JP2007111408A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that makes it hard for a player to know the occurrence timing of a big win and is capable of preventing a fraud using a "dangling board" or the like. <P>SOLUTION: This Pachinko machine 10 has a big win random number counter and an initial value random number counter, and draws a big win lottery based thereon. When RAM is initialized, this game machine sets a first initial value which is smaller than an upper limit value of the big win random number counter and larger than a win value, or a value proximate to the upper limit value, as a first initial value, when the value of the big win random number counter reaches the upper limit value after setting the first initial value, sets a second initial value to be determined based on an eigenvalue characteristic for the game machine as a next initial value, and after setting the second initial value, sets a value of the initial value random number counter when finishing a round for every round of the big win random number counter, as a next initial value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

  One type of gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In a pachinko machine, for example, a big hit lottery is performed based on a game ball launched into a game area entering a working port. When the occurrence of the big hit state is determined based on the lottery result, for example, after a symbol that is variably displayed on a predetermined display device is stopped and displayed in a predetermined combination, a large number of prize balls can be paid out to the player A big jackpot occurs.

Whether or not the jackpot is generated is determined by the timing at which the game ball enters the operation port. For example, a counter that is periodically updated within a certain range (for example, updated every 1 ms in the range of 0 to 300 every 2 ms) is provided, and the counter value at the time when the game ball enters the operation port is read. When the read counter value matches a specific value such as “7”, for example, the occurrence of the jackpot state is determined (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-756 A

  However, in recent years, fraudulent acts using an unauthorized substrate called “hanging substrate” may be performed. This fraudulent act is to illegally generate a jackpot state by hanging an unauthorized substrate with respect to a regular control substrate. More specifically, a counter that synchronizes with a jackpot determination counter is provided in the “hanging board”, and the counter value is reset to 0 in accordance with the power-on of the pachinko machine. To figure out. In accordance with the occurrence timing of the jackpot, an illegal entry detection signal is output from the “hanging board” to the regular control board to illegally generate a jackpot state.

  On the other hand, in recent years, there is also a gaming machine that changes the initial value of the counter update every time the jackpot determination counter is updated once. According to this type of gaming machine, the initial value of the counter update is changed every time the counter is rotated, so that it is difficult to grasp the occurrence timing of the jackpot by the “hanging board”. Further, separately from the periodic update process, the initial value to be changed cannot be grasped by performing the update process of the initial value determination counter in the remaining time of a predetermined loop process for performing game control.

  However, even with this configuration, when the control board is initialized when the gaming machine is turned on or when the RAM is cleared, information such as various counter values stored in the storage means such as the RAM is cleared. Therefore, immediately after initialization, the initial value of the jackpot determination counter or the initial value determination counter is set to a predetermined fixed value such as “0”, for example. Further, the remaining time of the predetermined loop processing for performing the game control is not different for each gaming machine because the certain processing is performed immediately after the initialization, and the initial value selected by the initial value determination counter Can be grasped. As a result, immediately after the initialization of the control board, the occurrence timing of the jackpot may be easily grasped by the “hanging board”.

  Such a problem is not limited to pachinko machines, but is a serious problem inherent in other gaming machines such as slot machines that determine whether or not jackpots are generated by a periodically updated counter.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of preventing fraud using a “hanging board” and the like, making it difficult to grasp the timing of jackpot occurrence. is there.

  In the following, each means suitable for solving the above-described problems will be described in terms of items. In addition, the effect etc. peculiar to the means to respond | correspond as needed are added.

Means 1. For lottery that is updated periodically in the order from the opening price to the closing price in the range from the predetermined opening price (first value) to the closing price (second value) and sequentially from the set initial value. A random number counter,
An initial value random number counter for initial value determination that is periodically updated within a predetermined range;
Initial value setting means for setting the initial value;
Storage means for storing an initial value set by the initial value setting means;
Initialization means capable of initializing the storage means;
Lottery counter updating means for updating the lottery random number counter in consideration of the initial value stored in the storage means;
Lottery value reading means for reading the value of the random number counter for lottery at a predetermined opportunity;
Winning determination means for determining whether or not the value read out by the lottery value reading means matches a preset winning value;
A gaming machine comprising special gaming state deriving means capable of deriving a special gaming state advantageous to the player when the value read by the lottery value reading means matches the winning value,
The initial value setting means includes
When initialization by the initialization means is executed, the first initial value is a value closer to the opening price than the closing price of the lottery counter (a value closer to the opening price than the closing price) and a value closest to the closing price. Set a first initial value that is close to the winning price (close to the closing price)
After the setting of the first initial value, when the value of the lottery random number counter reaches the closing price, a second initial value determined based on the unique value unique to the gaming machine is set as the next initial value. ,
After the setting of the second initial value, the value of the initial value random number counter is set as the next initial value when the circulation is completed (at the time of completion) for each round of the lottery random number counter. A gaming machine characterized by that.

