JP2006288545A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify an initializing operation of data stored for backup in a constitution of storing game machine data and game history data for the backup respectively. <P>SOLUTION: When confirming that game state data are initialized in a game control microcomputer side according to the operation of a clear switch provided in the back face of a Pachinko game machine, the Pachinko game machine displays a game parlor menu screen for initializing the game history data stored in a performance control microcomputer side on an ornamental symbol display device (S421). Only when the game parlor menu screen is displayed and it is determined that a history data clear operation is executed by an operation key provided on the front face of the Pachinko game machine (S422Y), the stored game history data are initialized (S423). While executing the variable display, the Pachinko game machine executes an arbitrarily varying display such as animation by updating and specifying symbol image data having different display modes (patterns) in a same kind of symbol during the variable display based on animation variation index data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by, for example, a pachinko gaming machine or a coin gaming machine. More specifically, a display device is provided that displays a display result by variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable based on establishment of a predetermined start condition, and the specific display result is derived and displayed on the display device. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that is controlled to a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player.

  As this type of gaming machine, what is generally known in the past, for example, based on the establishment of a predetermined starting condition, a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified are displayed in a variable manner to derive a display result. Some display devices have a display device that is controlled to a specific game state (for example, controlled to a big hit game state) advantageous to the player based on the specific display result being derived and displayed on the display device.

  Game progress in such a gaming machine is controlled by a game control microcomputer. Then, for example, when power supply as a power source supplied to the gaming machine is stopped due to a power failure, backup data indicating a gaming state when the power supply is stopped is stored, and power supply is started later. When this is done, control for restoring the gaming state is performed based on the stored data. In such a gaming machine, when the backup data is initialized when power supply is started, the game store clerk has initialized the backup data by operating the clear switch.

In addition, for this type of gaming machine, game history data such as the number of out balls and the number of safe balls is accumulated and stored in the gaming machine, and the game history information is based on the gaming history data on the symbol display according to the operation of the gaming machine. (Patent Document 1). Further, with regard to this type of gaming machine, there is a configuration in which the gaming history data stored and stored as described above is backed up and the gaming history information can be accumulated across days, weeks, months, etc. (Patent Document 2). As described above, in the gaming machine that stores the game history data in a backup manner, the game store information is initialized by the game store clerk operating the accumulated data clear switch.
JP-A-7-051460 (paragraph number 0034-0037) JP 2002-035359 (paragraph numbers 0027, 0040, 0055, FIG. 9)

  However, the conventional gaming machine as described above has the following problems. In the case of adopting a configuration in which the game history data as described above is backed up and stored in a gaming machine that stores the game state data as in the conventional case, when the game state data and the game history data are to be initialized, It is necessary to operate the clear switch individually for data. For this reason, in such a gaming machine, the initialization operation of the backed up data is complicated.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to simplify the initialization operation of the data stored in the backup in the configuration in which the game state data and the game history data are respectively stored in the backup. It is to provide a possible gaming machine.

Specific examples of means for solving the problems and their effects

(1) Based on the establishment of a predetermined start condition (a game ball wins at the start port 58a), a plurality of types of identification information (special symbols and decorative symbols) that can be identified are displayed in a variable manner and a display result is derived. The display device (the special symbol display device 44a and the decorative symbol display device 44b in FIG. 3) is provided, and a specific game state (advantageous to the player when the specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the display device ( A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 1) controlled to a big hit gaming state),
A game control microcomputer that executes a game control process for controlling the progress of the game and outputs a display control signal (effect control command) for controlling the display device (game control microcomputer 99 in FIG. 5) A game control board (main board 120 in FIG. 5) on which is mounted,
A display control board (production control board 90 in FIG. 7) on which a display control microcomputer (production control microcomputer 118 in FIG. 7) for controlling the display device based on the display control signal is mounted;
Initialization operation means (clear switch 921 in FIG. 2) provided on the rear side of the gaming machine (power supply board 910 in FIG. 8) and outputting an initialization signal (clear signal) according to the operation;
Provided on the front side of the gaming machine (near the upper plate 19 in FIG. 1), when a predetermined operation screen (game shop menu screen in FIG. 28, etc.) is displayed on the display device, Display operation means (operation keys 190 in FIGS. 4, 5, etc.) for performing operations (history data clear, game history information display) for displaying the history of games (game history information) performed on the gaming machine. And
The game control microcomputer is:
Display result determination means (S56 to S58 in FIG. 21 in the special symbol process) in which it is determined in advance whether or not the display result of the variable display in the display device is the specific display result;
A game control storage means for storing game state data indicating a progress state of the game and storing the game state data for at least a predetermined period even when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped (the figure is backed up by a backup power source). 5 RAM 55),
An initialization signal input unit (I / O port unit 53 in FIG. 5) to which the initialization signal output from the initialization operation means is input;
A game control side initialization signal confirmation means for confirming whether or not the initialization signal is input to the initialization signal input unit (part for executing the processing of S7 in FIG. 13);
Supply of power to the gaming machine is started, and it is confirmed by the gaming control side initialization signal confirmation means that the initialization signal is not input (determined NO in the process of S7 in FIG. 13). On the condition that the game control recovery means for executing the game control recovery process for recovering the progress state of the game based on the game state data stored in the game control storage means (the processing of S91 to S94 in FIG. 13). Part to execute)
When power supply to the gaming machine is started and it is confirmed by the gaming control side initialization signal confirmation means that the initialization signal is input (determined as YES in the process of S7 in FIG. 13) In addition, a game control initialization means for executing a game control initialization process for initializing the game state data stored in the game control storage means (a portion for executing the processes of S10 to S12 in FIG. 13); Including
The display control microcomputer is:
In the display device, after starting the variable display of the identification information, the variable for performing the control for deriving and displaying the display result according to the determination by the display result determining means (S611 in FIG. 45, the effect control process in FIG. 50). Display control means (display control function of the microcomputer 118 for effect control in FIG. 5);
Based on display control signals from the game control microcomputer, game history data creating means for creating the game history data indicating the history of games played in the gaming machine (part for executing the processing of S382 in FIG. 53) )When,
Storage means for display control that stores the game history data created by the game history data creation means and stores the game history data for at least a predetermined period even when the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped (powered by a backup power source) Backed up RAM 118c in FIG.
A game history display process for executing a game history display process for displaying the game history on the display device based on the game history data stored in the display control storage unit in response to an operation of the display operation unit. Means (S423 in FIG. 46, S366 in FIG. 52);
Based on the display control signal (recovery command) from the gaming control microcomputer, it is confirmed whether or not the gaming state data has been initialized in the gaming control microcomputer (for example, a recovery command for a predetermined time by S604 in FIG. 45). A game state data initialization confirmation means (a part for executing the processing of S604 in FIG. 45) for confirming that the game state data is initialized when it is determined that is not received.
Supply of power to the gaming machine is started, and it is confirmed by the gaming state data initialization confirmation means that the gaming state data has not been initialized (YES is determined in the processing of S602 in FIG. 45). Based on the above, game history recovery means for enabling display of game history display based on the game history data stored in the display control storage means before the power supply is stopped (before the power is turned off in S606 in FIG. 45) Function to restore game history)
An initialization operation for initializing the gaming history data when power supply to the gaming machine is started and the gaming state data initialization confirmation means confirms that the gaming state data has been initialized. Operation screen display means for displaying an operation screen (game shop menu screen in FIG. 28) (part for executing the processing of S421 in FIG. 46);
Only when the initialization operation screen is displayed by the operation screen display means, the initialization operation for initializing the game history by the display operation means is made effective (initialization data management in FIG. 46). The history data can be cleared only when the process is being executed, that is, when the game shop menu image is displayed in S421, the enabling means (S421a in FIG. 46),
The initialization operation by the display operation means was performed when the initialization operation was enabled by the enabling means (determined that the operation for clearing the history data was performed in S422 in FIG. 46). ) Initialization operation determination means for determining whether or not (the part for executing the processing of S422),
A game history initialization process (S423) for initializing the game history data stored in the display control storage means on condition that the initialization operation determination means determines that an initialization operation has been performed. Game history initialization means (part for executing the process of S423) that executes the process of clearing the history data according to the history data clearing operation in particular.
Identification information image data storage means (image ROM 119a in FIG. 7) for storing image data (FIG. 37) for displaying each of the plurality of types of identification information in a plurality of display modes (for example, patterns);
Identification information arrangement specifying information (decorative symbol numbers 0 to 9) for specifying the type and arrangement of the identification information stored in the image data storage means, and the change and order of change of the images of each identification information Identification information specific information storage means for storing (animation variation index data) in association with identification information image change identification information (animation variation numbers 1 to 5) for identifying (image variation (a) in FIG. 38) The control ROM 118b) of FIG.
Fluctuation speed direction designating means (effect) for designating the fluctuation speed of the identification information (fluctuation speed of FIG. 38C) and the fluctuation direction of the identification information (fluctuation direction of FIG. 38C) in the display device. A control CPU 118a, a control ROM 118b) for storing display control data,
Display area specifying means (effect control CPU 118a, control ROM 118b) for specifying the display area for displaying the identification information (display area whose size is specified by x and y in FIG. 38B);
Based on the fluctuation speed and fluctuation direction designated by the fluctuation speed direction designation means and the type and arrangement of identification information specified by the identification information arrangement specifying information, the arrangement information of identification information to be displayed is specified. Arrangement information specifying means (production control CPU 118a, control ROM 118b, S505 in FIG. 54);
Based on the array information specified by the array information specifying means and the identification information image change specifying information stored in the identification information specifying information storage means, the image data of the identification information to be displayed is specified. Change image data specifying means (effect control CPU 118a, control ROM 118b, S506 and S507 in FIG. 54),
The image data specified by the change image data specifying means is read from the identification information image data storage means, and the process of displaying the read image data and the display area specified by the display area specifying means to repeat the identification It further includes change image generation display means (VDP 119, S511 to S514) for changing the information image.

  According to such a configuration, at the start of power supply to the gaming machine, the gaming state data is initialized on the gaming control microcomputer side according to the operation of the initialization operation means provided on the rear surface of the gaming machine. When it is confirmed, an initialization operation screen for initializing game history data stored on the production control microcomputer side before the power supply is stopped is displayed on the display device. Then, the stored game history data is initialized on the condition that it is determined that the initialization operation by the display operation means that is effective only when the initialization operation screen is displayed. . For this reason, when the game state data and the game history data are initialized together, the operation means provided on the rear side of the gaming machine, that is, the operation means that is complicated to operate, is referred to as initialization operation means. It can be limited to operating one operating means. Further, by assigning other necessary operations to the display operation means provided on the front side of the gaming machine, that is, the operation means that can be easily operated, the game state data and the game history data are respectively stored as backups. In this configuration, it is possible to simplify the initialization operation of the data stored in the backup. Furthermore, since the display operation means is provided on the front side of the gaming machine, it can be operated by the player, but the initialization operation by the display operation means is performed only when the initialization operation screen is displayed. Since the game history data is initialized, it is a precondition that the initialization operation means provided on the rear side of the gaming machine is operated. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the player from initializing the game history data without permission.

  Furthermore, image data for displaying each identification information in a plurality of display modes is prepared, and the arrangement information of the identification information specified as the display target, the change of the image of each identification information, and the order of the change are specified. Therefore, the image data of the identification information to be displayed is specified based on the identification information image change specifying information. As a result, in the variation display of the identification information, it is possible to perform display that changes arbitrarily such as animation while performing variation display. In addition, since the display information can be specified sequentially by specifying the arrangement information of the identification information to be displayed and the change of the image of the identification information and the order of the change, the control of the variable display is relatively simple, and the game The control burden on the machine can be reduced. Furthermore, it is not necessary to store image data having different display modes for each arrangement of identification information and each variation pattern, and the data amount can be suppressed.

(2) The display control microcomputer is:
After the power supply to the gaming machine is started, the display information can be variably displayed (identification information (special symbol, decorative symbol) that can be individually identified). In a normal state), a variation display determination means (S346 in FIG. 51) for determining whether or not the identification information is varied on the display device over a predetermined period;
When it is determined that the variable display is not performed by the variable display determination means (YES in S346 of FIG. 51), the game history based on the game history data is used as an operation by the display operation means. The normal operation screen (player menu screen in FIG. 30 (b)) that can be displayed in response to this is displayed (YES in S346 in FIG. 51, and it is determined in S350 that the enter key has been operated). 52, the effect control process flag in S351 is switched, the game information display process in FIG. 52 proceeds, and the player menu screen is displayed in S364) Normal operation screen display means (S364 in FIG. 52) Further included.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to display a game history based on the game history data when the display device does not display the variation of the identification information over a predetermined period. For this reason, if there is no variable display for a predetermined period, the player can freely view the game history.

(3) The display control microcomputer includes:
In the display device, the game history is being displayed (when the game information display process of FIG. 52 is being executed), and a display control signal for instructing to variably display the identifiable identification information is displayed. When it is input to the control microcomputer (when the variation pattern command reception flag is set in S628 of FIG. 49), the display of the game history is stopped on the display device (the effect control process in S372 of FIG. 52). A game history stop means (S371 in FIG. 52), the flag is switched, and the display is stopped by proceeding to the symbol variation start processing in S904 in FIG. 50;
When the game history is canceled by the game history canceling means, the display on the display device is switched to the variation display of the identification information (the effect control process flag is switched in S372 in FIG. 52, and the symbol variation start process in S904 in FIG. 50 is performed. It further includes fluctuation display switching means (S372 in FIG. 52) which is switched to an image of symbol fluctuation display when executed.

  According to such a configuration, when a display history is being displayed on the display device, when a display control signal instructing to change and display identification information used in the game is input to the display control microcomputer. In the display device, the display of the game history is stopped and the display is switched to the variation display of the identification information. For this reason, in the display device, the identification information used in the game is preferentially executed over the display of the game history, so that the player can be prevented from erroneously recognizing the variation display of the identification information. In addition, when the variable display is executed, it is not necessary to end the display of the displayed game history.

(4) The game control microcomputer specifies that one of the game control recovery process and the game control initialization process has been executed after power supply to the game machine is started. Further includes display control signal output processing means (part for executing the processing of S94 in FIG. 13) for performing processing of outputting a possible power supply start process specific signal (restoration command) as the display control signal;
The display control microcomputer determines whether or not the power supply start process specific signal is input during a predetermined period after the power supply to the gaming machine is started. It further includes input determination means (portion for executing the processing of S602 to S604 in FIG. 45),
The gaming state data initialization confirmation unit confirms whether or not the gaming state data has been initialized based on the determination by the start time processing specific signal input determination unit (S604).

  According to such a configuration, after power supply to the game ball is started, one of the game control restoration process and the game control initialization process is executed from the game control microcomputer. A power supply start process specific signal is output as a display control signal, and the power supply start process is specified in a predetermined period after the power supply to the game ball is started by the display control microcomputer. Based on the determination of whether or not a signal is input, it is confirmed whether or not the gaming state data has been initialized. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the types of display control signals used for confirming whether or not the game state data has been initialized.

(5) The game control microcomputer outputs a demonstration display control signal (demonstration display command) for instructing to display a demonstration image that is displayed when the identification information that can be identified is not variably displayed for a predetermined period. It further includes demo display control signal output means (S596 in FIG. 21, S26 in FIG. 14),
When the display control microcomputer receives the demonstration display control signal output from the demonstration display control signal output means (YES in S634 of FIG. 49, and when the demonstration display command reception flag is set in S635) ) In the display device, after the display of the game history is completed in accordance with the operation by the display operation means, a demonstration image corresponding to the demonstration display control signal is displayed (the game information display process of FIG. 52 is executed). 51, the fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process of FIG. 51 including the step of switching the effect control process to the demo display process is not executed, and the effect control is performed by S369 of FIG. 52 after the end operation for displaying the history data. The process is switched to fluctuation pattern command reception waiting processing, Since the demonstration display command reception flag is set in the standby reception process, the effect control process is switched to the demonstration display process in S353 of FIG. 51, and the demonstration display is executed) Demo display switching means (FIG. 52). S367 to S369, and S345 and S353 in FIG.

  According to such a configuration, when the demonstration display control signal is input to the display control microcomputer, the display of the game history is terminated in accordance with the operation by the display operation means on the display device, and then the demonstration display is performed. A demonstration image corresponding to the control signal is displayed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the display of the game history that has been displayed according to the operation by the display operation means from being switched to the demonstration image unnecessarily. Thereby, waste of operation can be eliminated.

(6) The display operation means inputs an operation signal output in response to an operation to the display control microcomputer (FIG. 7),
The history display processing means executes the game history display processing based on the operation signal (S422, S423 in FIG. 46, S363, S366 in FIG. 52).

  According to such a configuration, since the display control microcomputer executes the game history display process based on the operation signal from the display operation means, the process of the game control microcomputer related to displaying the game history The burden can be reduced.

(7) a game area (game area 41) provided with a predetermined winning area;
A launching unit (striking ball launching device 130) for launching a game ball to be shot into the game area;
The game control microcomputer is configured to display the display control signal (effect control) for variably displaying the identification information on the display device when the start condition is satisfied in response to a game ball winning in the winning area. Command) (S26 in FIG. 14),
Game ball number counting means (a shot ball sensor 194 in FIG. 3 and the like) that counts the number of game balls that are shot into the game area;
The display control storage means stores the number of game balls counted by the game ball number counting means as the game history data (the detection signal of the firing ball sensor 194 is sent to the effect control microcomputer 118 as shown in FIG. 7). The data is input and compiled as history data in S383 of FIG. 53).

  According to such a configuration, since the number of game balls to be shot into the game area is stored as game history data, the game balls are shot into the game area before being controlled to the specific game state based on the game history data. The number of played balls can be grasped. Therefore, whether the gaming machine has a track record of being easily controlled to a specific gaming state based on displaying the number of game balls that have been thrown into the gaming area as a gaming history before being controlled to the specific gaming state. The player can easily determine the superiority or inferiority of the gaming machine.

  (8) The change image data specifying means includes time measuring means (oscillation circuit 679, effect control CPU 118a), and each time the time measuring means times a predetermined time (for example, 30 ms), the identification information specifying information storage is performed. In accordance with the identification information image change specifying information stored in the means, image data for displaying the identification information in a different display mode is designated (the animation variation index data is updated in S501 in FIG. 54).

  According to such a configuration, the display mode can be changed by specifying image data for displaying the identification information in a different display mode according to the identification information image change specifying information every time the predetermined period is timed. Since this is done, the control burden on the gaming machine can be reduced. In addition, since the display mode is updated at a timing independent of the variation speed of the identification information, it is possible to perform variation display rich in variation.

(9) The identification information includes value information (for example, probability variation big hit symbol of FIG. 34, time shortage big hit symbol) having different game value to be given to the player when a specific display result is obtained,
The identification information image data storage means stores image data of identification information with different display modes according to the game value to be given (FIG. 34),
The change image data specifying means specifies image data corresponding to the game value to be given (S506 and S507 in FIG. 54).

  According to such a configuration, the image data of the identification information having a different display mode is stored according to the game value given to the player when the display result becomes a jackpot symbol, and corresponds to the game value given. Since the image data is specified, it is possible to display an image of identification information in a display mode corresponding to the game value to be given.

(10) The variation display of the identification information includes an effect variation display state for a predetermined effect (for example, an effect such as a reach effect, a jackpot effect) and a normal variation display state executed at least before the effect variation display state. (For example, a change display state of the identification information before an effect such as a reach effect or a jackpot effect is executed),
The identification information image data storage means includes first identification information image data (image data shown in FIGS. 37 and 39) used in the normal variation display state and a second identification information image used in the effect variation display state. Data (image data shown in FIG. 55).
The change image data specifying means switches specific image data switching means for switching the image data to be specified from the first identification information image data to the second identification information image data on the basis of triggering the production. A specific image switching step provided in a program for effect control (display control) executed by the effect control microcomputer 118.

  According to such a configuration, the first identification information image data used in the normal variation display state and the second identification information image data used in the production variation display state are stored for each identification information, and the opportunity to perform the production. Since the image data is switched from the first identification information image data to the second identification information image data based on the fact that it has become, the display mode is changed according to the display state (normal variation display state, effect variation display state). Different images can be displayed, and the effect of playing the game with the images can be improved.

(11) Size designation means for designating the size of identification information to be displayed on the display device (control ROM 118b storing display control data shown in FIG. 38B, based on display control data stored in control ROM 118b And a step executed by the CPU 118a for effect control such as S504, S508, etc. for specifying the enlargement ratio of the symbol,
The changed image generation / display unit generates an image in which the image data read from the image data storage unit is resized based on the size designated by the size designation unit (S512 in FIG. 54), and the image is displayed as the image data. Clipping is performed based on the size of the display area specified by the display area specifying means, and image data of the display image is generated (S513 in FIG. 54) and displayed on the display device.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to generate an image in which the image data read from the image data storage unit is resized based on the size designated by the size designation unit. A rich display is possible.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a pachinko gaming machine is shown as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be other gaming machines such as a coin gaming machine, a slot machine, etc. Provided with a display device that displays a display result by variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, each of which can be identified based on the establishment of a condition, and for the player when a specific display result is derived and displayed on the display device The present invention can be applied to any gaming machine that is controlled to an advantageous specific gaming state.

First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine 1. In the following description, the player side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is represented by the front, front, front, front, and the opposite side of the player across the pachinko gaming machine 1 is back, back, rear, rear, back, Shown on the back. First, the entire configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 that is formed into a vertically long rectangular frame, and is pivotally supported on one side of the outer frame 2 so as to be openable and closable. A front frame 3 in which almost all of the main components are gathered, a front door frame (glass frame) 4 that can be opened and closed on the front upper portion of the front frame 3, and a front lower portion of the front frame 3 that can be opened and closed. The upper plate opening / closing frame 11 is provided. The main components provided in the front frame 3 include the front door frame 4, the game board 40, the lower plate 27, the ashtray unit 29, the operation handle 30, the mechanism plate 140, and the ball hitting device 130. The side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 accepts a prepaid card (game card) as a player-owned recording medium and lends a game ball as a game medium to the player (also referred to as lending or ball lending). A card unit device 731 which is a recording medium processing device is attached.

  In this pachinko gaming machine 1, rental game media based on the use of the remaining amount (also referred to as the balance) owned by the player specified by the record information of the prepaid card as the player-owned recording medium received by the card unit device 731 When the rental balls are paid out, the game balls are loaned (lent) to the player. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the game balls, which are game media stored in the hit ball supply tray 3, are ejected and shot into a game area 41 formed on a game board 40 described later with reference to FIG. A game is played. Then, if a prize is generated by the game, a payout condition is established, and a prize ball as a prize game medium is paid out as a prize based on the establishment of the payout condition.

  The front door frame 4 is provided with a circular see-through window 5 as a game opening through which a game area 41 of a game board 40 described later with reference to FIG. 3 can be seen substantially. Is to be installed. Along with the opening for the circular see-through window 5, an upper decorative unit 22 as a decorative member is attached to the upper part, a left decorative unit 23a as a covering member is attached to the left side, and a right decorative unit as a covering member is attached to the right side. 24a is attached, and a lower decorative cover member 31 as a decorative cover member is attached to the lower part. Inside the upper decoration unit 22, game effect lamps 13a, 13b, 13c as light emitting members are provided on the front side of the front door frame 4 so as to face the outside. Inside the left decoration unit 23a and the right decoration unit 24a, a game effect lamp 16a and a game effect lamp 17a as light emitting members are provided on the front side of the front door frame 4 so as to face the outside. The game effect lamps 13a, 13b, 13c, 16a, and 17a are lit or blinked in accordance with the game state, and notify the player of the occurrence or continuation of a special game state and the game atmosphere. It's what makes you excited.

  In addition, in the upper plate opening / closing frame 11 located below the see-through window 5 of the front door frame 4, when the front frame door 4 and the upper plate opening / closing frame 11 are closed, the lower plate is connected to the left decorative unit 23a. A left decorative unit 23b is provided at a position, and a right decorative unit 24b is provided at a lower position continuous with the right decorative unit 24a. Inside the left decoration unit 23b and the right decoration unit 24b, game effect lamps 16b and 17b as light emitting members are provided on the front side of the upper plate opening / closing frame 11 so as to face the outside. The game effect lamps 16b and 17b can be lit or blinked according to the game state, for example, to notify the player when the special game state is generated or when it continues and to increase the game atmosphere.

  In addition, speakers 12 a and 12 b that generate sound effects (including sound and the like) according to the progress of the game are provided on the front door frame 4 on the left and right of the upper decoration unit 22. Note that the speakers 12a and 12b also generate a notification sound to notify that when a ball lending abnormality occurs or when a ball lends (for example, every time a ball worth 100 yen is paid out). May be. In addition, a prize ball LED 10 as a game-related information light emitting member for notifying that a predetermined number of prize balls have been paid out based on the occurrence of a winning ball on the upper right side of the left decorative unit 23a (note that the prize ball has not been paid out) In particular, it is turned on when there is unpaid prize ball, and is turned off when there is no unpaid prize ball) so that it can be seen from the front of the front door frame 4. On the upper left side of the right decoration unit 24a, a ball break LED 9 serving as a game-related information light emitting member for notifying that there are not enough prize balls to be paid out (when a ball break switch 157 described later is detected). It is provided so as to be visible from the front surface of the front door frame 4.

  The award ball LED 10 and the ball break LED 9 are game-related information light-emitting members that emit light in association with information related to the game separately from the game effects performed in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and are provided separately from the game effect lamp. The front frame 3 is provided on the front side. In addition, on the right side of the lower decorative cover member 31 provided along the lower outer periphery of the circular see-through window 5, a see-through window 18 for visually confirming the stamp attached to the game board 40 is provided.

  The above-mentioned game effect lamps 13a, 13b, 13c, 16a, 16b, 17a, 17b are attached to the front door frame 4. The ball cut LED 9 and the prize ball LED 10 are attached to the front side of the front frame 3.

  Next, the structure of the upper plate 19 formed in the upper plate opening / closing frame 11 will be described. The upper plate 19 is configured by fixing a plate member in which a plurality of synthetic resin members are combined. Above the open side of the upper plate 19, a ball removal operation lever 21 is provided. The ball removal operation lever 21 is provided so as to be movable in the left-right direction, and moves in one direction against the urging force of the spring, so that the ball stored in the upper plate 19 is formed on the back side. The extraction path and the ball extraction hole (not shown) are caused to flow down and guided to the lower plate 27.

  The above-described upper plate 19 will be described in more detail. The upper plate 19 stores the prize balls paid out from the prize ball payout opening 20 formed on the upstream side thereof, and supplies the balls to the launch position. is there. The upper plate 19 has an operation unit that is operated when borrowing a ball via a card unit device 731 provided adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1, game history information as described later in the decorative symbol display device 44b, and the like. When a predetermined operation screen is displayed, an operation key 190 serving as a display operation means that enables various buttons and the like on the display screen to be operated (a plurality of keys as described later with reference to FIG. 4). Including).

  The operation unit includes a ball lending switch 36, a return switch 37, and a balance display board 104 (see FIG. 5) on which each display LED is mounted. The balance display board 104 faces the upper surface of the upper plate 19. ing. The balance display board 104 is connected to a payout control board 98 described later via an interface board 103 described later.

  Further, on the right side of the upper plate 19, a cylinder lock 26 for operating a locking device 128 that locks the front door frame 4 to the front frame 3 and locks the front frame 3 to the outer frame 2 is faced. It is out.

  The operation key 190 is a general term for a plurality of operation key switches as will be described later with reference to FIG. The operation key 190 is activated when a predetermined operation screen is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b.

  The lower plate 27 attached to the lower portion of the front frame 3 is a prize ball overflowing from the upper plate 19 and is discharged through an excess ball passage formed in the lower portion of the back surface of the mechanism plate 140, a connecting rod, and the like. This is a surplus sphere storage tray (surplus sphere receiving tray) for storing surplus spheres, and a ball removal operation lever 28 is slidably mounted below the lower tray 27. By operating the ball removal operation lever 28, the balls (prize balls) stored in the lower plate 27 can be removed and transferred to a portable ball box.

  Further, an ashtray unit 29 is provided on the left side of the lower plate 27, and an operation handle 30 is provided on the right side. The operation handle 30 is a hitting operation handle that is operated to launch game balls stored in the upper plate 19. The operation handle 30 is assembled with a single firing switch (stop switch) for stopping the driving of the firing motor and a touch wiring (not shown) connected to a touch ring (touch sensor). The resilience can be adjusted. On the back side of the operation handle 30 (see FIG. 2), a hitting ball launching device 130 that hits and launches a game ball with a launching arm is provided. The hit ball launching device 130 includes a launch motor (see FIG. 5 and the like) that operates the launch arm, and drives the launch motor in accordance with the operation of the operation handle 30 to operate the launch arm to bring the game ball into the game area 41. Fire towards. The touch wiring is bundled together with the wiring from the single firing switch 109.

  The card unit device 731 installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is operated by operating the operation units such as the above-described ball lending switch 36 and the return switch 37 provided on the upper surface of the upper plate 19. is there. On the surface side of the card unit device 731, an available indicator (not shown) that displays whether or not the card unit device 731 is in a usable state, whether the card unit device 731 corresponds to which side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 or not. There are provided a connecting table direction indicator (not shown) for displaying such information, a card insertion slot (not shown) for inserting a prepaid card made of a magnetic card, and the like.

  The card unit device 731 accepts the above-mentioned prepaid card and lends a rental ball to the player based on the use (withdrawal) of the remaining card amount owned by the player specified by the recorded information of the accepted prepaid card (hereinafter referred to as lending) Or card lending device). With the rental balls lent in this way, a game using the game balls in the pachinko gaming machine 1 becomes possible. The card unit device 731 is equipped with a card unit control microcomputer for performing various controls such as control related to prepaid card processing and control related to lending of lending balls.

  The card unit device 731 configured as described above is controlled by a unique control circuit, and is connected to an interface board 103 (to be described later) via a card unit wiring, and the interface board 103 is connected from the card unit wiring. To the payout control board 98. The function of the card unit device 731 may be built in the pachinko gaming machine 1 or may be a pachinko gaming machine that does not have the card unit device 731 and does not have a card lending function. Moreover, in this embodiment, although the card unit apparatus was illustrated as a unit apparatus for lending a ball (lending a ball | bowl) to a player, the unit apparatus which can insert a banknote etc. may be sufficient, for example.

  On the other hand, on the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1, as shown in FIG. 2, a mechanism plate 140 equipped with various mechanisms for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls based on the occurrence of prize balls is provided. A ball hitting device 130 is fixed to the back surface corresponding to the operation handle 30.

  The hitting board launcher 130 is provided with a launch board 107. The hitting board launcher 130 is driven and controlled by the launch board 107. The launch substrate 107 is accommodated in the substrate box 640.

  The overall schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been described above, but the detailed configuration of the game board 40 and the mechanism board 140 among the components constituting the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be sequentially described below. First, the game board 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of the game board 40.

  The game board 40 is formed of a substantially square plywood so as to be housed and fixed in a game board housing frame portion (not shown) integrally formed on the back side of the front frame 3. A game area 41 is formed on the surface of the game board 40, and guide rails 42a and 42b in which a stainless steel plate is formed in an arc shape are attached. A metal ball (game ball) launched from the hitting ball launcher 130 is guided into a circular game area 41 formed by each of the guide rails 42a and 42b. In the vicinity of the entrance of the hit ball in the game area 41, a launch ball sensor 194 made up of a magnetic sensor for detecting a game ball to be shot into the game area 41 is provided. In addition, as a sensor for detecting a game ball that is shot into the game area 41, a sensor that is provided in the supply path of the game ball to the hit ball launching device 130 and that detects the supplied game ball may be used. Such a sensor for detecting a game ball may be a sensor for optically detecting the game ball, and any detection method may be adopted.

  In the game area 41, in the illustrated case, a special symbol display device 44a, a decoration symbol display device 44b, a display device such as a normal symbol display device 63, a special variable winning ball device 48, a normal variable winning ball device 58, and In addition, a winning area such as a winning opening for winning a hit ball is provided, and a windmill that changes the flow direction and speed of the hit ball and a number of obstacle nails and the like are provided. Further, at the lowermost part of the game area 41, there is provided an out port 69 through which a hit ball that does not win any winning area is taken.

  The configuration of the game area 41 will be described in more detail. A passing gate 61 having a built-in gate switch 62 is provided on the left side of the decorative symbol display device 44b. When the gate switch 62 detects a hit ball passing through the gate switch 62, the normal symbol display device 63 provided on the right side of the special variable winning ball device 48 based on the detection signal displays the normal symbol in a variable manner ( Specifically, “◯” and “x” are alternately turned on at two upper and lower positions) to derive a display result (one of “O” and “x” is turned on at two upper and lower positions). Such variable display is also called variable display. In other words, when “x” is lit on the normal symbol display device 63, the normal symbol display device 63 has derived a display result of detachment. On the other hand, when “◯” is lit on the normal symbol display device 63, the normal symbol display device 63 has derived the winning display result, and the normal variable winning ball device 58 is opened for a predetermined time. In addition, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol display device 63 is relatively short (for example, 3 to 5 seconds) in the probability variation control mode and the short time control mode, which will be described later. Sometimes it is set relatively long (for example, 10 seconds). Further, on the left side of the special variable winning ball device 48, a normal symbol start storage LED 68 for storing and displaying the number of hit balls passed through the gate switch 62 during the variable display of the normal symbol display device 63 (stores and displays up to four). Is provided.

  The special symbol start memory LED 67 stores and displays the number of balls detected by a start port switch 60 (to be described later) during the special symbol changing operation (stores and displays up to four balls). In addition, in the special symbol start memory LED 67, the upper limit value of the start memory number is fixed to four, but this is not limited to this, and the upper limit value of the start memory number can be changed when a predetermined condition is established ( For example, in the case of a probable big hit, the number may be increased to 20).

