preset input process is executed (S210).

  In this input process, the states (ON / OFF) of the gate SW 35 a, start SW 25 b, specific area SW 27 b, count SW 27 c, supply ball shortage SW 39 a, and overflow SW 39 b are read from the input port of the PIO 377 and set in the input state storage area of the RAM 375.

When the input process is thus completed, a preset error process is executed (S215).
In this error processing, referring to the input state storage area, the state of various switches set in the input state storage area is abnormal for the pachinko machine 1 (for example, disconnection or short circuit of various switches, lack of supply balls, Whether it is full). If an abnormality is indicated, an error command that generates an error corresponding to the abnormality is created and stored in the command storage area of the RAM 375. On the other hand, if it indicates that the system has returned to normal from an error, an error cancel command for canceling the generated error is created and stored in the command storage area.

When the error process is thus completed, a preset prize ball process is executed (S220).
In this prize ball processing, the input state storage area is referred to determine whether or not the state of the supply ball shortage SW 39a and the overflow SW 39b has changed. If it is determined that the supply ball is insufficient or the tray 17 is full, a payout stop designation command for instructing the payout control board 41 to stop paying out prize balls is created, and a command accumulation area To accumulate.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that “the supply ball is insufficient or the receiving tray 17 is full” is changed to “the supply ball is insufficient or the receiving tray 17 is not full”, the payout control of the payout of the prize ball is performed. A payout operation designation command permitted to the substrate 41 is created and stored in the command storage area.

  Further, it is determined whether any of the start SW 25b, the specific area SW 27b, and the count SW 27c has detected a game ball. However, the CPU 371 determines that these switches have detected a game ball when the start SW 25b, the specific area SW 27b, and the count SW 27c are continuously turned on for two interrupts and then continuously turned on for two interrupts. To do.

  If it is determined that the game balls are detected by these switches, a prize ball number designation command for instructing the payout control board 41 to pay out the corresponding number of prize balls is created and accumulated in the command accumulation area. Let

When the winning ball process is thus completed, a preset normal symbol operation process is executed (S225).
In this normal symbol operation process, the common random number value (initial value = 0) set in the common random number value setting area of the RAM 375 is incremented by 1, and the common random number value is updated. However, when the usual random number value has reached the upper limit value specified in advance (upper limit value = 250 in this embodiment), the ordinary random number value is reset (that is, the ordinary random number value = 0). ), And update the usual random number.

  Then, referring to the input state storage area, it is determined whether or not the gate SW 35a has detected a game ball. However, the CPU 371 determines that the gate SW 35a has detected a game ball when the gate SW 35a is continuously turned on for two interrupts and then continuously turned on for two interrupts.

  Here, it is determined that a game ball has been detected, and the number of universal operation pending balls (initial value = 0) set in the universal operation pending ball number setting area of the RAM 375 is an upper limit value (in this embodiment, If the upper limit value = 4) has not been reached, the number of normal operation pending balls is incremented by 1, and the normal random number value is read from the normal random value setting area and stored in the normal random value storage area of the RAM 375.

  In addition, when the normal random number value is stored in the normal random number storage area, and the standby time specified in advance with the normal symbol being stopped has elapsed, In the order of subtracting 1 and accumulating in the ordinary random number value accumulating area, one ordinary random number value is taken out from the ordinary random number value accumulating area and set in the ordinary figure determining area of the RAM 375. A change pattern universal specification command for specifying a change pattern is created and stored in the command storage area.

  In addition, if the fluctuation time specified in advance has passed while the normal symbol is changing, the normal symbol that should be stopped and displayed is specified based on the normal random number value set in the normal symbol determination area. Create a symbol stop command and store it in the command storage area.

  Further, when the fluctuating normal symbol shifts to the stop, it is determined whether or not the common figure random number set in the common figure determination area corresponds to “winning”, and the determination result is stored in the RAM 375 as a normal figure. Set in the result area. Incidentally, each of the usual random number values is assigned either “winning” or “out of” (in this embodiment, the usual random number values 84 to 250 are assigned “winning”. Other than the usual random numbers, “out” is assigned.) Then, the CPU 371 determines whether or not the normal random number value set in the normal determination area matches the normal random number value assigned with “win”, so that the normal random number value is “win” or It is determined which one of “out of” corresponds to.

When the normal symbol operation process is thus completed, the preset normal electric accessory operation process is executed (S230).
In this normal electric accessory operation process, referring to the normal result area, if the determination result indicates “winning”, the solenoid 25c of the start winning device 25 is operated to tilt the movable piece 25a. Then, the entrance to the winning opening of the start winning device 25 is expanded.

  Further, when the number of detections of the game ball of the start SW 25b reaches a predetermined number while the solenoid 25c is in operation, or when the operation time of the solenoid 25c reaches a predetermined maximum operation time. Stops the operation of the solenoid 25c.

When the ordinary electric accessory operation process is thus completed, the special symbol operation process is executed (S235). Details of the special symbol operation process will be described later.
Then, when the execution of the special symbol operation process is completed, a special electric accessory operation process set in advance is executed (S240).