  According to the means 1, the lottery is performed by setting the first initial value as the initial value of the random number counter for lottery immediately after the initialization of the storage means such as the RAM which is executed when the power is turned on or the RAM is cleared. The random number counter for lottery is updated in a range not including the winning value until the value of the random number counter for use reaches the closing price. That is, the special game state is not won until the next initial value change time comes. Thereafter, when the value of the random number for lottery reaches the closing price, a second initial value determined based on the unique value unique to the gaming machine is set as the next initial value. That is, after the storage means is initialized, the lottery random number counter is changed to the initial value for each gaming machine before the value corresponding to the winning value is obtained. Therefore, it is impossible to grasp the count number (winning timing) up to the winning value after the initialization of the storage means. As a result, when the power is turned on, the RAM is cleared, the storage means is initialized due to fraud, etc., and the value of the random number counter for lottery or the initial value random number counter is cleared, Etc. "can be prevented. Also, even if it becomes possible to grasp the winning timing for one gaming machine due to cheating, the acquired timing cannot be applied to other gaming machines, so that it is possible to prevent the spreading of cheating it can. The “unique value unique to the gaming machine” includes, for example, a unique value possessed by a CPU (calculation means) that controls the gaming machine, and the unique value includes, for example, a clock frequency unique to each CPU. In this case, due to the difference in the clock frequency, the period of the predetermined loop processing periodically performed is shifted for each gaming machine such as 1.9997 ms or 2.003 ms. Therefore, the initial value random number counter is updated as usual. For example, the value set as the second initial value is different for each gaming machine.

Mean 2. A random number counter for lottery that is periodically updated within a range from a predetermined lower limit value to an upper limit value, and in ascending order from a set initial value;
An initial value random number counter for initial value determination that is periodically updated within a predetermined range;
Initial value setting means for setting the initial value;
Storage means for storing an initial value set by the initial value setting means;
Initialization means capable of initializing the storage means;
Lottery counter updating means for updating the lottery random number counter in consideration of the initial value stored in the storage means;
Lottery value reading means for reading the value of the random number counter for lottery at a predetermined opportunity;
Winning determination means for determining whether or not the value read out by the lottery value reading means matches a preset winning value;
A gaming machine comprising special gaming state deriving means capable of deriving a special gaming state advantageous to the player when the value read by the lottery value reading means matches the winning value,
The initial value setting means includes
When initialization by the initialization means is executed, a first initial value that is smaller than the upper limit value of the lottery counter and close to the upper limit value is set as a first initial value. And
After the setting of the first initial value, when the value of the random number for lottery reaches the upper limit value, a second initial value determined based on the unique value unique to the gaming machine is set as the next initial value And
After the setting of the second initial value, the value of the initial value random number counter is set as the next initial value when the circulation ends for each round of the lottery random number counter. Machine.

  According to the means 2, the same effects as the means 1 can be obtained.

Means 3. An identification number storage means for storing an identification number unique to the gaming machine;
The game according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising initial value acquisition means for converting the identification number into a value within an update range of the initial value random number counter and acquiring the second initial value. Machine.

  According to the means 3, the identification number unique to the gaming machine (for example, the identification number unique to the gaming machine itself or the CPU) is converted into a value within the update range of the initial value random number counter to obtain the second initial value. Since the identification number is a number unique to each gaming machine for each gaming machine, the second initial value having a different value can be obtained more reliably even in the same type of gaming machine. Further, for example, the second initial value that is different for each gaming machine can be acquired more reliably as compared with a configuration in which the second initial value is acquired based on a CPU-specific clock frequency that is an individual difference of CPUs. As a result, it is possible to prevent illegal acts using a “hanging board” or the like by making it impossible to grasp the winning timing more reliably.

  Means 4. 4. A gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 3, further comprising fixed value storage means for storing the first initial value in advance.

  According to the means 4, it is not necessary to perform a calculation process or the like when acquiring the first initial value, and the processing load can be reduced.

  Means 5. Any of means 1 to 4, further comprising initial value random number counter updating means for repeatedly performing the update process of the initial value random number counter within a remaining time of a predetermined loop process in which a plurality of processes are periodically executed The gaming machine described in Crab.

  According to the means 5, the value of the initial value random number counter is repeatedly updated during the remaining time in the loop process by the update process of the initial value random number counter. The loop process is executed periodically (for example, every 2 ms), but the processing time of each process executed in the loop process changes according to the game situation, so the remaining time of the loop process is not a fixed time. It becomes an indefinite time that changes according to the game situation. Since the “hanging board” cannot grasp such an indefinite time, the value of the initial value random number counter that is repeatedly updated within the indefinite time is set as the initial value of the lottery random number counter update. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an illegal act using a “hanging board” or the like because the winning timing cannot be grasped. In addition, if the initial value update process is performed in another interrupt process different from the loop process, the effect is further increased.

  The basic configuration of various gaming machines to which the above means are applied is shown below.

  A. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a ball game machine. As more detailed mode examples, “an operation means (game ball launching handle) operated by a player, a ball launching means (such as a launch motor) for playing a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, and the launch A ball path (ball guide path of the rail unit) that guides the played game balls to a predetermined game area, and each game component (general winning port, variable winning device, operating port, variable display unit, etc.) arranged in the gaming area ).