  The normal variable winning ball device 58 is disposed between the decorative symbol display device 44 b disposed substantially at the center of the game area 41 and the special variable winning ball device 48 disposed above the out port 69. It is an electric tulip type variable winning ball apparatus that is driven to open and close. The ordinary variable winning ball device 58 has a built-in start port switch 60 for detecting a winning ball received during opening or closing. When the hit ball is detected by the start port switch 60, the special symbol starts to be displayed in the special symbol display device 44a, and the decorative symbol starts to be displayed in the decorative symbol display device 44b. It should be noted that the opening time of the normally variable winning ball device 58 is relatively short (for example, 0.5 seconds) in the probability variation control mode and the short time control mode, which will be described later, and normal control other than the probability variation control mode and the short time control mode. It is set to be relatively long (for example, 2 seconds) in the mode. Further, even when the ordinary variable winning ball device 58 is not opened, the hit ball is received from the start port 58a provided at the upper portion of the ordinary variable winning ball device 58.

  The special symbol display device 44a performs variable display of special symbols (for example, all ten types of numeric symbols from “0” to “9”) as a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified, and displays the display results. It is a display provided with 7 segment LED. When the special symbol when the special symbol display device 44a stops changing is a jackpot symbol (for example, “1, 3, 5, 7, 9”) that is a predetermined specific display result, a predetermined game value is obtained. As a grant, a big hit game state, which is a specific game state, is generated, and the special variable winning ball device 48 is controlled to open and close in a predetermined display manner described below.

  In this embodiment, the case where the special symbol is a numeric symbol is shown as an example. However, the special symbol is not limited to this, and other identification information such as characters, figures, patterns, etc. other than numerals is shown. Design may be sufficient. Further, the variable display may be an update display by scrolling the symbol in a predetermined direction, an update display by switching the symbol, or an update display while rotating the symbol around the virtual axis. . In this embodiment, an example using a 7-segment display is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a liquid crystal display device, a CRT, a display using plasma display, electroluminescence, or dot matrix display, etc. It may be a display type. Further, it may be a mechanical type such as a rotary drum type display device. In addition, the variable display in the special symbol display device 44a refers to the above-described update display while blinking the symbol, and to derive and display the display result means that the symbol is turned on and stopped. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible for the player to recognize that the “variation display” is being performed and that the variation display is finished and the “display result is derived and displayed”. If it is.

  The decorative symbol display device 44b has variable display areas for individually displaying the decorative symbols “0” to “9” as a plurality of types of identification information that can be individually identified in the left, middle, and right three display areas. It is a liquid crystal type display in which the display area 80 provided is formed. The decorative symbols variably displayed in the left, middle, and right display areas are referred to as a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol.

  The decorative symbols variably displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b are variably displayed with a predetermined relationship with the special symbol variability display in order to enhance the decoration effect of the special symbol variability display on the special symbol display device 44a. A design with a decorative meaning. The predetermined relationship includes, for example, a relationship in which the decorative symbol variation display is started when the special symbol variation display is started, or the special symbol variation display is ended and the display result is displayed. This includes a relationship in which the variable display is terminated and the display result is displayed. When the display result of the special symbol display device 44a is a jackpot symbol, the display result of the decorative symbol display device 44b is also a combination of predetermined jackpot symbols that generate a jackpot (for example, the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol are the same) It is controlled so as to be a combination of large jackpot symbols, that is, a flat eye), and the consistency of both display results is maintained.

  When the special symbol display device 44a derives and displays the odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) special symbols predetermined as the big hit symbol as a display result, the special symbol display device 44a is controlled to the big hit gaming state. As described above, when the big hit symbol is derived and displayed as the display result on the special symbol display device 44a, the combination of the big hit symbol that becomes a doublet as the display result is derived and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b.

  When any of the jackpot symbols “3, 7” is derived and displayed as a display result on the special symbol display device 44a, a combination of the jackpot symbols that become a double-hit by any of the odd symbols is displayed on the decoration symbol display device 44b. Is derived and displayed. When these display results are derived and displayed, the probability variation control mode (in the embodiment described below, the probability variation may be referred to as an abbreviated term, for example, the probability variation control mode) after the jackpot gaming state ends. To be controlled.

  When controlled to the probability variation control mode, it is controlled to the probability variation state, which is a probability variation state, and the time reduction state, which is the variation time reduction state (in the embodiment described below, the variation time reduction is referred to as an abbreviation short time) For example, it is controlled in a short time state). The probability change state is a control state in which the probability of occurrence of a big hit is improved compared to a non-probability change state (in a normal gaming state where the probability of occurrence of a big hit is not improved). In the probability variation state, since the probability of occurrence of a big hit is improved, the display result of the variable display is likely to become a display result of the big hit symbol from a probabilistic viewpoint, and the gaming state is advantageous to the player. Of the jackpot symbols, the jackpot symbol that is controlled in such a probability variation control mode when derived and displayed as a variation display result is referred to as a probability variation jackpot symbol. The big hit that is controlled in such a probability change control mode is called a probability change big hit. The probability variation control mode includes an end condition that the number of fluctuation display times in the probability variation control mode reaches a predetermined number (for example, 100 times) and an end condition that the variation display result of the non-probability large hit symbol is derived and displayed. The process ends when the earlier condition is satisfied.

  In addition, the reduced time state is a variable display time of each of the special symbol display device 44a, the decorative symbol display device 44b, and the normal symbol display device 63 as compared to the non-short time state (the normal game state in which the variable display time is not shortened). This is a control state in which the display result is derived and displayed at an early stage. In the short-time state, the display time of the fluctuation of the symbol is shortened, so that the number of reserved memories to be described later is digested early, and the start winning that occurs exceeding the upper limit (for example, “4”) of the number of reserved memories becomes invalid. Since the display results are frequently derived and displayed in a short period of time and it is easier to derive and display the winning display results at an early stage, the display result of the variable display becomes the display result of the big hit symbol from a time efficient viewpoint. It becomes easy and it becomes a game state advantageous for a player.

  When the special symbol display device 44a derives and displays “5” as a jackpot symbol as a display result, the decorative symbol display device 44b derives and displays a flat “8” as a jackpot symbol as a display result. When such a display result is derived and displayed, it is controlled to the time-saving control mode after the end of the big hit gaming state. When controlled in the time-shortening control mode, it is controlled in the time-shortening state without being controlled in the probability changing state. A jackpot symbol that is controlled in the time-saving control mode when it is derived and displayed as a variable display result is referred to as a time-short jackpot symbol. Further, such a big hit that is controlled in the short time control mode is called a short time big hit. The short-time control mode is one of an end condition that the number of times of variable display during the time-short control mode reaches a predetermined number (for example, 100 times) and an end condition that the result of fluctuation display of the jackpot symbol is derived and displayed. End when the earlier condition is met.

  In the special symbol display device 44a and the decorative symbol display device 44b, the variable display results have the correspondence as described above. Therefore, in the following description, these may be collectively referred to as a variable display unit as a display device. .

  Next, the reach display mode (reach) will be described. In the present embodiment, the reach display mode (reach) means that the symbols that have not been stopped when the stopped symbols constitute a part of the jackpot symbol, and that all or one of them is displayed. This is a state in which the symbols of the part are displayed in a synchronized manner while constituting all or part of the jackpot symbol.

  In the present embodiment, for example, the reach display mode in the special symbol display device 44a is a reach display mode in which a specific display result ("1, 3, 5, 7, 9") that is a big hit is blinking. Or reach.

  Further, the reach display mode in the decorative symbol display device 44b is that an effective line that is a big hit is determined by stopping a predetermined combination of symbols, and a predetermined display area on the effective line is determined in advance. A state in which variable display is performed in a display area on an active line that has not been stopped when the symbol is stopped (for example, on the active line in the left, middle, and right display areas in the decorative symbol display device 44b) In the left and right display areas, the same symbol is stopped and displayed, while the middle display area is still in a variable display state), and all or part of the display area on the active line A state in which the symbols change and display synchronously while constituting all or part of the jackpot symbol (for example, a variation table in all of the left, middle and right display areas in the decorative symbol display device 44b. Have been carried out, always state variation displayed with the same pattern are aligned is made) that reach the display mode or reach.

  Also, during the reach, unusual effects may be performed with images, lamps, sounds, and the like. This production is called reach production. Further, in the case of reach, a character (an effect display imitating a person or the like, which is different from a symbol (special symbol or the like)) is displayed, or the background display mode (for example, color or the like) of the decorative symbol display device 44b is displayed. ) May change. This change in character display and background display mode is called reach effect display.

  A decorative member 66 is provided on the outer periphery including the special symbol start memory LED 67, the special symbol display device 44a, and the decorative symbol display device 44b. In addition, a restriction flange portion 75 that prevents the ball from entering the decorative symbol display device 44b is extended from the upper end to the right end of the decoration member 66, and the restriction flange portion 75 and the game area 41 are extended. A guide passage 76 is formed between the upper right end and the guide rail 42b that defines the right end. In addition, a buffer member 70 (for example, rubber or the like) is provided in the upper right portion of the game area 41 so as to weaken the momentum of the ball passing through the guide passage 76 due to the collision of the ball with the buffer member 70. It has become.

  The special variable winning ball device 48 that is driven and controlled when the big hit gaming state is reached has an opening / closing plate 49 that is opened / closed by a solenoid 65, and a hit ball received from a big winning opening that is opened / closed by the opening / closing plate 49. Is provided. Further, a special ball detector 51 is provided in the special variable winning ball device 48 (inside the opening / closing plate 49) to establish a right to continue the specific gaming state in accordance with the detection of the hit ball (V winning detection). Above the specific ball detector 51, a V shutter (not shown) is provided to prevent the hit ball from passing through the specific ball detector 51 until the opening / closing plate 49 is opened once the V prize is detected. Yes. This V shutter is driven to open and close by a solenoid 50. When a specific gaming state is reached, the opening / closing plate 49 is opened until a predetermined time (for example, 28 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls are won within the predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “opening”). This release is referred to as the release cycle), and when the hit ball received during the release cycle is detected by the specific ball detector 51, the continuation right is established, and the release cycle described above is executed again. The open cycle can be repeated up to 16 times on the condition that the continuation right is established.

  In addition, the specific game state of the present invention is not limited to the above, and may be a state in which any one of the following controls (1) to (5) or a combination of controls is executed.

(1) A variable winning ball apparatus that can change between a first state that facilitates winning of a hit ball and a second state in which the hit ball cannot win or is difficult to win, for a predetermined time continuously or intermittently. (2) A first state in which the detection of a hit ball in a specific winning or passing area is interposed to facilitate the hitting of the hit ball, and a second state in which the hit ball cannot win or is difficult to win. (3) Control to directly discharge a predetermined number of prize balls regardless of the winning of a hit ball (4) Valuable Control for adding a valuable number to a valuable storage medium (card, receipt, etc.) (5) Control for giving a score to a pachinko gaming machine 1 that can be played based on having a score. On the left and right of the ball device 48, the winning ball Normal winning ports 54a and 54b incorporating the detectors 56a and 56b are provided, and normal winning ports 53a and 53b incorporating the winning ball detectors 55a and 55b are respectively provided above the outer sides of the normal winning ports 54a and 54b. Is provided.

  As described above, the switches 51, 52, 55 a, 55 b, 56 a, 56 b, and 60 serving as the winning ball detectors for detecting the winning balls are provided in all winning holes and winning devices such as winning devices where the hitting balls win. Although provided, this is used for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls based on these detection signals. A gate switch 62 that detects a winning ball but does not pay out the winning ball is also provided. As shown in FIG. 5, the switches 51, 52, 55a, 55b, 56a, and 56b are connected to the main board 120 via a switch relay board 95 described below. The main board 120 derives a prize ball control signal corresponding to the detection signals from these detectors to the payout control board 98. The payout control board 98 adds the number corresponding to the prize ball control signal as an unpaid number, and drives and controls a ball payout device 154 to be described later so as to sequentially pay out the prize balls. The specific ball detector 51 also has a function of detecting the establishment of a continuation right, and the count switch 52 also has a counting function for restricting the opening of the opening / closing plate 49.

  Further, the start port switch 60 is directly connected to the main board 120 as shown in FIG. (However, the number of prize ball control signals derived by the other switches 51, 52, 55a, 55b, 56a, 56b is a relatively large number, for example, seven, whereas the prize based on the start opening switch 60. (The number of ball control signals is a relatively small number, for example, four). This is because the wiring from the start port switch 60 is directly connected to the main board 120, and an unauthorized circuit board is incorporated in the middle of the wiring. This is for facilitating discovery of whether or not (called a hanging board or the like) is connected. Then, as in the case of the switch described above, control for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls is performed. The start port switch 60 also serves as a start function for causing the special symbol display device 44a and the decorative symbol display device 44b to perform variable display. Further, the game board 40 is provided with a plurality of decorative lamps 32a and 32b for enhancing the decorative effect.

  As described above, the game board 40 is provided with a large number of switches, solenoids, decorative lamps, and the like. These are connected to the main board 120 via the voice frame lamp board 92 and the effect control board 90 or the switch relay board 95. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, each switch 51, 52, 55 a, 55 b, 56 a, 56 b, 62 and each solenoid 50, 59, 65 provided on the game board 40 are connected to the main board 120 via the switch relay board 95. It is connected to the. The decorative lamps 32 a and 32 b provided on the game board 40 are connected to the main board 120 via a lamp driver board 93, an audio frame lamp board 92, and an effect control board 90.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a back pack 81 a is attached to the center of the back side of the game board 40 on the back side of the game board 40. In the center of the back pack 81a, an opening (not shown) that the decorative symbol display device 44b faces is formed. The decorative symbol display device 44b and the decorative symbol display device 44b are accommodated in the back pack 81a. A liquid crystal box 81b is attached.

  The effect control board box 125 is directly attached to the rear surface of the liquid crystal box 81b. In this effect control board box 125, a lamp driver board 93, an audio frame lamp board 92, and an effect control board 90 are accommodated and attached.

  The voice frame lamp board 92 includes decoration lamps 32a, 32b provided on the game board 40, game effect lamps 13a, 13b, 13c, 16a, 16b, 17a, 17b provided on the front frame 3, the front door frame 4 and the like, a speaker. 12a, 12b and the like are collectively controlled in accordance with information signals from the main board 120. Here, the information signal refers to a signal indicating various information such as a control command. The audio frame lamp board 92 controls the lighting state of the decoration lamps 32a and 32b by the lamp driver board 93 by outputting a control signal to the lamp driver board 93 that drives the decoration lamps 32a and 32b provided on the game board 40. .

  The effect control board 90 controls the display state of the decorative symbol display device 44b according to the effect control command for instructing the effect control from the main board 120. Further, the effect control board 90 exchanges information signals with the voice frame lamp board 92.

  Also, below the back pack 81a, a special symbol and special symbol memory board 85, a normal symbol board 86, a normal symbol memory board 87, a symbol relay board 84, and a switch relay board 95 shown in FIG. 5 are accommodated. A substrate box (not shown) is attached.

  The special symbol and special symbol memory board 85 controls the display state of the special symbol display device 44a and the special symbol start memory LED 67 in accordance with the information signal from the main board 120. The normal symbol board 86 controls the display state of the normal symbol display device 63 according to the information signal from the main board 120. The normal symbol memory board 86 controls the normal symbol start memory LED 68 according to the information signal from the main board 120. The symbol relay board 84 relays signals transmitted from the main board 120 to the special symbol and special symbol storage board 85, the normal symbol board 86, and the normal symbol storage board 87. As described above, the switch relay board 95 relays the connection between the switches 51, 52, 55a, 55b, 56a, 56b, 62 and the solenoids 50, 59, 65 provided on the game board 40 and the main board 120. .

  On the rear surface of the pattern board box 126, a main board mounting base 135 is provided so as to be hinged on the left side and to be freely opened and closed. A main board box 136 is attached to the main board mounting base 135. Since it comprised in this way, the main board | substrate box 136 can be opened and closed, and it can make it easy to perform maintenance of the special variable winning ball apparatus 48 etc. which are provided in the winning ball guiding cover body. A main board 120 is accommodated and attached in the main board box 136. In the present embodiment, since the main board 120 is attached to the game board 40, the main board 120 can be replaced at the same time by replacing the game board itself when it is replaced with a new game board.

  Here, the structure of the main board box 136 will be described. The main board box 136 covers the main board box cover on the main board box base, inserts the caulking screws into the caulking parts provided on the left and right, and screws them together, and seals them with caulking caps to cut the caulking parts. Unless otherwise configured, it cannot be opened. Thereby, it can be easily determined whether or not the main board box 136 is opened based on whether or not the crimped portion is cut.

  A relay board mounting box 383 is mounted on the upper right side of the back pack 81a. A board external terminal board 96 is attached to the rear surface of the relay board mounting box 383. This board external terminal board 96 is game information necessary for business management of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (for example, jackpot 1 information notifying that the jackpot gaming state is in effect, a jackpot gaming state with a probability variation symbol, and the jackpot state. 2 jackpot information to inform that the probability change due to the middle and its big hit (signal that continues to be output during the big hit and the probability fluctuation), the fact that the probability change control mode after the big hit state end by the probability change big hit symbol is notified Probability variation information, time variation information for notifying that the time-short control mode is in effect after the end of the big hit state by the time-short-hit symbol, starting-port information notifying the number of hitting balls with the starting ball detector turned on, and the special symbol display device 44a Symbol fixed number of times 1 information for notifying the number of variable displays, symbol fixed number of times 2 information for notifying the number of variable displays of the normal symbol display device 63, and a normal variable winning ball device It has an external connection terminal (not shown) for outputting the number of times of opening / closing of the number of items for reporting the number of times of opening / closing to a management computer installed in the amusement hall, and this information is provided from the main board 120. ing. Further, information such as which symbol has been a big hit and which symbol has been stopped may be output.

  Next, the configuration of the mechanism plate 140 provided on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, the mechanism plate 140 aligns the prize ball tank 147 mainly storing prize balls and the prize balls stored in the prize ball tank 147 in a plurality of rows (in this embodiment, two rows) on the downstream side. An upper component portion provided with a ball alignment rail member 148 that guides the ball while aligning with the ball, a ball passage cover member 156 that has a curve rail portion and guides a ball from the curve rail portion, and a ball that pays out a winning ball based on a winning prize An intermediate component provided with a payout device 154 (in this embodiment, paying out a rental ball, but paying out only a winning ball) and a hit ball including a winning ball mainly driven into the game board 40 are processed. And a lower component provided with a configuration for guiding the prize ball to the upper plate 19 and the lower plate 27 are integrally formed on the mechanism plate main body 141 so as to form an opening window.

  The mechanism plate main body 141 constitutes an upper part and a right side part (viewed from the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1), a left side part (viewed from the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1), and a lower part of the mechanism plate main body 141, respectively. The upper plate 142, the left side plate 143, and the lower plate 144 are connected by mounting screws.

  Next, the configuration of the mechanism plate 140 will be described for each component. First, in the upper component part, a prize ball tank 147 for storing a large amount of prize balls and award balls supplied from the prize ball tank 147 are arranged in a plurality of rows (in this embodiment, two rows) by a partition wall. The ball alignment rail member 148 that is caused to flow down and the curved rail portion that changes the prize ball guided by the ball alignment rail member 148 from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction toward the ball dispensing device 154 described later. The frame external terminal plates 102 are provided at predetermined positions on the upper plate 142, respectively.

  A ball leveling member 149 is swingably suspended from the upper part on the downstream side of the ball alignment rail member 148, and the ball flowing down in two upper and lower stages on the ball alignment rail member 148 becomes a ball leveling member 149. One stage is formed by the action of a buried weight (no symbol). A frame external terminal plate 102 having an external connection terminal to which an external signal line is connected is attached to the upper part on the downstream side of the ball alignment rail member 148. The mounting portion of the frame external terminal plate 102 is recessed so that the protruding portion of the solder surface does not contact. As an external connection terminal provided on the external terminal board 102 for a frame, as a connector for connecting a signal line between the outside (for example, a management computer) and the pachinko gaming machine 1, a connector for outputting the number of prize balls, Connectors for outputting signals from the first and second door opening switches 111 and 112 are provided.

  Further, a first door opening switch 111 and a second door opening switch 112 are provided on the back surface of the mechanism plate 140 at the upper left portion of the prize ball tank 147 and the upper right portion of the frame external terminal plate 102, respectively. . The first door opening switch 111 in the present embodiment detects that the front door frame 4 and the front frame 3 are opened, and that the mechanism plate 140 and the front frame 3 are opened. The second door opening switch 112 detects that the front frame 3 and the outer frame 2 are opened. The first door opening switch 111 and the second door opening switch 112 are connected to the frame external terminal plate 102. Thus, since the first door opening switch 111 and the second door opening switch 112 are provided, the open state of the outer frame 2, the front frame 3, and the front door frame 4 can be confirmed by an external device or the like.

  Next, the structure of the intermediate structure part located in the upper board 142 is demonstrated. A ball passage (not shown) through which a sphere passes is formed on the surface side of the intermediate component. This ball removal passage communicates with the downstream portion of the ball removal passage, which will be described later, and guides the balls waiting on the ball alignment rail member 148 and the prize ball tank 147 to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed). This will lead to the recovery of islands. The guidance of the sphere to the ball passage is performed by releasing a ball stopper (not shown) provided on the ball passage cover member 156.

  In addition, a ball passage cover member 156 having a curve rail portion and a ball passage portion connected to the downstream side of the above-described ball alignment rail member 148 is attached to the upper portion of the intermediate component portion. The curved rail portion of the ball passage cover member 156 branches the ball flowing down from the ball alignment rail member 148 to either the ball passage or the ball passage (not shown) for guiding the ball to the ball dispensing device 154. is there. A ball dispensing device 154 is disposed on the downstream side of the curved rail portion.

  On the downstream side of the ball passage cover member 156, the ball break switch 157 is detachable by a locking piece at a position where it can be detected that 27 to 28 game balls are present between the ball payout device 154 and the ball discharge device 154. It is installed. The ball break switch 157 is connected to a sunpack relay board 101 described later. When the ball break switch 157 no longer detects a ball, the ball breaker switch 157 inputs a signal to the payout control board 98 and the main board 120 via the sunpack relay board 101, and the payout of the ball payout device 154 described later will be described later. The operation of the motor 115 is stopped to disable the prize ball payout. Below the ball passage cover member 156, a ball payout device 154 for paying out the winning balls and the rental balls is attached.

  The ball dispensing device 154 divides and dispenses the game balls guided by the ball passage cover member 156 one by one by rotating and driving a ball dispensing member (not shown) by a dispensing motor 115 made of a stepping motor. The ball dispensing member is formed with a disk portion, and a plurality of (three) protruding portions are formed on both side surfaces of the disk portion so as to protrude with a space for receiving balls. Between the parts, it is formed as a recess for receiving and guiding balls. At the ball outlet of the ball dispensing device 154, a dispensing number count switch 116 is provided. The payout number count switch 116 detects a game ball paid out from the ball payout device 154. Thereby, the number of balls actually discharged from the ball payout device 154 can be counted based on the detection signal from the payout number count switch 116. In addition, the ball discharge port in the present embodiment is composed of one discharge port, and includes a ball discharge port that discharges a ball discharged from the ball dispensing device 154 as a rental ball and a prize ball discharge port that pays out as a premium ball. It is configured in a combined form.

  Next, the lower component (lower plate 144) of the mechanism plate 140 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower component is attached with a payout control board box 123 for receiving the payout control board 98 on the right side when viewed from the back, and holds the power supply board 910 on the left side when viewed from the back. A power supply board box 122 is attached. The payout control board box 123 is also configured in the same manner as the main board box 136 described above, and it is easy to determine whether or not the payout control board box 123 has been opened depending on whether or not the crimping portion is cut. Judgment can be made.

  A winning ball guiding passage (not shown) for guiding a winning ball and an out ball are guided to the front side (the inner side of the mechanism board main body 141 facing the game board 40) of the lower component to which the payout control board box 123 is attached. An out ball passage (not shown) is formed, and on the back side of the lower component (outside of the mechanism plate main body 141), a prize ball passage, a communication passage, an extra ball passage are formed, and a downstream portion of the ball removal passage is also formed. Is formed.

  Next, the configuration of the right side portion (hereinafter referred to as the right side lower component) as viewed from the back of the lower component of the mechanism plate 140 will be described. Although illustration is omitted, a prize ball passage is formed on one side upper part of the lower right component part of the mechanism plate 140, and an upper plate communication port is formed at the lower end of the prize ball passage. The upper plate communication port guides the prize ball to the upper plate 19 provided on the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1. A communication passage is formed at one side of the upper plate communication port, and an excess ball passage is connected downstream of the communication passage.

  When a large number of prize balls are paid out based on the winning prize, the upper plate 19 is filled with the prize balls, and finally when the player reaches the upper plate passage and continues to pay out the prize balls, the prize balls are surplus via the communication passage. After being guided to the ball passage, it is then discharged to the lower plate 27 via the connecting rod 392. When the award ball continues to be paid out, the lower plate 27 is also full, but when it reaches the full tank detection lever portion provided on one side wall of the surplus ball passage, the full tank detection lever is pressed. The full tank switch 158 (see FIG. 6) is turned on, and the driving of the payout motor 115 of the ball payout device 154 is stopped, thereby disabling the payout operation of the winning ball and the rental ball. At this time, driving of a launch motor 601 described later of the hitting ball launcher 130 is not stopped, but may be stopped.

  The power supply board box 122 accommodates a power supply board 910 that generates a plurality of power supplies having different voltages. The power supply board 910 includes a power switch 914 for turning on and off the entire pachinko gaming machine 1, various boards provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (main board 120, payout control board 98, and production control board 90. A clear switch 921 (see also FIG. 8), a tube fuse, and the like for clearing data backed up and stored in the backup RAM provided in FIG. The power supply board 910 is mounted with a power connector to which the power cord 117 is connected. The voltage supplied to the power supply board 910 by the power cord 117 is a voltage of AC24V transformed from the power supply voltage of AC100V (transformed by a transformer 911 described later), and a plurality of voltages generated by the power supply board 910 are: There are four types of DC30V, DC24V, DC12V, and DC5V. (However, AC 24V is also supplied to the other boards.) The power board 910 is not supplied with driving power to the CPUs of the main board 120, the payout control board 98, and the effect control board 90. In order to back up (hold) the stored contents of the RAM of each of the boards 120, 98, 90, backup power is supplied to each of the boards 120, 98, 90. The main board 120 is configured to perform a backup process by outputting a power-off signal from the power board 910. The payout control board 98 and the effect control board 90 are similarly backed up. The backup processing on the main board 120, the payout control board 98, and the effect control board 90 will be described in detail later.

  On the front side of the mechanism plate main body 141 of the lower right component part (the side in contact with the game board 40), a winning ball guiding passage (not shown) for guiding a winning ball and an out ball passage (not shown) for guiding an out ball. And are formed. Above the winning ball guiding passage is a winning ball drop entrance (not shown), which receives the winning ball released from the winning ball guiding cover body 82, and the received winning ball is the winning ball. The guide passage guides to one side, leads from the communication port (not shown) formed in the mechanism plate main body 141 to the back side of the mechanism plate main body 141, and further from the communication port to the downstream portion of the ball extraction passage ( (Not shown). The ball removal passage downstream portion 712 is bent in an inverted L shape along the outer peripheral edge of the lower right portion constituting portion, and is formed on the right side of the surplus ball passage formed on the substantially rear side of the lower constituting portion. It finally joins the merged discharge passage. Accordingly, the winning ball received from the winning ball dropping entrance is guided to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1 through the winning ball guiding passage, the communication port, the downstream portion of the ball discharging passage, and the confluence discharging passage. .

  The out ball taken in from the out port 69 of the game board 40 is guided to an out ball discharge passage (not shown) engraved on the back surface of the game board 40, and further, a plate shape below the game board storage frame 393. The ball is guided to the above-described out ball passage via an out ball communication port (not shown) formed in the portion, and is guided to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1 through the communication port and the junction discharge passage. In other words, the above-described merged discharge passage is configured to join all of the ball from the downstream portion of the ball removal passage, the out ball from the out ball passage, and the winning ball from the winning ball guide passage to guide the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the outside. It is.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of the operation key 190. The operation key 190 includes a determination key 191, an upward key 192, and a downward key 193 constituted by a push type detection switch. The enter key 191, the up direction key 192, and the down direction key 193 are effective when the operation screen as described later is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b. When the upward key 192 is operated, a display is performed in which the position of the operation button selected and displayed among the plurality of operation buttons displayed as an image on the operation screen is moved upward on the screen. Further, when the down key 193 is operated, a display is performed in which the position of the operation button selected and displayed among the plurality of operation buttons displayed as an image on the operation screen is moved downward on the screen. When the enter key 191 is operated, it is determined that the operation button selected and displayed among the plurality of operation buttons displayed as an image on the operation screen is actually operated. It should be noted that an operation screen may be displayed when the enter key 191 is operated when the decorative symbols are not variably displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b.

  The configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been described above. Next, a circuit configuration that is wire-connected will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the main board 120, various control boards, and electrical components.

  A game control microcomputer 99 that controls the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program is mounted on the main board 120. A game control microcomputer 99 (also referred to as a game control means) includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control program, a RAM 55 as a storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for controlling the progress of the game according to the program, and An I / O port unit 53 that transmits a control signal (command) to the effect control board 90 or the like is included. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and RAM 55 are built in the CPU 56. That is, the CPU 56 is a one-chip microcomputer. In addition, the CPU 56 used in this embodiment includes a non-maskable interrupt terminal (NMI terminal) used for generating a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) that cannot be set to interrupt prohibition by software, And an interrupt terminal (INT terminal) used to generate an external interrupt (external interrupt; maskable interrupt that can be disabled by software). However, this embodiment does not use non-maskable interrupts and external interrupts. Therefore, the NMI terminal and the INT terminal are pulled up to VCC (+5 V) through resistors. Therefore, the input level of the NMI terminal and the INT terminal is always high, and the input level of the NMI terminal and the INT terminal falls from the high level to the low level due to noise or the like as compared with the case where the terminal is open. The possibility of becoming a state is reduced. Since CPU 56 executes control according to a program stored in ROM 54, hereinafter, CPU 56 executes (or performs processing), specifically, CPU 56 executes control according to a program. It is to be. The same applies to CPUs mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 120. The game control microcomputer 99 used in this embodiment is a peripheral circuit such as the CPU 56, ROM 54, RAM 55, I / O port unit 53 and the like mounted on the main board 120.

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a storage means that is partly or wholly backed up by a backup power source created on the power supply substrate 910. That is, even if the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 is stored for a predetermined period (until the backup power supply cannot be supplied because the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged). The At least data (a special symbol process flag or the like) according to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control microcomputer 99 is stored in the backup RAM. Note that the data corresponding to the control state of the game control microcomputer 99 is necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like. It is data. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire RAM 55 is backed up.

  The main board 120 has a clear signal indicating that the clear switch 921 for instructing to clear the stored contents of the RAM 55 is operated from the power supply board 910, and a power supply indicating that the power supply voltage has dropped below a predetermined value. A system reset signal (hereinafter simply referred to as a reset signal) used as a disconnection signal and a game control permission signal (a signal for making the CPU 56 operable) to the game control microcomputer 99 is input via the input circuit 121. Is input. Such a clear signal, a power-off signal, and a reset signal are input from the input circuit 121 to the game control microcomputer 99 via the I / O port unit 53.

  Signals from the switches 51, 52, 55a, 55b, 56a, 56b, 62 provided on the game board 40 are input to the main board 120 via the switch relay board 95, and the full switch 158 and the ball break switch A signal from 157 is input via the payout control board 98. It should be noted that the signal from the ball break switch 157 may be configured not to be input to the main board 120. Similarly, the signal from the full tank switch 158 may be configured not to be input to the main board 120. Further, a signal from the payout number counting switch 116 mounted on the ball payout device 154 is input to the main board 120 via the payout control board 98. A signal from the start port switch 60 is also input to the main board 120.

  Based on the input signals from the switches 51, 52, 55a, 55b, 56a, 56b, 62 provided on the game board 40 among the input signals described above, the game control microcomputer 99 on the main board 120 is connected to the game board. While driving and controlling solenoids 50, 59 and 65 provided in 40, various display devices are controlled as follows according to the progress of the game.

  The game control microcomputer 99 of the main board 120 sends a display control signal (driving signal) via the symbol relay board 84 to the special symbol and special symbol memory board on which the special symbol display device 44a and the special symbol start memory LED 67 are mounted. The special symbol display device 44a performs display control of the special symbol and also controls the lighting of the special symbol start memory LED 67. Thereby, a control board for a special symbol display device equipped with a driver circuit and a microcomputer is provided between the main substrate 120 and the special symbol display device 44a, and based on a display control signal (drive signal) from the main substrate 120. Compared with the case where the display control of the special symbol display device 44a is performed by the control board or the like, the result of the big hit determination can be surely displayed.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 99 of the main board 120 inputs a display control signal (drive signal) to the normal symbol board 86 on which the normal symbol display device 63 is mounted via the symbol relay board 84 to display the normal symbol display. The display control of the normal symbol in the device 63 is performed. Further, the main board 120 inputs a display control signal (drive signal) via the symbol relay board 84 to the normal symbol memory board 87 on which the normal symbol start memory LED 68 is mounted, and controls the lighting of the normal symbol start memory LED 68. Do.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 99 on the main board 120 sends an effect control command as a control signal for controlling the display state of the decorative symbol display device 44b via the peripheral command relay board 57 as the game progresses. Output to the effect control board 90. This effect control command is a control signal for instructing control (lamp control) of a light emitter such as the game effect lamp 13a and a control signal for controlling (sound control) the sound output from the speakers 12a and 12b. Is also used. Further, the game control microcomputer 99 outputs various game information to the board external terminal board 96 described above. The peripheral command relay board 57 relays an information signal to be output to the effect control board 90.