  In this special electric accessory operation processing, when it is set in the jackpot occurrence storage area of the RAM 375 that the “big hit” is being generated, the first interval for instructing the symbol control board 49 to display the first hit screen of the jackpot game Stores the specified command in the command storage area.

  If the display time of the first interval screen has elapsed while the first interval screen is displayed, the solenoid 27d of the big winning device 27 is operated to tilt the open / close plate 27a and open the big winning opening. To do.

  In addition, during the opening of the big winning opening, the jackpot game is not the final round, and the number of winning game balls to the big winning opening has reached a predetermined number (10 in this embodiment), or When the maximum opening time designated in advance has elapsed, the operation of the solenoid 27d is stopped and the special winning opening is closed.

  When the big winning game is not in the final round and the specific area SW 27b detects a game ball while the special winning opening is closed, the solenoid 27d is operated to open the special winning opening, and the next The round designation command for instructing the symbol control board 49 to display the round screen is stored in the command storage area. On the other hand, if the specific area SW27b has not detected a game ball, the last interval designation command for instructing the symbol control board 49 to display the last interval screen is accumulated in the command accumulation area.

  In addition, if the display time of the last round interval screen has elapsed while the last round interval screen is displayed, it is set that no “big hit” has occurred in the big hit occurrence storage area and the customer waiting demonstration screen is displayed. Is stored in the command storage area.

When the execution of the special electric accessory operation process is thus completed, a preset lamp process is executed (S245).
In this lamp processing, the number-of-usage-usage-specific command for designating the lighting control board 47 to light the number of lights of the normal symbol-holding lamp 31 is read from the number-of-usage-suspended-ball number setting area. Create and store in the command storage area.

  Also, a special figure operation reservation ball number is read from the special figure operation reservation ball number setting area of the RAM 375, and a lighting number special designation command for designating the lighting number of the special symbol reservation lamp 23 in response to this to the illumination control board 47 is created. And store it in the command storage area.

  Further, referring to the special symbol state storage area of the RAM 375, if the setting content has shifted to the effect that the special symbol 19a is changing, the change of the special symbol 19a is referred to by referring to the fluctuation pattern setting region of the RAM 375. A lighting pattern designation command for designating the lighting pattern of the inner frame lamp 7 and the game board lamp 33 according to the contents of the pattern to the illumination control board 47 is created and accumulated in the command accumulation area.

When the execution of the ramp process is thus completed, a preset information output process is executed (S250).
In this information output process, fluctuation information indicating that the special symbol 19a has been changed, jackpot information indicating the occurrence of “hit” is created, and a call lamp (not shown) connected to the pachinko machine 1 is generated. Output to a hall computer (not shown).

When the information output process is thus completed, a preset output process is executed (S255).
In this output process, various commands stored in the command storage area are sequentially extracted and output to the corresponding substrate.

  When the output processing is completed in this way, the contents of the various registers saved in the stack area are restored (S260), the interrupt is set to permit (S265), and the process returns to the main routine described above.

Here, the details of the special symbol operation process described above will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special symbol operation process.
As shown in FIG. 6, in this process, first, the first initial random number update process described above is executed (S300), and then the second initial random number update process is executed (S305). The set reach random number update process is executed (S310).

  In this reach random value update processing, the reach random value (initial value = 0) set in the reach random value setting area of the RAM 375 is incremented by 1, and the reach random value is updated. However, when the reach random number value has reached the upper limit value specified in advance (upper limit value = 29 in this embodiment), the reach random number value is reset (that is, the reach random number value = 0). ), Reach random number value is updated. In addition, when the reach random number value makes a round, the first random number value is read from the first initial random value setting area and is set as the reach random value in the reach random value setting area, thereby updating the reach random value. To do.

When the reach random number value update process is thus completed, a preset random number value update process is executed (S315).
In this pass / fail random value update process, the pass / fail random value (initial value = 0) set in the pass / fail random value setting area of the RAM 375 is incremented by 1, and the pass / fail random value is updated. However, if the success / failure random value has reached the upper limit value specified in advance (upper limit value = 349 in the present embodiment), the success / failure random value is reset (that is, the success / failure random value = 0 is set). ), Update the random number value. In addition, when the wrong random number value makes a round, the second random number value is read from the second initial random value setting area and is set as the wrong random number value in the wrong random value setting area, thereby updating the wrong random number value. To do.

  After the execution of the random number update process, the input state storage area is referred to and it is determined whether or not the start SW 25b detects a game ball (S320). However, the CPU 371 determines that the start SW 25b has detected a game ball when the start SW 25b is continuously turned on for two interrupts and then continuously turned on for two interrupts.

If it is determined that no game ball is detected (No: S320), the process immediately proceeds to S350, which will be described later.
On the other hand, if it is determined that a game ball is detected (Yes: S320), the special figure operation reserved ball number set in the special figure operation reserved ball number setting area is referred to. It is checked whether or not (initial value = 0) has reached a predetermined upper limit value (in this embodiment, upper limit value = 4) (S325).