  B. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a bullet ball gaming machine having a gaming area extending in a substantially vertical direction. As more detailed mode examples, “an operation means (game ball launching handle) operated by a player, a ball launching means (such as a launch motor) for playing a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, and the launch A ball path (rail guide path of the rail unit) for guiding the played game ball to a predetermined game area extending in a substantially vertical direction (for example, the game area is constituted by a game board surface, etc.), and each of the game areas arranged in the game area A ball ball game machine comprising game parts (general winning opening, variable winning device, operation opening, variable display unit, etc.) and configured so that the behavior of a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area can be visually recognized. .

  C. The gaming machine in each of the above means or each of the above ball game machines is a pachinko machine or a gaming machine equivalent to a pachinko machine.

  E. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a revolving type gaming machine such as a slot machine. As a more detailed mode example, “a discriminating information string (specifically, a rotating body such as a reel with a symbol) made up of a plurality of identification information (symbols) is variably displayed (specifically, a reel or the like Variable display means (specifically, a rotating unit such as a reel unit) that displays the identification information string after being rotated), and is identified due to the operation of the starting operating means (specifically, the start lever). Changes in information (symbols) are started, and changes in identification information (symbols) are stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stoppage (specifically, the stop button) or after a predetermined time has elapsed. There is a revolving type gaming machine configured to generate a special game state (such as a bonus game) advantageous to the player on the condition that the confirmed identification information (symbol) is the specific identification information (symbol).

  F. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a gaming machine configured by combining a pachinko machine and a slot machine (especially a gaming machine of a slot machine specification that uses a gaming ball as a gaming medium). As a more detailed mode example, “a discriminating information string (a symbol string; specifically a rotating body such as a reel or a belt with a symbol) made up of a plurality of identification information (symbols) is variably displayed (specifically, a reel Variable display means (specifically, a rotating body unit such as a reel unit) that displays the identification information string after the rotation is performed, and is caused by the operation of the starting operation means (specifically, the start lever). The variation of the identification information (symbol) is started, and the variation of the identification information (symbol) is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stopping (specifically, the stop button) or after a predetermined time has passed. It is configured to generate a special gaming state (bonus game, etc.) that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the confirmed identification information (symbol) is specific identification information (symbol), and a ball tray (top plate, etc.) With that An input device for performing an input process of taking a game ball from the tray and a payout device for paying out the game ball to the ball tray, and when the game ball is input by the input device, the operation of the starting operation means is performed. A gaming machine configured to be effective ”.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as “pachinko machine”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state in which the front frame set 14 is removed from the pachinko machine 10 (however, in FIG. 2, the configuration in the game area on the surface of the game board 30 is shown blank for convenience).

  The pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and an inner frame 12 is supported on one side of the outer frame 11 so as to be opened and closed. The outer frame 11 is formed in a rectangular shape as a whole by, for example, a wooden plate material, and each plate material is assembled by a detachable fastener such as a small screw. The inner frame 12 can be opened forward with an opening / closing axis extending vertically to the left when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

  A lower tray unit 13 is attached to the inner frame 12 at the lowermost portion, and a front frame set 14 is attached to the inner frame 12 so as to be openable and closable, corresponding to the range excluding the lower tray unit 13. ing. Similar to the inner frame 12, the front frame set 14 can be opened forward with an opening / closing axis extending vertically to the left when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

  The lower tray unit 13 is provided with a lower tray 15 as a ball receiving tray at a substantially central portion, so that game balls discharged from the outlet 16 can be stored in the lower tray 15. Reference numeral 24 denotes a sound output port from the speaker, and reference numeral 25 denotes a ball release lever for discharging the game ball from the lower plate 15 downward.

  A game ball launching handle (hereinafter simply referred to as “handle”) 18 is disposed on the right side of the lower plate 15 so as to protrude to the front side. An ashtray 26 is provided on the left side of the lower plate 15. On the other hand, an upper plate 19 serving as a ball receiving plate is provided above the lower plate 15. The upper plate 19 is a ball tray that temporarily stores the game balls and guides them to the game ball launching device (ball launching unit) while aligning them in a row.

  In FIG. 2, the inner frame 12 is mainly composed of a resin base 20 having a rectangular outer shape, and a substantially circular window hole 21 is formed at the center of the resin base 20. A game board 30 (see FIG. 3) is detachably mounted on the rear side of the resin base 20. The game board 30 is made of a rectangular plywood, and is attached in a state in which the peripheral edge thereof is in contact with the back side of the resin base 20 (inner frame 12). Accordingly, a substantially central portion of the front surface portion of the game board 30 is exposed to the front surface side of the inner frame 12 through the window hole 21 of the resin base 20. The resin base 20 is provided with an opening detection sensor 22 that detects opening of the front frame set 14. Although not shown, an open detection switch for detecting the opening of the inner frame 12 is also provided.

  Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 30 includes a general winning port 31, a variable winning device 32, a first opportunity corresponding port (operating port) 33, a second opportunity corresponding port 34, a variable display unit 35, and the like in a through hole formed by router processing. The game board 30 is attached from the front side of the game board 30 with wood screws or the like. As is well known, when a game ball enters (wins) the general winning port 31, the variable winning device 32, and the first opportunity corresponding port 33, a predetermined switch is applied to the upper plate 19 (or the lower plate 15) by the output of a detection switch described later. Number of prize balls will be paid out. In addition, the game board 30 is provided with an out port 36, and a game ball that has not won a prize in various winning units (general winning port 31, variable winning device 32, first opportunity corresponding port 33) is the out port 36. It is guided through a ball discharge path (not shown). In addition, the game board 30 is provided with a large number of nails for appropriately dispersing and adjusting the falling direction of the game ball, and various members (functions) such as the windmill 27 are disposed.

  In the variable display device unit 35, the normal symbol display device 41 that displays the normal symbol variably with the passage of the second trigger corresponding port 34 as a trigger and the color change display of the LED with the winning at the first trigger corresponding port 33 as a trigger ( A special display device 43 that performs variable display) and a decorative symbol display device 42 that displays the decorative symbols in a variable manner in accordance with the variable display by the special display device 43 are provided.

  The normal symbol display device 41 is configured so that “O” or “X” can be lit and displayed as a normal symbol, and each time the game ball passes through the second opportunity corresponding port 34, for example, the normal symbol is changed from “O” to “ The first opportunity corresponding port 33 is predetermined when the change display is fast (change display) such as “×” → “○” →..., And the display is stopped for several seconds with the “○” symbol (winning symbol). It is configured to be activated (opened) only for a period of time. The display contents of the normal symbol display device 41 are directly controlled by a main control device 261 described later. In addition, when a new game ball passes through the second opportunity corresponding port 34 while the normal symbol display device 41 is displaying the normal symbol variation, the corresponding normal symbol variation display is performed at that time. The configuration is performed after the end of the variable display. That is, the variable display is on standby (held). The maximum number of the variable display to be held is determined for each model of the pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, it is held up to 4 times, and the hold number is lit and displayed by the hold lamp 44. Yes.

  Note that the normal symbol may be configured to be variably displayed on a part of the decorative symbol display device 42 (liquid crystal display device), in addition to the configuration to be variably displayed by switching the lighting modes of a plurality of lamps. Similarly, the hold lamp 44 may be configured to be displayed on a part of the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The special display device 43 is provided on the right side of the normal symbol of the normal symbol display device 41, and is configured by a three-color light emitting diode (three-color LED) having emission colors of red, green, and blue. The display content of the special display device 43 is also directly controlled by the main control device 261. In the present embodiment, whether or not a big hit is determined is displayed definitely by the special display device 43.

  The decorative symbol display device 42 is configured as a liquid crystal display device, and the display content is controlled by the sub-control device 262. That is, in the decorative symbol display device 42, auxiliary display contents are determined by the sub-control device 262 based on a command from the main control device 261 so as to correspond to the result displayed on the special display device 43, Display is performed by the display control device 45. The decorative symbol display device 42 displays three symbol rows, upper, middle and lower. Each symbol sequence is composed of a plurality of symbols, and these symbols are scrolled and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 so as to be scrolled for each symbol sequence, and then the upper symbol sequence → the lower symbol sequence → the middle symbol sequence. Stops are displayed in order. In this embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 42 includes a large liquid crystal display of 8 inches. The variable display device unit 35 is provided with a center frame 47 so as to surround the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The variable winning device 32 is normally in a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won or difficult to win, and is in an open state in which a game ball is easy to win in the case of a big hit (occurrence of a special game state). More specifically, when a game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding port 33, the special display device 43 displays the three-color LED at a high speed, such as red → green → blue → red →. When a predetermined time elapses, it is determined and displayed in one of the colors. The high-speed color change display is, for example, that red, green, and blue are displayed in order every 4 msec. At this time, if the decision display is made in red or green (for example, stopped for a few seconds), which means that the lottery lottery is won, a big hit state occurs. In addition, when the special display device 43 determines and displays the three-color LEDs in red or green, a combination of specific symbols is supplementarily displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42. The large winning opening of the variable winning device 32 is in a predetermined open state, and the game ball is configured to be in a state where it is easy to win (a big hit state). Specifically, the passage of a predetermined time or a predetermined number of winnings is defined as one round, and the big winning opening of the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly opened a predetermined number of times (a predetermined number of rounds).

  Further, when a game ball is newly won in the first opportunity corresponding port 33 during the variable display of the special display device 43, the corresponding variable display is performed after the end of the variable display at that time. It has a configuration. That is, the variable display is on standby (held). The maximum number of the variable display to be held is determined for each model of the pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, it is held up to 4 times, and the hold number is lit and displayed by the hold lamp 46. Yes. In addition, when a new game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding port 33 during the big hit state, the corresponding change display is also suspended.

  In addition, the game board 30 is provided with a rail unit 50 as a rail member for guiding the game ball launched from the game ball launching device to the upper part of the game board 30, and the game board 30 was fired as the handle 18 was rotated. The game ball is guided to a predetermined game area through the rail unit 50. The rail unit 50 has an inner rail component 51 and an outer rail component 52.