  The effect control board 90 includes a CPU (effect control CPU 118a in FIG. 7), a RAM (RAM 118c in FIG. 7), a ROM (control ROM 118b in FIG. 7), an I / O port unit (input ports 668 and 669 in FIG. 7). An effect control microcomputer 118 (an example of an electric component control microcomputer, see FIG. 9, also referred to as effect control means) is mounted. The effect control microcomputer 118 performs display control of the decorative symbols on the decorative symbol display device 44b in accordance with the type of the effect control command input from the main board 120, and is determined corresponding to the display state of the decorative symbols. In the production mode, light emission control using light emitting means such as various lamps and sound control using the speakers 12a and 12b are performed.

  The effect control board 90 exchanges information signals with the voice frame lamp board 92 in order to perform light emission control and sound control corresponding to the effect indicated by the received effect control command. For example, the effect control board 90 outputs a lamp control command to the voice frame lamp board 92 to drive various lamps, and sends a voice control command to the voice frame lamp board 92 to control game sounds from the speakers 12a and 12b. Output to.

  The voice frame lamp board 92 is in a gaming state (variation pattern, normal gaming state, probability variation control mode state, or time-shortening control mode state based on the lamp control command and voice control command input from the effect control board 90. The game effect lamps 13a to 13c, 16a, 16b, 17a and 17b, and the speakers 12a and 12b are each driven to output a drive signal according to the game state such as whether or not the change display is in progress, and the game effect lamps 13a to 13c, The lighting control of 16a, 16b, 17a, 17b is performed, and the game sound output from the speakers 12a, 12b is controlled. Further, the voice frame lamp board 92 outputs a drive signal to the lamp driver board 93 for driving the decorative lamps 32 a and 32 b based on the lamp control command input from the effect control board 90, and passes through the lamp driver board 93. Then, lighting control of the decoration lamps 32a and 32b is performed.

  The effect control microcomputer 118 operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM (the control ROM 118b in FIG. 7). Perform display control. Specifically, the effect control microcomputer 118 controls the display of the decorative symbol display device 44b by controlling a VDP (VDP 119 in FIG. 7) having a display control function for performing image display and a high-speed drawing function. For example, the effect control microcomputer 118 outputs a drawing command to the VDP and operates the VDP in accordance with the drawing command.

  Further, operation keys 190 (decision key 191, upward key 192, and downward key 193) and launch ball sensor 194 are connected to effect control board 90.

  Further, the effect control microcomputer 118 collects data for displaying the game history information of the pachinko gaming machine 1 based on a specific command described later among the received effect control commands. Then, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started up, the production control microcomputer 118 displays various types of information with managers such as store staff of the game store (game room) where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed as the target of use. The game store information screen, which is an image to be displayed, is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b. The game shop information screen corresponds to an operation screen on which the operation of the operation key 190 is valid.

  When the game store information screen is displayed, the effect control microcomputer 118 performs processing for managing the aforementioned game history information based on an operation signal output in response to an operation of the operation key 190 by a store clerk or the like. The predetermined process is executed. Further, in a normal state in which the decorative symbol display device 44b can display the decorative symbols in a variable manner, various types of players can be used based on the operation signal output in response to the operation of the operation key 190 by the player. A player information screen, which is an image for displaying information, is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b. The player information screen corresponds to an operation screen on which the operation of the operation key 190 is valid. When the player information screen is displayed, the effect control microcomputer 118 displays the aforementioned game history information based on the operation signal output in response to the operation of the operation key 190 by the player, etc. The predetermined process is executed.

  Next, the payout control board 98 outputs a payout stop signal to the ball payout device 154 based on the full tank signal from the full tank switch 158 to stop driving of the payout motor 115. The full tank signal from the full tank switch 158 is input to the main board 120 via the payout control board 98. When a full signal from the full switch 158 is input to the main board 120, effect control for causing the voice frame lamp board 92 to display and drive a predetermined lamp or LED from the main board 120 to the payout control board 98. You may make it alert | report that a predetermined lamp or LED is full by display drive by outputting a signal. Further, since the full tank signal from the full switch 158 is output to the payout control board 98, for example, an error indicator on the payout control board 98 or the like may be notified.

  Further, based on the input signals from the respective switches 51, 52, 55a, 55b, 60, 56a, 56b except the gate switch 62 provided on the game board 40, the main board 120 sends a prize ball control signal ( The payout control command) is output. In the payout control board 98, the number of prize balls based on the prize ball control signal from the main board 120 is added to the number of unpaid, and the ball payout device 154 is driven to pay out the prize balls for the number of unpaid out. . Further, based on the input signal from the payout number count switch 116, the payout control board 98 subtracts the payout number from the unpaid number. Further, the payout control board 98 displays the prize ball LED 10 based on the prize ball control signal and notifies the fact.

  Furthermore, the payout control board 98 outputs a payout stop signal to the ball payout device 154 based on the ball break switch signal from the ball break switch 157 to stop the driving of the payout motor 115. At that time, the payout control board 98 drives the bulb-cut LED 9 in a predetermined manner.

  When either the full tank switch 158 or the ball break switch 157 is turned ON, a payout stop signal (payout stop command) is output from the payout control board 98 so that the payout of a prize ball or the like is not performed. If both switches 158 and 157 are OFF, a payout enable signal (payout stop release command) may be output. In addition, when there is an unpaid out in place of the prize ball LED 10, an unpaid out notification lamp or the like that lights up may be provided.

  Only the switch input for controlling the game operation and the switch input for controlling the payout operation of the prize ball are input to the main board 120, and the relationship between the main board 120 and other control boards excluding the payout control board 98 In FIG. 2, the communication relationship is one-way from the main board 120 to another control board. For this reason, there is an advantage that an illegal processing program is incorporated into another control board and cannot be executed even if an illegal process is performed on the main board 120, and a part of the control of the main board 120 is transferred to another control board. Since the control board is in charge, the burden on the main board 120 can be reduced and the inspection of the main board 120 can be facilitated.

  Further, the payout control board 98 includes signals from the payout sensor board 114, the payout motor 115, and the payout number count switch 116 mounted on the ball payout device 154, and the full tank signal from the full tank switch 158 as described above. Or, a ball break signal from the ball break switch 157 is input. The payout sensor board 114 is a board provided with a payout motor position sensor, which is a sensor composed of a light emitting element (LED) and a light receiving element for detecting the rotational position of the payout motor 115. By this payout motor position sensor, the pachinko gaming machine In order to reliably perform one payout operation, the rotational position of the payout motor 115 (more precisely, the stop position of the ball payout member as the rotating member) can be detected. From the payout sensor board 114, a detection signal of the payout motor position sensor is output.

  Further, the payout control board 98 is connected to an interface board 103 that relays signals from the card unit device 731 and the balance display board 104, and a ball rental switch 36 and a return switch 37 mounted on the balance display board 104. And various types of information are input from the card unit device 731. Further, as described above, a prize ball control signal is input to the payout control board 98 from the main board 120. Of the above-described input signals, the payout control board 98 is based on the input signal from the payout sensor board 114 and the stop position of the payout motor 115, that is, the ball payout member of the ball payout device 154 in the payout operation of the lending and winning balls. It is possible to accurately control the stop position and detect whether or not the ball dispensing member is operating. Further, based on an input signal from the payout number count switch 116, the payout control board 98 drives and controls the payout motor 115 so as to pay out the correct payout numbers of the rented and winning balls, and the frame external terminal plate 102. Information on the number of balls rented (25 pulses for 100 yen is 1 pulse). Note that lending is performed by transmitting and receiving various signals between the payout control board 98 and the card unit device 731 via the interface board 103 and driving the ball payout device 154.

  Furthermore, the payout control board 98 executes a prize ball payout operation or pays out a prize ball based on a prize ball control signal from the main board 120, a ball dead signal and a full tank signal directly inputted from the switch, and the like. The operation is stopped and executed. Note that the input signals from the ball break switch 157 and the full tank switch 158 connected to the frame external terminal board 102 are output to the external hall management computer or the like as ball break information or full tank information.

  In the hit ball launching device 130 described above, the launch board 107 on which a circuit for driving the launch motor 601 is mounted is provided. Signals from the touch sensor and the single firing switch described above are transmitted from the operation handle 30 to the firing substrate 107, respectively. Then, in response to the operation of the operation handle 30 by the player, a drive signal for driving the firing motor 601 is output from the firing substrate 107 to the firing motor 601. The firing motor 601 is driven in accordance with a drive signal from the firing substrate 107. In the firing substrate 107, when the signal from the touch sensor circuit indicates an off state, the driving of the firing motor 601 is stopped.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing components related to payout, such as the payout control board 98 and the ball payout device 154. As shown in FIG. 6, a payout control board 98 includes a payout control microcomputer 660 including a payout control CPU 659 (an example of an electrical component control microcomputer, also referred to as payout control means). In this embodiment, the payout control microcomputer 660 is a one-chip microcomputer and has a built-in RAM for storing at least the number of payouts. The I / O port may be built in the payout control microcomputer 660. At least a part of the RAM in the payout control microcomputer 660 is backed up by a backup power source mounted on the power supply board 910. In this embodiment, it is assumed that all RAM areas are backed up. Therefore, even when power is not supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1, the stored contents of the RAM are preserved for a predetermined period (until the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply cannot be supplied). The

  Detection signals from the ball break switch 157 and the full tank switch 158 are input to the I / O port 661d of the payout control board 98 via the sunpack relay board 101. Further, the sunpack relay board 101 is connected to the frame external terminal board 102 by a connector. The frame external terminal plate 102 includes a connector for outputting the number of prize balls as a connector for connecting a signal line between the outside (for example, a management computer) and the pachinko gaming machine 1, and first and second doors. Connectors for outputting signals from the open switches 111 and 112 are provided as external connection terminals.

  The detection signals from the payout number count switch 116 and the payout sensor board 114 mounted on the ball payout device 154 are input to the I / O port 661c of the payout control board 98 via the payout relay board 113. The payout control microcomputer 660 performs a process of subtracting the unpaid number stored in the RAM based on the detection signal from the payout number count switch 116. The payout control microcomputer 660 outputs a signal for driving the payout motor 115 via the payout relay board 113 when there is an unpaid number. In addition, the payout control microcomputer 660 outputs a payout stop signal from the I / O port 661c to the payout relay board 113 when a signal indicating that the ball is full or full is input to the I / O port 661d. The payout relay board 113 stops the drive of the payout motor 115 when receiving the payout stop signal.

  The payout control microcomputer 660 outputs a ball break signal to the plastic frame relay board 108 via the I / O port 661b when a signal indicating ball break is input to the I / O port 661d. The plastic frame relay board 108 performs control to turn on the ball break LED 9 based on the ball break signal. Further, the payout control microcomputer 660 outputs a prize ball signal to the plastic frame relay board 108 via the I / O port 661b based on the detection signal from the payout number count switch 116. The plastic frame relay board 108 performs control to turn on the prize ball LED 10 based on the prize ball signal. The payout control microcomputer 660 outputs a firing stop signal to the plastic frame relay board 108 via the I / O port 661b when a signal indicating that the ball is full or full is input to the I / O port 661d. You may make it do. In this case, the plastic frame relay board 108 may output a firing motor disabling signal to the launch board 107 so that the launch motor 601 cannot be driven.

  Further, when a game ball is won at the winning opening, a prize ball control signal indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out is output from the output circuit 662 of the main board 120 (turns on). The output circuit 662 outputs a payout start command (a payout start command) when the game control microcomputer 99 starts up (when the operation is started). The output circuit 662 receives an initialization command (initialization) for initializing the backup storage data in the RAM of the payout control board 98 when the game control microcomputer 99 is started up (when the operation is started). Command) is output. Further, the output circuit 662 outputs a recovery command (recovery command) indicating that the power supply has been recovered. When outputting a prize ball control signal, a payout start command, an initialization command, or a restoration command, a prize ball REQ signal (prize ball request signal) for instructing the taking-in is output (in an on state). Become).

  In this embodiment, the winning ball control signal, the payout activation command, the initialization command, and the recovery command are transmitted through the same signal line. The prize ball control signal, the payout start command, the initialization command, and the recovery command are configured by 5-bit data (binary 5-digit data) and are output by five signal lines. Note that the ON state of the signal, that is, the output state is a state in which the signal is significant, and turning on means that the signal receiving side is instructed to start some processing based on the signal. To do. For example, the fact that the prize ball control signal indicating the number of prize balls and the prize ball REQ signal are in the ON state instructs the dispense control microcomputer 660 to recognize the number of prizes indicated by the prize ball control signal. Means that.

  The prize ball control signal, the payout start command, the initialization command, and the recovery command are input to the I / O port 661g via the input circuit 663A. The prize ball REQ signal is input to a maskable interrupt terminal (hereinafter also simply referred to as an interrupt terminal) of the payout control CPU 659. The payout control CPU 659 receives an award ball control signal via the I / O port 661g in an interrupt process based on the input of the award ball REQ signal to the interrupt terminal. Control is performed to drive the ball payout device 154 to pay out the game ball. A connection confirmation signal indicating that the main board 120 is connected is also output from the output circuit 662 of the main board 120.

  Further, when the payout control microcomputer 660 receives the prize ball control signal, it transmits a command acceptance signal to the main board 120. The command acceptance signal is transmitted to the main board 120 via the output port 661h of the payout control board 98 and the output circuit 663B. Then, in the main board 120, it is input to the game control microcomputer 99 via the input circuit 666 and the I / O port unit 53. In this embodiment, the command acceptance signal is transmitted when the prize ball BUSY signal is turned on.

  The payout control board 98 also supplies a power-off signal indicating that the power supply voltage has dropped below a predetermined value from the power supply board 910 and a payout control allowance signal for the payout control microcomputer 660 (the CPU is made operable). A reset signal used as a signal for input) is input to the input port 661a.

  Further, the payout control microcomputer 660 outputs an error signal to the error display LED 664 using a 7-segment LED via the output port 661f. A detection signal from the error release switch 665 for releasing the error state is input to the input port 661e of the payout control board 98. The error cancel switch 665 is used to cancel the error state by software reset.

  A card unit control microcomputer is mounted on the card unit device 731 installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1. In addition, the card unit device 731 is provided with a usable display lamp, a connecting table direction indicator, a card insertion display lamp, and a card insertion slot. A frequency display LED 105, a ball lending display LED 106, a ball lending switch 36 and a return switch 37 provided in the vicinity of the upper plate 19 are connected to the interface board 103.

  A card lending switch signal indicating that the ball lending switch 36 has been operated and a return switch signal indicating that the return switch 37 has been operated are given from the interface board 103 to the card unit device 731 according to the player's operation. It is done. The card unit device 731 receives a card balance display signal and a ball lending display signal indicating the balance of the prepaid card from the card unit device 731. Between the card unit device 731 and the payout control board 98, a connection signal (VL signal), a unit operation signal (BRDY signal), a ball lending request signal (BRQ signal), a ball lending completion signal (EXS signal) and a pachinko machine operation A signal (PRDY signal) is transmitted / received via the input port 661i and the output port 661j. An interface board 103 is interposed between the card unit device 731 and the payout control board 98. Therefore, a signal such as a connection signal (VL signal) is transmitted and received between the card unit device 731 and the payout control board 98 via the interface board 103 as shown in FIG.

  In addition, the VL signal is either a launch-permitted state in which launching is permitted with respect to the launch of the game ball by the hitting ball launching device 130 or a launch-inhibited state in which launching of the game ball by the hitting ball launching device 130 is prohibited. Used to select the state.

  When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the payout control microcomputer 660 mounted on the payout control board 98 outputs a PRDY signal to the card unit device 731. The card unit control microcomputer outputs a VL signal when the power is turned on. The payout control microcomputer 660 determines whether the card unit device 731 is connected or not based on the input state of the VL signal. When a card is received by the card unit device 731, the ball lending switch is operated and a ball lending switch signal is input, the card unit control microcomputer outputs a BRDY signal to the payout control board 98. When a predetermined delay time elapses from this point, the card unit control microcomputer outputs a BRQ signal to the payout control board 98.

  Then, the payout control microcomputer 660 raises the EXS signal for the card unit device 731 and, when detecting the fall of the BRQ signal from the card unit device 731, drives the payout motor 115 to play a predetermined number of rental balls. Pay to the person. When the payout is completed, the payout control microcomputer 660 causes the EXS signal to the card unit device 731 to fall. Thereafter, when the BRDY signal from the card unit device 731 is not in the ON state, when a prize ball control signal is received from the game control microcomputer 99, prize ball payout control is executed.

  The power supply voltage AC24V used in the card unit device 731 is supplied from the payout control board 98. That is, the power supply from the power supply board 910 to the card unit device 731 is performed via the payout control board 98 and the interface board 103. In this example, a fuse for protecting the card unit device 731 is provided in the AC 24V power supply line for the card unit device 731 arranged in the interface board 103, and a voltage higher than a predetermined voltage is applied to the card unit device 731. It is prevented from being supplied.

  The payout control CPU 659 used in this embodiment generates a non-maskable interrupt terminal (NMI terminal) used for generating a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) and a maskable interrupt. And an interrupt terminal (INT terminal) used for the purpose. However, this embodiment does not use non-maskable interrupts and external interrupts. Therefore, the NMI terminal and the INT terminal are pulled up to VCC (+5 V) through resistors. The maskable interrupt is an interrupt that can be controlled so that no interrupt is generated by software. An interrupt based on a signal input to the interrupt terminal is also referred to as an external interrupt.

  In the firing board 107, a detection signal from the touch ring 110 (hereinafter referred to as a touch sensor detection signal), a detection signal from the single firing switch 109 (hereinafter referred to as a single firing switch detection signal), and an interface from the card unit device 371. A VL signal transmitted via the board 103 and the payout control board 98 is input. On the launch board 107, a launch motor drive circuit that outputs a drive signal for driving the launch motor 601 is mounted. The firing motor drive circuit permits firing by outputting a drive signal when the touch sensor detection signal or the single firing switch detection signal is on and the VL signal is on.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of the effect control board 90 and the voice frame lamp board 92. The effect control microcomputer 118 includes an effect control CPU 118a, a control ROM 118b, and a RAM 118c. On the effect control board 90, the effect control CPU 118a in the effect control microcomputer 118 operates according to the program stored in the control ROM 118b, and performs various controls using the RAM 118c as a work area. The effect control microcomputer 118 connects the peripheral command relay board 57, the input driver 667, and the input port 668 in response to a capture signal (effect control INT signal) transmitted from the main board 120 via the peripheral command relay board 57. An effect control command is received via

  The effect control microcomputer 118 operates in accordance with a program stored in the control ROM 118b, and when receiving an effect control command for instructing display control from the main board 120, a VDP (video display processor) is provided according to the received effect control command. A drawing command is sent to 119, and display control of the decorative symbol display device 44b using the LCD is performed by the VDP 119 according to the drawing command. The VDP 119 is sometimes called a GCL (Graphic Controller LSI), has a display control function and a high-speed drawing function for displaying an image, operates in accordance with a drawing command from the effect control microcomputer 118, It has a function of performing processing such as transformation (enlargement / reduction, trimming) and composition of moving images. The VDP 119 has a function of decompressing compressed moving image data. Each of the effect control microcomputer 118 and the VDP 119 receives a clock pulse from an oscillation circuit 679 that oscillates a clock pulse (reference clock) having a predetermined frequency, and operates in accordance with the clock pulse.

  The VDP 119 reads out image data necessary for drawing from the image ROM 119a according to a command such as a drawing command sent from the effect control microcomputer 118, and generates image data for display on the decorative symbol display device 44b. The image ROM 119a is a storage unit that stores (stores) image data for displaying various images on the decorative symbol display device 44b. The VDP 119 expands the generated image data in the VRAM 119b. The VRAM 119b is a frame buffer memory for expanding the image data generated (synthesized) by the VDP 119. The VDP 119 reads out and outputs the developed image data from the VRAM 119b in order to display an image on the decorative symbol display device 44b based on such developed image data. Image data output from the VDP 119 is converted into a video signal by an LCD drive circuit (not shown), and the video signal is output to the decorative symbol display device 44b.

  The peripheral command relay board 57 allows signals (effect control signal and effect control INT signal constituting the effect control command) input from the main board 120 to pass only in the direction toward the effect control board 90 (effect control board). A unidirectional circuit 57a is mounted as signal input blocking means (which does not allow signals to pass in the direction from 90 to the main board 120). As the unidirectional circuit 57a, for example, a diode or a transistor is used. FIG. 7 illustrates a diode. Further, the unidirectional circuit 57 a is provided for each signal line passing through the peripheral command relay board 57. A signal from the effect control board 90, a signal input to the effect control board 90 (an operation signal from the operation key 190 and a detection signal from the launch ball sensor 194), and a voice frame lamp board 92 connected to the effect control board 90 A signal from (a board not connected to the main board 120 is also referred to as a peripheral board) is not transmitted to the game control microcomputer 99 of the main board 120 due to the presence of the peripheral command relay board 57. Therefore, the signal input path from the outside to the game control microcomputer 99 is limited, and the possibility of an illegal act of sending an illegal signal to the game control microcomputer 99 can be reduced. Furthermore, when the peripheral command relay board 57 is mounted in such a manner that the back surface thereof can be visually recognized, the back surface of the peripheral command relay board 57 can be easily visually recognized. It is possible to easily find out that an illegal act of illegally inputting a signal to the microcomputer 99 has been performed.

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the unidirectional circuit 57a is provided on the peripheral command relay board 57 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the unidirectional circuit 57a may be provided on the main board 120. Further, the effect control board 90 may be provided. That is, the unidirectional circuit 57a may be configured to be provided at a place where an illegal signal can be prevented from being input to the game control microcomputer 99.

  The effect control microcomputer 118 receives an operation signal from the operation key 190 (191, 192, 193) and a detection signal from the launch ball sensor 194 via the input port 669.

  Further, the production control microcomputer 118 controls the voice frame lamp board 92 via the input / output port 671 and controls the voices emitted from the speakers 12a and 12b and the game effect lamps 13a to 13c. , 16a, 16b, 17a, 17b, and lamp control commands for controlling the lighting state of the decorative lamps 32a, 32b.

  In the voice frame lamp board 92, the voice frame lamp control microcomputer 92a including the CPU, ROM and RAM is connected to the speaker 12a via the voice driver circuit 673 based on the control data stored in the ROM corresponding to the voice control command. , 12b are controlled. The voice frame lamp control microcomputer 92a is connected to the game effect lamps 13a to 13c, 16a, 16b, 17a, and the like via the frame lamp driver circuit 672 based on the control data stored in the ROM corresponding to the lamp control command. 17b is controlled. Further, the voice frame lamp control microcomputer 92a outputs a drive signal for controlling the decoration lamps 32a and 32b via the bus driver 674 based on the control data stored in the ROM corresponding to the lamp control command. Output to the driver board 93.

  In the lamp driver board 93, the decoration lamps 32 a and 32 b are controlled via the output port 676 and the decoration lamp driver circuit 677 based on the drive signal output from the audio frame lamp board 92 and input from the bus driver 675. The lamp driver board 93 is further provided with an expansion port 678 so that other effect devices can be driven.

  The lamp control command and the voice control command in the present embodiment are two-way communication (a response signal is transmitted from the command receiving side to the transmitting side) between the effect control microcomputer 118 and the voice frame lamp control microcomputer 92a. Communication).

  The reset signal from the power monitoring circuit 920 is input to the voice frame lamp control microcomputer 92 a mounted on the voice frame lamp board 92. The reset signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is input to the effect control microcomputer 118 via the audio frame lamp board 92 and further via the input / output port 671 mounted on the effect control board 90. The power-off signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is input to the effect control microcomputer 118 via the audio frame lamp board 92 and further via the input / output port 671 mounted on the effect control board 90.

  In addition, at least a part of the RAM 118 c in the effect control microcomputer 118 is backed up by a backup power source mounted on the power supply board 910. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a part of the RAM area (hereinafter referred to as a backup area) is backed up. Therefore, even when power is not supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1, the production control microcomputer 118 does not operate for a predetermined period (until the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply cannot be supplied). The contents stored in the backup area of the RAM 118c are saved. Note that the entire region of the RAM 118c in the effect control microcomputer 118 may be backed up by a backup power source.

  Next, the configuration of the power supply substrate 910 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the power supply substrate 910. The power supply board 910 is provided with a power switch 914 for executing or shutting off the power supply to each electric component control board and mechanism parts in the pachinko gaming machine 1. The power switch 914 may be provided outside the power supply board 910 in the pachinko gaming machine 1. When the power switch 914 is in a closed state (on state), AC power (AC 100 V) is applied to the input side (primary side) of the transformer 911. The transformer 911 is provided outside the power supply board 910 and transforms the voltage of AC100V applied from the AC power supply into a voltage of AC24V and supplies it to the power supply board 910, and its output voltage is AC24V. Further, an input terminal of a power switch 914 provided on the power supply board 910 is connected to an output terminal (secondary side) of the transformer 911. In the power supply substrate 910, the input terminal of the varistor 918 as an overvoltage protection circuit is connected to the output terminal of the power switch 914. As a result, AC 24 V voltage power transformed by the transformer 911 is supplied from the output terminal of the varistor 918 to the inside of the power supply board 910 via the power switch 914. The power supply to the power supply board 910 may be performed using a configuration in which the AC24V voltage is directly applied to the power supply board 910 from the AC24V AC power supply without using the transformer 911 described above. .

  The power supply board 910 is installed independently of the electric component control board (the main board 120, the payout control board 98, the effect control board 90, etc.), and generates a voltage used by each board and the mechanical parts in the pachinko gaming machine 1. . In this example, AC24V, VSL (DC + 30V), VLP (DC + 24V), VDD (DC + 12V) and VCC (DC + 5V) are generated. Further, a capacitor 916 serving as a storage holding means for holding the stored contents in the backup power supply (VBB), that is, the backup RAM, is charged from DC + 5V (VCC), that is, a power supply line for driving an IC or the like on each substrate. Further, a backflow prevention diode 917 is inserted between the +5 V line and the backup +5 V (VBB) line. Note that VSL is generated by rectifying and boosting AC 24 V with a rectifying element in the rectifying and smoothing circuit 915. VSL is a solenoid driving power source. VLP is a lamp lighting voltage, and is generated by rectifying AC24V with a rectifier element in the rectifier circuit 912.

  The DC-DC converter 913 serving as a power supply voltage generation unit has one or a plurality of regulator ICs (two regulator ICs 924A and 924B are shown in FIG. 8), and generates VDD and VCC based on VSL. Relatively large capacitors 923A and 923B are connected to the input sides of the regulator ICs (switching regulators) 924A and 924B. Therefore, when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 from the outside is stopped, the direct current voltages such as VSL, VDD, VCC, etc., decrease relatively slowly.

  As shown in FIG. 8, AC24V output from the power switch 914 via the varistor 918 is supplied to the connector 922B as it is. The VLP is supplied to the connector 922C. VCC, VDD and VSL are supplied to connectors 922A, 922B and 922C.

  The cable connected to the connector 922A is connected to the main board 120. The cable connected to the connector 922B is connected to the payout control board 98. The cable connected to the connector 922C is connected to the audio frame lamp board 92. Then, each voltage supplied from the connector 922C is supplied to the effect control board 90 and the lamp driver board 93 via the voice frame lamp board 92. In this pachinko gaming machine 1, data is backed up on each of the main board 120, the payout control board 98, and the effect control board 90. Therefore, VBB is also supplied to the connectors 922A, 922B, and 922C. Here, VBB from 922C is supplied to the effect control board 90 via the voice frame lamp board 92.

  In addition, a clear switch 921 having a push button structure is mounted on the power supply board 910. When the clear switch 921 is pressed, a low level (on state) clear signal is output and transmitted to the main board 120 via the connector 922A. If the clear switch 921 is not pressed, a high level (off state) signal is output. The clear switch 921 may have a configuration other than the push button structure. Further, in the gaming machine, the clear switch 921 may be provided in other places as long as it is a board other than the power supply board 910 such as the payout control board 98 or the rear side of the gaming machine.

  Further, the power supply board 910 generates a reset signal as a system reset signal for the microcomputer mounted on the electric component control board, and outputs a power-off signal. An output driver circuit 925 that amplifies the reset signal and outputs it to the connectors 922A, 922B, and 922C, and amplifies the power-off signal and outputs it to the connector 922A and the connector 922B is mounted. The reset signal is used as an operation stop signal that stops (inhibits) the operation of the microcomputer at the reset level, and is used as an operable signal that enables the operation of the microcomputer when the reset level is reached. In the present embodiment, a reset signal via the audio frame lamp board 92 is input to the effect control microcomputer 118. However, the input pattern of the system reset signal to the production control microcomputer 118 is not limited to this. For example, an input pattern in which a system reset signal is input via the main board 120 or the payout control board 98 may be used.

  The power monitoring circuit 920 is a circuit that realizes a voltage drop monitoring unit that outputs a power-off signal and a reset signal generation unit that generates a system reset signal. Note that the voltage drop monitoring unit and the reset signal generation unit may be configured by separate circuits. A commercially available power failure monitoring reset module IC can be used as the power monitoring circuit 920. The power supply monitoring circuit 920 outputs a power-off signal when a predetermined voltage (for example, + 24V) used in the pachinko gaming machine 1 has become a predetermined value (for example, + 5V) or less for a predetermined time (for example, 56 ms) or longer. Output. Specifically, the power-off signal is turned on (low level). The power supply monitoring circuit 920 sets the system reset signal to a low level when, for example, VCC becomes +4.5 V or less.

  The power supply monitoring circuit 920 is not limited to determining whether or not the voltage has become a predetermined value or less by determining whether or not the period during which the voltage has become the predetermined value or less has continued for a predetermined time or more. For example, it may be determined whether or not the voltage has become a predetermined value or less by detecting a pulse obtained using a general full-wave rectifier circuit including a diode circuit. For example, among pulses obtained by full-wave rectification of an AC wave by a full-wave rectifier circuit, a pulse whose amplitude is greater than or equal to a predetermined value is counted, and when the voltage is not counted for a predetermined period, You may judge that it became.

  When the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped, the power supply monitoring circuit 920 sets the reset signal to a low level on condition that a predetermined period has elapsed since the power-off signal was output (set to a low level). . During the predetermined period, the game control microcomputer 99 mounted on the main board 120, the payout control microcomputer 660 mounted on the payout control board 98, and the effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board 90. This is a sufficient time for the computer 118 to execute the power-off process described later. That is, after the power supply monitoring circuit 920 outputs a power-off signal as a voltage drop signal, the game control microcomputer 99, the payout control microcomputer 660, and the effect control microcomputer 118 execute a power-off process. After completion, an operation stop signal (reset signal low level) is output. In addition, when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started and VCC exceeds + 4.5V, for example, the system reset signal is set to the high level. The system reset signal is set to a high level on the condition that a predetermined period has passed. Therefore, when the microcomputer mounted on each electrical component control board (including the main board 120) starts control according to the program in response to the system reset signal becoming high level, the power-off signal is always It is off.

  The power-off signal from the power monitoring circuit 920 is input to the payout control microcomputer 660 via the input port 661a on the payout control board 98 (see FIG. 6). That is, the payout control microcomputer 660 can confirm the occurrence of the stop of the power supply to the gaming machine by monitoring the input signal of the input port 661a. In the main board 120, the power-off signal from the power monitoring circuit 920 is input from the input circuit 121 to the game control microcomputer 99 via the I / O port 53 (see FIG. 5). That is, the gaming control microcomputer 99 can confirm the occurrence of the stop of the power supply to the gaming machine by monitoring the input signal of the I / O port unit 53. In the effect control board 90, the power-off signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is input to the effect control microcomputer 118 via the input / output port 671 (see FIG. 7). In other words, the production control microcomputer 118 can confirm the occurrence of the stop of the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 by monitoring the input signal of the input / output port 671.

  On the other hand, the reset signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is input to the reset terminal of the payout control microcomputer 660 via the input port 661a (see FIG. 7). Therefore, the payout control microcomputer 660 can confirm the timing of setting the payout control operation to be executed and the timing of the payout control operation being stopped by monitoring the input state of the reset terminal. The reset signal from the power monitoring circuit 920 is input from the input circuit 121 to the reset terminal of the game control microcomputer 99 via the I / O port unit 53 (see FIG. 5). Therefore, the game control microcomputer 99 can check the timing of setting the execution state of the game control operation and the timing of stopping the game control operation by monitoring the input state of the reset terminal. The reset signal from the power monitoring circuit 920 is input to the reset terminal of the effect control microcomputer 118 via the input / output port 671 (see FIG. 7). Therefore, the production control microcomputer 118 can confirm the timing of setting the payout control operation to be executed and the timing of setting the payout control operation to be stopped by monitoring the input state of the reset terminal.

  In this embodiment, the power supply monitoring circuit 920 monitors the output of the power supply having a predetermined potential and is supplied to the power supply board 910 as a detection condition related to the stop of the supply of power supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1 from the outside. Although it was used that the predetermined DC voltage created from the voltage (AC24V in this embodiment) was less than the predetermined value, the detection condition is not limited to this, and it can be detected that power from the outside is interrupted. If so, other conditions may be used. For example, the AC wave itself can be monitored to detect that the AC wave has been interrupted, or the AC wave can be detected by monitoring the digitized AC signal and the digital signal has become flat. May be used as a detection condition.

  Next, a random counter for generating a random number used for control in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining various random counters used by the game control microcomputer 99 for game control. FIG. 9 shows eight types of random counters, random counters R1 to R8, as an example of the random counter.