Here, when the number of special figure operation reservation balls has reached the upper limit value (Yes: S325), the previous random number value accumulated is deleted (S330), and the process proceeds to S345 described later.
On the other hand, when the number of special figure operation reservation balls has not reached the upper limit (No: S325), after adding the special figure operation reservation balls number by 1 (S335), the reach random number value is obtained from the reach random value setting area. The random number value is read and accumulated in the reach random number value storage area of the RAM 375 (S340), and the random number value is read from the random number setting area and stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 375 (S345).

And after performing the game progress process mentioned later (S350), this process is complete | finished.
Next, the game progress process described above will be described in detail. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the game progress process.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in this process, first, it is checked whether or not “big hit” is occurring by referring to the big hit occurrence storage area (S400). (Yes: S400), this processing is immediately terminated.

On the other hand, when the “big hit” is not occurring (No: S400), it is checked whether the special symbol 19a is changing with reference to the special figure state storage area (S405).
If the change is not in progress (No: S405), a change start process described later is executed (S410), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the change is in progress (Yes: S405), a stop process described later is executed (S415), and then the process ends.
Next, details of the change start process and the stop process will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

As described above, the pachinko machine 1 has a reach random number value and a success / failure random value, and performs an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation by combining the reach random number value and the success / failure random value.
In other words, as will be described later, “reach random” values include “super reach”, “long reach”, “normal reach”, and “out of”, and the corresponding random number values, “per super reach”, “per long reach” ”,“ Per normal reach ”, and“ out of ”. For example, if the reach random number value is “Super Reach”, it is “Large Bonus” only when the success / failure random number value is “Per Super Reach”, and the reach random number value is “Super Reach”. When the random value is not “per super reach”, it is not set as “big hit”.

  Then, the probability of becoming “super reach” is lowered, and the probability of becoming “big hit” of the corresponding success / failure random value “per super reach” is increased. By setting the reach random number value and the pass / fail random number value in this way, the pachinko machine 1 is unlikely to be “super reach”, but once it becomes “super reach”, it is highly probable to “big hit”. It has become a pachinko machine.

  Similarly, reach random values with different probabilities are assigned to “long reach”, “normal reach”, and “out of”, and the corresponding random number values are “per long reach”, “per normal reach”, and “out of”. In addition, different random numbers with different probabilities are assigned to produce various effects.

A variation start process and a stop process based on such reach random number values and failure random number values will be described below.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the variation start process.

As shown in FIG. 8, in this process, first, it is checked whether or not the special figure operation reserved ball number is 0 by referring to the special figure operation reserved ball number setting area (S500).
And when the number of special figure operation reservation balls is 0 (Yes: S500), this processing is ended immediately. On the other hand, when the number of special figure operation reservation balls is not 0 (No: S500), after the special figure operation reservation balls number is subtracted by 1 (S505), the reach is made in the order of accumulation in the reach random number value accumulation area. One reach random number value is extracted from the random value accumulation area (S510), and the content of the variation pattern of the special symbol 19a corresponding to this is set in the variation pattern setting area (S515).

  In the ROM 373, a reach random number value correspondence table is set in which the reach random number values are associated with any one of the fluctuation patterns such as “super reach”, “long reach”, “normal reach”, and “displacement”. The CPU 371 sets the contents of the variation pattern corresponding to the extracted reach random number value based on the reach random number value correspondence table.

  Here, in the present embodiment, “super reach” means that the special symbol 19 a is changed, the left side special symbol 19 a (hereinafter referred to as “left special symbol”) toward the display 19, and the right special symbol 19 a. (Hereinafter referred to as “right special figure”) with the same type of special symbol 19a, the central special symbol 19a (hereinafter referred to as “middle special figure”) is designated as the left special figure and the right special figure. It is an effect set so as to make the player expect the occurrence of a “big hit” by displaying an elaborate animation to be stopped with the same type of special symbol 19a.

  “Long reach” means that the special symbol 19a is changed, the left special figure and the right special figure are stopped at the same special symbol 19a, and then the middle special figure is changed for a longer time than usual. It is an effect set to make the player expect the occurrence of “big hit”.

  The “normal reach” means that the special symbol 19a is changed, the left special figure and the right special figure are stopped at the same type of special symbol 19a, and then the middle special figure is changed as usual to change the “big hit”. It is an effect set to make the player expect the occurrence.

Also, “displacement” is an effect set so that after the special symbol 19a is changed, the left special symbol, the right special symbol, and the middle special symbol are all stopped by different types of special symbols 19a.
In this embodiment, a reach random number value correspondence table as shown in Table 1 is set.