  A return ball preventing member 53 is attached to the tip end portion of the inner rail constituting portion 51 (the upper left portion in FIG. 3). This prevents a situation in which the game ball once guided from the ball guide passage between the inner rail constituting portion 51 and the outer rail constituting portion 52 to the upper portion of the game board 30 returns to the ball guide passage again. . Further, a return rubber 54 is attached to the outer rail constituting portion 52 at a position corresponding to the maximum flight portion of the game ball (upper right portion in FIG. 3: a portion corresponding to the tip portion of the outer rail constituting portion 52). . Therefore, the game ball launched at a predetermined momentum or more hits the return rubber 54 and is returned to, for example, the substantially central portion side of the game board 30.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 2, in the resin base 20, below the window hole 21 (game board 30), a launch rail 61 for guiding the game ball immediately after being launched from the game ball launcher is attached. The firing rail 61 is fixedly attached to the resin base 20 integrally with the metal plate 62 behind the firing rail 61, and is configured to extend linearly at a predetermined firing angle (launch angle). Therefore, the game ball launched by the turning operation of the handle 18 is first launched obliquely upward along the launch rail 61 and then guided to the game area through the ball guide passage of the rail unit 50 as described above. It has become.

  Further, there is a predetermined gap between the firing rail 61 and the rail unit 50, and a foul ball passage 63 is formed below the gap. Therefore, if the game ball launched from the game ball launching device does not reach the return ball prevention member 53 and returns as a foul ball in the ball guide passage, the foul ball passes through the foul ball passage 63 to the lower plate. 15 is discharged.

  Although detailed disclosure of the drawings is omitted, one game ball is supplied to the game ball launching device one by one from the ball outlet on the front frame set 14 side (ball outlet leading from the most downstream portion of the upper plate 19). Further, guide members 65 and 66 are provided near the base end portion of the firing rail 61 on the right side and the near side thereof, respectively. Thereby, the game ball supplied from the ball exit on the front frame set 14 side is always set at a predetermined launch position. Further, the game ball launching device is provided with a hitting ball, and the game ball is shot with the rotation of the hitting ball about the shaft portion.

  Further, reference numeral 67 in FIG. 2 denotes a discharge port that communicates with the upper plate 19, and the game ball is discharged to the upper plate 19 through the discharge port 67. An open / close shutter 68 is attached to the discharge port 67. The shutter 68 is rotatable about a shaft portion provided along the lower side thereof, and the shutter 68 is urged by a biasing force such as a spring when the front frame set 14 is opened (state shown in FIG. 2). 68 substantially closes the outlet 67. When the front frame set 14 is closed (the state shown in FIG. 1), the shutter 68 is pushed open by a ball passage rod (not shown) provided on the back surface of the front frame set 14. The discharge port 67 and the upper plate 19 are in communication with each other. Note that the game ball is discharged to the lower plate 15 in the open state of the front frame set 14.

  Next, the front frame set 14 will be described with reference to FIG. The front frame set 14 is formed with a substantially elliptical window 101 so that most of the game area (area formed in a substantially circular shape by the inner periphery of the rail unit 50) can be visually recognized from the outside. .

  The front frame set 14 is provided with light emitting means such as various lamps around the front frame set 14. These light emitting means play a role of enhancing the effect of the game during the game by changing and controlling the light emission mode such as lighting and blinking according to the change of the game state at the time of big hit or predetermined reach. For example, at the periphery of the window portion 101, an annular illumination portion 102 containing a light emitting means such as an LED is provided symmetrically, and at the center of the annular illumination portion 102 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10, Similarly, a central illumination unit 103 having a built-in light emitting means such as an LED is provided. In the pachinko machine 10, the central illumination unit 103 functions as a jackpot lamp, and lights and blinks when the jackpot is informed that the jackpot is being hit. Further, the upper plate 19 is also provided around the upper plate 19 with an upper plate illumination unit 104 having a built-in light emitting means such as an LED. In addition, on the left and right sides of the central illumination unit 103, there are provided a prize ball lamp 105 that is lit during the payout of a prize ball and an error display lamp 106 that is lit when a predetermined error occurs.

  In addition, a ball lending operation unit 120 is disposed below the window unit 101, and the ball lending operation unit 120 is provided with a ball lending button 121, a return button 122, and a frequency display unit 123. When a ball rental operation unit 120 is operated in a game hall or the like with a bill or a card inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) disposed on the side of the pachinko machine 10, a game ball is operated according to the operation. Is lent out. The ball lending button 121 is operated to obtain a lending ball based on information recorded on a card or the like (recording medium), and the lending ball is supplied to the upper plate 19 as long as there is a remaining amount on the card or the like. Is done. The return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit. The frequency display unit 123 displays remaining amount information such as a card. Note that the ball lending operation unit 120 is not necessary for a pachinko machine in which game balls are lent directly to the upper plate 19 from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit, that is, a so-called cash machine. Therefore, a decorative seal or the like is attached to the installation portion of the ball rental operation unit 120. Thereby, the common use of the lending operation unit of the pachinko machine using the card unit and the cash machine is achieved.

  Although the disclosure of the drawings is omitted, a metal reinforcing plate is provided on the back side of the front frame set 14 so as to surround the window portion 101, and this reinforcing plate also functions as a metal frame for supporting glass. Have both. More specifically, a part of the reinforcing plate is folded back to form two rows of front and rear glass holding grooves, and a pair of front and rear glass 137 having a rectangular shape is held by each glass holding groove. Yes.