  R1 is a jackpot determination random counter for generating random numbers used to randomly determine in advance whether or not to generate a jackpot state for the variable display of the special symbol display device 44a. It is configured to count up, count up to the upper limit “658”, and count up again from “0”. This R1 is added and updated by 1 every 2 msec. When a valid start winning is detected by the start opening switch 60, a random number of R1 is extracted in accordance with it and stored in the RAM 55 as start winning storage data. Then, regarding the special symbol display device 44a, it is determined whether or not the extracted value stored in the RAM 55 matches the predetermined jackpot determination value at a stage before the special symbol variation display is started. . In this determination, if they match, it is decided to generate a big hit by using the display result of the variable display as a combination of the big hit symbols, and the above-mentioned control of the big hit gaming state is performed. It is determined that the display result is out of play, and the gaming state does not change. In a normal probability state other than the probability variation state, the jackpot determination value is set to one numerical value, for example. In the probability variation state, the big hit judgment value is set to a plurality of numerical values (in this case, the big hit judgment value is set so that the numerical order is not adjacent to the big hit judgment value so as not to be biased). As a result, the probability of a big hit is improved as compared with the case of the non-probable change state.

  R2 is a random number used to randomly determine which type of jackpot symbol is to be displayed on the special symbol display device 44a when the jackpot determination using R1 is previously determined to generate a jackpot. This is a random counter for determining a jackpot symbol to be generated. The types of combinations of jackpot symbols displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b (probable variation jackpot symbol combinations, hourly and jackpot symbol combinations, normal jackpot symbol combinations) are the probability variation jackpot symbols, hourly and jackpot symbols determined by R2, and normal Corresponds to the type of jackpot symbol. R2 is configured to count up from “0”, count up to “9” which is the upper limit thereof, and count up again from “0”, and is incremented and updated by 1 every 2 msec.

  In the present embodiment, the relationship between R2 and the jackpot symbol is predetermined as follows. If the random number extracted from R2 is an odd number, one of “3, 7” is determined as the display result for the special symbol display device 44a, and correspondingly, any of the odd symbols for the decorative symbol display device 44b is determined. A double-eyed eye is determined as the display result. When these display results are derived and displayed, a jackpot gaming state is generated, and after the jackpot gaming state ends, the probability variation jackpot controlled in the probability variation control mode is obtained. On the other hand, when the random number extracted from R2 is an even number, any one of “1, 5, 9” is determined as the display result for the special symbol display device 44a, and “0” or an even number is displayed for the decorative symbol display device 44b. A doublet by any of the symbols is determined as a display result. When these display results are derived and displayed, a big hit gaming state occurs. When the display result of the special symbol display device 44a is determined to be “5” among the display results of “1, 5, 9”, the display result of the decorative symbol display device 44b is determined to be “8”. Then, after the big hit gaming state is finished, the short time big hit is controlled in the time saving control mode. When the display result of the special symbol display device 44a among the display results of “1, 5, 9” is determined to be “1, 9”, the display result of the decorative symbol display device 44b is “0”. Or, it is determined to any one of the even symbols except “8”, and after the big hit gaming state is ended, the normal big hit which is not controlled by either the probability variation control mode or the time-shortened control mode is obtained.

  Thus, in this embodiment, since whether or not to control to the probability variation control mode is determined after the end of the jackpot gaming state based on the type of the jackpot symbol, R2 is to determine whether or not to control to the probability variation control mode It is also a random counter for generating a random number used for the determination (probability change start determination). Further, in the present embodiment, whether or not to control to the short time control mode is determined after the big hit gaming state is ended by the big hit symbol, so R2 determines whether or not to control to the short time control mode (short time start determination) It is also a random counter for generating a random number used for

  R3 is a random counter for determining the off symbol for generating a random number used to randomly determine a stop symbol in the display result that is out of place for the special symbol display device 44a. R3 is configured to count up from “0”, count up to “9” which is the upper limit thereof, and count up again from “0”. Added and updated.

  In the present embodiment, when the outlier symbol is determined not to be controlled by jackpot using R1, the outlier symbol ("0, 2, 4, 6, 8") is extracted from the random counter R3. Therefore, it is determined.

  In the present embodiment, when any one of “0, 2, 4, 6, 8” is determined as the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 44a using R3, the decorative symbol display device 44b does not become a doublet. Control is performed so that combinations of outlier symbols are derived and displayed.

  Here, the count-up operation in the remaining interrupt processing time performed in a predetermined random counter such as R3 will be described. The CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 99 performs various types of control by executing periodic interrupt processing. For certain interrupt processing, after the interrupt processing is executed, the period until the next execution start of the interrupt processing is performed. Waiting for interrupt processing. Repeating the random counter addition update process using an infinite loop during the interrupt process surplus time waiting for such interrupt process is called counting up the interrupt process surplus time.

  R4 is numerical data updating means (random counter) for generating random numbers used to randomly determine a variation pattern which is a variation display pattern of the special symbol display device 44a (including the decorative symbol display device 44b). is there. R4 is configured to count up from “0”, count up to its upper limit “99”, and then count up again from “0”, and once every 2 msec and interrupt processing surplus time. Added and updated. A variation pattern used for variation display is selected from a plurality of predetermined variation patterns based on the counter value extracted from the random counter R4 for variation pattern determination at a predetermined timing such as when the variation of the special symbol starts. It is determined. Each fluctuation pattern has a predetermined fluctuation display time (the time from the start of fluctuation display until the display result is derived and displayed, also called the fluctuation time). The variable display time is selected and determined.

  R5 forms the above-described reach display mode during the variable display when the special symbol display device 44a (including the decorative symbol display device 44b) is determined to be out of the jackpot determination (hereinafter referred to as reach). This is a reach determination random counter for generating a random number used to randomly determine whether the reach display mode is not formed (hereinafter referred to as non-reach shift). R5 is configured to count up from “0”, count up to its upper limit “39”, and then count up again from “0”, and add 1 every 2 msec and interrupt processing surplus time. Updated. At a stage before the symbols to be stopped by the special symbol display device 44a and the decorative symbol display device 44b are determined, it is determined whether or not the random number extracted from R5 matches a predetermined reach determination value. If these values match, it is determined that the reach is out of control, and the reach state is controlled during the variable display where the display result is out of control. On the other hand, when these values coincide with each other, it is determined that the non-reach is out of control, and control is performed so as not to reach the reach state during the variable display in which the display result is out of place.

  R6 is a random counter for generating a random number used to randomly determine in advance whether or not to generate a hit for the variable display of the normal symbol display device 63. R6 is configured to count up from “0”, count up to “11” which is the upper limit thereof, and count up again from “0”, and is incremented and updated by 1 every 2 msec. When a valid start passage is detected by the gate switch, the random number R6 is extracted and stored in the RAM 55 as passage storage data. Then, it is determined whether or not the extracted value coincides with a predetermined hit determination value at a stage before starting the normal symbol variation display, and if it matches, the normal symbol hit may be generated. The above-described control is performed, and in the case of a mismatch, it is determined to be a deviation and the above-described control is performed.

  R7 is a random counter for generating a random number used to randomly determine the initial value of R1 described above. R7 is configured to count up from “0”, count up to its upper limit “658”, and then count up again from “0”, and once every 2 msec and the interrupt processing remainder time. Added and updated.

  R8 is a random counter for generating a random number used to randomly determine the initial value of R6 described above. R8 is configured to count up from “0”, count up to “11” which is the upper limit thereof, and count up again from “0”. Added and updated.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a data table storing determination values used for selecting and determining a variation pattern in the special symbol display device 44a and the decorative symbol display device 44b. In the data table according to the present embodiment, the determination values are distributed differently based on the result of the jackpot determination using R1 and the result of the reach determination using R5, and are stored in advance in the ROM 54 described above. .

  FIG. 10A is a data table that is looked up when the normal gaming state is not controlled in either the probability variation control mode or the time-shortening control mode. When the determination result is a big hit determination result using R1 and the reach determination result using R5 is a non-reach shift determination that does not generate reach, the fluctuation used for the extracted value of R4 and the fluctuation display The relationship with the variation pattern selected and determined as a pattern is determined as follows. When the extracted value of R4 is in the range of “0 to 49”, the “normal A fluctuation pattern” having a fluctuation display time of 10 seconds is selected and determined. When the extracted value of R4 is within the range of “50 to 99”, the “normal B fluctuation pattern” having a fluctuation display time of 15 seconds is selected and determined.

  Further, when the determination result is that the jackpot determination result using R1 is out of reach and the reach determination result using R5 is at the time of reach determination that causes reach, the extracted value of R4 and the fluctuation display are displayed. The relationship with the variation pattern selected and determined as the variation pattern to be used is defined as follows. When the extracted value of R4 is within the range of “0 to 49”, the “reach A fluctuation pattern” with a fluctuation display time of 15 seconds is selected and determined. When the extracted value of R4 is in the range of “50 to 79”, the “reach B fluctuation pattern” with a fluctuation display time of 20 seconds is selected and determined. When the extracted value of R4 is within the range of “80 to 99”, the “reach C fluctuation pattern” with a fluctuation display time of 25 seconds is selected and determined.

  Further, when the determination result is a big hit determination when the big hit determination result using R1 is a big hit, the relationship between the extracted value of R4 and the variation pattern selected and determined as the variation pattern used for variation display is as follows. It is determined as follows. When the extracted value of R4 is within the range of “0 to 19”, the “big hit A fluctuation pattern” having a fluctuation display time of 15 seconds is selected and determined. When the extracted value of R4 is in the range of “20 to 49”, the “big hit B fluctuation pattern” having a fluctuation display time of 20 seconds is selected and determined. When the extracted value of R4 is in the range of “50 to 99”, the “big hit C fluctuation pattern” with a fluctuation display time of 25 seconds is selected and determined.

  FIG. 10B is a data table that is looked up when controlled (shifted) to the above-described time-shortening control mode. In the present embodiment, the variation pattern determined by looking up the data table of FIG. 10B is referred to as a shortened variation pattern.

  When the determination result is a big hit determination result using R1 and the reach determination result using R5 is a non-reach shift determination that does not generate reach, it is used for the extracted value of R4 and the fluctuation display. The relationship with the variation pattern selected and determined as the variation pattern to be selected is determined as follows. When the extracted value of R4 is in the range of “0 to 49”, the “normal C fluctuation pattern” with a fluctuation display time of 5 seconds is selected and determined. When the extracted value of R4 is in the range of “50 to 99”, the “normal D fluctuation pattern” with a fluctuation display time of 5 seconds is selected and determined.

  Further, when the determination result is that the jackpot determination result using R1 is out of reach and the reach determination result using R5 is at the time of reach determination that causes reach, the extracted value of R4 and the fluctuation display are displayed. The relationship with the variation pattern selected and determined as the variation pattern to be used is defined as follows. When the extracted value of R4 is in the range of “0 to 69”, the “reach D fluctuation pattern” having a fluctuation display time of 10 seconds is selected and determined. When the extracted value of R4 is within the range of “70 to 99”, the “reach E fluctuation pattern” having a fluctuation display time of 10 seconds is selected and determined.

  Further, when the determination result is a big hit determination when the big hit determination result using R1 is a big hit, the relationship between the extracted value of R4 and the variation pattern selected and determined as the variation pattern used for variation display is as follows. It is determined as follows. When the extracted value of R4 is in the range of “0 to 29”, the “big hit D fluctuation pattern” with a fluctuation display time of 10 seconds is selected and determined. When the extracted value of R4 is within the range of “30 to 99”, the “big hit E fluctuation pattern” having a fluctuation display time of 10 seconds is selected and determined.

  FIG. 10C is a data table that is looked up when controlled (shifted) to the probability variation control mode described above. In the present embodiment, the variation pattern determined by looking up the data table of FIG. 10C is referred to as a probability variation pattern. Further, when this probability variation pattern is determined, the variation time is shortened in the same manner as the shortened variation pattern described above.

  When the determination result is a big hit determination result using R1 and the reach determination result using R5 is a non-reach shift determination that does not generate reach, it is used for the extracted value of R4 and the fluctuation display. The relationship with the variation pattern selected and determined as the variation pattern to be selected is determined as follows. When the extracted value of R4 is in the range of “0 to 49”, the “normal E fluctuation pattern during probability change” with a fluctuation display time of 5 seconds is selected and determined. When the extracted value of R4 is in the range of “50 to 99”, the “normal F fluctuation pattern during probability change” with a fluctuation display time of 5 seconds is selected and determined.

  Further, when the determination result is that the jackpot determination result using R1 is out of reach and the reach determination result using R5 is at the time of reach determination that causes reach, the extracted value of R4 and the fluctuation display are displayed. The relationship with the variation pattern selected and determined as the variation pattern to be used is defined as follows. When the extracted value of R4 is in the range of “0 to 69”, the “probability change reach F fluctuation pattern” with a fluctuation display time of 10 seconds is selected and determined. When the extracted value of R4 is within the range of “70 to 99”, the “probability change reach G fluctuation pattern” having a fluctuation display time of 10 seconds is selected and determined.

  Further, when the determination result is a big hit determination when the big hit determination result using R1 is a big hit, the relationship between the extracted value of R4 and the variation pattern selected and determined as the variation pattern used for variation display is as follows. It is determined as follows. When the extracted value of R4 is in the range of “0 to 29”, the “probable change big hit F fluctuation pattern” with a fluctuation display time of 10 seconds is selected and determined. When the extracted value of R4 is within the range of “30 to 99”, the “probable change big hit G fluctuation pattern” having a fluctuation display time of 10 seconds is selected and determined.

  Note that the variation pattern used for the variation display in the present embodiment uses FIG. 19 when the variation display is started in the variation display unit (special symbol display device 44a, decorative symbol display device 44b) as described later. In S202 of the special symbol process process described later, the data table described with reference to FIG. 10 is looked up and determined.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining various random counters used by the effect control microcomputer 118 for effect control. FIG. 11 shows a random counter RS, a random counter RT, and random counters RU-1 to RU-3 as examples of the random counter.

  RS is a random counter for determining the contents of effects for generating random numbers used to determine the contents of effects displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b. The RS is counted up from “0” and is the upper limit “ It is configured to count up to “232” and count up again from “0”. This RS is added and updated by 1 every 30 msec.

  RT is a random counter for determining an effective line for generating a random number used to randomly determine an effective line when determining a stop symbol of a decorative symbol to be derived and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b. It is configured to count up from “0”, count up to the upper limit “4”, and count up from “0” again. An effective line means a line in which a combination of jackpot symbols is effective as described above. The effective line is also used as a line for stopping a stop symbol determined by RU-1 to RU-3, which will be described later, even when the result of the variable display is not a big hit. In the case of this embodiment, there are five effective lines in the display area of the decorative symbol display device 44b, a total of five effective lines: three in the horizontal direction, three in the upper, interrupted, and lower, and two in the diagonal direction. Has been. The jackpot symbol combination is displayed on any one of these five active lines. Each of the five effective lines is associated with an RT value, and an effective line associated with the extracted RT value is selected and determined each time a variable display is performed. This RT is added and updated by 1 every 30 msec.

  RU-1 to RU-3 are random counters for determining a decorative symbol stop symbol for generating a random number used to randomly determine a stop symbol of the decorative symbol in advance for the decorative symbol display device 44b. RU-1 is used to determine the stop symbol of the left symbol on the active line determined by RT. RU-2 is used to determine the stop symbol of the middle symbol on the active line determined by RT. RU-3 is used to determine the stop symbol of the right symbol on the active line determined by RT. For each of RU-1 to RU-3, RU-1 is incremented and updated every 30 msec, RU-2 is incremented for each carry of RU-1, and RU-3 is incremented for each carry of RU-2. Is updated from 0 to 9 which is the upper limit, and then updated from 0 again.

  It should be noted that the decorative symbols are changed (updated) in accordance with a predetermined symbol arrangement order. Each of the multiple types of decorative symbols is associated with numerical data for determining decorative symbol stop symbols, and it is determined that a reach state is determined to be out of reach in jackpot determination, and it is determined not to reach a reach state. In the case, the symbols corresponding to the random numbers extracted from each of RU-1 to RU-3 at the predetermined timing are the stop symbols of the left, middle and right decorative symbols on the active line determined by RT. It is determined. In addition, when it is determined that the jackpot is determined to be a deviation, if the combination of the stop symbols corresponding to the extracted random number coincides with the symbol of the jackpot on the active line determined by RT, the symbol of the loss Each stop symbol is determined by performing correction (for example, correction for shifting the middle symbol by one symbol). In addition, when it is determined that the jackpot determination is a shift and the reach determination is determined by reach determination, the random number extracted at the above-described timing is extracted from RU-1. The symbol corresponding to the random number is determined as a stop symbol of each of the left and right decorative symbols that form a reach state on the effective line determined by RT, and numerical data that matches the counter value extracted from RU-2 The corresponding symbol is determined as the stop symbol of the middle symbol on the active line determined by RT. Also in this case, when the combination of the big hit symbol is accidentally made, each stop symbol is determined by correcting the symbol so that it becomes an off symbol (for example, correcting the middle symbol by one symbol).

  Further, when it is determined that the jackpot is determined to be a big hit, and when it is determined that the probability variation control mode is set by determining the big hit symbol, the random number extracted from the RU-1 at a predetermined timing is handled. A probable big hit symbol (odd decorative symbol) is determined as a stop symbol for each of the left, middle, and right decorative symbols on the active line determined by RT. Also, when it is determined that the jackpot is determined to be a big hit, and when it is determined that the time-short control mode is set by determining the jackpot symbol, the decorative symbol of “8”, which is the hourly and jackpot symbol, is determined by RT. It is determined as a stop symbol for each of the left, middle and right decorative symbols on the activated line. In addition, when it is determined that the jackpot is determined to be a big hit, and it is determined that neither the probability variation control mode nor the time-saving control mode (normal jackpot) is determined by determining the big hit symbol, a predetermined timing Each of the left, middle and right decorations on the effective line where the normal jackpot symbol (even “0” or even number except “8”) corresponding to the random number extracted from RU-1 is determined by RT It is determined as a symbol stop symbol.

  Next, the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described. 12 and 13 show the main processing executed by the game control microcomputer 99 in response to the start of power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the reset signal to the game control microcomputer 99 becoming high level. It is a flowchart which shows. When the input level of the reset signal from the power supply board 910 becomes a high level (off state), the game control microcomputer 99 executes a security check process that is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid. Thereafter, the main processing after step S (hereinafter simply referred to as S) 1 is started. In the main process, the game control microcomputer 99 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the game control microcomputer 99 first sets the interrupt prohibition (S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 (S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer (S3).

  Next, a software delay process for delaying the start timing of the game device control process (game control process) for controlling the progress of the game by software is executed. Specifically, first, the initialization wait number specification value 1 is set in the wait counter 1 (S81). Further, the initialization wait number designation value 2 is set in the wait counter 2 (S82). Note that general-purpose registers (HL register and BC register) built in the game control microcomputer 99 are used as the wait counters 1 and 2. Then, the value of the wait counter 2 is decremented by 1 until the value of the wait counter 2 becomes 0 (S83, S84). When the value of the wait counter 2 becomes 0, the value of the wait counter 1 is decremented by 1 (S85). When the value of the wait counter 1 is not 0 (S86), the process returns to S82. If the value of the wait counter 1 is 0, the software delay process is terminated.

  When the software delay processing is not executed by the software delay processing as described above, almost only [(initialization wait number specification value 1) × (initialization wait number specification value 2) × (processing time of S83, S84)]. Compared to, the start timing of the game control process can be delayed. In other words, the initialization weight count designation values 1 and 2 are determined so that the start timing of the game control process can be delayed by a desired time. Note that the values of the initialization wait times designation values 1 and 2 are set in the ROM 54. The software delay processing described here is an example, and the software delay processing may be realized by other methods.

  The game control microcomputer 99 used in this embodiment also incorporates an I / O port (PIO) and a timer / counter circuit (CTC) as a built-in device (built-in peripheral circuit). Two external clock / timer trigger inputs CLK / TRG 2 and 3 and two timer outputs ZC / TO 0 and 1 are provided.

  When the software delay processing is completed, the built-in device registers are initialized (settings such as input / output assignment of the built-in devices) and the built-in devices CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) Perform (S4). The initialization of PIO is, for example, setting an off state value to all bits of the output port. The initialization of the CTC is a timer mode setting or the like.

  In the game control microcomputer 99 used in this embodiment, the following three types of modes are prepared as maskable interrupt modes. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the game control microcomputer 99 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter in the stack.

  Interrupt mode 0: The built-in device that made the interrupt request sends an RST instruction (1 byte) or a CALL instruction (3 bytes) onto the internal data bus of the game control microcomputer 99. Therefore, the game control microcomputer 99 executes an instruction at an address corresponding to the RST instruction or an address specified by the CALL instruction. At the time of resetting, the game control microcomputer 99 automatically enters the interrupt mode 0. Therefore, when setting to interrupt mode 1 or interrupt mode 2, it is necessary to perform a process for setting to interrupt mode 1 or interrupt mode 2 in the initial setting process.

  Interrupt mode 1: When an interrupt is accepted, the mode always jumps to address 0038 (h).

  Interrupt mode 2: The address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the microcomputer 99 for game control and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is It is a mode that indicates a cover address. That is, the interrupt address is an address indicated by 2 bytes in which the upper address is the value of the specific register and the lower address is the interrupt vector. Therefore, it is possible to install an interrupt process at an arbitrary (even though skipping) even address. Each built-in device has a function of transmitting an interrupt vector when making an interrupt request.

  Therefore, when the interrupt mode 2 is set, it becomes possible to easily process an interrupt request from each built-in device, and it is possible to install an interrupt process at an arbitrary position in the program. . Furthermore, unlike interrupt mode 1, it is also easy to prepare each interrupt process for each interrupt generation factor. As described above, in this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 99 is set to the interrupt mode 2 in S2 of the initial setting process.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 99 executes a payout start command transmission process for transmitting a payout start command (payout start command) to the payout control board 98 (S5), and then sets the RAM 55 in an accessible state (S6). .

  The game control microcomputer 99 confirms the output state of the clear signal from the clear switch 921 input via the input port 1 only once (S7). If ON is detected in the confirmation, the game control microcomputer 99 executes normal initialization processing (S10 to S15). When the clear signal from the clear switch 921 is in an on state (when pressed), a low level clear switch signal is output. Note that in the input port 1, the clear switch signal is in the high level. Further, for example, the game store clerk can easily execute the initialization process by starting the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 while pressing the clear switch 921 (for example, turning on the power switch 914). That is, the RAM can be cleared.

  If the clear signal from the clear switch 921 is not in the ON state, the data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) is performed when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. It is confirmed whether or not (S8). In this embodiment, when power supply stops, processing for protecting data in the backup RAM area is performed. If it is confirmed that such protection processing has been performed, the game control microcomputer 99 determines that there is a backup. When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the game control microcomputer 99 executes initialization processing.

  Whether or not the protection process has been performed depends on the value of the backup monitoring timer stored in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process described later according to the execution of the data protection process in the backup RAM area (for example, It is confirmed by whether or not 2). Note that such a confirmation method is an example. For example, a flag indicating that data protection processing has been executed is set in the backup flag area in the power supply stop processing, and the flag is set in S8. If it is confirmed, it may be determined that there is a backup.

  If it is determined that there is a backup, the game control microcomputer 99 performs data check (parity check in this example) in the backup RAM area (S9). In this embodiment, clear data (00) is set in the checksum data area, and the checksum calculation start address is set in the pointer. Also, the number of checksum calculations corresponding to the number of data to be checksum is set. Then, the exclusive OR of the contents of the checksum data area and the contents of the RAM area pointed to by the pointer is calculated. The calculation result is stored in the checksum data area, the pointer value is incremented by 1, and the checksum calculation count value is decremented by 1. The above processing is repeated until the value of the checksum calculation count becomes zero. When the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0, the game control microcomputer 99 inverts the value of each bit of the contents of the checksum data area and uses the inverted data as the checksum.

  In the power supply stop process, a checksum is calculated by the same process as described above, and the checksum is stored in the backup RAM area. In S9, the calculated checksum is compared with the stored checksum. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, the initialization process (the processes of S10 to S15) that is executed when the power is turned on is not performed when the power supply is stopped. To do.

  If the check result is normal, the game control microcomputer 99 returns a game for returning the internal state of the game control microcomputer 99 and the control state of the electric component control means such as the display control means to the state when the power supply is stopped. State recovery processing is performed. Specifically, the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (S91), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in the work area (area in the RAM 55) (S92). The work area is backed up by a backup power source. In the backup setting table, initialization data for an area that may be initialized in the work area is set. As a result of the processing in S91 and S92, the saved contents of the work area that should not be initialized remain. The parts that should not be initialized include, for example, data indicating the gaming state before the power supply is stopped (special symbol process flag, etc.), the area where the output state of the output port is saved (output port buffer), and unpaid prize balls This is the part where data indicating the number is set.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 99 sets the head address of the backup command transmission table stored in the ROM 54 as a pointer (S93), and each of the effect control board 90 and the payout control board 98 according to the contents thereof, Control is performed so that a recovery command indicating that the power supply has been recovered is transmitted (S94). Then, the process proceeds to S15.

  In the initialization process, the game control microcomputer 99 first performs a RAM clear process (S10). Note that the predetermined data may be left as it is without initializing the entire area of the RAM 55. The initial address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (S12).

  By the processing of S11 and S12, for example, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol buffer, a total prize ball number storage buffer, a special symbol process flag, an award ball flag, a ball out flag, a payout stop flag, etc. are selected according to the control state. An initial value is set in a flag for performing processing automatically. In addition, a bit corresponding to the output port that outputs the connection confirmation signal in the output port buffer is set (corresponding to the ON state of the connection confirmation signal). Then, the start address of the initialization command transmission table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S13), and an initialization command for initializing the backup storage data in the RAM of the payout control board 98 according to the contents thereof. Is transmitted to the sub-board (step S14).

  In S15, the game control microcomputer 99 sets a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 99 so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms). That is, for example, a value corresponding to 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 2 ms.

  When the execution of the initialization process (S10 to S15) is completed, the game control microcomputer 99 repeatedly executes the display random number update process (S17) and the initial value random number update process (S18). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are executed, the game control microcomputer 99 is disabled (S16), and the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are executed. When completed, the interrupt is permitted (S19). Here, the display random number is a count value of R3 to R5 among the random counters R1 to R8 described above. The display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of a random counter for generating a display random number. The initial value random number is a count value of R7 and R8 among the random counters R1 to R8 described above. The initial value random number update process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. In the random number update process in the game control process described later, when the value of the random counter of R1 and R6 is one round (having stepped by the number of values between the minimum value and the maximum value that the counter can take), An initial value is set in the random counter.

  Note that when the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are executed, the interrupt disabled state is caused by the timer interrupt process described later. This is to avoid conflict with the processing in the timer interrupt processing. That is, if a timer interrupt occurs during the processing of S17 and S18 and the count value of the counter for generating the display random number and the initial value random number is updated during the timer interrupt processing, the count value Continuity may be impaired. However, such an inconvenience does not occur if the interrupt is prohibited during the processing of S17 and S18.

  Next, the operation of the microcomputer when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started and when the power supply is stopped will be described below. When power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started and the voltage of the DC + 24V power supply exceeds a predetermined value, the power-off signal is turned off. When the value of VCC exceeds a predetermined value, the reset signal becomes high level. As described above, the power supply monitoring circuit 920 sets the reset signal to high level after turning off the power-off signal. The reset signal is input to the main board 120, the payout control board 98, and the voice frame lamp board 92. The reset signal is input to the effect control board 90 via the audio frame lamp board 92. The game control microcomputer 99 mounted on the main board 120, the payout control microcomputer 660 mounted on the payout control board 98, and the effect control microcomputer 118 mounted on the effect control board 90. Entered.

  When the reset signal input to the main board 120 is input to the game control microcomputer 99 (when the input level becomes high), the game control microcomputer 99 is operable (the microcomputer is reset and the program is executed). Become a state). When in the operable state, the game control microcomputer 99 first executes a security check process for confirming whether or not the contents of the ROM are valid based on the security check program. When the security check process ends, a software delay process is executed. Thereafter, a payout activation command transmission process is executed, and after a check process of the output state of the clear signal from the clear switch 921 is performed, the game control process is started. If the clear signal from the clear switch 921 indicates an on state, RAM clear processing or the like is performed.

  The payout control microcomputer 660 becomes operable when the reset signal becomes high level. When in an operable state, first, a part of the initial setting process is executed. Thereafter, it waits for a payout start command to be sent from the main board 120, and when it receives a payout start command, it performs a check process of the output state of the initialization command and the recovery command from the game control microcomputer 99. Thereafter, the payout control process is started. If the clear signal from the clear switch 921 indicates an on state, RAM clear processing or the like is performed.

  The game control microcomputer 99 transmits a payout start command immediately before performing the process of checking the state of the output signal from the clear switch 921, and when the payout control microcomputer 660 confirms the payout start command, the game control microcomputer 99 A process of checking which of the initialization command and the recovery command from the computer 99 has been output is performed. Further, when the game control microcomputer 99 starts the payout start command transmission process by executing the security check process and the software delay process, the payout control microcomputer 660 waits for the payout start command to be transmitted. It is in a state.

  Therefore, for example, even though the payout control microcomputer 660 has checked the initialization command and the recovery command, the game control microcomputer 99 does not check the state of the output signal from the clear switch 921. This situation is prevented from occurring. On the contrary, the game control microcomputer 99 performs the check process of the output signal from the clear switch 921, but the payout control microcomputer 660 does not perform the initialization command and recovery command check processes. The situation is prevented from occurring. That is, the contents of each storage means in both the game control microcomputer 99 and the payout control microcomputer 660 can be reliably initialized based on the operation of the operation means.

  When the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped, the voltage of the DC + 24V power supply gradually decreases. However, when the voltage of the DC + 24V power supply falls below a predetermined value, the power supply monitoring circuit 920 outputs a power-off signal (low level). ). The power-off signal is input to the main board 120, the payout control board 98, and the effect control board 90. The game control microcomputer 99 mounted on the main board 120, the payout control microcomputer 660 mounted on the payout control board 98, and the effect control microcomputer 118 mounted on the effect control board 90 are: In response to the power-off signal being output, a power supply stop process (also referred to as a power-off control process) is executed. The power supply monitoring circuit 920 sets the reset signal to a low level when VCC falls below a predetermined value. The game control microcomputer 99 mounted on the main board 120, the payout control microcomputer 660 mounted on the payout control board 98, and the effect control microcomputer 118 mounted on the effect control board 90 are: The system is reset in response to the reset signal becoming low level. That is, the game control microcomputer 99, the payout control microcomputer 660, and the effect control microcomputer 118 are not operated. The power supply monitoring circuit 920 sets the reset signal to a low level when a predetermined time elapses from the time when the power supply cutoff signal is output when the power supply voltage decreases.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining timer interrupt processing executed by the game control microcomputer 99. This timer interruption process is executed once every 2 msec, for example. The game control microcomputer 99 performs the following process in the timer interrupt process.

  In the timer interrupt process, first, it is confirmed whether or not a power-off signal is output from the power supply board 910, a power-off process (S21) for performing a predetermined backup operation is performed, and then an interrupt process in S22 to S34. The game control process is executed. In the game control process, first, the states of various switches such as the gate switch 62, the start port switch 60, the count switch 52, the winning ball detectors 55a, 55b, 56a, 56b, and the specific ball detector 51 are inputted. A process for determining the detection state is performed (S22).

  Next, a random number updating process for updating a predetermined random counter value is performed (S23). The random number update process in S23 is a process for updating each of R1 to R8 described above.

  Then, a special symbol process is performed (S24). In the special symbol process, the corresponding symbol is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the special symbol display device 44a, the special variable winning ball device 48, etc. in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. . The value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

  Further, the normal symbol process is performed (S25). In the normal symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display device 63 in a predetermined order. The value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

  Next, a decorative symbol command control process for setting the effect control command related to the decorative symbol variably displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and sending the effect control command is performed (S26). Further, for example, information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, starting information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer is performed (S27).

  Then, the number of winning balls is set based on a detection signal from a switch for detecting a winning at each winning opening. A winning ball process is performed for setting the number of winning balls based on detection signals from the start port switch 60, the specific ball detector 51, the count switch 52, and the winning ball detectors 55a, 55b, 56a, and 56b (S28). ). Specifically, a prize ball control signal indicating the number of prize balls is output to the payout control board 98 in response to winning detection based on the fact that one of these detection means is turned on. The payout control microcomputer 660 mounted on the payout control board 98 drives the ball payout device 154 in accordance with a prize ball control signal indicating the number of prize balls.

  Then, a storage process for checking increase / decrease in the number of reserved storage is executed (S29). In addition, a test terminal process, which is a process for outputting a test signal for enabling the control state of the gaming machine to be confirmed outside the gaming machine, is executed (S30). Further, a solenoid output process (S31) for outputting a drive signal for driving the corresponding solenoid (solenoid 50, 59, 65) when a predetermined condition is satisfied is performed. Based on the drive signal output in the solenoid output process, the solenoid is driven, and the corresponding device is controlled to an open state or a closed state.

  Next, a special symbol display control process is performed (S32). In the special symbol display control process, a process for setting a drive signal for controlling the display state of the special symbol display device 44a is performed. Further, a normal symbol display control process is performed (S33). In the normal symbol display control process, a process for setting a drive signal for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display device 63 is performed. Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (S34).

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 msec. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  15 and 16 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the power-off process in S21. In the power-off process, the game control microcomputer 99 executes the following process. First, it is confirmed whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not it is in an on state) (S450). If not in the on state, the value of the backup monitoring timer formed in the RAM 55 is cleared to 0 (S451). If it is on, the value of the backup monitoring timer is increased by 1 (S452). If the value of the backup monitoring timer coincides with a determination value (for example, 2) (S453), the power supply stop processing after S454, that is, the preparation processing for power supply stop is executed. That is, the state shifts from the state in which the progress of the game is controlled to the state in which the power supply stop process (power-off control process) for saving the game state (game state data) is executed. Note that “formed in RAM” means an area in the RAM.