  That is, as shown in Table 1, in the reach random value correspondence table of this embodiment, “super reach” is allocated so that the ratio of “super reach” is about 1/15 of the total, and “long reach” "Long reach" is distributed so that the ratio of "" becomes about 1/10 of the whole. Further, in the reach random number correspondence table of this embodiment, “normal reach” is distributed so that the ratio of “normal reach” is about 1/3 of the whole, and the ratio of “out-going” is about 1/2 of the whole. “Out of” is allocated to

  When the variation pattern has been set in this way, a variation pattern special designation command for designating the variation pattern corresponding to the reach random number value to the symbol control board 49 is created (S520) and accumulated in the command accumulation region (S525).

  This variation pattern special designation command is composed of lottery result data representing a lottery result such as “big hit” or “reach”, and variation pattern special designation data indicating which variation pattern is to be displayed.

  Then, after setting that the special symbol 19a is changing in the special state storage area (S530), the change time of the special symbol 19a associated with the change pattern is set in the change time setting area of the RAM 375 ( S535), this process is terminated.

Next, details of the above-described stop process will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of stop processing.
As shown in FIG. 9, in this process, first, the fluctuation time set in the fluctuation time setting area is down-counted by one interruption period (that is, 4 ms) (S600), and then the fluctuation time has reached 0? It is confirmed whether or not (S605).

  If the variation time has not reached 0 (No: S605), the fact that the vehicle is stopped is set in the special figure state setting area (S670), and then this process is immediately terminated. On the other hand, if it has reached 0 (Yes: S605), it is checked whether or not the variation pattern is “out of” with reference to the variation pattern setting area (S610).

  If the fluctuation pattern is “out of” (Yes: S610), the wrong random number value accumulated in the past closest to the real time is deleted from the wrong random number values accumulated in the wrong random value accumulation area. Later (S615), the process proceeds to S660 described later.

  On the other hand, if the fluctuation pattern is not “out of” at S610 (No: S610), it is checked whether or not the random number value is stored by referring to the random number storage area (S620). If not stored (No: S620), the process immediately proceeds to S660 described later.

  On the other hand, if it is stored (Yes: S620), one pass / fail random value is extracted in the order in which it is stored in the pass / fail random value storage area (S625), and the content of the pass / fail result and the change pattern setting corresponding thereto are taken out. It is determined whether or not the contents of the variation pattern in the region match (S630).

  The ROM 373 has a corresponding random number value correspondence table in which the random number values are associated with one of the validity results such as “per super reach”, “per long reach”, “per normal reach”, and “out of”. The CPU 371 determines whether or not the content of the success / failure result matches the content of the variation pattern in the variation pattern setting area with reference to the corresponding random number value correspondence table. More specifically, when the fluctuation pattern is “super-reach”, “per super-reach” corresponds to “match”, and when the fluctuation pattern is “long reach”, “per-long reach” matches. If the variation pattern is “per normal reach”, “per normal reach” corresponds to coincidence.

  In this correspondence table of random numbers, “per-reach” is allocated so that the occurrence rate of “big hit” is higher than that of the other two types of reach production when “super-reach” occurs. In addition, when “long reach” occurs, “per-long reach” is allocated so that the occurrence rate of “big hit” is higher than when “normal reach” occurs. In other words, by making the occurrence rate of “big hit” different for each reach production, it is possible to make the game play while expecting the player to generate a reach production with a high occurrence rate of “big hit”. It can be improved accordingly. In addition, even if it is a reach production with a low occurrence rate of “big hit”, when a “big hit” occurs, it can give a big surprise as much as the player did not have a sense of expectation, The interest can be improved accordingly.

  In this embodiment, a wrong / random number correspondence table as shown in Table 2 is set.

  That is, as shown in Table 2, in the acceptance random number value correspondence table of the present embodiment, “per super reach” is allocated so that the ratio of “per super reach” is 1 / 10.9 of the total, “Per long reach” is allocated so that the ratio of “per long reach” is 1 / 38.9 of the total. Further, in the acceptance random number value correspondence table of the present embodiment, “per normal reach” is distributed so that the ratio per “normal reach” is 1 / 16.7, and the ratio of “out of reach” is 1/1 of the total. The “out-of-band” is allocated so as to be 1.

  In S630, if the result of the result is the same as the content of the variation pattern in the variation pattern setting area (Yes: S630), the left special diagram and the right special diagram are displayed on the symbol control board 49. A special jackpot stop special designation command for instructing to stop with the same type of special symbol 19a is created (S645) and stored in the command storage area (S650), and a "big hit" is occurring in the jackpot occurrence storage area. Is set (S655), and the process proceeds to S670 to be described later.

  On the other hand, when the content of the result of the success / failure does not match the content of the variation pattern in the variation pattern setting area in S630 (No: S630), the middle special diagram is displayed on the symbol control board 49 on the left special diagram or the right special diagram. A special stop special designation command for instructing to stop at a special symbol 19a different from at least one of the drawings is created (S660) and accumulated in the command accumulation area (S665). Then, the fact that the special symbol 19a is stopped is set in the special figure state setting area (S670), and this process is terminated.

  The big hit stop special designation command and the outage stop special designation command are a lottery result data indicating a lottery result such as “big hit”, “reach”, or “out”, and stop special designation data indicating which symbol is used to stop the display. It consists of and.