  Next, the configuration of the back surface of the pachinko machine 10 will be described in detail based on FIG. Various types of control boards are arranged on the pachinko machine 10 on the back side (actually the back side of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30) so as to be arranged vertically and horizontally, and partially overlapped in the front and back. Further, a game ball supply device (payout mechanism) for supplying game balls, a protective cover made of resin, and the like are attached. In this embodiment, various control boards are divided into two mounting bases to form two control board units, and these control board units are individually attached to the inner frame 12 or the back of the game board 30. Yes. In this case, the main board and the sub-control board are mounted on one mounting base to form a unit, and the dispensing control board, launch control board, and power supply board are mounted on the other mounting base to form a unit. Here, for convenience, the former unit is referred to as “first control board unit 201”, and the latter unit is referred to as “second control board unit 202”. Further, since the dispensing mechanism and the protective cover are integrated as one unit, and the resin portion is generally referred to as a back pack, the unit is referred to as a “back pack unit 203” here. The detailed configuration of each unit 201 to 203 will be described later.

  The first control board unit 201, the second control board unit 202, and the back pack unit 203 are configured to be detachable without using a tool or the like in units, and in addition to this, a part of the spindle part is also provided. It is the structure which can be opened and closed with respect to the inner frame 12 or the back surface of the game board 30.

  The locking mechanism of the front frame set 14 is integrated with the locking mechanism of the inner frame 12, and the main body of the integrated locking mechanism G <b> 1 is provided on the back side of the inner frame 12. Therefore, in FIG. 2, only the locking claws T1 and T2 protruding from the locking mechanism G1 to the front side of the inner frame 12 are shown. Then, the locking claws T1 and T2 are locked to the back side of the front frame set 14, whereby the front frame set 14 is locked.

  FIG. 5 is a rear view showing a configuration in a state where the game board 30 is assembled to the inner frame 12. As shown in the figure, the game board 30 is installed in a square frame-shaped installation area surrounded by the resin base 20, and a plurality of (four in this embodiment) locking fixtures provided on the inner frame 12. It is fixed by 211 and 212 so as not to drop off.

  A variable display device unit 35 is disposed in the center of the game board 30. In the variable display device unit 35, a frame cover 213 made of resin (for example, made of ABS) that covers the center frame 47 (see FIG. 3) from behind is provided to protrude rearward, and at the rear end of the frame cover 213, A decorative symbol display device 42 and a display control device 45, which are liquid crystal display devices, are detachably attached in a state where they are overlapped in the front-rear direction. In the frame cover 213, an LED control board for driving LEDs and the like built in the center frame 47 are disposed.

  A back frame set 215 is attached to the back surface of the game board 30 so as to surround the variable display device unit 35. The back frame set 215 is a thin resin molded product provided so as to stick to the back surface of the game board 30 and is formed with a game ball collecting mechanism for collecting game balls won in various winning ports. Specifically, below the back frame set 215, corresponding to the game board opening of the above-described general winning opening 31, variable winning apparatus 32, first opportunity corresponding opening 33 (see FIG. 3 respectively) and 1 on the downstream side. A collection passage 216 that collects at a place is formed. Further, a resin discharge passage board 217 is attached to the inner frame 12 below the game board 30, and a discharge passage 218 for guiding the discharge ball to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 is attached to the discharge passage board 217. Is formed. Therefore, as illustrated in phantom lines in FIG. 5, all the game balls won in the general winning opening 31 etc. gather through the collection passage 216 of the back frame set 215, and further the discharge passage 218 of the discharge passage board 217. Through the pachinko machine 10. In addition, the out port 36 (see FIG. 3) similarly communicates with the discharge passage 218, and the game balls that have not won any prize opening are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge passage 218.

  In the above configuration, with the lower end surface of the game board 30 as a boundary, a back frame set 215 (collection passage 216) is provided on the upper side, and a discharge passage board 217 (discharge passage 218) is provided on the lower side. The game board 30 is provided without overlapping (overlapping) in the front-rear direction.

  In addition, on the back surface of the game board 30, a winning detection mechanism for detecting the passage of game balls such as various winning holes is provided. Specifically, a prize opening switch 221 is provided at a position corresponding to the general prize opening 31 on the front side of the game board 30, and a count switch 223 is provided in the variable prize winning device 32. The count switch 223 is a switch that counts winning balls to the variable winning device 32. Further, a first opportunity corresponding port switch 224 is provided at a position corresponding to the first opportunity corresponding port 33, and a second opportunity corresponding port switch 225 is provided at a position corresponding to the second opportunity corresponding port 34. The 1st opportunity corresponding | compatible port switch 224 comprises the specific opportunity generation means in this embodiment.

  The prize opening switch 221 and the second opportunity corresponding port switch 225 are connected to the board relay board 226 through electric wiring (not shown), and this board relay board 226 is further connected to a main board (main controller 261) described later. Further, the count switch 223 is connected to the special winning opening relay board 227, and this special winning opening relay board 227 is also connected to the main board. On the other hand, the first opportunity corresponding port switch 224 is directly connected to the main board without passing through the relay board.