  By using the backup monitoring timer and the determination value, if the power-off signal is kept on for a time corresponding to the determination value, the power supply stop process is started. That is, even if the power-off signal is turned on for a moment due to noise or the like, the power supply stop process is not erroneously started. Note that the value of the backup monitoring timer is stored by the backup power source for a predetermined period even when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. Therefore, in S8 in the main process, it can be confirmed that the processing result of the power supply stop process is stored because the value of the backup monitoring timer is the same as the determination value.

  In the power supply stop process, parity data is created (S454 to S463). That is, first, clear data (00) is set in the checksum data area (S454), and the checksum calculation start address corresponding to the start address of the RAM area where the contents are to be stored even when power supply is stopped is set in the pointer. (S455). Also, the number of checksum calculations corresponding to the final address of the RAM area in which the contents are to be stored even when the power supply is stopped is set (S456).

  Next, an exclusive OR of the contents of the checksum data area and the contents of the RAM area pointed to by the pointer is calculated (S457). The calculation result is stored in the checksum data area (S458), the pointer value is incremented by 1 (S459), and the value of the checksum calculation count is decremented by 1 (S460). Then, the processes of S457 to S460 are repeated until the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0 (S461).

  When the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0, the game control microcomputer 99 inverts the value of each bit of the contents of the checksum data area (S462). Then, the inverted data is stored in the checksum data area (S463). This data becomes parity data to be checked when the power is turned on. Next, an access prohibition value is set in the RAM access register (S471). Thereafter, the internal RAM 55 cannot be accessed.

  Further, the start address of the port clear setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set in the pointer (S472). In the port clear setting table, the number of processes (the number of output ports to be cleared) is set to the head address, and then the output port address and output value data (clear data: the value of the off state of each bit of the output port) However, the output ports for the number of processes are sequentially set.

  The game control microcomputer 99 loads the data at the address pointed to by the pointer (that is, the number of processes) (S473). Also, the pointer value is incremented by 1 (S474), and the data at the address pointed to by the pointer (that is, the output port address) is loaded (S475). Further, the value of the pointer is incremented by 1 (S476), and the data at the address pointed to by the pointer (that is, output value data) is loaded (S477). Then, the output value data is output to the output port (S478). Thereafter, the number of processes is reduced by 1 (S479), and if the number of processes is not 0, the process returns to S474. If the number of processes is 0, that is, if all the output ports to be cleared are cleared, the timer interrupt is stopped (S481) and the loop process is started.

  In the loop processing, it is monitored whether or not the power-off signal is turned off (S482). When the power-off signal is turned off, the execution address at power-on (S1 address) is set as the return address, the return instruction is executed (S483), and timer interrupt processing is performed by RETI (Return from interrupt) To return to the main process. Specifically, the gaming device provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled (concept that includes both control by itself and transmission of a command signal for control by another microcomputer). Return to state.

  In the loop processing, it is monitored whether or not the reset signal is in a low level on state (S484). When the reset signal is turned on, that is, when the game control microcomputer 99 confirms that the reset signal is turned on, the game control microcomputer 99 enters the system reset state (system Reset). That is, the game control microcomputer 99 is returned to the operation stop state which is the start state. As described above, the voltage level of the detection voltage for turning on the reset signal in this embodiment is set to +4.5 V, which is higher than the drive voltage (for example, 4 V) of the game control microcomputer 99. As a result, the gaming control microcomputer 99 is actively stopped even when a voltage higher than the drive voltage is still being supplied.

  When the power supply is stopped by the above processing, the power supply stop processing of S454 to S481 is executed, and data (specified value with backup and checksum) indicating that the power supply stop processing has been executed is stored. Stored in the backup RAM, the RAM access is prohibited, the output port is cleared, and the timer interrupt for executing the game control process is set to the prohibited state.

  In this embodiment, the RAM 55 is backed up by a backup power source (the contents of the RAM 55 are preserved for a predetermined period even when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped). In this example, the checksum based on the contents of the RAM 55 when the power-off signal is output is stored in the backup area of the RAM 55 together with the value of the backup monitoring timer by the processes of S452 to S479. After the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped, the game control microcomputer 99 performs the data stored in the RAM 55 (the game control microcomputer immediately before the power supply is stopped) by the processes of S91 to S94. 99 according to data indicating a gaming state that is a control state by 99 (for example, including a process flag state, a big hit flag state, a probability variation flag state, an output port output state, etc.) It is possible to return to the state just before the stop. If the power supply stop period exceeds a predetermined period, the backup monitoring timer value and the checksum should be different from the regular values. In this case, the initialization process of S10 to S14 is executed. .

  As described above, the data for returning the gaming state to the state immediately before the power supply is stopped is reliably stored in a part of the RAM 55 by the power supply stop process (preparation process for power supply stop). Is done. Therefore, even if the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the gaming state can be returned to the state immediately before the power supply is stopped.

  If the power-off signal is turned off, the process returns to S1. In this case, since data indicating that the power supply stop process has been executed is set, the game state recovery process of S91 to S94 is executed. Therefore, when the power-off signal from the payout control board 98 is turned off after executing the power supply stop process, the process returns to the state of controlling the progress of the game. Therefore, even if a power interruption or the like occurs, the game control process does not stop, and the game control process is automatically continued.

  The connection confirmation signal transmitted to the payout control board 98 is set to the off state by the process of clearing the output port. In the setting of the work area in S92 and S12, the contents of the output port buffer corresponding to the connection confirmation signal are set to values corresponding to the ON state of the connection confirmation signal. Then, when the winning ball process of S28 is executed, the contents of the output port buffer are output to the output port, so that the connection confirmation signal to the payout control board 98 is turned on. Therefore, the connection confirmation signal is output (turned on) when the main board 120 rises. Note that the connection confirmation signal is also output when the power supply is recovered from an instantaneous power interruption or the like.

  Next, control signals transmitted and received between the main board 120 and the payout control board 98 will be described. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of control signals output from the game control microcomputer 99 to the payout control microcomputer 660.

  In this embodiment, a plurality of types of control signals are transmitted and received between the main board 120 and the payout control board 98 in order to perform various controls relating to payout control and the like. As shown in FIG. 17, the connection confirmation signal is output when the main board 120 rises (when the game control microcomputer 99 starts the game control process), and the main board 120 rises with respect to the payout control board 98. This is a signal (connection confirmation signal for the main board 120) for notifying that. The connection confirmation signal indicates that the winning ball can be paid out. In this embodiment, since the game control microcomputer 99 transmits the payout activation command before starting the game control process after S6 in FIG. 12, it is not necessary to use the connection confirmation signal. When the connection confirmation signal is not used, the payout activation command also serves as a signal indicating that the prize ball can be paid out.

  The prize ball REQ signal is a signal that becomes an output state (= on state) when a prize ball payout request is issued, or when a payout activation command, an initialization command, or a recovery command is transmitted. Further, when the prize ball BUSY signal is turned on from the payout control microcomputer 660, the prize ball REQ signal is stopped (off state = all 0 state). The award ball control signal is used as a signal (award ball number command, award ball number signal) that is output to designate the number of game balls (1 to 15) that make a payout request.

  The award ball BUSY signal is a signal that is turned on when the payout control microcomputer 660 confirms the on state of the award ball REQ signal at the time of a prize ball payout request, and is turned off after a predetermined period. . That is, it corresponds to an acceptance confirmation signal for the prize ball REQ signal. Therefore, the state where the prize ball BUSY signal is OFF corresponds to a state waiting for the prize ball number command reception. The winning ball number signal is used as a payout activation command when bit 4 = 1 and bit 0 = 1. The prize ball number signal is used as an initialization command when the prize ball number signal is bit 4 = 1 and bit 1 = 1. The prize ball number signal is used as a recovery command when the prize ball number signal is bit 4 = 1 and bit 2 = 1.

  FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing an example of how to output a prize ball control signal. As shown in FIG. 18, the game control microcomputer 99 sends a payout start command (payout start command) to the payout control microcomputer 660 in connection with the start of power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1. Send. Specifically, 10 (H) is output as the prize ball control signal, and the prize ball REQ signal is turned on.

  When the game ball winning is detected, the game control microcomputer 99 turns on the prize ball REQ signal and sets the output state of the prize ball control signal according to the number of prize balls to be paid out according to the prize. To the state. In this embodiment, four game balls are paid out when a game ball is detected by the start switch 60, and seven game balls are detected by the winning ball detectors 55a, 55b, 56a, and 56b. When a game ball is detected by the count switch 52 and the specific ball detector 51, 15 prize balls are paid out. As described above, since the prize ball control signal is composed of 5 bits, the lower 5 bits of the prize ball number commands of 00 (H) to 0F (H) represented by 8 bits are The prize ball control signal is transmitted from the main board 120 to the payout control board 98. Hereinafter, the prize ball control signal may be expressed as “00 (H) to 0F (H) prize ball control signal”, but in reality, the prize ball control signal is represented by 8 bits. This corresponds to the lower 5 bits of 0F (H). When the prize ball control signal is used for transmitting the number of prize balls to be paid out in accordance with winning, the most significant bit (bit 4) is 0.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process (S24) program executed by the game control microcomputer 99. In the special symbol process, a process for controlling the fluctuation display unit is executed. The game control microcomputer 99 performs the following process in the special symbol process. First, if the start opening switch 60 is turned on, that is, if a start winning that causes the game ball to win the start opening 58a is generated (S211), after the start opening switch passing process (S212) is performed, the internal state is determined. Then, any one of S200 to S207 is performed.

  In the start-port switch passing process, it is confirmed whether or not the number of numerical data stored in the reserved storage buffer of the RAM 55 (the number of stored storage) has reached the upper limit, and the numerical data stored in the reserved storage buffer is stored. If the number does not reach the upper limit value, the count value of the hold storage counter indicating the hold storage number is incremented by one. Then, each numerical data such as a big hit determination random number from a big hit determination random counter (for example, a function of the CPU 56 which updates (counts up) the numerical data (a big hit determination random number, etc.)) as a numerical data update means. A process of extracting (random number) values and storing them in a storage area (corresponding to the value of the hold storage counter) corresponding to the extraction order of the hold storage buffer is executed. In this way, when the start port switch 60 is turned on and the number of numerical data stored in the reserved storage buffer (the number of reserved memories) has not reached the upper limit value, the condition for extracting the numerical data is satisfied. The extraction of numerical data (random numbers) means that a random number is read from a counter for generating the numerical data (random number) and the read random number is used as the value of the numerical data (random number).

  Special symbol normal process (S200): Wait until the special symbol display device 44a can start the variable display. When the special symbol display device 44a can start the variable display, the number of numerical data stored in the reserved storage buffer (the number of reserved memories) is confirmed. The number of numerical data stored in the hold storage buffer can be confirmed by the count value of the hold storage counter. If the count value of the holding storage counter is not 0, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is determined as a result of the variable display of the special symbol display device 44a. In case of big hit, set big hit flag. Then, the special symbol process flag is updated to shift to S201.

  Special symbol stop symbol setting process (S201): The special symbol display device 44a after the variable display using the extracted value of the random counter R2 for determining the jackpot symbol or the extracted value of the random counter R3 for determining the off symbol described above The stop symbol (big hit symbol or missed symbol) is determined. Further, when determining the stop symbol, reach determination is performed using the extracted value of the random counter R5 for reach determination described above, and when reaching the reach, when the reach is determined, the extracted symbol in front of the outlier symbol determined using the extracted value of R3 is used. The jackpot symbol is determined as the reach symbol. Then, the special symbol process flag is updated to shift to S202.

  In addition, when the probability variation jackpot is reached, the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 44a is randomly determined from the symbols “3, 7” determined as the probability variation jackpot symbol. Further, when the time and bonus is hit, the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 44a is determined to be a symbol of “5” that is predetermined as the time and bonus hit symbol. When it is a big hit other than the probability big hit and the short-time big hit (hereinafter referred to as a normal big hit), the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 44a is randomly determined from among the symbols "1, 9" defined as the normal big hit symbol. To do. When the symbol is lost, the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 44a is randomly determined from the symbols “0, 2, 4, 6, 8” defined as the symbol for loss.

  Fluctuation pattern setting process (S202): The fluctuation pattern of fluctuation display (variation display data) of the special symbol display device 44a is determined in advance according to the value of the random counter R4 for determining the fluctuation pattern extracted at the time of starting winning. A selection is made from a plurality of types of variation patterns (variation display data). The variation pattern refers to the value of R1 and R5 extracted at the start winning, and determines whether or not it is a big hit and whether or not it reaches reach. Is selected and determined using the data table described with reference to FIG. That is, when the probability variation control mode is set with the probability variation flag and the time reduction flag set, the data table of FIG. 10C is looked up, and the variation pattern is selected and determined. When the time reduction flag is set, the data table shown in FIG. 10B is looked up and the variation pattern is selected and determined. In the normal gaming state in which the probability variation flag and the time reduction flag are not set, the data table in FIG. 10A is looked up, and the variation pattern is selected and determined. The information called the fluctuation pattern includes information that can specify the type of the fluctuation pattern and the time for executing the fluctuation display (fluctuation time). Also, based on the selected variation pattern, the special symbol display device 44a sets the variation time (the time from the start of variation until the display result is derived) to the special symbol process timer. Start it. And the drive signal for starting the fluctuation | variation display of a special symbol is set. The drive signal set here is output in the special symbol display control process (S32) of FIG. In addition, a variation pattern command that is a command for instructing a variation pattern including information on the length of variation time of the variation display of the decorative symbol is set. The variation pattern command set here is output to the production control microcomputer 118 in S26 of FIG. Then, the special symbol process flag is updated to shift to S203.

  Special symbol variation processing (S203): When the variation time in the variation pattern selected and determined in the variation pattern setting processing elapses (the special symbol process timer set in S202 times out), the special symbol process flag is shifted to S204. Update to

  Special symbol stop process (S204): Control is performed so that symbols that are variably displayed on each of the special symbol display device 44a and the decorative symbol display device 44b are stopped. Specifically, a drive signal for stopping the special symbol is set. The drive signal set here is output in S32 of FIG. Then, a symbol stop command for stopping the decorative symbol is set. The symbol stop command set here is output to the production control microcomputer 118 in S26 of FIG. If the big hit flag is set, the special symbol process flag is updated to shift to S205. Otherwise, the special symbol process flag is updated to shift to S200.

  Preliminary winning opening opening process (S205): Control for opening the large winning opening is started. Specifically, the counter and flag are initialized, and the special variable winning ball device 48 is opened by driving the solenoid 65 to open the special winning opening. Also, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the process timer, and the special symbol process flag is updated to shift to S206.

  Processing for opening a special prize opening (S206): A process for sending a presentation control command for round display during the big hit gaming state to the production control board 90, a process for confirming the establishment of the closing condition for the special prize opening, and the like are performed. When the closing condition of the last big winning opening is established, the presence or absence of passage of the specific ball detector 51 provided in the big winning opening is monitored, and processing for confirming the establishment of the big hit gaming state continuation condition is performed. If the condition for continuation of the big hit gaming state is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the special symbol process flag is updated to shift to S205. In addition, when the big hit gaming state continuation condition is not satisfied within a predetermined effective time, or when all rounds are finished, the special symbol process flag is updated to shift to S207.

  Big hit end process (S207): Control is performed to cause the effect control board 90 to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. Then, the special symbol process flag is updated to shift to S200.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of the start port switch passing process described in the special symbol process process of FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not there is a start winning at the start winning opening 14 (S41). If there is no start winning, the process is terminated without executing the subsequent processing, and if there is a starting winning, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved memories indicating the count value of the reserved memory counter is “4”. (S42). If the number of reserved memories is “4”, the process ends. If the number of reserved memories is not “4”, a process of adding “1” to the number of reserved memories is performed (S43). That is, a process of adding 1 to the count value of the hold storage counter is performed.

  Next, a process of extracting random numbers from R1, R2, and R5 described above is performed (S44). Then, a process of storing the extracted random numbers in the corresponding holding storage buffer is performed (S45), and the process returns.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the special symbol normal process (S200) in the special symbol process. The game control microcomputer 99 performs the following process in the special symbol normal process. First, the value of the hold memory counter is checked to determine whether or not the hold memory number is “0” (S52). The special symbol normal process is executed when the symbol variation display is not performed on the special symbol display device 44a and the decorative symbol display device 44b and the game is not in a big hit game.

  If the number of reserved storage is not 0, the process proceeds to S521 described later. On the other hand, if the number of reserved storage is 0, it is determined whether or not the demo display flag is set (S591). Here, the demonstration display flag is a demonstration display (hereinafter abbreviated as a demo display) that is performed when the symbol display is not performed for a predetermined time or longer (for example, 60 seconds) on the special symbol display device 44a and the decorative symbol display device 44b. Is a flag that is set when If the demo display flag is set, return. On the other hand, when the demonstration display flag is not set, it is determined whether or not the non-variable time measurement flag is set (S592). Here, the non-variable time measurement flag is set when measuring the non-variable time as the time when the special symbol display device 44a and the decorative symbol display device 44b (variable display unit) are not displaying the symbol variation. Flag.

  When the non-variable time measurement flag is set, the value of the non-variable time timer for measuring the non-variable time in which the symbol variation display is not performed on the variation display unit is updated (S594). On the other hand, when the non-variable time measurement flag is not set, after setting the non-variable time measurement flag (S593), the value of the non-variable time timer is updated (S594). The non-variable time timer may subtract and update numerical data corresponding to a predetermined time, or may add and update numerical data until a value corresponding to a predetermined time is reached.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the non-variable time timer is up due to the measured value reaching a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) (S595). When the non-variable time timer has not expired, the process returns. On the other hand, when the non-variable time timer is up, a setting for transmitting a demonstration display command is made (S596). When the demonstration display command is set in this way, the demonstration display command is output to the effect control microcomputer 118 in S26 of FIG. Then, the above-described demonstration display flag is set (S597), and the process returns.

  If it is determined in S52 that the number of reserved memories is not 0, it is determined whether or not a non-variable time measurement flag is set (S521). When the non-variable time measurement flag is set, the non-variable time measurement flag is reset (S522), the non-variable time timer is reset (S523), and the process proceeds to S524. As a result, when the pending storage occurs, the data used for measuring the non-change time is reset. On the other hand, when the non-variable time measurement flag is not set, the process proceeds to S524 as it is.

  In S524, it is determined whether or not the demonstration display flag is set. When the demo display flag is set, the demo display flag is reset (S525), and the process proceeds to S526. As a result, when the on-hold storage occurs, the data used for the demonstration display is reset. On the other hand, when the demonstration display flag is not set, the process proceeds to S526. In S526, the end of the probability change control mode is determined based on the end condition as described above when in the probability change control mode, and the time reduction control mode is determined based on the end condition as described above when in the time reduction control mode. A process for determining termination is executed.

  Next, each random number stored in the reserved storage buffer corresponding to the reserved storage number = 1 in the RAM 55 is read and stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (S53), and the value of the reserved storage number is set to 1. Decrease (by decrementing the count value of the hold storage counter by 1) and shift the contents of each storage area (S54). That is, each random number stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the reserved memory buffer of the RAM 55 is stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = n−1. To do. Therefore, the order in which the random numbers stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the numbers of reserved memories are extracted always matches the order of the numbers of reserved memories = 1, 2, 3, and 4. . That is, in this example, the contents of each storage area are shifted each time the start condition of the variable display is satisfied, so that the order in which the random numbers are extracted can be specified.

  Next, a jackpot determination random number is read from the random number storage buffer (S55), and a jackpot determination process described later with reference to FIG. 22 is executed (S56). As a result of the big hit determination process, when it is decided to make a big hit (YES in S57), a big hit flag is set (S58). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol stop symbol setting process (S201) (S59), and the process returns.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the big hit determination process (S56) in the special symbol normal process. In the big hit determination process, first, it is determined whether or not a probability variation flag is set (S111). When the probability change flag is set, “7, 17, 41, 57, 107”, which is predetermined as the probability change big hit determination value, is set as the big hit determination value A used for the big hit determination (S112). When the probability variation flag is not set, “7”, which is predetermined as a non-probability variation big hit determination value, is set to the big hit determination value A used for the big hit determination (S113). Then, the jackpot determination random number read in S55 of the special symbol normal process is compared with the jackpot determination value A to determine whether or not to determine the jackpot (S114), and the jackpot determination process is terminated.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop symbol setting process (S201) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop symbol setting, first, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set (S121). When the big hit flag is set, the big hit symbol of the special symbol is determined based on the extracted value of the random counter R2 for determining the big hit symbol described above (S122), and the process proceeds to S124. Specifically, in S122, the value of R2 stored in the holding storage buffer at the time of starting winning is read, and based on the value, the jackpot symbol is determined from the relationship between the value of R2 and the jackpot symbol as described above.

  On the other hand, when the big hit flag is not set, a special symbol losing symbol is determined based on the above-described losing symbol determining random counter R3 (S123), and the process proceeds to S124. Specifically, in S123, the value of R3 is extracted, and the out of symbol is determined from the relationship with the out of symbol value of R3. In S124, a setting for transmitting a stop symbol command for designating the type of stop symbol determined in S122 or S123 is performed. The stop symbol command includes a probability variable big hit symbol command indicating that the probability variable big hit symbol is used, a time bonus symbol command indicating that the hourly and short jackpot symbol is assumed, a normal big hit symbol command indicating that the normal big hit symbol is assumed, and a reach off symbol symbol. And a non-reach off symbol command indicating non-reach off symbol command. Here, when the outlier symbol is determined in S123, the reach determination is performed based on the value of R5 described above. When reaching, the reach out symbol command is determined to be transmitted. It decides to send the off symbol command. When the stop symbol command is set in this way, the stop symbol command is output to the effect control microcomputer 118 in S26 of FIG. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (S202) (S125), and the process returns.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the prize ball process in S28 in FIG. In the prize ball process, the game control microcomputer 99 performs the following process. First, when detection signals from various winning ball detection switches such as the start opening switch 60 are turned on, the total number of winning balls stored in the game control microcomputer 99 is added according to the type of the switch. An update of the number of prize balls to be updated (S271) is executed. Then, a prize ball for performing control relating to the prize ball payout, such as setting data for outputting a prize ball control signal for requesting the prize ball payout to be added and updated in S271 in the port 0 buffer formed in the RAM 55. A control process (S272) is executed. Then, a process of outputting the contents of the port 0 buffer formed in the RAM 55 to the port 0, such as outputting a prize ball control signal, is performed (S273).

  Next, a method for sending a control command transmitted from the main board 120 to the effect control board 90 will be described. FIG. 25 is an explanatory view showing the structure of the effect control command. As shown in FIG. 25, in this embodiment, the effect control command (specifically, the effect control signal constituting the effect control command) has a 2-byte structure, and the first byte indicates MODE (command classification). The second byte represents EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always “1”, and the first bit (bit 7) of the EXT data is always “0”. Note that such a command form is an example, and other command forms may be used. For example, a control command composed of 1 byte or 3 bytes or more may be used.

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing how to send the effect control command. As shown in FIG. 26, the 8-bit effect control signal of the effect control command is output in synchronization with the effect control INT signal. The effect control microcomputer 118 mounted on the effect control board 90 detects that the effect control INT signal has risen, and starts a 1-byte data capturing process through an interrupt process. Therefore, when viewed from the effect control means, the effect control INT signal corresponds to a capture signal that triggers the capture of the effect control signal.

  The effect control command is sent only once so that the effect control microcomputer 118 can recognize it. In this example, “recognizable” means that the level of the production control INT signal changes, and that it is sent only once so as to be recognizable, for example, in accordance with the first and second bytes of the production control signal. The effect control INT signal is output in a pulse shape (rectangular wave shape) only once. The effect control INT signal may have a polarity opposite to that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command sent to the effect control board 90. The effect control command corresponds to a display control command for instructing display control of the decorative symbol display device 44b, and controls light emitters such as game effect lamps 13a to 13c, 16a, 16b, 17a, 17b (lamp control). It also functions as a lamp control command for instructing sound and a sound control command for instructing sound control for controlling sound output from the speakers 12a and 12b.

  Referring to FIG. 27, the variation pattern command is an effect control command for designating a variation pattern of a decorative symbol in the decorative symbol display device 44b. Fluctuation pattern command displays the variation display result of decorative symbols. It is also a command for instructing which one of the combinations of the normal jackpot symbols that does not belong to. The variation pattern command is also a command for instructing the start of variation of the decorative symbol on the decorative symbol display device 44b.

  The stop symbol command is a command for designating the stop symbol type of the ornament symbol on the ornament symbol display device 44b. The symbol stop command is a command for instructing stop of the variation display of the ornament symbol on the ornament symbol display device 44b.

  The payout prohibition command is a command for instructing to display a payout prohibition state. As described above, when a different error state signal corresponding to the type of error is input to the game control microcomputer 99, a payout prohibiting command corresponding to the error state signal is input to the effect control microcomputer 118. You may make it do. Thereby, the notification display according to the kind of error can be performed.

  The recovery command is a command indicating that the recovery process is executed when the recovery process is executed based on the data stored in the backup RAM when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started. If the restoration control command is not received within a predetermined period after the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, the effect control microcomputer 118 determines that the initialization process has been performed and will be described later. The history data stored in the backup area of the RAM 118c of the production control microcomputer 118 is initialized, and a predetermined initial screen is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b. Further, if the recovery control microcomputer 118 receives a recovery command within a predetermined period after the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, the backup area of the RAM 118c of the presentation control microcomputer 118 as will be described later. The history data stored in is used to restore the game history information without being initialized, and the decorative symbol display device 44b displays a screen for notifying that the restoration process has been executed.

  The first payout number command is a command transmitted to indicate that four payouts are performed when four payouts are made in accordance with the winning of the game ball. The second payout number command is a command transmitted to indicate that 7 payouts are made when 7 payouts are made in accordance with a winning game ball. The third payout number command is a command transmitted to indicate that 15 payouts are made when 15 payouts are made in accordance with the winning of the game ball. The game control microcomputer 99 transmits a prize ball control signal (award ball number command) to the payout control microcomputer 660 and then indicates the same number as the number of payouts specified by the prize ball control signal at a predetermined timing. Any one of the first payout number command to the third payout number command is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 118 as an effect control command.

  The demonstration display command is a command for instructing execution of the demonstration display on the decorative symbol display device 44b when the symbol display is not performed on the variable display unit for a predetermined period (for example, 60 seconds).

  Next, a method for sending a control command from the effect control board 90 to the voice frame lamp board 92 will be described. Referring to FIG. 9 described above, when the production control microcomputer 118 receives the production control command from the main board 120, the decorative design display device 44b uses the lamps such as the game effect lamps 13a to 13c and the speakers 12a and 12b. In order to perform an effect synchronized with the effect of the display, a lamp control command and an audio control command are transmitted to the audio frame lamp board 92.

  When the lamp control command and the voice control command are transmitted from the effect control board 90 to the voice frame lamp board 92, the presentation control microcomputer 118 and the voice frame lamp control microcomputer 92a perform bidirectional communication. The effect control microcomputer 118 outputs a lamp control command (or a voice control command consisting of a voice control signal) including a 1-byte lamp control signal transmitted through, for example, eight signal lines, and a lamp control REQ signal ( Or, the voice control REQ signal) is turned on. When the sound frame lamp control microcomputer 92a takes in the lamp control signal (or sound control signal), it outputs a one-pulse lamp control response signal (or sound control response signal). When the effect control microcomputer 118 detects that the lamp control response signal (or voice control response signal) is turned off after being turned on, the lamp control REQ signal (or voice control REQ signal) is turned off. To. Note that such a control command transmission method is an example, and other transmission methods may be used as long as the lamp control command and the voice control command are transmitted from the effect control board 90 to the voice frame lamp board 92 by bidirectional communication. May be used.

  Next, the game store information screen and the player information screen displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b will be described. The information screen for the game store is displayed after the supply of power to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started and until the decorative symbol display device 44b is in a normal state in which the decorative symbol can be variably displayed, that is, at startup. It is an image that displays various types of information for managers such as store staff of a game store (game hall) where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed. The player information screen is an image that can be displayed in a normal state in which the decorative symbol display device 44b can display the decorative symbols in a variable manner, and is an image that displays various types of information with the player as the user.

  The game store information screen includes a game store menu screen, a history data clear screen, and an option screen. The history data clear screen is a screen that enables an operation (initialization operation) for initializing (deleting data) history data indicating the history of games played in the pachinko gaming machine 1. Here, the history data is collected in the effect control microcomputer 118, stored in the backup area of the RAM 118c of the effect control microcomputer 118, and provided for displaying game history information as described later. This history data can be used continuously at the time of recovery after a power failure. Further, the option screen can manage whether or not to display each of a plurality of types of game histories displayed using history data when the player menu screen is displayed (display / non-display). This is a possible screen. The game shop menu screen is a screen that displays the items described above that can be executed on the game shop information screen in a menu format.

  As the game store information screen, first, a game store menu screen is displayed, and the history data clear screen and the option screen are displayed from the game store menu screen in accordance with the selection operation and determination operation by the operation key-190. Move to one of the displays.

  FIG. 28 is a display screen diagram showing a game shop menu screen displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b. As shown in FIGS. 28A to 28C, on the game shop menu screen, a message display section 440 for displaying a message related to the game shop menu screen is displayed, and an operation including an image of a button icon. As the buttons, a history data clear button 441, an option button 442, and a return button 443 are displayed. On the amusement shop menu screen, the selected button is displayed in a frame. This indicates which button is selected. At the display start stage of the game shop menu screen, the history data clear button 441 is displayed in a frame. On the game shop menu screen, the selected button is provided by operating the up key 192 and the down key 193 on the operation key 190 as shown in FIG. The display surrounded by the frame moves up and down. As a result, the selected button can be changed.

  In the message display unit 440, a message indicating that it is possible when the selected button is operated is displayed. For example, when the history data clear button 441 is selected, a message “Clear history data such as the number of big hits” is displayed as shown in FIG. When the option button 442 is selected, a message “You can select items to be viewed and displayed to the player” is displayed as shown in (b). When the return button 443 is selected, a message “return to gaming state” is displayed as shown in (c). As a result, the operator can easily grasp the function of each button.

  When the determination key 191 is operated with the history data clear button 441 selected as shown in FIG. 28A, the display of the decorative symbol display device 44b is displayed as shown in FIG. Move to the data clear screen. When the determination key 191 is operated with the option button 442 selected as shown in FIG. 28B, the display of the decorative symbol display device 44b is displayed on the option screen shown in FIG. 29C described later. Migrate to Further, when the enter key 191 is operated in a state where the return button 443 is selected as shown in FIG. 28C, the display of the decorative symbol display device 44b is changed to the normal game state (decorative symbol variation display is executed). Transition to a display screen (normal game screen) of possible state).

  FIG. 29 is a display screen diagram showing a history data clear screen and an option screen displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b. In FIG. 29, (a) and (b) show a history data clear screen, and (c) shows an option screen. As shown in FIG. 29A, on the history data clear screen, a message display section 444 for displaying a message regarding initialization of history data is displayed, and a yes button is used as an operation button made up of a button icon image. 445 and No button 446 are displayed.

  On the history data clear screen, the selected button is displayed in a frame. This indicates which button is selected. In the display start stage of the option screen, a display in which the Yes button 445 is surrounded by a frame is performed. On the option screen, by operating the up direction key 192 and the down direction key 193, the display surrounding the selected button with a frame moves up and down. As a result, the selected button can be changed. At the stage of shifting to the history data clear screen, a message “history data will be cleared” is displayed on the message display unit 444. Then, by operating the up direction key 192 and the down direction key 193 with the operation key 190, a display surrounding the selected button with a frame is performed. This indicates which button is selected. If the OK key 191 is operated with the Yes button 445 selected, the history data stored in the RAM 118c is initialized (cleared), and a message is displayed as shown in FIG. 29 (b). By displaying the message “cleared” on the display unit 444, it is notified that the history data has been initialized, and thereafter, the screen returns to the game shop menu screen shown in FIG. Operating the enter key 191 in such a situation is called an initialization operation. Note that after it is notified that the history data has been initialized, the decorative symbol display device 44b may be controlled to shift to the normal game screen.

  As shown in FIG. 29 (c), on the option screen, as the operation buttons made up of button icon images, the jackpot information management button 448, the presentation introduction management button 449, the jackpot probability management button 450, and the slump graph management. A button 451 is displayed and a return button 452 is displayed. The jackpot information is the jackpot information such as the number of times the special symbol is changed and displayed while the jackpot gaming state occurs. The production introduction is information that introduces the presentation of variable display such as a jackpot notice and reach. Here, the jackpot notice refers to notifying that the jackpot gaming state will occur, and includes the notice when the jackpot gaming state actually occurs and the notice when the jackpot gaming state does not actually occur . Reach means that special symbols and decorative symbols are displayed in a variable manner for symbols that have not been stopped when the symbols that have been stopped constitute part of the jackpot symbol, and all or A state in which some symbols are synchronously displayed while constituting all or part of the jackpot symbol. The jackpot probability is information indicating the probability that a jackpot gaming state will occur. The slump graph is information indicating the number of difference balls according to the time transition in a graph format. The difference ball number is the difference between the prize ball paid out from the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the ball supplied to the hitting ball launcher 130.

  On the option screen, the selected button is displayed in a frame. This indicates which button is selected. At the display start stage of the option screen, a display that surrounds the jackpot information management button 448 with a frame is performed. On the option screen, by operating the up direction key 192 and the down direction key 193, the display surrounding the selected button with a frame moves up and down. As a result, the selected button can be changed.

  Each of the jackpot information management button 448, the presentation introduction management button 449, the jackpot probability management button 450, and the slump graph management button 451 is referred to as “ON” indicating that it is displayed every time the determination key 191 is operated. Either the character or the character “OFF” indicating that it is not displayed is displayed. With respect to the selected button, each time the enter key 191 is operated, a character “ON” indicating that the button is displayed and a character “OFF” indicating that the button is not displayed are alternately displayed. The For each button, when the character “ON” is displayed, the game history information indicated by the button is set to be displayed. When the character “OFF” is displayed, the game history indicated by the button is displayed. Settings are made so that information cannot be displayed. If the enter key 191 is operated with the return button 452 selected, the screen returns to the amusement shop menu screen shown in FIG.