Next, output processing will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of output processing.
As shown in FIG. 10, in the output process, first, an error command or an error release command stored in the command storage area is output (S700).

  Next, referring to the command accumulation area, if a payout stop designation command, a payout operation designation command, or a prize ball designation command is accumulated, the accumulated designation command is transmitted to the payout control board 41 (S705).

  Next, referring to the command accumulation area, if the lighting number normal designation command, the lighting number special designation command or the lighting pattern designation command is accumulated, the accumulated designation command is transmitted to the illumination control board 47 ( S710).

  Next, referring to the command accumulation area, the initial interval designation command, round designation command, or customer waiting demonstration designation command accumulated in the command accumulation area is transmitted to the symbol control board 49 (S715).

  Next, referring to the command accumulation area, if the symbol stop universal designation command, jackpot stop special designation command, or outlier special designation command is accumulated, the accumulated designation command is transmitted to the symbol control board 49 (S720). ).

  After the above-described various commands are transmitted to each board, it is determined in S725 whether or not a symbol stop designation command has been transmitted in S720. Here, it is determined whether or not the symbol stop designation command has been transmitted because in the transmission of various commands in S700 to S720, not all commands are necessarily accumulated in the command accumulation area. If there is an accumulated command, the command is transmitted, and there are some commands that are not transmitted in the processes of commands S700 to S720.

  Then, it is determined whether or not a symbol stop designation command has been transmitted. If a symbol stop designation command has been transmitted (Yes: 725), this process ends. If a symbol stop designation command has not been transmitted, the process proceeds to S730. Transition.

  In S730, referring to the command accumulation area, if the variable pattern normal designation command or the variation pattern special designation command is accumulated, the accumulated designation command is transmitted to the symbol control board 49, and this process is terminated.

  The processing described above is executed on the main board 37, and various commands are transmitted to the payout control board 41, the voice control board 43, the electrical decoration control board 47, the symbol control board 49, etc. Details of the processing in the symbol control board 49 according to the invention will be described.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the symbol control board 49.
As shown in FIG. 11, in this process, first, the symbol stop universal designation command, the big hit stop special designation command, and the off-line stop special designation command transmitted from the main board 37 are received and stored in the memory (S800). In the stop designation command reception, the three stop designation commands are not necessarily received. Depending on the processing of the main board 37, any stop designation command may not be received, or one stop designation command is received. Or, three stop designation commands may be received. Then, after receiving and storing the stop designation command, the process proceeds to S805.

  Next, the variation pattern regular designation command and the variation pattern special designation command transmitted from the main board 37 are received and stored in the memory (S805). Also in this case, as in S800, two designation commands are not always received, but a variation pattern designation command corresponding to the stop designation command received in S800 is received. Then, after receiving and storing the variation pattern designation command, the process proceeds to S810.

In S810, it is determined whether or not the lottery result data of the symbol designation command stored in S800 matches the variation pattern designation command stored in S805.
For example, the stop designation command stored in S800 is “big hit stop special designation command”, the lottery result data is “big hit”, and the “variation pattern special designation command” lottery result data stored in S805 is “big hit”. If there is, it is determined that the contents of the two commands match (in other words, no error or the like has occurred during transmission / reception of the command from the main board 37 to the symbol control board 49, and transmission / reception has been performed normally). On the other hand, the lottery result data of the “variation pattern special designation command” stored in S805 is stored even though the stop designation command stored in S800 is the “big hit stop special designation command” and the lottery result data is “big hit”. Is “out of”, it is determined that the contents of both commands match (in other words, an error or the like has occurred during transmission / reception of a command from the main board 37 to the symbol control board 49, and transmission / reception has not been performed normally). To do.

  In this way, the lottery result data of the stop designation command and the variation pattern designation command are compared, and if they do not match (No: S810), the process proceeds to S820, where an error is displayed on the error display device 24. The process ends. On the other hand, if both lottery result data match (Yes: S810), the process proceeds to S815, and the symbol 19a is variably displayed according to the variation pattern designation command.

  Then, in S825, it is determined whether or not the variation time of the symbol variation has become 0. If the variation time has become 0 (Yes: S825), the flow proceeds to S830 to stop the symbol in accordance with the symbol stop designation command, This process ends. On the other hand, if the variation time is not 0 (No: S825), the present process is terminated while the symbols are variably displayed.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1, only when the lottery result data of each designation command received by the symbol control board 49 is coincident, the symbol designated by the variation pattern designation command is displayed. A symbol representing the lottery result designated by the symbol stop designation command is displayed.

  Conversely, if the lottery result data of each designated command received by the symbol control board 49 does not match, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, and the error display device 24 notifies that the abnormality has occurred.

  That is, in the pachinko machine 1, the display of the lottery result displayed on the display 19 or the normal symbol display device 29 is reliably displayed with a series of associations between the effect display and the symbol display representing the lottery result. Due to the abnormality, the effect display and the symbol display indicating the lottery result are not displayed without being associated with each other, and the player is not confused or distrusted.