  Although not shown in the drawings, the variable prize winning device 32 is provided with a big prize opening solenoid that opens the big prize opening, and the first opportunity corresponding opening 33 has an electric combination equipped in the first opportunity corresponding opening 33. A first opportunity corresponding opening solenoid that opens the object is provided. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 228 denotes a set handle having a hitting ball and the like, and reference numeral 229 denotes a firing motor.

  The detection results detected by the winning detection mechanism are taken into a main board, which will be described later, and a payout command (the number of game balls to be paid out) corresponding to the winning situation is transmitted from the main board to the payout control board. The Then, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out by the output of the payout control board. In the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment, a game ball winning is electrically sensed for each winning opening and the payout is immediately performed.

  The back frame set 215 is provided with an attachment mechanism for attaching the first control board unit 201. Further, an attachment mechanism for attaching the second control board unit 202 and the back pack unit 203 is provided on the back surface of the inner frame 12.

  In addition, in the rear configuration of the inner frame 12, at the lower right portion of the game board 30, a game ball distribution unit that distributes game balls paid out from a payout mechanism described later to any of the upper plate 19, the lower plate 15, or the discharge passage 218. 245 is provided. Further, a resin speaker box 246 surrounding the back of the speaker installed toward the lower plate 15 is attached to the lower end portion of the inner frame 12, and the speaker box 246 improves the sound quality in the low frequency range. It has been.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 4, the first control board unit 201 includes a main control device 261 and a sub-control device 262. Here, the main control device 261 includes a CPU that controls the main control, a ROM that stores a game program, a RAM that stores necessary data according to the progress of the game, a port that communicates with various devices, and various lotteries. A main board including a random number generator to be used, a clock pulse generation circuit used for time counting and synchronization, and the like, and a board box 263 (encapsulating means) made of a transparent resin material or the like. ). The substrate box 263 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected to each other by a sealing unit 264 (sealing means) so that the box box 263 is sealed.

  As the sealing unit 264 as the sealing means, any configuration can be applied as long as the box base and the box cover are connected so as not to be opened, but in this embodiment, five sealing members are connected. The box base and the box cover are connected so that they cannot be opened by inserting a locking claw into the long hole of the sealing member. The sealing process by the sealing unit 264 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if the unauthorized opening is performed. It is possible to perform the opening / sealing process again even after the operation. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting the locking claw into the long hole of at least one sealing member among the five sealing members constituting the sealing unit 264. And when opening the board | substrate box 263 by the malfunction of the accommodated main board | substrate etc., the connection of the sealing member in which the latching claw was inserted, and another sealing member is cut | disconnected. Thereafter, when the sealing process is performed again, the locking claws are inserted into the long holes of the other sealing members. If the history of opening the board box 263 is left in the board box 263, it can be easily found that the illegal opening has been performed by looking at the board box 263.

  The sub-control device 262 includes a CPU that controls various effects according to instructions from the main control device 261 (main board), a ROM that stores various programs, a RAM that stores necessary data according to the progress of the game, It has a sub-control board that includes a port for communicating with the device, a random number generator used for various lotteries, a clock pulse generation circuit used for time counting and synchronization, etc. The substrate is also housed in a substrate box corresponding to the sub control substrate. A power relay board 266 is mounted on the sub control device 262, and power supplied from a power board described later is output to the sub control device 262 and the display control device 45 via the power relay board 266.

  The second control board unit 202 includes a payout control device 311, a launch control device 312, a power supply device 313, and a card unit connection board 314. The payout control device 311, the launch control device 312, and the power supply device 313 are provided with a control board including a central control CPU, ROM, RAM, various ports and the like as is well known. The payout of prize balls and rental balls is controlled by the substrate. Further, the launch motor 229 is controlled by the launch control board of the launch controller 312 in accordance with the operation of the handle 18 by the player, and a predetermined power supply voltage required by various control devices and the like is generated by the power board of the power supply 313. Is output. The card unit connection board 314 is electrically connected to the ball lending operation unit 120 on the front surface of the pachinko machine and a card unit (not shown). The card unit connection board 314 takes a ball lending operation command from the player and outputs it to the payout control device 311. is there. Note that the card unit connection board 314 can be omitted in a cash machine in which game balls are lent directly to the upper plate from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit.

  The payout control device 311, the firing control device 312, the power supply device 313, and the card unit connection substrate 314 are respectively configured to be accommodated in substrate boxes 315, 316, 317, and 318 made of a transparent resin material or the like. In particular, in the dispensing control device 311, similarly to the main control device 261 described above, the box base and the box cover constituting the substrate box 315 (encapsulating means) are connected by the sealing unit 319 (sealing means) so that they cannot be opened. Thus, the substrate box 315 is sealed.

  The payout control device 311 is provided with a state return switch 321. For example, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout motor unit, the payout motor is rotated forward and reverse to eliminate the ball jam (return to the normal state).