  Next, the player information screen will be specifically described. The player information screen includes a player menu screen, a jackpot information screen, an effect introduction screen, a jackpot probability screen, and a slump graph screen. The jackpot information screen is a screen that displays the jackpot information described above. The effect introduction screen is a screen for displaying the effect introduction described above. The jackpot probability screen is a screen that displays information on the jackpot probability described above. The slump graph screen is a screen that displays information on the slump graph described above. In the player information screen, the condition that the variable display of the special symbol display device 44a and the decorative symbol display device 44b is not performed for a predetermined period (for example, 20 seconds) is established, and the player information screen is displayed. Can be displayed when an operation is performed.

  As the player information screen, first, a player menu screen is displayed. Then, in response to a selection operation and a determination operation by the operation key-190, a jackpot information screen, an effect introduction screen, The display shifts to either the big hit probability or the slump graph.

  FIG. 30 is a display screen diagram showing a player menu screen displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b. When the condition that the variable display of the special symbol display device 44a and the decorative symbol display device 44b is not performed for a predetermined period (20 seconds) is satisfied, as shown in FIG. In the embodiment, basically, three decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in the vertical direction, but in FIG. 30A, the decorative symbols 46 are displayed in the vertical direction for easy understanding of the display mode of the player information screen. In the screen that displays, the valid button 453 that enables the display of the player information screen is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b. The valid button 453 is an operation button including a button icon image. The screen on which such an effective button 453 is displayed corresponds to an operation screen on which the operation of the operation key 190 is enabled. When the enter key 191 is operated with the valid button 453 selected as shown in FIG. 30 (a), the display of the decorative design display device 44b displays the decorative design 46 as shown in FIG. 30 (a). The screen shifts to the player menu screen shown in FIG.

  On the player menu screen, a message display section 454 for displaying a message related to the player menu screen is displayed, and as the operation buttons made up of button icon images, a big hit information button 455, an effect introduction button 456, a big hit A probability button 457, a slump graph button 458, and a return button 459 are displayed. On the player menu screen, the selected button is displayed in a frame. This indicates which button is selected. At the display start stage of the player menu screen, a display that surrounds the jackpot information button 455 with a frame is performed. On the player menu screen, by operating the up direction key 192 and the down direction key 193, the display surrounding the selected button in the frame moves up and down. As a result, the selected button can be changed.

  Further, in the message display unit 454, a message indicating that it becomes possible when the selected button is operated is displayed. For example, when the jackpot information button 455 is selected, as shown in (a), a message “A jackpot symbol and the number of fluctuations are displayed.” Is displayed. As a result, the operator can easily grasp the function of each button.

  When the determination key 191 is operated with the jackpot information button 455 selected as shown in FIG. 30B, the display of the decorative symbol display device 44b is displayed as the jackpot shown in FIG. Transition to the interim information screen. Further, when the enter key 191 is operated with the effect introduction button 456 selected, the display of the decorative symbol display device 44b shifts to an effect introduction screen shown in FIG. When the determination key 191 is operated with the big hit probability button 457 selected, the display of the decorative symbol display device 44b shifts to a big hit probability screen shown in FIG. When the enter key 191 is operated while the slump graph button 458 is selected, the display of the decorative symbol display device 44b shifts to a slump graph screen shown in FIG. 32 described later.

  FIG. 31 is a display screen diagram showing a jackpot information screen, an effect introduction screen, and a jackpot probability screen displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b. In FIG. 31, (a) shows a big hit information screen, (b) shows an effect introduction screen, and (c) shows a big hit probability screen.

  As shown in FIG. 31 (a), on the jackpot information screen, every time a jackpot gaming state occurs, a jackpot symbol derived as a variable display result on the decorative symbol display device 44b and a jackpot gaming state are generated. The special symbol display device 44a and the decorative symbol display device 44b are displayed while the power is turned on (when the game is in the first big hit game state after the power is turned on until the first big hit game state is generated). The jackpot information table 460 shown in accordance with the order of occurrence of the jackpot gaming state is displayed in association with the number of times (the jackpot variation display count). Further, a return button 461 is displayed on the big hit information screen. On the big hit information screen, the return button 461 is always displayed in a frame, and when the enter key 191 is operated, the screen returns to the player menu screen shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 31 (b), on the effect introduction screen, as operation buttons including button icon images, a notice button 462, an A reach button 463, a B reach button 464, an appearance character button 465, and a return button 466 are displayed. Is displayed. Here, the A reach is a specific reach among a plurality of predetermined reach types, and the B reach is a predetermined reach other than the A reach. The appearance character is a character that appears (displays) in the variable display on the decorative symbol display device 44b. On this effect introduction screen, the selected button is displayed in a frame. This indicates which button is selected. At the display start stage of the player menu screen, a display that surrounds the jackpot information button 455 with a frame is performed. On the effect introduction screen, by operating the up direction key 192 and the down direction key 193, the display surrounding the selected button with a frame moves up and down. As a result, the selected button can be changed.

  When the enter key 191 is operated while the notice button 462 is selected, an image introducing the effect display when the big hit notice is performed is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b. When the enter key 191 is operated in a state where the A reach button 463 is selected, an image introducing an effect display in the A reach is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b. When the enter key 191 is operated in a state where the B reach button 464 is selected, an image introducing the effect display in the B reach is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b. When the enter key 191 is operated with the appearance character button 465 selected, an image introducing the appearance character is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b. When the enter key 191 is operated with the return button 466 selected, the screen returns to the player menu screen shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 31 (c), in the jackpot probability screen, a jackpot probability table 467 that shows the design value of the jackpot occurrence probability for the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the measured value of the jackpot occurrence probability in a table format. And a return button 468 are displayed. Here, the actual value of the probability of occurrence of the jackpot is obtained by counting the number of fluctuation displays executed until the big hit is generated by the effect control microcomputer 118 each time a fluctuation pattern command is received, and the fluctuation display result. Is obtained by calculating the reciprocal of the counted number of fluctuation displays by calculation when receiving a variation pattern command for a combination of jackpot symbols, and is stored in the RAM 118c and measured for the probability of occurrence of the jackpot Used for value. On the big hit probability screen, the return button 468 is always surrounded by a frame, and when the enter key 191 is operated, the screen returns to the player menu screen shown in FIG.

  FIG. 32 is a display screen diagram showing a slump graph screen displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b. As shown in FIG. 32, on the slump graph screen, the vertical axis represents the number of balls (the number of prize balls—the number supplied to the hitting ball launcher), and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time. A slump graph 469 indicating the transition is displayed, and a return button 470 is displayed. Here, the number of difference balls used in the slump graph 469 is determined by the effect control microcomputer 118 counting the number of prize balls based on the received first to third prize ball number commands, and the shot ball sensor 194. The number of supplied balls to the hitting ball launcher 130 is counted based on the detection signal from the ball, and the difference ball count is calculated by subtracting the supplied ball count from the award ball count at a predetermined time interval. It is obtained by executing and stored in the RAM 118c and used to display a slump graph. On the slump graph screen, the return button 470 is always surrounded by a frame. When the enter key 191 is operated, the screen returns to the player menu screen shown in FIG.

  Next, an example of a decorative pattern variation pattern in the decorative symbol display device 44b will be described. FIG. 33 is a display screen diagram of the decorative design display device 44b showing an example of the decorative pattern variation pattern. In FIG. 33, three variation patterns are shown in (a) to (c).

  The variation patterns that can be executed by the decorative symbol display device 44b include, for example, a variation pattern in which a stop symbol is derived and displayed without performing a reach effect, and a normal reach effect (for example, any one shown in FIG. 33A). (B), (b), (b), (b), (b), and (b) of FIG. and a reach variation pattern for deriving and displaying a stop symbol by performing a characteristic reach effect exemplified in c).

  For example, in the example of the variation display pattern K in FIG. 33A, the left symbol and the right symbol have the size of three decorative symbols after the left, right, and middle symbols start to vary. The display stops in a state where three symbols are displayed in the vertical direction in the symbol display area DL and the right symbol display area DR, and the symbols on the reach line are aligned to reach a reach state (in the figure, the top of the left symbol). The symbol “7” and the lowest symbol “7” of the right symbol are aligned on the reach line in the diagonal direction), and then the middle symbols are displayed three by three in the vertical direction in the display area DC. It will fluctuate and eventually the big hit or the loss will be determined.

  Also, in the example of the variation display pattern L in FIG. 33 (b), the left symbol having the size of three special symbols and the right symbol after the left, right, and middle symbols start to vary are the left symbols. The display area DL and the right symbol display area DR are stopped in a state where three are displayed in the vertical direction, and the symbols on the oblique reach line (the effective line where the reach state occurs) are aligned to establish the reach state. (In the figure, the uppermost symbol “7” of the left symbol and the lowermost symbol “7” of the right symbol are aligned), and then the middle symbol display area DC having the size of one special symbol. In this case, only one middle symbol is displayed and it fluctuates, so that a big hit or a loss is finally determined.

  Also, in the example of the variation display pattern M in (c) of FIG. 33, the left symbol having the size of three special symbols and the right symbol are the left symbols after the left, right, and middle symbols start to vary. The display is stopped in a state where three in the vertical direction are displayed in the display area DL and the right design display area DR, and the reach state is established by aligning the symbols on the oblique reach line (in the figure, the reach of the left symbol is established). The upper symbol “7” and the lowermost symbol “7” of the right symbol are aligned), and then the middle symbol is displayed in the horizontal direction in the middle symbol display area DC having a size of 6.5 special symbols. It fluctuates by scrolling horizontally from left to right, and the big hit or loss is finally determined. When the middle symbol is scrolled horizontally, the decorative symbol is displayed in a manner in which the transparency of the decorative symbol differs depending on the position in the display area where the middle symbol is horizontally scrolled. Specifically, in this example, the transparency of the decorative symbol is the lowest (the image density is high) in the central portion in the width direction (left and right direction) of the decorative symbol display device 44b, which is the stop position of the middle symbol, and the both end sides have As it gets closer, the transparency of the decorative pattern becomes higher (the image density is lighter).

  Next, the animation variation of the decorative pattern will be described. FIG. 34 is a display screen diagram of the decorative symbol display device 44b showing an example of the animation variation of the decorative symbol. FIG. 34 shows an aspect in which the pattern changes in the order of 1, 2,..., 5 in the figure, and FIG. (B) shows a mode in which the symbol change of “7” as the probability variation big hit symbol (the symbol pattern changes) is shown.

  The decorative design changes (changes) during the variable display, and, as illustrated in FIGS. 34 (a) and 34 (b), the time elapses even for the same special design (number). As the design changes gradually, the display changes like an animation.

  In the case of this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 34 (a) and 34 (b), the manner in which the pattern of the decorative design changes is set to be different for each design. For this reason, it can be said that the decorative pattern is configured to have different display modes (patterns) according to the difference in the game value given after the end of the jackpot gaming state when the jackpot gaming state is entered. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 34, according to the difference between the game value that the probability variation control mode is executed and the game value that the time reduction control mode is executed, the display mode (pattern) of the special symbol and its display are displayed. The animation expressed by the change of the aspect is different from each other.

  Next, in the variable display pattern L shown in FIG. 33 (b), a specific example of a display that changes while only one middle symbol is displayed in the middle symbol display area DC having the size of one special symbol will be described. To do. FIG. 35 is a display screen diagram of the decorative symbol display device 44b showing an example of the middle symbol variation display in the middle symbol display area DC in the variation display pattern L.

  In the variable display pattern L shown in FIG. 33 (b), as shown in FIG. 35, after a certain symbol (“7” in the example in the diagram) is displayed, the symbol gradually becomes transparent. As the symbol (“8” in the example in the diagram) appears with high transparency and the transparency gradually decreases, the variable display is repeated in which two symbols are displayed while overlapping while changing the transparency. In other words, in this case, the display area is for one symbol, but the display is changed so that the symbols are replaced while the two symbols are sequentially exchanged.

  Next, in the variable display pattern M shown in (c) of FIG. 33, when the horizontal scroll of the middle symbol is performed after the reach state is established, the transparency of the special symbol varies depending on the position in the display area. A specific example will be described. FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a distribution example of the transparency of the decorative symbol when the middle symbol is horizontally scrolled. FIG. 36 shows an example in which, for example, 10 symbols are displayed during horizontal scrolling on the decorative symbol display device 44b. Note that FIG. 36 is different from FIG. 33C in the number of decorative symbols displayed at the time of horizontal scrolling, but will be described as a reference example for explaining the distribution of transparency of decorative symbols.

  When the middle symbol is horizontally scrolled like the variation pattern M shown in (c) of FIG. 33, for example, as shown in FIG. 36, in the ornament symbol display device 44b, the transparency of the ornament symbol depending on the position in the display area. Are displayed differently. More specifically, in this example, corresponding to FIG. 33C, the transparency on the arrangement of the decorative symbols when the symbol “7” is located at the center in the width direction of the decorative symbol display device 44b. The distribution is shown, the transparency of “7” is the lowest, and the transparency of the decorative symbol becomes higher (the image density is lighter) as the symbol arrangement position is further away from “7”. The application of the transparency distribution of symbols as shown in FIG. 36 to the example of displaying 6.5 symbols in the display area is the horizontal scroll of the variation pattern M.

  Next, an example of image data stored in the image ROM 119a will be described. FIG. 37 is a diagram showing, in a tabular form, image data of decorative symbols stored in the image ROM 119a. In FIG. 37, image data and an address where the image data is stored are shown in association with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 37, for decorative designs, a plurality of image data corresponding to image changes (for example, a plurality of images showing a plurality of patterns when the patterns change) for each decorative design (for each type of decorative design). Data) is stored. For example, when an image of one type of decorative design (for example, “0” design) is switched and displayed like a flip book, for example, a flame is burning in the number “0”. Arbitrary images (including patterns) such as images, images in which clouds are flowing, images in which water is flowing, and images in which humans and animals are active are displayed as animations. For example, the display of animation can be changed by changing the combination and order of images to be displayed. It is possible to specify and read out the image data by designating the address of the area where each image data is stored.

  Further, in the control ROM 118b described above, the animation variation as index data, which is data that can identify each image data shown in FIG. Index data is stored (details will be described later). The image of each decorative pattern is specified by, for example, 3-1 (3: decorative pattern number, 1: animation variation number) in the form of animation variation index data combining the decoration symbol number and the animation variation number. Is possible.

  Next, display control data relating to the variation of the decorative symbols stored in the control ROM 118b will be described. This display control data is used to execute a variation display with a corresponding variation pattern when a variation pattern is instructed by an effect control command from the main board 120. Further, the display control data is data including information on which image (video) data is to be displayed at what timing for the left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol, which are display-controlled in the decorative symbol display. .

  Specifically, the display control data stored in the control ROM 118b includes information for specifying the size of the display area for displaying the decorative design, the variation speed and direction of the decorative design in the display region, and the enlargement of the image data.・ Includes information such as reduction rate and decorative pattern transparency.

  The information specifying the size of the display area indicates the size of the part (DL, DR, DC in FIG. 33) for displaying the left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol on the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 44b. Information. For example, if the information specifying the size of the display area is the display areas DL, DR, and DC for the left, right, and middle symbols in FIG. If the display areas DL and DR for the left and right symbols in (b) of FIG. 5B are respectively the size for three decorative symbols, and if the display region DC for the middle symbol, the size for one decorative symbol, FIG. If the display areas DL and DR for the left and right symbols in (c) are the size for three decorative symbols, and if the display region DC for the middle symbol is the size for 6.5 decorative symbols (however, , The decorative symbol magnification is 0.8 times).

  FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of display control data stored in the control ROM 118b. As shown in FIG. 38A, the control ROM 118b can specify the type / arrangement of the decorative symbols (identification information array specifying information) and the image change / image change order (image change specifying information) of the decorative symbols. A data table T1 is stored. The address of each image data stored in the image ROM 119a shown in FIG. 37 can be specified from the data table T1.

  In the data table T1, for example, a display such as a symbol “0-1” is animation variation index data for specifying image data. For example, the animation variation index data of the pattern “0-1” means the “1” th of the animation variation (image variation) of the decorative pattern “0” stored in the image ROM 119a. As data stored specifically in the table T1, the address of the corresponding image data stored in the image ROM 119a may be directly stored (for example, corresponding to the “2” th of the decorative pattern “1”). 0012H address etc.), or index information specifying the address may be stored (for example, index information specifying the address of 0012H corresponding to the “2” th of the decorative pattern “1”) Memorize “12”, etc.).

  Further, in the control ROM 118b, display area size data shown in FIG. 38 is displayed as data for specifying the size (size) of the decorative symbol display area (DL, DR, DC in FIGS. 33A to 33C). As shown in (b), x corresponding to the fluctuation pattern (standard (Fig. 33 (a)), 1 symbol (Fig. 33 (b)), horizontal scroll (Fig. 33 (c)), etc.) , Y indicates the display area size for specifying the position of the area, the display position of each display area, the number of decorative symbols to be extracted, the reference position of the display region, the enlargement ratio of the decorative symbol, and the rotation angle of the decorative symbol Data is stored.

  Further, in the control ROM 118b, as shown in (c) of FIG. 38, as the data for designating the fluctuation speed (scroll time per dot) and the fluctuation direction from the start to the stop of the decoration pattern, as shown in FIG. A speed / variation direction table T2 is stored as a data table in which the variation speed corresponding to the time from the start to the stop and the variation direction are determined for each variation pattern as described above. In the speed / variation direction table T2, “↓” in the variation direction is a vertical scroll in the downward direction, “↑” is a vertical scroll in the upward direction, “→” is a horizontal scroll in the right direction, and “←” is in the left direction. This means a horizontal scroll.

  With such a configuration, from the data table T1 that can specify the type / arrangement of the decorative design (identification information arrangement specifying information) and the image change / image change order (identification information image change specifying information) of the decorative design, The changing speed direction and the changing direction of the decorative design are specified by the changing speed direction designating means (CPU 56, control ROM 118b). Then, based on the specified variation speed and variation direction and the size (range) of the display area specified by the display area specifying means (CPU 56, control ROM 118b), the types of decorative symbols to be extracted (0 to 9) To identify. Image data to be displayed in the display area is specified by the image data specifying means. The display control means (VDP 119) reads the specified image data from the image ROM 119a, generates an image to be displayed based on the size of the display area specified by the display area specifying means, and outputs the image to the decorative symbol display device 44b. Execute the process.

  Specifically, the image processing operation in the variable display state will be described using the speed / variation direction table T2 of FIG. Here, in order to facilitate understanding, each image is considered to be arranged in a matrix as shown in FIG. 39 based on the arrangement of the decorative symbols and the variation order of the decorative symbols. FIG. 39 is a diagram for explaining a process of cutting out an image that is actually a display target from the display image shown in FIG. 37 in the case of vertical scrolling.

  First, it is assumed that the symbols currently displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b are the decorative symbols 6 to 8 as indicated by reference numeral E1 in FIG. Such a case is considered that the position of the display area (E1) is at a position including 6 to 8 decorative symbols. In this state, it is assumed that a standard (↓) variation pattern is designated as the variation pattern.

  In this state, as shown in FIG. 39, the decorative symbol variation display is roughly E1 (6, 7, 8), E2 (5, 6, 7), E3 (4, 5, 6),.・ Sequentially changes. However, the fluctuating display of the decorative pattern does not change step by step to E1, E2, E3,..., But changes smoothly (continuously). Hereinafter, specific variation display processing will be described.

  As described above, the case where the standard (↓) variation pattern is specified will be described as an example. Therefore, the display area size data includes the first display area size data shown in FIG. Line entries are used. According to the entry in the first row of the display area size data shown in FIG. 38 (b), in the standard (↓) variation pattern, the number of decorative symbols to be extracted (extracted in the size of the display area (E1)) The number of symbols is 4. Therefore, the type of decorative pattern to be extracted is “5-8”.

  Next, the animation variation index data is read. The animation variation index data is index data that is incremented by 1 every time the built-in timer (clocking means) of the production control CPU 118a counts 30 ms. ) To select the image.

  Next, the address of the storage position of the image data of the decorative pattern to be displayed is determined with reference to the data table of FIG. As shown in FIG. 40A, they are arranged in the vertical direction and developed in the VRAM 119b. FIG. 40 is a diagram for describing processing for cutting out an image that is actually a display target from the display image illustrated in FIG. 37 in the case of vertical scrolling (downward vertical scrolling). The image data developed in the VRAM 119b is the number of animation variation index data (five) as shown in FIG.

  In this example, the animation variation index data is also used as data for designating an elapsed time since a certain decorative symbol is selected, and is first set to “1”. Based on the animation variation index data “1”, the display area is located at the reference position (0, 150) defined in the display area size data shown in FIG. Here, the coordinate axis of the display area is the arrangement direction of the symbols (downward direction in the figure) with the arrangement direction (right direction in the figure) of the animation variation index data “1” to “5” in the image data developed in the VRAM 119b as the x axis. ) Is the y axis. Further, the upper left corner of “5” in the image data corresponding to “1” of the animation variation index data is set as the coordinate origin (0, 0).

  Then, as the animation variation index data increases by 1 over time, the x value 150 is added to the x coordinate value of the display area. Therefore, in this example, if the animation variation index data is 2, the reference position of the display area is (150, 150).

  The size of the display area shown in FIG. 38B is (150, 450), and the image (image data) is clipped within the display area E1, which is the size of this area, and the decorative design is displayed via the frame buffer. Output to the device 44b.

  Next, the animation variation index data is updated to 2, and the decoration symbol variation speed and the counter count value are sequentially read out from the velocity / variation direction table T2 in FIG. 38C, and the display area is moved upward. Then (EX11 to EX13 in FIG. 40A), images clipped in the display area every frame time are sequentially output to the decorative symbol display device 44b via the frame buffer. Then, the data table is further read sequentially and the same processing is repeated. When the display area moves upward by 150 dots, the display position of E2 in FIGS. , 0).

  Then, the animation variation index data is reset to 1, and the image data of the decorative pattern “4-7” is developed again as shown in FIG. 40B by the same processing, and the position of the display area is set to the area. A reference position indicated by E2 is set to (0, 150). Subsequently, the above process is repeated, and the display area is moved to the state E3 through EX21 to EX23 shown in FIG. Thereafter, the same operation is repeated. These operations are repeated for the left, middle, and right decorative symbols. Furthermore, control for combining the left, middle, and right images is executed as image control for scroll display of decorative symbols.

  FIG. 41 is a diagram for explaining a process of cutting out an image actually displayed from the display image shown in FIG. 37 in the case of horizontal scrolling.

  Even in the case of horizontal scrolling, the same processing as in the standard (↓) described above is executed. However, as a difference, when a decorative design is developed on the VRAM 119b, as shown in FIG. 41 according to the contents of the fifth entry or the sixth entry of the display area size data shown in FIG. Eight decorative symbols are arranged and reduced by 0.8 times. The actual display range is sequentially shifted in the horizontal direction as indicated by F1 to F5. Although it was also used to specify the elapsed time from the change of the decorative symbol combination that displays the animation variation index data, the elapsed time from the change of the decorative symbol combination was measured by providing a separate timer. May be.

  Data defining how individual image data is developed in the VRAM 119b in accordance with each variation pattern (standard, one symbol, horizontal scroll) is stored in the control ROM 118b in advance. Note that the variation pattern designated by the main board 120 can be identified from its address, and data identifying which variation pattern is included in the data table of FIG. 38B. You may memorize as follows.

  Each piece of data designating such a decorative pattern variation pattern is stored and controlled in the control ROM 118b as described above, thereby controlling the decorative symbol arrangement and the animation variation (both image change / image change order). Therefore, it is not necessary to store all data for each screen, and the data storage capacity (image ROM 119a or VRAM 119b) can be reduced. In addition, the effect control CPU 118a of the effect control board 90 can alleviate the control burden by executing a routine process such as always generating designated image data and cribing within the display area. Also, by changing only the size of the display area and the data of the decorative pattern change direction, the decorative pattern change mode is increased without increasing the control burden of the production control microcomputer 118, and the vertical scroll is referred to as horizontal scrolling. It is possible to control such various decorative pattern variation modes, and it is possible to improve game effects for the player.

  The enlargement (including the reduction ratio) of the image data stored in the control ROM 118b is the enlargement ratio of the selected image, and is the size designated by the size designation means realized by the functions of the effect control CPU 118a and the control ROM 118b. . The transparency of the image data indicates the degree to which the background image can be seen through, and is the transmittance specified by the transmittance specifying means realized by the functions of the effect control CPU 118a and the control ROM 118b. The enlargement ratio and the transmittance of the image data can be set to different values for each position in the display area. The VDP 119 generates an image based on the size specified by the size specifying means and the transmittance specified by the transmittance specifying means.

  FIG. 42 is a timing chart showing an example of display control data used for the fluctuation display of the fluctuation pattern K shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 42, first, i) after the start of the variation of the decorative symbols, three left, middle and right decorative symbols are displayed in a state of being arranged in the vertical direction, and flow downward (scroll vertically). ) Is scrolled. That is, the size of the display area is the size of three decorative symbols (magnification 1). The moving speeds of the left, middle, and right decorative symbols are determined by functions fl (t), fc (t), and fr (t), respectively, and the moving direction is downward. In addition, the enlargement ratio of the image data of each decorative design is 1 time, and the transparency is 0. Subsequently, ii) the left symbol and the right symbol are sequentially stopped, and the reach state is established. Furthermore, iii) When the middle symbol is stopped at the end, a big hit and a loss are determined. During the period from the start to the end of the change, the animation display for sequentially changing the display pattern of the decorative symbols is continuously performed.

  FIG. 43 is a timing chart showing an example of display control data used for the fluctuation display of the fluctuation pattern L shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 43, i) after the start of the variation of the decorative symbols, the left and right decorative symbols are displayed in a state where three decorative symbols are arranged in the vertical direction, and scroll so that they flow downward (vertically scroll). Is displayed. That is, the size of the display area is the size of three decorative symbols (magnification 1). The moving speeds of the left and right decorative symbols are determined by fl (t) and fr (t), respectively, and the moving direction is downward. Further, the enlargement rate of each image data of the left and right decorative designs is 1 and the transparency is 0. On the other hand, with respect to the middle symbol, two decorative symbols are displayed so as to overlap each other, and scrolled so as to flow downward (vertically scroll). At this time, the moving speed of the middle symbol is determined by fc (t), and the moving direction is downward. However, as shown in FIG. 34, the decoration pattern changes over time, such that the previously displayed decorative pattern gradually increases in transparency, and the next decorative pattern to be displayed gradually decreases in transparency. The function φ (t) is displayed. Further, the enlargement ratio of the medium symbol image data is one. Subsequently, ii) the left symbol and the right symbol are sequentially stopped, and the reach state is established. Furthermore, iii) When the middle symbol is stopped at the end, a big hit and a loss are determined. During the period from the start to the end of the change, the animation display for sequentially changing the display pattern of the decorative symbols is continuously performed.

  FIG. 44 is a timing chart showing an example of display control data used for variation display of the variation pattern M shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 44, i) after the start of fluctuation, the left, middle, and right decorative symbols are displayed in a state of being arranged in the vertical direction, and are displayed so as to flow downward (vertically scroll). The That is, the size of the display area is the size of three decorative symbols (magnification 1). The moving speed of the left, middle, and right decorative symbols is determined by the functions fl (t), fc (t), and fr (t), and the moving direction is downward. The enlargement ratio of the image data is 1 and the transparency is 0. Subsequently, ii) the left symbol and the right symbol are sequentially stopped, and the reach state is established. Subsequently, for iii) the middle symbol, about 6.5 decorative symbols are displayed side by side, and scrolled to flow rightward (horizontal scroll). The size of the display area in this case is 6.5 decorative symbols (magnification 0.8). At this time, the moving speed of the middle symbol is determined by the function fc (t), and the moving direction is the right direction. Further, the enlargement ratio of the image data is 0.8 times, and the transparency changes as described above. Finally, when the middle symbol stops, the big hit and the loss are determined. It should be noted that during the period from the start to the end of the change, the animation display that sequentially changes the display mode of the decorative symbols is continuously performed.

  By performing such control, for example, if the display area is set to three decorative symbols in the vertical direction and the moving direction of the decorative symbols in the display area is the ↓ direction, for example, as shown in FIG. The image of (678) in the display area E1 → the image of the changing process described with reference to FIG. 40 (a) → the image of (567) in the display area E2 → described with reference to FIG. 40 (b). The display area is gradually shifted from the image in the change process to the (456) image in the display area E3, the (345) image in the display area E4, the (234) image in the display area E5. As a result, it is possible to display an image in which the decorative symbols are scrolled on the display screen. In addition, the decorative pattern update display (variation display) is performed based on the moving speed f, but the animation display pattern is switched by the built-in timer of the effect control CPU 118a for a predetermined time (from the oscillation circuit 679). Every time a predetermined number of clocks are counted), the image data specifying means configured by the effect control CPU 118a is updated. The display image is updated at a frame period of, for example, 30 ms. As a result, it is possible to display an animation in which the pattern (for example, the flickering of flame, the flow of water, the flow of clouds, etc.) changes inside the decorative symbol during movement display and stop display.

  Next, the operation of the effect control microcomputer 118 will be described. FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing the effect control main process executed by the effect control microcomputer 118. When power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started and the reset signal becomes high level, the effect control microcomputer 118 starts effect control main processing. In the effect control main process, the effect control microcomputer 118 performs the following process. First, initialization processing is performed for initialization such as clearing of a RAM area other than the backup area in the RAM 118c, setting of various initial values, and initial setting of a timer for determining the start interval of effect control (S601). However, since the history data described above can be initialized when the game store information screen is displayed as described above, the initialization is not executed at this stage.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a recovery command has been received (S602). When the recovery command is received, the process proceeds to S606 described later. On the other hand, when the recovery command is not received, the command determination counter is decremented by 1 (S603). Here, the command determination counter is a time measuring means for counting the elapsed time from when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, that is, when the production control microcomputer 118 receives the reset signal, A count value corresponding to a predetermined time is set at the time of execution of the initialization process described above, and is counted down every time S603 is executed. The predetermined time set as the time measured by the command determination counter is set to, for example, the longest time during which a recovery command may be transmitted from the game control microcomputer 99. Therefore, when the effect control microcomputer 118 does not receive the recovery command before the time measured by the command determination counter ends, it is determined that the game control microcomputer 99 has executed the initialization process instead of the recovery process. .

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the command determination counter is “0” (S604). In other words, in S604, it is determined whether or not a time during which a recovery command may be transmitted has elapsed. When the value of the command determination counter is not “0”, the process returns to S602 and the above-described processing is repeatedly executed. As described above, a recovery command input determination process for determining whether or not a recovery command is input within a predetermined time from when power is supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is performed through S602 to S604.

  When a recovery command is received while the recovery command input determination process is being performed, a game history recovery process that enables display of the game history based on the history data stored in backup as described above is performed (S606). . On the other hand, when the recovery command is not received while the recovery command input determination processing is being performed and it is determined that the command determination counter has become “0”, the above-described game shop information screen is displayed and stored as a backup. Initialization data management processing that enables the history data to be initialized is executed (S605). The contents of the initialization data management process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the game history recovery process or the initialization data management process ends, the effect control microcomputer 118 monitors the timer interrupt flag (S607). When a timer interruption occurs, the production control microcomputer 118 sets “1” as the value of the timer interruption flag in the timer interruption process. If “1” is set as the value of the timer interrupt flag in S607, the effect control microcomputer 118 clears the value of the timer interrupt flag (S608), and executes the following effect control process.

  A timer interrupt occurs every 30 ms, for example. That is, the effect control process is started every 30 ms, for example. Further, in the timer interrupt process in this embodiment, only the process of setting “1” as the value of the timer interrupt flag is performed, and the specific effect control process is executed in the main process. The effect control process may be executed.

  In the effect control process, the effect control microcomputer 118 first clears the timer interrupt flag and executes a power-off process for monitoring whether or not a power-off signal is output (S609). The contents of the power-off process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 47 and 48. Next, the effect control microcomputer 118 executes command analysis processing for analyzing the received effect control command (S610). Next, the effect control microcomputer 118 performs effect control process processing (S611). The contents of the effect control process will be described later with reference to FIG. In the effect control process, a process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and effect control including display control of the decorative symbol display device 44b is executed.

  Further, the production control microcomputer 118 inputs operation signals from the operation keys 190 including the enter key 191, the up direction key 192, and the down direction key 193 via the input port 669, and further, the audio frame described above. Data input processing for inputting a response signal (lamp control response signal, voice control response signal, etc.) from the lamp control microcomputer 92a via the input / output port 671 is executed (S612). In the present embodiment, the peripheral command relay board 57 provided on the signal path between the main board 120 and the effect control board 90 is provided with a unidirectional circuit 57a. Therefore, a signal from the effect control board 90, a signal input to the effect control board 90 (an operation signal from the operation key 190 and a detection signal from the launch ball sensor 194), and a voice frame lamp connected to the effect control board 90 A signal from the board 92 (a board not connected to the main board 120, such as a peripheral board) is not transmitted to the game control microcomputer 99 of the main board 120 due to the presence of the peripheral command relay board 57. Therefore, the signal input path from the outside to the game control microcomputer 99 is limited, and the possibility of an illegal act of sending an illegal signal to the game control microcomputer 99 can be reduced.