Further, since the error display device 24 notifies that the abnormality has occurred, the employee can surely know that the abnormality has occurred, and can provide a quick service. (Equivalent to claim 1)
Further, in the pachinko machine 1, as shown in FIG. 12, after transmitting a symbol stop designation command from the main board 37, a variation pattern designation command is transmitted. In other words, since the symbol control board 49 receives the symbol stop designation command and then receives the variation pattern designation command, the lottery result data of the symbol (the symbol representing the lottery result) to be stopped before the display variation starts. Can be determined.

Therefore, no abnormality is reported after starting the variable display, and the player is not confused or distrusted. (Equivalent to claim 1)
Further, in the pachinko machine 1, when an abnormality occurs in the jackpot that gives the player the most expectation, an abnormality notification is given to the error display device 24. Accordingly, even if the normal display or symbol display is not performed on the display 19, the player can know that an abnormality has occurred, so that the player is not greatly distrusted. It becomes possible. (Equivalent to claim 2)
In addition, since the determination of match / mismatch of lottery result data between the symbol stop designation command and the variation pattern designation command and the abnormality notification are executed in one interrupt process, the display 19 or the normal symbol display device 29 is mistaken. Before the display is made, the error display device 24 can notify the error, and the player is not confused. (Equivalent to claim 6)
In this embodiment, error notification is performed by the error display device 24, but may be performed directly by the display 19 or the normal symbol display device 29.

In this embodiment, the reach random number value and the success / failure random number value are used to produce “reach” or “big hit”. However, like a normal pachinko machine, the “big hit” is based on the success / failure random number. After confirming, it may be determined whether or not to perform reach.
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. Note that the pachinko machine 2 of the second embodiment is obtained by changing a part of the flow of processing executed by the CPU 371 of the main board 37 of the first embodiment. Accordingly, the same parts as those of the pachinko machine 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted here, and only different parts are described in detail.

First, FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the symbol display process of the pachinko machine 2 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 13, in the symbol display process of the second embodiment, as in the symbol display process of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The designation command and the special stop stop designation command are received and stored in the memory (S800).

  Thereafter, a symbol based on the designation content of each designated command stored is displayed as an effect display on the display 19 (S802). For example, if a special jackpot stop special designation command is received and stored, a symbol with a high probability of winning a jackpot is displayed as a notice display, and if a special stoppage special designation command is received, it is lost. A symbol having a high probability is displayed as an effect display.

Next, similarly to the symbol display process of FIG. 11, the variation pattern regular designation command and the variation pattern special designation command transmitted from the main board 37 are received and stored in the memory (S805).
Thereafter, a symbol based on the designation content of each designated command stored is displayed on the display 19 as an effect display (S807). For example, when a variation pattern special designation command is received and stored, if the content of the designation command is a designation of a variation pattern that is a big hit, a design with a content indicating that the probability of a big hit is high is displayed. Is displayed.

Then, in the processing after S810, the processing is continued in the same manner as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 11, and after the symbol variation display is performed, the symbol is stopped and the lottery result is displayed.
Thus, by adding S802 to the processing of the first embodiment and displaying the notice, the player has been sent a stoppage command to stop the big hit or miss from the main board 37 (in other words, almost the same) At this point, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that a jackpot will be generated. On the contrary, in the unlikely event that a communication error occurs during transmission / reception of the fluctuation pattern designation command in S805, which is post-processing, a mismatch between the symbol to be displayed and the fluctuation pattern (for example, in S802, a jackpot stop special designation command was received. In spite of this, in S805, even if an outlier variation pattern special designation command is received), the jackpot is not displayed, so there is no confusion for the player. The degree can be suppressed.

  In addition, in S807, the effect display is performed for the same purpose, so in the case of a jackpot, the player knows that the jackpot has been determined at this time, and the player can know the jackpot determination earlier. .

On the contrary, when the content of the display performed in S802 and the content of the display performed in S807 are not consistent (for example, a display indicating a big hit is displayed in S802, and a display indicating a deviation is displayed in S807). In this case, the player can know that some abnormality has occurred. (Equivalent to claim 3)
Here, in the case of the second embodiment, every time both the symbol stop designation command and the variation pattern designation command are received, symbols are displayed based on the designated contents. However, the lottery result data of each designation command is a big hit. In other words, the symbol display based on the contents of each designated command may be performed only when the lottery result data is a big hit.

  In this way, when the lottery result data of each designated command received by the display control means is a big hit, a notice display indicating that the probability of a big hit is high every time each designated command is received. Therefore, if the transmission / reception is normally performed, the display 19 is successively displayed with a notice indicating that the probability of a big hit is high, so that the expectation given to the player can be gradually increased. In addition, the player can know earlier that the jackpot has been determined by the number of continuous display of the notice display indicating that the probability of winning the jackpot is high.

On the other hand, if transmission / reception of each specified command is not performed normally, even if a display indicating that there is a high probability that it will be a big hit, it will not actually be a big hit, By displaying a notice that the probability of becoming high is high, it is possible to produce an effect that gives the player a sense of expectation. Further, in this case, since the display is a notice display indicating that the probability of winning a big hit is high, even if the display is dismissed after the display, No distrust to the person. (Equivalent to claim 4)
Further, in the case of the second embodiment, every time both the symbol stop designation command and the variation pattern designation command are received, symbols are displayed based on the designation contents. However, the lottery result data of the symbol stop designation command is a big hit. It may be determined only whether or not. More specifically, S807 is omitted so that the symbol display based on the variation pattern designation command is not performed.

In this way, it is only necessary to confirm that the lottery result data of the symbol stop designation command is for commanding the “big hit” effect display (in other words, regardless of the contents of the variation pattern designation command received later). If the display is made, the player cannot know the lottery result at the time of the display, but can give the player a big expectation. (Equivalent to claim 5)
(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The pachinko machine 3 according to the third embodiment is obtained by changing a part of the flow of processing executed by the CPU 371 of the main board 37 according to the first embodiment. Accordingly, the same parts as those of the pachinko machine 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted here, and only different parts are described in detail.

First, FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the symbol display process of the pachinko machine 2 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 14, in the symbol display process of the third embodiment, the symbol stop designation transmitted from the main board 37 in S800 to S810, as in the symbol display process of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The command and the variation pattern designation command are received and stored, and it is determined whether or not the lottery result data of the symbol stop command and the variation pattern designation command match.

If the lottery result data match (Yes: S810), the symbols are variably displayed in S815, S825, and S830 as in FIG. 11, and the symbols are stopped and displayed after a predetermined variation time. Exit. On the other hand, if the lottery result data does not match (No: S810), the number of times that the lottery result data does not match (in other words, the number of occurrences of communication errors is accumulated (S818), and the cumulative number of communication errors is calculated. The information is displayed on the error display device 24 composed of a 7-segment LED or LCD (S820), and the processing is terminated (corresponding to claim 7 above).
In the pachinko machine 1 according to the third embodiment, since the accumulated number of abnormalities that have occurred in the pachinko machine 1 is displayed on the error display device 24 in this way, repair or replacement of the pachinko machine 1 is performed based on the display. Maintenance work can be performed, leading to an improvement in service quality.

In the third embodiment, the cumulative number of abnormalities is always displayed on the error display device 24. However, a switch is provided on the front surface of the pachinko machine 1 so that the display of the error display device 24 is turned ON / OFF with the switch. It may be. By doing so, even if the error display device 24 is arranged at an easily viewable position such as the front surface of the pachinko machine 1, only the employee can easily see it without notifying the player that an abnormality has occurred. This makes it easier to perform maintenance work and the like. (Equivalent to claim 8)
In the first to third embodiments described above, S515 of the change start process and S610 to S630 of the stop process correspond to the lottery means in the present invention.

The display 19 corresponds to a display unit.
The main board 37, the output process S255, the fluctuation start process S410, and the stop process S415 correspond to the command control means in the present invention.

Further, the symbol control board 49 and the symbol display processing shown in FIGS. 11, 13, and 14 correspond to the display control means in the present invention.
Further, the symbol stop special designation command, the jackpot stop special designation command, and the off-line stop special designation command correspond to the symbol designation command in the present invention.

Further, the fluctuation pattern normal designation command and the fluctuation pattern special designation command correspond to the fluctuation pattern designation command in the present invention.
Further, the error display device 24 and the symbol display processes S820 and S818 shown in FIGS. 11, 13, and 14 correspond to notification means in the present invention.

Further, S802 and S807 of the symbol display process correspond to the notice display in the present invention.
The symbol control board 49 corresponds to the microcomputer in the present invention.
Further, S810 in the symbol display process corresponds to the determination process in the present invention.

Further, the symbol display processing shown in FIGS. 11, 13, and 14 corresponds to the display processing in the present invention.
Moreover, S820 and S818 of the symbol display process shown in FIGS. 11, 13, and 14 correspond to the abnormality notification process in the present invention.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various forms can be taken as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention. .

  For example, in the above embodiment, the notification means is a 7-segment LED, but it may be a display device such as an LCD or CRT, or a device using sound such as sound or sound effects. Also good.

  In any of the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine. However, the present invention may be applied to other types of gaming machines using gaming balls (for example, an arrangement ball gaming machine).