  Next, the production control microcomputer 118 collects game data necessary for displaying information such as the game history information as described above, and creates history data indicating the game history and stores it in the RAM 118c. The game data collection process to be executed is executed (S613). The contents of the game data collection process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the production control microcomputer 118 executes random number update processing for updating a predetermined random counter (S614). In the random number update process, for example, a random counter RS used for determining the effect of the variable display of the decorative design corresponding to the special design, and an effective line for determining the stop design of the decorative design are used. The random counter RT and the random counters RU-1 to RU3 used to determine the combination of decorative symbols derived and displayed as the variation display result are updated. Thereafter, the process returns to the process of checking the timer interrupt flag in S607. An INT signal for effect control from the main board 120 is input to the interrupt terminal of the microcomputer 118 for effect control. For example, when the INT signal from the main board 120 is turned on, a timer interrupt is generated in the production control microcomputer 118. Then, the effect control microcomputer 118 executes effect control command reception processing in the interrupt processing. In the effect control command reception process, the effect control microcomputer 118 stores the received effect control command data in the command reception buffer.

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing the initialization data management process in S605 of FIG. The effect control microcomputer 118 executes initialization data management processing as follows.

  First, a game shop menu screen as shown in FIG. 28A is displayed (S421). Then, the history data initialization operation is validated (S421a). For example, in S421a, an initialization operation validation flag indicating that the history data initialization operation is permitted is set, and the history data in the RAM 118c is initialized in a state where this initialization operation validation flag is not set. The program is controlled not to start. Next, it is determined whether any one of the history data clear button 441, the option button 442, and the return button 443 has been operated (S422). Such a determination is repeatedly performed until the operation button is operated. However, although illustration is omitted here, when any of the operation buttons is not operated for a predetermined period, the initialization data management processing ends and the process returns. If it is determined that any one of the operation buttons has been operated, data processing and image display corresponding to the operation of the operation button are executed (S423). That is, according to the operation of the operation button, for example, data processing such as initialization of history data, setting of display / non-display of game history information, and setting of data necessary for image display is executed. In addition, various images as described with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29 are displayed. In the state where S422 and S423 are executed, the history data initialization operation is validated. Therefore, when the history data initialization operation is performed, a program for initializing the history data in the RAM 118c is executed. The history data in the RAM 118c is initialized.

  Next, in the operation button operation determined in S422, it is determined whether or not there is an operation of the return button 443 on the game shop menu screen, that is, an operation of ending the game shop menu screen (S424). If it is determined that there is no end operation, the process returns to S422 and the above-described processing is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, when it is determined that there has been an end operation, the history data initialization operation is invalidated (S425). For example, in S425, the initialization operation validation flag is reset, and control is performed so that the program for initializing the history data in the RAM 118c is not started in the subsequent processing. Although not shown here, the initialization operation validation flag is also reset when the initialization data management process ends when any of the operation buttons is not operated for a predetermined period as described above. Then, the initialization data management process ends, and the process returns. In the initialization data management process, it is possible to determine whether or not an effect control command indicating that a winning such as a variation pattern command has been received is received. The operation enable flag may be reset to end the initialization data management process.

  Such initialization data management processing is processing that can initialize history data. As described above, the initialization data management process is executed when the recovery command is not transmitted within a predetermined period, that is, when the initialization process is executed by the game control microcomputer 99. . In other words, the initialization data management process is executed on the condition that the initialization process is executed in response to the operation of the clear switch 921 by an administrator such as a game shop clerk when the power is turned on. It becomes. For this reason, the initialization of the history data that can be performed in the initialization data management process is performed by the clear switch 921 existing on the rear surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 that cannot be easily operated by the player during a normal game. This is a prerequisite. For this reason, it is prevented that a player initializes game history data without permission.

  47 and 48 are flowcharts showing an example of the power-off processing in S609 of FIG. The effect control microcomputer 118 performs the following process in the power-off process. First, it is confirmed whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not it is in an on state) (S301). If not in the on state, the value of the backup monitoring timer formed in the RAM provided in the effect control board 90 is cleared to 0 (S302). If it is on, the value of the backup monitoring timer formed in the RAM is increased by 1 (S303). If the value of the backup monitoring timer coincides with a determination value (for example, 2) (S304), the power supply stop process after S305 is executed. That is, the state shifts from the state in which the effect control is executed to the state in which the power supply stop process (power-off control process) for saving the control state of the effect control is executed.

  By using the backup monitoring timer and the determination value, if the power-off signal is kept on for a time corresponding to the determination value, the power supply stop process is started. That is, even if the power-off signal is turned on for a moment due to noise or the like, the power supply stop process is not erroneously started. Note that the value of the backup monitoring timer is stored by the backup power source for a predetermined period even when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped. Therefore, in the effect control main process, it can be confirmed that the processing result of the power supply stop process is stored when the value of the backup monitoring timer is the same value as the determination value.

  In the power supply stop process, parity data is created (S305 to S314). That is, first, clear data (00) is set in the checksum data area (S305), and a checksum calculation start address corresponding to the start address of the RAM area where the contents are to be stored even when power supply is stopped is set in the pointer. (S306). Also, the number of checksum calculations corresponding to the final address of the RAM area where the contents are to be stored even when the power supply is stopped is set (S307).

  Next, an exclusive OR between the contents of the checksum data area and the contents of the RAM area pointed to by the pointer is calculated (S308). The calculation result is stored in the checksum data area (S309), the pointer value is incremented by 1 (S310), and the value of the checksum calculation count is decremented by 1 (S311). Then, the processing of S308 to S311 is repeated until the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0 (S312).

  When the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0, the value of each bit in the contents of the checksum data area is inverted (S313). Then, the inverted data is stored in the checksum data area (S314). This data becomes parity data to be checked when the power is turned on. Next, an access prohibition value is set in the RAM access register (S315). Thereafter, the RAM 118c provided in the production control microcomputer 118 cannot be accessed.

  Further, the head address of the port clear setting table stored in the control ROM 118b provided in the effect control microcomputer 118 is set to the pointer (S316). In the port clear setting table, the number of processes (the number of output ports to be cleared) is set to the head address, and then the output port address and output value data (clear data: the value of the off state of each bit of the output port) However, the output ports for the number of processes are sequentially set.

  Then, the data at the address pointed to by the pointer (ie, the number of processes) is loaded (S317). Further, the pointer value is incremented by 1 (S318), and the data at the address pointed to by the pointer (that is, the output port address) is loaded (S319). Further, the value of the pointer is incremented by 1 (S320), and the data of the address pointed to by the pointer (that is, output value data) is loaded (S321). Then, the output value data is output to the output port (S322). Thereafter, the number of processes is reduced by 1 (S323), and if the number of processes is not 0, the process returns to S318 (S324). If the number of processes is 0 (Y in S324), that is, if all the output ports to be cleared are cleared, the timer interrupt is stopped (S325) and the loop process is started.

  In the loop processing, it is monitored whether or not the power-off signal is turned off (S326). When the power-off signal is turned off, the power-on execution address (address of S401) is set as the return address, the return instruction is executed (S329), the timer interrupt process is terminated by RETI, Return to the main process.

  In the loop processing, it is monitored whether or not the reset signal is in a low level on state (S327). When the reset signal is turned on, the production control microcomputer 118 enters a system reset state (system reset). That is, the production control microcomputer 118 is returned to the operation stop state, which is the start state. In this example, the production control microcomputer 118 turns on the reset signal so as to be actively stopped when a voltage higher than the drive voltage (for example, 4 V) is still supplied. The voltage level of the detection voltage is set.

  When the power supply is stopped by the above processing, the power supply stop processing is executed, and data (specified value with backup and checksum) indicating that the power supply stop processing is executed is stored in the backup RAM 118c. Then, the access to the RAM 118c is prohibited, the output port is cleared, and the timer interrupt for executing the payout control process is set to the prohibited state.

  As described above, in the production control microcomputer 118, the data for returning the history data to the state immediately before the power supply is stopped is reliably stored in the RAM 118c. Therefore, even if the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, if the power is restored within a predetermined period, the history data can be returned to the state immediately before the power supply is stopped. Note that a part of the RAM 118c (an area for storing history data) is not backed up, but the entire area of the RAM 118c may be backed up.

  Next, the command analysis processing in S610 of FIG. 45 will be described. FIG. 49 is a flowchart for explaining command analysis processing. In the command analysis process, it is determined whether or not there is a reception command in the command reception buffer (S621). If there is no reception command, the process returns. On the other hand, when there is a reception command, the reception command is read (S622). The command data read here is erased in the command reception buffer. Then, it is determined whether or not the received reception command is a stop symbol command for designating a decorative symbol stop symbol (S623). If it is a stop symbol command, the value of the above-mentioned random counter RT for determining the effective line is extracted, and the effective line is determined based on the extracted value (S623a). Then, based on the value of the random symbol RU-1 to 3 for determining the decorative symbol stop symbol described above, the combination of the decorative symbol stop symbol corresponding to the stop symbol command is determined (S624).

  Specifically, in S624, as shown below, by stopping the decorative symbols arranged on the active line determined in S623a based on the values of RU-1 to 3, stopping the decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed. Determine the combination of symbols. First, the values of RU-1 to RU-3 are extracted. When a probability variation jackpot symbol command is received as a stop symbol command, the RU-1 value and the probability variation jackpot symbol (odd decoration symbol) are used to determine the relationship between the value of RU-1 and the probability variation jackpot symbol determination data table. The corresponding probability variation jackpot symbol is selected from the extracted value of −1, and the combination of the probability variation jackpot symbol is determined as the combination of the stop symbols of the decorative symbols arranged on the effective line. Also, when a short and large bonus symbol command is received as a stop symbol command, a short and large bonus symbol (8 decorative symbols) is selected with the extracted value of RU-1 as a value corresponding to the short and large bonus symbol, and the combination of short and large bonus symbols at that time Is determined as a combination of decorative symbols that are arranged on the active line. Also, when a normal jackpot symbol command is received as a stop symbol command, normal jackpot symbol determination data in which the relationship between the value of RU-1 and the normal jackpot symbol (decorative symbols of even numbers other than 0 and 8) is predetermined. Using the table, the corresponding normal jackpot symbol is selected from the extracted value of RU-1, and the combination of the normal jackpot symbol is determined as the combination of the stop symbols of the decorative symbols arranged on the effective line.

  In addition, when a reach failure symbol command is received as a stop symbol command, a corresponding relationship between the value of RU-1 and the reach symbol is determined from the extracted value of RU-1, using a predetermined reach symbol determination data table. A reach symbol is selected, and the combination of the reach symbols is determined as a combination of stop symbols (reach symbols) of the left and right decorative symbols arranged on the active line. Then, using the center ornament design determination data table in which the relationship between the predetermined RU-2 and the center ornament design is predetermined, the corresponding center ornament design is selected from the extracted value of RU-2. However, when the center ornament symbol corresponding to the extracted value of RU-2 matches the reach symbol on the active line, the center ornament symbol is changed so as not to match the reach symbol. When a non-reach off symbol command is received as a stop symbol command, a left ornament symbol determination data table in which the relationship between the value of RU-1 and the left ornament symbol is determined in advance, the value of RU-2, and the center ornament symbol RU-1 to RU-1 to RU-1 are used by using a middle ornament symbol determination data table in which the relationship between the RU-3 and the right ornament symbol is determined in advance. A corresponding decorative design is selected from each of the extracted values of 3, and the combination of the decorative design is determined as a combination of the stop symbols of the decorative design arranged on the active line. However, when the combination of decorative symbols corresponding to the extracted values of RU-1 to RU-3 matches on the active line, correction is performed to change the middle decorative symbol so as not to match.

  Then, the symbol number of the stop symbol of each decorative symbol determined in S624 is stored in each symbol stop storage area (S625), and a stop symbol command reception flag as a valid flag corresponding to the received command is set (S626). ), The process returns to S621. Here, the valid flag is a flag indicating what command is effectively received. The data of various flags used in the effect control microcomputer 118 such as an effective flag is stored in the RAM 118c of the effect control microcomputer 118 and updated.

  On the other hand, if the received command is not each symbol designation command in S623 described above, it is determined whether or not the received command is a variation pattern command (S627). If the received command is a variation pattern command, a variation pattern command reception flag is set as a valid flag corresponding to the received command (S628).

  In S627 described above, if the received command is not a variation pattern command, it is determined whether the received command is a demonstration display command (S634). If the received command is a demonstration display command, a demonstration display command reception flag as a valid flag corresponding to the received command is set (S635), and then the process returns to S621.

  If it is determined in S634 that the received command is not a demonstration display command, it is determined whether or not the received command is a payout number command (any one of the first to third payout number commands) ( S636). If the received command is a payout number command, first to third payout number command reception flags are set as valid flags corresponding to the type of the received command (S637), and then the process returns to S621.

  If it is determined in S636 that the received command is not a payout number command (if it is another command other than the command described above), it is determined what other received command is, and the received command corresponds to the received command. The valid flag is set (S638), and the process returns to S621. That is, S638 collectively describes processing corresponding to reception of various commands other than the stop symbol command, the variation pattern command, and the determination result command described above.

  FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing the effect control process according to S611 of FIG. In the effect control process, one of S901 to S908 is executed according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed.

  Fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (S901): Confirms whether or not a variation pattern command has been received, and updates the effect control process flag value to a value corresponding to S904 when it is confirmed that a variation pattern command has been received. To do. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the variation pattern command has been received, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value according to S903 in accordance with the establishment of the condition for executing the game information display process, The value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value according to S902 in accordance with the establishment of the condition for executing the display. The contents of the variation pattern command reception waiting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Demo display process (S902): Executing a demo display (hereinafter referred to as a demo display) executed by the decorative symbol display device 44b, according to the establishment of conditions for ending the demo display (such as receiving a variation pattern command) Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to S904.

  Game information display process (S903): In the decorative symbol display device 44b, a player menu screen is displayed, game history information and the like are displayed according to the operation, and the value of the effect control process flag is set according to the end operation. Update to a value according to S901. Further, in response to receiving the variation pattern command, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value according to S904. The contents of the game information display process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Symbol variation start processing (S904): A variation pattern that is actually used for variation display on the ornament symbol display device 44b is determined from a plurality of variation patterns of ornament symbols determined according to the variation pattern command. Also. The variation of the decorative symbols (left, middle and right symbols) in the decorative symbol display device 44b is started. Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value according to step S905.

  Symbol variation processing (S905): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed, etc.) constituting the variation pattern of the ornament symbol on the ornament symbol display device 44b, and monitors the end of the variation time. Further, stop control of the left and right symbols of the decorative symbol is performed. Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to S906.

  Symbol stop waiting process (S906): If the effect control command (symbol stop command) for instructing stop of all symbols of the decorative symbol has been received after the variation time designated by the variable pattern command has elapsed, the decorative symbol display device 44b Control is performed to stop the variation of the decorative pattern of the item and display the stopped symbol. Thereafter, when the stop symbol of the decorative symbol on the decorative symbol display device 44b is a combination of the jackpot symbol, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to S907, and the decorative symbol on the decorative symbol display device 44b is updated. When the stop symbol is a combination of disjoint symbols, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to S901.

  Big hit display processing (S907): After the decorative symbol change time on the decorative symbol display device 44b is over, the control is performed for the probability variable big hit display, the short and short big hit display, or the normal big hit display. Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to step S908.

  Big hit game processing (step S908): Control is performed during the big hit game after the display result derivation display of the big hit symbol combination on the decorative symbol display device 44b. For example, the special variable winning ball device 48 is driven by the solenoid 65 to display the grand prize opening before opening indicating that the special prize opening is opened or the display when the big prize opening is opened indicating that the big prize opening is open. When a control command is received, display control of the number of rounds is performed. Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value according to step S901.

  FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern command reception waiting process in S901 of FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, it is determined whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (S341). When it is determined that the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (S342). Next, the value of the non-variable time counter is cleared (initialized) to “0” (S343). Here, the non-variable time counter is a time measuring means for measuring the time during which the decorative symbol variation display is not performed on the decorative symbol display device 44b, that is, the non-variable time. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the symbol variation start process (S904) (S344).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S341 that the variation pattern command reception flag is not set, it is determined whether or not the demonstration display command reception flag is set (S345). When it is determined that the demonstration display command reception flag is not set, it is determined whether or not the value of the non-variable time counter described above is a predetermined set value (a value corresponding to 20 seconds). (S346). When it is determined that the value of the non-variable time counter is not the set value, the value of the non-variable time counter is updated by adding “1” (S347), and the process returns. Thus, while the value of the non-variable time counter is not the set value, the value of the non-variable time counter is added and updated each time the variation pattern command reception waiting process is executed. As described above, the non-variable time counter is cleared in response to receiving the variation pattern command. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the no-change time counter is the set value, whether the image of the effective button 453 as shown in FIG. 30A is being displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b. No is determined (S348).

  If it is determined that the image of the valid button 453 is not being displayed, the image of the valid button 453 is displayed (S349), and it is determined whether or not the enter key 191 has been operated (S350). On the other hand, when it is determined that the image of the valid button 453 is not being displayed, since the image of the valid button 453 has already been displayed, it is determined whether or not the enter key has been operated (S350). If it is determined that the enter key 191 is not operated, the process returns. On the other hand, when it is determined that the enter key 191 has been operated, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the game information display process of S903 (S351), and the process returns. Thereby, it shifts to a game information display process in the next production control process. As described above, the operation key 190 is activated when the non-change time reaches the predetermined time, that is, on the condition that the change display has not been performed for the predetermined time.

  If it is determined in S345 that the demonstration display reception flag is set, the demonstration display command reception flag is reset in S352 (S352), and the value of the effect control process flag is in accordance with the demonstration display processing in S902. The value is updated (S353), and the process returns. As a result, when the demonstration display command is received, the process shifts from the variation pattern command reception waiting process to the demonstration display process in the next effect control process.

  FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing game information display processing. In the game information display process, it is determined whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (S361). When it is determined that the variation pattern command reception flag is not set, it is determined whether or not the game information display mode flag is set (S362). Here, the game information display mode flag is a flag indicating that the game information display process is selected in the effect control process and the player menu screen is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b. .

  When it is determined that the game information display mode flag is not set, a player menu screen as shown in FIG. 30B is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b (S364), and the game information display mode is displayed. The flag is set (S365) and the process returns. Thereby, the operation of the operation button on the player menu screen by the operation of the operation key-190 is validated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the game information display mode flag has been set, it is determined whether or not the operation button has been operated on the player menu screen (S363). Specifically, for example, it is determined whether or not various operation buttons shown in FIGS. 30 to 32 are operated.

  If it is determined that the operation button is not operated on the player menu screen, the process returns. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation button is operated on the player menu screen, data processing and image display corresponding to the operation button operation are executed (S366). That is, in accordance with the operation of the operation button, data processing such as setting of data necessary for image display is executed, and various images as described with reference to FIGS. 30 to 32 are displayed as decorative symbols. Displayed on device 44b.

  Next, in the operation button operation determined in S366, it is determined whether or not there is an operation of the return button 459 on the player menu screen, that is, an end operation of the player menu screen (S367). When it is determined that there is no end operation, the process returns. On the other hand, when it is determined that there has been an end operation, the game information display mode flag is reset (S368). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (S369).

  If it is determined in S361 that the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (S370), and the game information display mode flag is reset (S371). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the symbol variation start process (S372), and the process returns. Thus, when a variation pattern command is received in a state where information such as game history information is displayed based on an operation after the player menu screen is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b, the decorative symbol display device At 44b, the decorative symbol variation display is started.

  FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing the game data collection process in S613 of FIG. In the game data collection process, it is determined whether or not a game data collection signal has been input (S381). Here, the signal for collecting game data refers to a signal indicating game data to be collected in order to create history data as described above. Specifically, the game data collection signal includes a variation pattern command from the game control microcomputer 99, first to third payout number commands, and a detection signal from the launch ball sensor 194. The variation pattern command is used to create history data for displaying each of the aforementioned jackpot information and jackpot probability. The first to third payout number commands and the detection signal of the launch ball sensor 194 are used for creating history data for displaying the slump graph described above.

  If it is determined that no game data collection signal has been input, the process returns. On the other hand, when it is determined that a game data collection signal has been input, processing for creating and updating history data based on the game data such as the input signal is performed (S382). Specifically, history data is created and the history data is updated as follows.

  When a variation pattern command is input, it is determined whether the command is a command indicating that it is a big hit. When the input fluctuation pattern command is a command indicating that it is out of place, the data of the number of fluctuation display times used for displaying the big hit information is updated and the big hit probability in the display of the big hit probability is displayed. The data of the number of fluctuation display times used for calculation of the actual measurement value is updated.

  If the input variation pattern command is a command indicating that the jackpot is a big hit, data indicating the combination of the big hit symbols of the decorative symbols determined in S624 of the command analysis process described above is read from the RAM 118c. Then, the combination of the big hit symbol is displayed as a big hit symbol, and the history data for displaying the big hit symbol information that displays the data of the fluctuation display number of the outliers updated as described above as the big hit variation display number is created. Is done. Furthermore, when the input variation pattern command is a command indicating that it is a big hit, the data of the number of fluctuation display times that is a big hit used to calculate the actual value of the big hit probability in the display of the big hit probability is updated. Then, based on the data and the data of the fluctuation display frequency that is used for calculating the actual value with the jackpot probability updated as described above, the actual value (cumulative value) of the jackpot probability is calculated. Then, history data for displaying the calculated value as an actual measurement value of the jackpot probability is created.

  The effect control microcomputer 118 is provided with a difference ball number counter for counting the number of difference balls displayed in the slump graph described above. Specifically, when the first to third payout number commands are input, the prize ball payout number indicated by the input command is added to the value of the difference ball number counter. When a detection signal from the firing ball sensor 194 is input, the value of the difference ball counter is subtracted every time the detection signal is input. Thereby, the difference ball number counter is updated every time a prize ball is paid out and every time a hit ball is fired. Each time the difference ball counter is updated in this way, history data (data relating the difference ball number and the elapsed time from the start of counting the difference ball number) for displaying the difference ball number in the slump graph is obtained. Created. In addition, every time a detection signal from the firing ball sensor 194 is input, a count value is added and updated to provide a hit ball count counter that counts the number of hit balls into the game area 41, indicating that it is a big hit. Each time a variation pattern command is input, the count value of the hitting ball number counter at that time is set to the number of hitting balls between the big hits (necessary for driving into the game area 41 before being controlled to one big hit gaming state) (The number of game balls played) may be generated as history data (the count value of the pitched ball counter is reset every time a variation pattern command indicating that it is a big hit is input). In that case, the data on the number of hitting balls between the big hits is displayed as the big hit information together with the big hit information table 460 or separately from the big hit information table 460.

  Next, the history data created and updated in S382 is stored in the RAM 118c of the effect control microcomputer 118 (S383). Then return.

  Next, the operations of the effect control CPU 118a and the VDP 119 when the decorative symbol animation is changed on the decorative symbol display device 44b will be described. FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing the operations of the effect control CPU 118a and the VDP 119 when the decorative symbol animation is changed on the decorative symbol display device 44b.

  In response to receiving the variation pattern command, the effect control CPU 118a of the effect control microcomputer 118 converts the display control data stored in the control ROM 118b into the variation pattern designated by the received variation pattern command. Read the corresponding one. The display control data conceptually includes data for controlling the display of each of the left, middle, and right decorative symbols in various variation patterns such as variation patterns K, M, and L, examples of which are shown in FIGS. Specifically, it includes various data described with reference to FIG. As described above, various variation patterns such as variation patterns K, M, and L shown in FIGS. 42 to 44 can be selected and displayed by the variation pattern command. Then, the variation time timer that is a timer for measuring the elapsed time from the start of the variation display is reset, and the elapsed time from the variation start time is started. Also, the animation variation index data used for displaying the left, middle and right symbols is reset (however, the values at that time may be taken over as they are). Also, the timer for switching the animation image is reset.

  The effect control CPU 118a counts the reference clock from the oscillation circuit 679 and executes the drawing instruction process shown in (a) every time a certain period (30 ms) is measured.

  First, the effect control CPU 118a updates the animation variation index data (S501). That is, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the last update of the animation variation index data. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the animation variation index data is updated. For example, in the example of FIG. 40, the pattern of each decorative pattern to be displayed is changed by updating data such as updating the animation variation index data from “1” to “2”. Thus, every time a predetermined time elapses, the decorative design is switched, and an animation display like a flip animation is possible. Note that the predetermined time may be the execution interval of the drawing instruction process or may be longer than that. If the predetermined period is short, the animation moves fast, and if the predetermined period is long, the animation moves slow. In the present embodiment, in the drawing instruction process (a), the predetermined time = the execution interval of the drawing instruction process.

  Next, the effect control CPU 118a refers to the variation pattern speed / variation direction table T2 based on the variation pattern information indicated by the variation pattern command received from the main board 120, and receives the variation pattern command. The fluctuation time that is the elapsed time of the fluctuation display is read from the fluctuation time timer data, and the fluctuation direction at that time is determined. For example, when the fluctuation display as shown in FIG. 40 is performed using the speed / variation direction table T2 shown in FIG. 38C, when the fluctuation time from the start of the fluctuation display is 800 ms, for example, the speed / variation With reference to the data in the first row of the direction table T2, it is determined that the variation direction is the standard (↓) and the vertical scroll is in the downward direction. Then, with reference to the display area size data shown in FIG. 38B, the number of extracted symbols with respect to the changing direction is obtained (S502). For example, in the example of FIG. 40, since the variation direction is the standard (↓) and the vertical scroll is in the downward direction, the number of extracted symbols with respect to the variation direction is 4 with reference to the data in the first row in FIG. Is decided.

  Next, the decorative symbols (0 to 9) to be extracted are specified based on the number of extracted symbols, the symbol arrangement, and the current variation display state (S503). For example, in the example of FIG. 40A, the number of extracted symbols is four, the symbol arrangement is 0 to 9, and the current variation display state is 6 to 8 displayed by vertical scrolling in the downward direction. Since it is in a state, four decorative symbols 5 to 8 are specified as decorative symbols to be extracted as shown in FIG.

  Next, the decoration pattern enlargement ratio (size) and rotation angle are specified based on the display area size data shown in FIG. 38B, and the decoration pattern specified in S503 is specified with the specified enlargement ratio and rotation angle. (0-9) are virtually arranged in a predesignated arrangement (vertical arrangement or pre-horizontal arrangement) (S504). At this stage, it is not necessary to actually arrange the image data. For example, in the example of FIG. 40, since the vertical scroll is in the downward direction, the enlargement ratio is “1” and the rotation angle is “1” with reference to the data in the first row of the display area size data shown in FIG. The four decorative symbols are virtually arranged in a vertically arranged arrangement as shown in FIG.

  Next, the position of the display area on the image virtually arranged in S504 is specified from the immediately preceding position, moving speed, and moving direction (S505). For example, in the example of FIG. 40A, from the data that the previous position is the reference position of EX1 (0, 150), the moving speed is 800 ms, and the moving direction is the vertical scroll, for example, the position of EX11 (reference position) ) Is identified. Next, the size (size) of the display area is specified based on the display area size data shown in FIG. 38B, and the range of the area to be clipped in the display area on the virtually arranged image (display range) ) Is specified based on the position of the display area specified in S505 and the size (size) of the display area specified as described above (S506). For example, in the example of FIG. 40A, the size (size) of the display area is specified as (150, 450) with reference to the data in the first row of the display area size data shown in FIG. Then, based on the position of the display area specified in S505 and the size (size) of this display area, the range of the area to be clipped (display range) is specified, for example, as the range of the EX11 area.

  Further, based on the decorative symbol and animation variation index data identified in S503, the address where the symbol to be displayed is stored is identified with reference to the data table in FIG. 38A (S507). For example, in the example of EX11 in FIG. 40A, based on the decorative symbols 5 to 8 specified in S503 and the animation variation index data (for example, 2) updated in S501, FIG. The addresses 0052H, 0062H, 0072H, and 0082H in which the symbols to be displayed are stored are specified from the data table.

  Next, the VDP 119 is notified of the address, arrangement, enlargement ratio (symbol size), rotation angle, transmittance (preset), clipping range, and the like of the image data to be developed, which are specified in the above-described steps. That is, a drawing command or / and attribute data for specifying a display target image is generated and transmitted to the VDP 119 (S508). For example, in the example of EX11 in FIG. 40A, the address specified in S507 and the data of the arrangement, enlargement rate, and rotation angle specified in S504 are notified, and the data in FIG. Thus, when changing the transparency of the decorative pattern to be variably displayed, the data of the preset transparency (transparency) is also notified.

  As in the image generation process shown in FIG. 54B, the VDP 119 stores image data (image data stored at the specified address) specified by the designated drawing command or attribute in the image ROM 119a. Extraction is made from the stored image data (S511). For example, in the example of (a) of FIG. 40, image data of 5 to 8 decorative symbols is extracted. Further, the VDP 119 re-arranges the extracted image data by performing enlargement / reduction / rotation / transmission processing based on the notified enlargement ratio, rotation angle, and transmittance as described above, and develops the image data on the VRAM 119b. (S512). For example, in the example of FIG. 40A, the enlargement ratio is set to “1”, the rotation angle is set to “0”, and the transmittance is set to “0”, so that enlargement / reduction / rotation / transmission processing is not performed. , The image data extracted in S511 is developed on the VRAM 119b. On the other hand, for example, in the example of FIG. 41, the enlargement ratio is set to “0.8”, the rotation angle is set to “0”, and the transmittance is set to change as shown in (c) of FIG. The reduced / transparent processing is performed on the image data thus processed, and the image data after the processing is developed on the VRAM 119b.

  Next, the VDP 119 clips the image data in the designated (notified) clipping range from the image data developed on the VRAM 119b, and stores it in the VRAM 119b (S513). For example, in the example of FIG. 40A, image data is clipped in a clipping range of an area such as EX11.

  The effect control CPU 118a and the VDP 119 execute the above-described processing for each of the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol, and finally synthesize an image for one screen.

  On the other hand, the VDP 119 reads the image data (for example, RGB luminance data) stored in the VRAM 119b at a predetermined periodic timing (for example, 30 ms) as shown in FIG. In accordance with the image data, a control signal such as an LCD drive signal is generated and supplied to the decorative symbol display device 44b to display the decorative symbol or background on the screen of the decorative symbol display device 44b ( S514).

  By repeating such an operation, for example, after the display of variation of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is started, the situation of the game by the pachinko gaming machine 1 (variation display) as described with reference to FIGS. Display is performed according to the situation.

  And, for example, only by providing each display image that can be specified by the symbol arrangement and the animation display arrangement as shown in FIG. 38 (a), the variation display and stop display of the decorative symbols according to the size of the display area, The animation display of each decorative design can be performed simultaneously.

  Next, other embodiments will be described.

  With regard to the above-described decorative pattern variation display, each ornamental design pattern (in a variation display in a single variation display state and a normal variation display state performed before that state is reached) (Pattern) may be changed to enable different animation display. For example, for normal variation display, the image data (first identification information image data) shown in FIGS. 37 and 39 is stored in the image ROM 119a, and for effect variation display, as shown in FIG. The image data for second animation display (second identification information image data) may be stored in the image ROM 119a. In that case, at the time of reach production after the reach state is established, the jackpot effect display when the final stop symbol is stopped at the jackpot symbol, the notice effect for notifying that it will be a big hit or reach (big hit) When a condition for performing a certain effect such as a notice or a reach notice is established, the object specified by the above-described image data specifying means is changed from image data for normal fluctuation display to image data for effect fluctuation display. A specific image switching step (specific image switching means) for switching to the above may be provided in the program for effect control (display control), and display using the image data for effect may be performed. Also in other identification information images (0 to 6, 9), the image data for normal variation display and the image data for effect display are stored in the image ROM 119a.

  Next, still another embodiment will be described.

  In this embodiment, it is possible to display an arbitrarily changing decorative symbol such as an animation for the decorative symbol being variably displayed using the animation variation index data shown in FIG. I explained that. Further, on the jackpot information screen shown in FIG. 31 (a), for example, control may be performed to display an arbitrarily changing decorative symbol such as an animation as shown in FIG. 34 for the displayed jackpot symbol. .

  For example, in the jackpot information screen, a still image indicating a combination of jackpot symbols is displayed in accordance with the order of occurrence of the jackpot gaming state. However, by using the animation variation index data shown in FIG. The image showing the big hit symbol is displayed as a symbol that changes arbitrarily. When such display control is performed, for example, in the drawing instruction processing as shown in FIG. 54A, the big hit symbol displayed on the big hit information screen is specified as the symbol displayed using the animation variation index data. . For example, in S502 of FIG. 54, the number of extracted symbols is specified as one symbol, the jackpot symbol displayed in S503 is specified, the jackpot symbol specified in S504 is arranged in the size of the jackpot symbol displayed on the jackpot information screen, The display area for one symbol is specified by S505 and S506, the area to be clipped is specified, the address of the image data is specified by S507, and various data for displaying the big hit symbol is notified to the VDP 119 by S508. In this case as well, as in the case of the decorative symbol during the variation display described above, every time the animation variation index data is updated, the address of each jackpot symbol displayed on the jackpot information screen changes using the animation variation index data. Is done. Then, in the display image generation process as shown in FIG. 54 (b), image data for displaying the jackpot symbol specified by the animation variation index data is generated based on the notified data, and the decorative symbol is generated. Displayed on the display device 44b. By performing such control, it is possible to produce an effect of changing the displayed big hit symbol in the same pattern as that during the variable display on the big hit bonus information screen shown in FIG. The player's attention can be drawn to the screen. Thereby, the interest of game information display can be improved.

  Such other embodiments include the following means. In such other embodiments, for example, when a game history is displayed in the game history display processing means (S423 in FIG. 46, S366 in FIG. 52), the change of the image of each identification information and the order of the change are displayed. An image of a predetermined image (a jackpot symbol image on the jackpot information screen) used when displaying a game history based on identification information image change identification information (animation variation numbers 1 to 5) for identifying Game history image data specifying means for specifying data (S506 and S507 in FIG. 54 when specifying a jackpot symbol displayed on the jackpot information screen) and image data specified by the game history image data specifying means are used as identification information. The process of reading from the image data storage means (image ROM 119a) and displaying the read image data in the display area for displaying the predetermined image is repeated. Accordingly, the and an image game history changed image generating display means for changing the identification information (S511～S514 in Figure 54 when identifying the big hit symbol to be displayed in the big hit among information screen). By adopting such a configuration, when a game history is displayed, an arbitrarily changing display such as an animation can be performed, and the player's attention can be attracted to the display of the game history. Thereby, the interest of game information display can be improved.