It is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 in a 1st embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a part of control system in the pachinko machine 1 of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the main routine which CPU371 of the main board | substrate 37 in 1st Embodiment performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the loop process which CPU371 of the main board | substrate 37 in 1st Embodiment performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the interruption process which CPU371 of the main board | substrate 37 in 1st Embodiment performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special symbol operation | movement process which CPU371 of the main board | substrate 37 in 1st Embodiment performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the game progress process which CPU371 of the main board | substrate 37 in 1st Embodiment performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the change start process which CPU371 of the main board | substrate 37 in 1st Embodiment performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the stop process which CPU371 of the main board | substrate 37 in 1st Embodiment performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the output process which CPU371 of the main board | substrate 37 in 1st Embodiment performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the symbol display process which CPU371 of the main board | substrate 37 in 1st Embodiment performs. It is a figure which shows the transmission timing of each designation | designated command which CPU371 of the main board | substrate 37 in 1st Embodiment transmits. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the symbol display process which CPU371 of the main board | substrate 37 in 2nd Embodiment performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the symbol display process which CPU371 of the main board | substrate 37 in 3rd Embodiment performs.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine (pachinko machine), 4 ... Outer frame, 5 ... Inner frame, 7 ... Inner frame lamp, 9 ... Game area, 11 ... Gold frame, 13 ... Handle, 15 ... Upper saucer, 17 ... Lower saucer, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 19 ... Display, 19a ... Special symbol, 20 ... Recess, 23 ... Special symbol hold lamp, 24 ... Error display device, 25 ... Start winning device, 25a ... Movable piece, 25b ... Start SW, 25c ... Solenoid, 27 ... Grand prize Device, 27a ... Opening / closing plate, 27b ... Specific area SW, 27c ... Count SW, 27d ... Solenoid, 29 ... Normal symbol display device, 31 ... Normal symbol holding lamp, 33 ... Inner frame lamp 7 and game board lamp, 33 ... Game Panel lamp, 35 ... Start gate, 35a ... Gate SW, 37 ... Main board, 37a ... Microcomputer, 37b ... Input / output I / F, 39 ... Dispensing device, 39a ... Insufficient supply ball SW, 39b ... Bar flow SW, 41 ... Discharge control board, 43 ... Voice control board, 45 ... Speaker, 47 ... Illumination control board, 49 ... Symbol control board, 51 ... Power supply board, 51a ... Clear SW, 371 ... CPU, 373 ... ROM 375 ... RAM, 377 ... PIO, 379 ... CTC.

Claims (8)

Lottery means for performing a lottery to determine whether or not to shift the gaming state to the specific gaming state by passing the game ball through the start winning device;
Based on the lottery result by the lottery means, the symbol designation command for designating the symbol for displaying the lottery result on the display unit, and the lottery result is displayed on the display unit after the game ball passes the start winning device. Command control means for outputting a variation pattern designation command for designating a variation pattern of a symbol for performing an effect display on the display unit until the symbol is displayed;
The symbol designation command and the variation pattern designation command output from the command control means are received, and an effect display is performed on the display unit according to the received variation pattern designation command, and then the symbol designation command is supported. Display control means for displaying a pattern;
A gaming machine equipped with
The lottery result data representing the lottery result is added to the symbol designation command and the variation pattern designation command output by the command control means,
The command control means includes
After outputting the symbol designation command, output the variation pattern designation command,
The display control means includes
When the symbol designation command and the variation pattern designation command are received from the command control means, it is determined whether or not the lottery result data added to each designation command is the same, and is added to each designation command. If the lottery result data matches, the effect display and the symbol display based on each designation command are performed, and if the lottery result data does not match, the abnormality is notified to the surroundings through the notification means. A gaming machine characterized by   The display control means, when the lottery result data of any of the designation commands received is data indicating a big hit, and the lottery result data of other designation commands is not data indicating a big hit, the notification The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein abnormality notification is made through means.   Each time the display control means receives the symbol designation command or the variation pattern designation command, the display control means performs a predetermined notice display on the display unit based on the lottery result data of the received designation commands. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the gaming machine is characterized by that.   When the received lottery result data of each designation command is data indicating a jackpot for shifting the gaming state to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player, the display control means displays the notice display on the display unit. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein a notice display indicating that the probability of winning a big hit is higher than in a normal gaming state.   The display control means, when the lottery result data of the designation command received earlier among the designation commands received is data indicating a jackpot, the display unit displays the normal gaming state as the notice display. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein a notice display indicating that there is a high probability of winning a jackpot is performed. The display control means includes
The microcomputer
When the lottery result data of each designation command received from the command control means is matched, the lottery result data of each designation command is judged to be matched by the decision processing, After performing the effect display of the pattern according to the variation pattern designation command on the display unit, the lottery result data of each designation command is displayed by the display process for displaying the symbol according to the symbol designation command and the determination process. An abnormality notification process for notifying an abnormality via the notification means when it is determined that they do not match,
Is realized by executing
Among the processes executed by the microcomputer, at least the determination process and the abnormality notification process are executed in one interrupt process started at a predetermined time by the microcomputer. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   The display control means accumulates the number of notifications every time the abnormality is notified, and notifies the accumulated number of notifications via the notification means when the abnormality is notified. A gaming machine according to claim 6. An externally operable switch means for setting whether or not to perform notification by the notification means;
8. The display according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit performs the abnormality notification when notification by the notification unit is set via the switch unit. The gaming machine described.

Images