  Next, main effects obtained by the embodiment described above will be described.

  (1) When the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, the game state data is initialized on the game control microcomputer 99 side according to the operation of the clear switch 921 provided on the rear surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 However, the effect control microcomputer 118 side confirms that it has been determined in S604 in FIG. When such confirmation is made, the game store menu screen for initializing the game history data stored on the production control microcomputer 118 side is displayed in S421 of FIG. 46 as shown in FIG. It is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b. Then, only when the initialization data management process of FIG. 46 is executed, that is, when the game shop menu screen is displayed in S421, the history data can be cleared by the operation key 190. The stored game history data is initialized in S423 on the condition that it is determined that the initialization operation in 190 has been performed. Therefore, when the game state data on the game control microcomputer 99 side and the game history data on the effect control microcomputer 118 side are initialized together, the operation provided on the rear side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is performed. The operation of the means, that is, the operation means that is complicated to operate, can be limited to operating one operation means called the clear switch 921. Further, by assigning other necessary operations to operation keys 190 as display operation means provided on the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, that is, operation means that can be operated easily, the game state data and the game In the configuration in which each history data is backed up and stored, the initialization operation of the data stored in the backup can be simplified. Further, since the operation key 190 is provided on the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and can be operated by the player, the history data initialization operation by the operation key 190 displays a menu screen for a game store. Since it becomes effective only when the game history data is initialized, it is a precondition that the clear switch 921 provided on the rear side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is operated. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the player from initializing game history data without permission.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the clear signal is not directly input from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 to the payout control microcomputer 660 but from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 to the game control microcomputer 99. Then, it can be inputted to the payout control microcomputer 660 as an initialization command. Thus, when the RAM initialization process is performed by the game control microcomputer 99, the payout control microcomputer 660 always performs the RAM initialization process. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the RAM initialization process is performed by only one of the game control microcomputer 99 and the payout control microcomputer 660.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 37 and the like, image data for displaying each decoration symbol in a plurality of display modes is prepared, and the arrangement of the symbols specified as the display target and the change and change of the image of each symbol. Based on the animation variation index data of FIG. 38 (a) combined with the animation variation number for specifying the order, the image data of the symbol to be displayed is identified. As a result, as shown in FIG. 34, it is possible to display an arbitrarily changing display such as an animation while displaying the variation in the variation display of the decorative symbol. In addition, by specifying the arrangement of decorative patterns to be displayed and the change in the decorative pattern image and the order of the changes, the images to be displayed can be specified in sequence, so that the control of the variable display is relatively simple, and It is possible to reduce the control burden of the gaming machine 1 (particularly the effect control microcomputer 118). Furthermore, it is not necessary to store image data with different display modes for each symbol arrangement and each variation pattern, and the data amount can be suppressed. On the other hand, for example, in Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-216963) which is one of the prior arts, a symbol is displayed by designating the type, size, position, and orientation of the symbol displayed in the symbol variation area. It is disclosed that the symbols are displayed in a variable manner. However, in this patent document 3, there is a problem that a change in the display is such that the size and orientation of the symbol is changed, and the change in the displayed symbol itself is poor. In order to increase the change in the displayed symbols, it is conceivable to store image data (image data for animation display) having a different display mode for each pattern and variation pattern. When image data is stored for each variation pattern, there is a problem that the amount of data increases and the control becomes complicated. In this embodiment, as described above, image data for displaying each decorative design in a plurality of display modes is prepared in this embodiment, and based on the animation variation index data in FIG. By specifying the image data of the symbol to be displayed and performing the variable display, the problems that occur in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 3 can be avoided, and as described above, a display that arbitrarily changes the decorative symbol is realized. In addition, the control burden can be reduced and the amount of data can be reduced.

  (2) As shown in S346 to S351 in FIG. 51 and S361 to S366 in FIG. 52, when the special symbol display device 44a and the decorative symbol display device 44b do not perform the variable symbol display on the predetermined period, The game history information based on the game history data can be displayed. For this reason, if there is no variable display for a predetermined period, the player can freely view the history information.

  (3) When a variation pattern command for instructing to display a decorative symbol in a variable manner is input to the effect control microcomputer 118 while the game history is being displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b, S628 in FIG. 52, the variation pattern command reception flag is set, YES is determined in S361 in FIG. 52, the effect control process flag is switched in S372, the process proceeds to the symbol variation start process in S904 in FIG. 50, and the game history information is displayed. The display is changed to an image in which the decorative design is variably displayed. For this reason, in the decorative symbol display device 44b, the decorative symbol variation display is executed more preferentially than the display of the game history information, so that the player can display the decorative symbol variation display, in particular, the decorative symbol variation display result. Can be prevented from being mistakenly recognized. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to end the display of the displayed game history when the decorative symbol variation display is executed, it is possible to save the time and effort of switching the display.

  (4) The recovery command from the game control microcomputer 99 is received by the effect control microcomputer 118 within a predetermined time after the supply of power to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started. It is possible to specify that the restoration process has been executed in step S3, and to specify that the initialization process has been executed in the game control microcomputer 99 when the effect control microcomputer 118 has not received within such a predetermined time. It is a signal that can be. Therefore, the game state data is determined based on whether or not the recovery command is input in the predetermined period after the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started by the production control microcomputer 118. It is confirmed whether it has been initialized. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the types of effect control commands used to check whether or not the game state data has been initialized.

  (5) When the game information display process of FIG. 52 is being executed, the variation pattern command reception waiting process of FIG. 51 including the step of switching the effect control process to the demo display process is not executed, and the display of the history data is terminated. After the operation, the effect control process is switched to the variation pattern command reception waiting process in S369 in FIG. 52, and in the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the demonstration display command reception flag is set, so in S353 in FIG. The effect control process is switched to the demonstration display process, and the demonstration display is executed. Therefore, when game history information is being displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b, when a demonstration display command is input to the effect control microcomputer 118, an operation by the operation key 190 is performed on the decorative symbol display device 44b. After the display of the game history information in response to this, a demonstration image corresponding to the demonstration display command is displayed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the display of the game history information displayed according to the operation with the operation key 190 from being switched to the demonstration image unnecessarily. Thereby, waste of operation can be eliminated.

  (6) As shown in S422 and S423 in FIG. 46 and S363 and S366 in FIG. 52, the production control microcomputer 118 executes processing for displaying game history information based on the operation signal from the operation key 190. Therefore, the processing load of the game control microcomputer 99 related to displaying the game history can be reduced.

  (7) As shown in FIG. 5, the detection signal of the launch ball sensor 194 that detects a game ball that is shot into the game area 41 is input to the effect control microcomputer 118, and is aggregated as history data in S383 of FIG. Therefore, based on the game history data, it is possible to grasp the number of game balls that have been thrown into the game area 41 before the big hit game state occurs. For this reason, the pachinko gaming machine 1 that has a track record of easily generating a big hit gaming state based on displaying the number of game balls that have been thrown into the gaming area 41 before the big hit gaming state occurs as a game history. The player can easily determine whether the gaming machine is superior or inferior.

  (8) Since the animation variation index data is updated in S501 in FIG. 54 every time the built-in timer of the effect control CPU 118a measures 30 ms, the selected image data is changed, so the pachinko gaming machine 1 It is possible to reduce the control burden of (especially the production control microcomputer 118). In addition, since the display mode of the decorative symbols is changed by updating the animation variation index data at a timing independent of the variation rate of the decorative symbols, it is possible to perform a variety of variable display.

  (9) A game such as a short time state and a probable change state given to a player when the display result is a big hit symbol, as in (a) time short hit big symbol in FIG. 34 and (b) probability variation big hit symbol. Since image data of a pattern with a different display mode according to value is stored and image data corresponding to a game value to be assigned is specified, an image of a pattern with a display mode according to the game value to be given is displayed Is possible.

  (10) First identification information image data used during normal variation display such as the image data shown in FIGS. 37 and 39, and second identification information used during presentation variation display such as the image data shown in FIG. Since the image data is stored for each decorative pattern and triggered to perform the production, the image data is switched from the first identification information image data to the second identification information image data. It is possible to display an image with a different display mode according to the variation display state and the effect variation display state), and it is possible to improve the effect effect of the game by the image.

  (11) As in S506, S512, and S513 in FIG. 54, generating an image whose image data read from the image ROM 119a is resized based on the size specified by the display control data stored in the control ROM 118b. Therefore, the decorative symbol display device 44b can display more varied.

  (12) As shown in FIG. 7, the peripheral command relay board 57 has a unidirectional circuit as communication restriction means for allowing a signal input from the main board 120 to pass only in a direction toward the effect control board 90. 57a, it is possible to prevent an illegal signal from being input from the effect control board 90 to the main board 120. Thereby, the illegal act performed with respect to the game control microcomputer 99 using the communication path between the main board 120 and the production | presentation control board 90 can be prevented.

  (13) As described above, when the game state recovery process is performed by the game control microcomputer 99, the payout control side recovery process is always performed by the payout control microcomputer 660 based on the recovery command. Become. As a result, it is possible to prevent a state in which the restoration process is performed by only one of the game control microcomputer 99 and the payout control microcomputer 660.

  (14) In the above-described embodiment, the game control microcomputer 99 transmits a payout activation command to the payout control microcomputer 660 when power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started (S5). ), The detection signal of the clear switch 921 is checked (S7), and the payout control microcomputer checks the detection signal of the clear switch 921 when it receives a payout start command from the game control microcomputer. The game control microcomputer 99 and the payout control microcomputer 660 check the detection signal of the clear switch 921 almost simultaneously. Therefore, for example, although one microcomputer performs the check process of the detection signal of the clear switch 921, the other microcomputer does not perform the check process of the detection signal of the clear switch 921, and the backup in one microcomputer. It is possible to prevent a situation in which the backup storage content in the other microcomputer is not cleared even though the storage content is cleared. Thereby, the storage data of each RAM in the game control microcomputer 99 and the payout control microcomputer 660 can be reliably initialized based on the operation of the clear switch 921. Similarly, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the recovery based on the storage information in the RAM in the other microcomputer is not performed despite the recovery based on the storage information in the RAM in one microcomputer, and the game control microcomputer 99 can be prevented. Further, the recovery based on the information stored in the RAM in the payout control microcomputer 660 can be reliably performed.

  (15) The game control microcomputer according to the above-described embodiment performs the software delay process (S81 to S86), so that the elapsed time is measured before the payout activation command is output. A payout start command is output. For this reason, since an activation signal capture signal is output with a delay relative to the timing at which power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, a dispensing activation command is issued before the dispensing control microcomputer starts up. The output can be prevented, and the occurrence of inconvenience that the payout activation command cannot be received can be prevented.

  (16) In the embodiment described above, for example, an operation signal when the operation key 190 is operated by the unidirectional circuit 57a provided on the peripheral command relay board 57, a signal from the voice frame lamp board 92, In addition, since a signal input to the effect control microcomputer 118, such as a detection signal from the launch ball sensor 194, is not input to the game control microcomputer 99, the effect control microcomputer 118 performs the game control. It is possible to prevent an illegal act such as an illegal signal being input to the microcomputer 99.

  Next, modifications and feature points of the embodiment described above are listed below.

  (1) In the embodiment described above, power is supplied to the effect control microcomputer 118 to determine whether the game control microcomputer 99 has been initialized based on the operation of the clear switch 921. An example is shown in which a determination is made based on whether or not a recovery command is received within a predetermined time from the beginning (when the recovery command is not received, it is determined that initialization processing has been performed). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and whether or not the initialization process has been performed by the game control microcomputer 99 may be determined as follows. The recovery command is not transmitted from the game control microcomputer 99, and the initialization command is set to be transmitted when the initialization process is performed in the game control microcomputer 99 based on the operation of the clear switch 921. Then, when the production control microcomputer 118 receives the initialization command within a predetermined time from the start of power supply, it determines that the initialization process has been performed, and does not receive the initialization command within the predetermined time. Sometimes, it is determined that the recovery process has been performed by the game control microcomputer 99.

  (2) In the embodiment described above, the payout start command (payout start command) and the prize ball control signal are transmitted through the same signal line, but the signal lines for transmitting them may be separated. In the embodiment described above, the payout control microcomputer 660 transmits a prize ball BUSY signal in response to reception of the prize ball control signal. That is, bidirectional communication is performed for the prize ball control signal. However, the prize ball control signal may be transmitted by one-way communication (the game control microcomputer 99 does not take a response from the payout control microcomputer 660). Furthermore, the forms of the payout activation command and the prize ball control signal used in the above-described embodiment may be changed to other forms. For example, a 1-byte or 2-byte command may be transmitted via an 8-bit signal line. When a 2-byte command is used, a capture signal is transmitted for each byte.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the power-off signal, the reset signal, and the clear signal are output from the power supply board 910 to the main board 120 and the payout control board 98 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, a power-off signal, a reset signal, and a clear signal may be output from the power supply board 910 to the payout control board 98 and input to the main board 120 via the payout control board 98. As a result, the power-off signal, the reset signal, and the clear signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 are input to the main board 120 via the payout control board 98, thereby simplifying the wiring and reducing the cost of the gaming machine. be able to. In this case, the timing at which the power-off signal, the reset signal, and the clear signal are output from the payout control board 98 may be adjusted. For example, a process for delaying the timing of output to the main board 120 by the payout control microcomputer 660 may be performed. Further, when the payout control microcomputer 660 determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied, a process of outputting to the main board 120 may be performed.

  (4) In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is mounted on the power supply board 910 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the power supply monitoring circuit 920 may be mounted on the payout control board 98. Thereby, it is not necessary to provide at least a signal line (cable) for transmitting a power-off signal to the payout control board 98 from the power supply board 910. Therefore, the number of signal lines from the power supply board 910 to the electrical component control board can be further reduced. Furthermore, since the overall length of the signal line for transmitting the power-off signal between the substrates is shortened, the possibility of noise from the power-off signal can be reduced.

  (5) In the above-described embodiment, the example in which DC power is supplied from the power supply board 910 to the main board 120 and the payout control board 98 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, DC power supplied from the power supply board 910 to the main board 120 may be passed through the payout control board 98. Further, it may be transmitted / supplied to other sub-boards such as the effect control board 90 via the payout control board 98. According to such a configuration, only one power cable (including a plurality of types of power supply lines) for supplying power from the power supply board 910 to the main board 120 and the payout control board 98 may be installed. The installation position of the signal line for transmitting the power-off signal, the reset signal, and the clear signal is preferably away from the installation position of the power cable so that noise from the power supply does not get on. Since it is sufficient to pull out the power cable of the book, it becomes easy to separate the power cable from the signal line for transmitting the power-off signal, the reset signal, and the clear signal.

  (6) In the embodiment described above, the example in which the start-up of the game control microcomputer 99 is delayed by software has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the game control microcomputer 99 is provided via a delay circuit or the like. May be delayed in hardware (delay by a hardware circuit). When the delay circuit is used, the start-up of the game control microcomputer 99 is delayed for a period determined by a preset delay amount. Specifically, the reset signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is input to both the payout control microcomputer 660 and the effect control microcomputer 118 and the delay circuit, and after a period determined by the delay amount has elapsed, the delay You may comprise so that a reset signal may be input into the game control microcomputer 99 from a circuit. The delay circuit may be provided on the power supply board 910 or on the payout control board 98.

  (7) In the above-described embodiment, the power-off signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is sent to both the payout control microcomputer 660 and the effect control microcomputer 118 and the game control microcomputer 99 at substantially the same timing. An example has been described in which the power supply stop signal process is executed on the game control side, the payout control side, and the effect control side at the same time as the power-off signal is input. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the control is performed so that the timing at which the power supply stop process is started on the game control side precedes the timing at which the power supply stop process is started on the payout control side. May be. This delays the timing at which the power supply stop process is started on the payout control side when the power is cut off, thereby preventing a player from being disadvantaged due to a loss of a control signal from the game control microcomputer 99. Can do. As specific means, by executing the above-described software delay processing or by providing a delay circuit, a power-off signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is sent out and the effect control microcomputer 118 is controlled. The input timing may be delayed.

  (8) In the embodiment described above, the payout request is made by the prize ball REQ signal, and the number of payouts is designated by the prize ball control signal. However, the payout request and the number of payouts are designated by the prize ball control signal. It may be configured. In this case, the payout control microcomputer may determine that the payout request is made at the same time when the prize ball control signal is output. According to such a configuration, it is not necessary to use the prize ball REQ signal.

  (9) In the above-described embodiment, the recording medium used in the card unit device 731 (recording medium processing apparatus) is a magnetic card (prepaid card). It may be a type of IC card. In addition, when the recording medium processing device is configured to be able to identify the recording information based on the identification code, the recording medium can at least read the information such as the identification code that can identify the recording information. It may be something that can be recorded on. Further, the recording medium may be one in which a predetermined information recording symbol such as a barcode is printed so as to be readable. The shape of the recording medium is not limited to the card shape, and may be any shape such as a disk shape, a spherical shape, or a chip shape.

  (10) In the pachinko gaming machine according to the above-described embodiment, a special symbol stop symbol which is variably displayed (also referred to as variable display) on the special symbol display device 44a or the like based on a start winning is mainly a combination of predetermined symbols. Then, it was a pachinko gaming machine (a first type of pachinko gaming machine) that can give a predetermined game value to a player, but it is predetermined when there is a prize in a predetermined area of an electric accessory to be released based on a start prize A pachinko gaming machine (type 2 of a pachinko gaming machine) that can be given to a player, or a symbol that is variably displayed based on a start winning combination is released when a predetermined symbol combination is released. It may be a pachinko gaming machine (second type pachinko gaming machine) in which a predetermined right is generated or continued when a prize is awarded to the electric accessory.

  (11) In the above-described embodiments, different expressions such as transmission / reception and output / input are used for the exchange of various signals, but transmission and output or reception and input are used in substantially the same meaning. Needless to say, these expressions are interchangeable. In addition, the transmission / reception of signals having many meanings such as control commands is made transmission / reception, and the transmission / reception and output / input are made of transmission / reception of signals for transmitting information by switching on / off. There are also cases where they are used properly. Even in this case, these expressions are interchangeable.

  (12) In the above-described embodiment, the on / off state of the signal may be a high level state / low level state, and conversely may be a low level state / high level state. The signal on / off state may be a signal output state / signal output stop state, or conversely, may be a signal output stop state / signal output state. Similarly, the ON / OFF state of the input signal may be a signal input state / signal input stop state, or conversely, may be a signal input stop state / signal input state.

  (13) In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the game shop menu screen and the player menu screen are displayed on the decorative symbol display device 44b is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the menu screen for the game store and the menu screen for the player are different from the decorative symbol display device 44b (for example, a gaming machine that variably displays special symbols without variably displaying decorative symbols). May be displayed on a display device that displays a special symbol in a variable manner, and in the above-described second type gaming machine, a display device that performs a variable display that determines the number of consecutive rounds of big hits.

  (14) In the embodiment described above, an effect control microcomputer capable of comprehensively controlling display control, sound control, and lamp control is provided as means for controlling the effect of the game. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a microcomputer for performing display control, a microcomputer for performing sound control, and a microcomputer for performing lamp control are provided, and the microcomputer for game control has a display control for each of these microcomputers. A configuration may be employed in which a command, a sound control command, and a lamp control command are given, and each microcomputer individually executes each control in accordance with the command.

  (15) In the above-described embodiment, the clear signal is input from the power supply board 910 to the game control microcomputer 99 of the main board 120 via the input circuit 121 and the like, and the game control microcomputer 99 main In the example, an initialization command as a clear signal for payout control is input from the output circuit 662 of the main board 120 to the payout control board 98 by the processing. Not limited to this, a clear signal is input from the power supply board 910 to the main board 120 via the input circuit 121, and from the output circuit 662 of the main board 120 to the payout control board 98 without going through the game control microcomputer 99. You may employ | adopt the structure which inputs.

  (16) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the size of the decorative pattern in the display area is 1 times has been mainly described, but the magnification is arbitrary. In addition, as a result of enlarging the decorative design, a portion that protrudes outside the display area is removed by clipping. Moreover, you may make it designate the size of a decoration symbol suitably 2 times, 3 times, 1/2 times ... etc. according to production.

  (17) As shown in FIG. 38, the control ROM 118b stores data for specifying the size of the display area for each variation pattern and data for specifying the moving speed, moving direction, etc., and performs the drawing process. Each time the effect control CPU 118a specifies display target image data and performs clipping to prepare a display target image. For each variation pattern, the display target decorative pattern (this is the initial display at the start of variation). Depending on the state), animation variation index data, and data for specifying a clipping range may be prepared in advance, and a display target image may be generated based on these data.

  (18) In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the effect control CPU 118a processes the display control data stored in the control ROM 118b and outputs a command to the VDP 119 is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display control data is stored in the internal ROM or the like by the VDP 119, and the effect control CPU 118a only specifies the effect display to be executed, and the reproduction / transparency setting and composition of the effect image is performed. The VDP 119 may execute the processes up to the above process.

  (19) The various numerical values shown in the above-described embodiments are examples, and can be arbitrarily changed. For example, in the above-described example, the upper limit value of the number of reserved memories for the special symbol and decorative symbol variable display is set to 4, but the upper limit value of the reserved number is arbitrary. Also, the order of stopping the three decorative symbols that are changing is arbitrary.

  (20) The method of satisfying the above-described execution condition for the variable display of various symbols is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, a winning of a game ball in a specific winning opening may be used as an execution condition for the variable symbol display of special symbols and decorative symbols. Alternatively, the passing of a game ball to a specific gate may be used as an execution condition for the normal symbol variation display. Also, winning of a game ball in a specific non-variable type winning opening may be a condition for executing special symbols and decorative symbols.

  (21) In the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described using a pachinko gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine. A slot machine and a home-use game machine that are separately provided with a variable display device and an image display device. The present invention can also be applied to other gaming machines such as arcade game machines, portable game machines, and games using a personal computer. For example, in a slot machine equipped with a display device that displays decorative symbols and a display device that displays other effects, any of the above-described various images may be displayed on any display device. Good.

  (22) The various images described above can also be applied to a game machine or the like that simulates the operation of a pachinko gaming machine or a slot machine. In addition, as a trigger for the variation start condition for special symbols and decorative symbols (identification information), for example, pressing of a slot lever in a slot machine, establishment of a symbol variation start condition for two or three types of pachinko gaming machines, etc. Is widely included. Further, the program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to a form distributed and provided to a computer device or the like by a detachable recording medium, but are stored in advance in a storage device such as a computer device or the like. You may take the form distributed by pre-installing. Furthermore, the program and data for realizing the present invention are distributed by downloading from other devices on a network connected via a communication line or the like by providing a communication processing unit. It doesn't matter.

  (23) The game execution mode described above is not only executed by mounting a detachable recording medium, but also by temporarily storing a program and data downloaded via a communication line or the like in an internal memory or the like. It is possible to adopt a form in which execution is possible or a form in which execution is performed directly using hardware resources on the other device side on a network connected via a communication line or the like. Further, the game may be executed by exchanging data with another computer device or the like via a network.

  (24) It should be understood that the embodiment disclosed herein is illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine. It is an enlarged front view of a game board. It is a top view which shows the structure of an operation key. It is a block diagram which shows the relationship between a main board | substrate, various control boards, and an electrical component. It is a block diagram which shows the component relevant to payout, such as a payout control board and a ball payout apparatus. It is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of an effect control board and a voice frame lamp board. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a power supply board. It is a figure for demonstrating the various random counters which the microcomputer for game control uses for game control. It is a figure for demonstrating the data table which memorize | stored the judgment value used in order to select and determine the fluctuation pattern in a special symbol display device and a decoration symbol display device. It is a figure for demonstrating the various random counters which the microcomputer for production control uses for production control. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which the microcomputer for game control performs. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which the microcomputer for game control performs. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the timer interruption process performed with the microcomputer for game control. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a power-off process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a power-off process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the control signal output with respect to the payout control microcomputer from the game control microcomputer. It is a timing diagram which shows an example of the method of outputting a prize ball control signal. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol process process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of a control signal. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop symbol setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a prize ball process. It is an explanatory view showing the configuration of a production control command. It is an explanatory view showing how to send the production control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the effect control command sent to an effect control board. It is a display screen figure which shows the menu screen for game stores. It is a display screen figure which shows a history data clear screen and an option screen. It is a display screen figure which shows the menu screen for players. It is a display screen figure which shows a jackpot information screen, an effect introduction screen, and a jackpot probability screen. It is a display screen figure which shows a slump graph screen. It is a display screen figure of the decorative design display apparatus which shows an example of the variation pattern of a decorative design. It is a display screen figure of the decorative design display apparatus which shows an example of the animation fluctuation | variation of a decorative design. FIG. 11 is a display screen diagram of a decorative symbol display device showing an example of a variable symbol display in a medium symbol display area DC in a variable display pattern L. It is a figure which shows the example of distribution of the transparency of a decoration symbol when a middle symbol scrolls horizontally. It is a figure which shows the image data of the decorative design memorize | stored in image ROM in a table format. It is a figure which shows the example of the display control data stored in control ROM. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which cuts out the image actually used as the display object from a display image in the case of vertical scroll. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which cuts out the image actually used as the display object from the display image in the case of vertical scrolling. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which cuts out the image actually used as the display object from the display image in the case of horizontal scrolling. 5 is a timing chart illustrating an example of display control data used for variation display of a variation pattern K. 6 is a timing chart showing an example of display control data used for variation display of a variation pattern L. 4 is a timing chart showing an example of display control data used for variation display of a variation pattern M. It is a flowchart which shows the production control main process which the microcomputer for production control performs. It is a flowchart which shows the data management process at the time of initialization. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a power-off process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a power-off process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating command analysis processing. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows game information display processing. It is a flowchart which shows game data collection processing. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of CPU for effect control and VDP when the animation change of a decoration symbol is performed with a decoration symbol display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the image data for the animation display by a modification.

Explanation of symbols

  58a Start port, 44a Special design display device, 44b Decoration design display device, 1 Pachinko machine, 99 Game control microcomputer, 120 Main board, 118 Production control microcomputer, 90 Production control board, 910 Power supply board, 921 Clear Switch, 19 Upper plate, 190 Operation key, 191 Enter key, 192 Up direction key, 193 Down direction key, 55, 118c RAM, 53 I / O port section, 119a Image ROM, 118b Control ROM, 118a Production control CPU, 119 VDP.

Claims (11)

When a display device is provided that displays a display result by variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable based on establishment of a predetermined start condition, and when the specific display result is derived and displayed on the display device A gaming machine controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to a player,
A game control board mounted with a game control microcomputer for executing a game control process for controlling the progress of the game and outputting a display control signal for controlling the display device;
A display control board equipped with a display control microcomputer for controlling the display device based on the display control signal;
Initialization operation means provided on the rear side of the gaming machine and outputting an initialization signal in accordance with the operation;
Provided on the front side of the gaming machine, for display operation for displaying a history of games played on the gaming machine on the display device when a predetermined operation screen is displayed on the display device Operating means,
The game control microcomputer is:
Display result determination means for determining in advance whether or not the display result of the variable display in the display device is the specific display result;
Storing game state data indicating a progress state of the game, and storing the game state data for at least a predetermined period even when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped;
An initialization signal input unit to which the initialization signal output from the initialization operation means is input;
Game control side initialization signal confirmation means for confirming whether or not the initialization signal is input to the initialization signal input unit;
On the condition that the power supply to the gaming machine is started and it is confirmed that the initialization signal is not input by the game control side initialization signal confirmation means, it is stored in the game control storage means. Game control recovery means for executing a game control recovery process for recovering the progress state of the game based on the game state data being
When the supply of power to the gaming machine is started and it is confirmed by the game control side initialization signal confirmation means that the initialization signal is input, the game control storage means stores the Game control initialization means for executing a game control initialization process for initializing game state data,
The display control microcomputer is:
In the display device, after starting the variable display of the identification information, the variable display control means for performing control for deriving and displaying the display result according to the determination of the display result determination means,
Based on a display control signal from the game control microcomputer, game history data creating means for creating the game history data indicating a history of games played in the gaming machine;
Display control storage means for storing game history data created by the game history data creation means, and storing the game history data for at least a predetermined period even when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped;
A game history display process for executing a game history display process for displaying the game history on the display device based on the game history data stored in the display control storage unit in response to an operation of the display operation unit. Means,
Based on a display control signal from the game control microcomputer, game state data initialization confirmation means for confirming whether or not the game state data is initialized in the game control microcomputer;
On the condition that power supply to the gaming machine is started and the gaming state data initialization confirming means confirms that the gaming state data has not been initialized, the display control Game history recovery means for enabling display of a game history display based on the game history data stored in the storage means;
An initialization operation for initializing the gaming history data when power supply to the gaming machine is started and the gaming state data initialization confirmation means confirms that the gaming state data has been initialized. An operation screen display means for displaying an operation screen;
An enabling means for enabling an initialization operation for initializing a game history by the display operation means only when the initialization operation screen is displayed by the operation screen display means;
Initialization operation determination means for determining whether or not the initialization operation by the display operation means has been performed when the initialization operation is enabled by the enabling means;
A game for executing a game history initialization process for initializing the game history data stored in the display control storage means on condition that the initialization operation determination means determines that an initialization operation has been performed. History initialization means, and
Identification information image data storage means for storing image data for displaying each of the plurality of types of identification information in a plurality of display modes;
Identification information arrangement specifying information for specifying the type and arrangement of the identification information stored in the image data storage means, and an identification information image change for specifying an image change and change order of each identification information Identification information specific information storage means for storing the specific information in association with each other;
Fluctuation speed direction designation means for designating the fluctuation speed of the identification information in the display device and the fluctuation direction of the identification information;
Display area specifying means for specifying a display area for displaying the identification information;
Based on the fluctuation speed and fluctuation direction designated by the fluctuation speed direction designation means and the type and arrangement of identification information specified by the identification information arrangement specifying information, the arrangement information of identification information to be displayed is specified. Sequence information identification means;
Based on the array information specified by the array information specifying means and the identification information image change specifying information stored in the identification information specifying information storage means, the image data of the identification information to be displayed is specified. Change image data specifying means to
The image data specified by the change image data specifying means is read from the identification information image data storage means, and the process of displaying the read image data in the display area specified by the display area specifying means is repeated. A game machine further comprising a change image generation / display means for changing an image of information. The display control microcomputer is:
After the power supply to the gaming machine is started, the change of the identification information on the display device over a predetermined period in the variable display enabled state in which the identification information that can be individually identified on the display device can be variably displayed. Fluctuation display determination means for determining whether or not display is performed,
When it is determined that the variable display is not performed by the variable display determination means, the game history based on the game history data can be displayed in accordance with the operation by the display operation means. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising normal operation screen display means for displaying a screen. The display control microcomputer is:
In the display device, when the game history is being displayed on the display device and a display control signal for instructing the variable display of the identification information that can be identified is input to the display control microcomputer. A game history stopping means for stopping display of the game history;
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a change display switching means for switching the display on the display device to the change display of the identification information when the game history is stopped by the game history stop means. . The gaming control microcomputer is capable of specifying that one of the gaming control restoration processing and the gaming control initialization processing is executed after power supply to the gaming machine is started. A display control signal output processing means for performing a process of outputting a supply start process specific signal as the display control signal;
The display control microcomputer determines whether or not the power supply start process specific signal is input during a predetermined period after the power supply to the gaming machine is started. It further includes an input determination means,
The game state data initialization confirmation means confirms whether or not the game state data has been initialized based on the determination by the start time processing specific signal input determination means. A gaming machine according to any one of the above. The game control microcomputer further includes a demonstration display control signal output means for outputting a demonstration display control signal for instructing to display a demonstration image that is displayed when the identification information that can be identified is not variably displayed for a predetermined period. Including
When the display control microcomputer receives the demonstration display control signal output from the demonstration display control signal output means, the display of the game history is terminated in the display device in response to an operation by the display operation means. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising demo display switching means for displaying a demonstration image corresponding to the display control signal after the demonstration. The display operation means inputs an operation signal output according to an operation to the display control microcomputer,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game history display processing means executes the game history display processing based on the operation signal. A game area provided with a predetermined prize area;
And a launching means for launching a game ball to be shot into the game area,
The game control microcomputer outputs the display control signal for variably displaying the identification information on the display device when the start condition is satisfied in response to a game ball winning in the winning area. ,
Further comprising a game ball number counting means for counting the number of game balls to be driven into the game area;
7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display control storage unit stores the number of game balls counted by the game ball number counting unit as the game history data.   The change image data specifying unit includes a time measuring unit, and each time the time measuring unit measures a predetermined time, the change image data specifying unit has a different display mode according to the identification information image change specifying information stored in the identification information specifying information storing unit. 8. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein image data for displaying identification information is designated. The identification information includes value information having different game values to be given to the player when a specific display result is obtained,
The identification information image data storage means stores image data of identification information with different display modes according to the game value to be given,
9. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the change image data specifying unit specifies image data corresponding to a game value to be given. The variation display of the identification information includes an effect variation display state for a predetermined effect and a normal variation display state executed at least before the effect variation display state,
The identification information image data storage means stores first identification information image data used in the normal variation display state and second identification information image data used in the effect variation display state,
The change image data specifying means includes specific image data switching means for switching the image data to be specified from the first identification information image data to the second identification information image data based on an opportunity to perform an effect. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is included. Further comprising size specifying means for specifying the size of the identification information displayed on the display device,
The changed image generation / display unit generates an image whose image data read from the image data storage unit is resized based on a size specified by the size specifying unit, and specifies the image by the display area specifying unit. 11. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein clipping is performed based on the size of the display area generated to generate image data of a display image and display the image data on the display device.

Images