  Further, the power supply device 313 is provided with a RAM erase switch 323. This pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, so that even if a power failure occurs, the pachinko machine 10 can maintain the state at the time of the power failure and return to the state at the time of the power failure when returning from the power failure (power recovery). it can. Therefore, when the power is turned off in the normal procedure (for example, at the end of the game hall), the state before the power is turned off is stored, so that if you want to return to the initial state when turning on the power, hold down the RAM erase switch 323 .

  Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. The back pack unit 203 is a unit in which a resin-formed back pack 351 and a game ball payout mechanism 352 are integrated.

  The back pack 351 is integrally formed of, for example, ABS resin, and has a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 354 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display device unit 35 (however, in the present embodiment, the sub-control described above is used). The device 262 is also enclosed.

  The payout mechanism 352 is disposed so as to bypass the protective cover 354. That is, a tank 355 opened upward is provided above the protective cover portion 354, and game balls supplied from island facilities of the game arcade are sequentially supplied to the tank 355. Below the tank 355, for example, a tank rail 356 that has two rows (two rows) of spherical passages and is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected. A case rail 357 is connected. A payout device (payout means) 358 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 357, and a required number of game balls are paid out appropriately by a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor 358a. The game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are supplied to the upper plate 19. The tank rail 356 is attached with a vibrator 360 that adds vibration to the tank rail 356. If a ball clog occurs near the tank rail 356, the vibrator 360 is driven to eliminate the ball clogging. Is planned.

  The payout mechanism 352 is provided with a payout relay board 381 that relays a payout command signal from the payout control device 311 to the payout device 358, and a power switch board 382 that takes in the main power from the outside. Yes. The power switch board 382 is supplied with, for example, AC 24V main power via a voltage converter, and the power switch 382a is switched on or off by switching operation of the power switch 382a.

  Further, the back pack unit 203 is provided with an opening 391 for the external relay terminal plate 230, and the external relay terminal plate 230 can be removed and operated even when the back pack unit 203 is fixed. .

  With the configuration described above, the main controller 261 (substrate box 263) can be removed by first opening the back pack unit 203, then opening the first control substrate unit 201, and fixing the main controller 261. It can be done at last by including the complicated process of releasing the fixture. For this reason, a deterrent effect can be expected against fraudulent acts such as removal of the main controller 261 (board box 263).

  In this embodiment, since the main control device 261 is stored in the board box 263 that is strictly sealed, it is difficult to perform an illegal act such as sending some illegal signal to the main control device 261. For this reason, it is difficult to illegally turn on the LED of the special display device 43 that is directly controlled by the main control device 261 in a jackpot of “red” or “green”. Accordingly, the decorative symbol display device 42 is displayed as if it has been a big hit, and the big winning opening is forcibly opened using a cell or the like, and a winning ball is obtained even though it is not a big hit. Even when such an illegal act is performed, such an illegal act can be easily found by confirming the lighting state of the special display device 43.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. The main control device 261 (main substrate) of the pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic device. The CPU 501 includes a ROM 502 that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 501 and fixed value data, and a RAM 503 that is a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 502 is executed. Various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are incorporated.

  The RAM 503 has a configuration in which data can be retained (backed up) by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the pachinko machine 10 is turned off. The RAM 503 temporarily stores various data and the like. In addition to the memory and area, a backup area 503a is provided.

  In the backup area 503a, when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the power of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned on again. (Similarly) is an area for storing stack pointers, values of registers, I / O, and the like. Writing to the backup area 503a is executed when the power is turned off by the main processing (see FIG. 9), and on the contrary, returning of each value written to the backup area 503a includes turning on the power (including turning on the power due to power failure cancellation). The same processing is performed in the main processing (see FIG. 8). Note that a power failure signal SK1 output from a power failure monitoring circuit 542, which will be described later, is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 when a power failure occurs due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. Due to the occurrence, the power failure process (NMI interrupt process) of FIG. 15 is immediately executed.

  An input / output port 505 is connected to the CPU 501 incorporating the ROM 502 and RAM 503 via a bus line 504 including an address bus and a data bus. A RAM erase switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a sub control device 262, a special display device 43, a normal symbol display device 41, and other switches (not shown) are connected to the input / output port 505. With this configuration, the special display device 43 and the normal symbol display device 41 described above are directly controlled by the main control device 261. On the other hand, the decorative symbol display device 42 is controlled via the sub-control device 262.

  The sub-control device 262 (sub-control board) includes a CPU 551 that is an arithmetic unit, various control programs executed by the CPU 551, a ROM 552 that stores fixed value data, and various control programs that are stored in the ROM 552. In addition to a RAM 553 that is a memory for temporarily storing data, an input / output port 554, a bus line 555, various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit (not shown) are also provided. The RAM 553 is a memory that temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 551 executes various programs. This is provided with a counter buffer for storing various counter values to be described later.

  A CPU 551, ROM 552, and RAM 553 are connected to the input / output port 554 via a bus line 555 and a display control device 45 is connected. Furthermore, the input / output port 554 is connected to the speaker 24, various illumination units, and lamps 102 to 106.

  The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 causes the display control device 45 to execute display control based on, for example, a command signal (for example, a variation pattern command) transmitted from the main control device 261 and causes the decorative symbol display device 42 to display the display control device. As described above, in the present embodiment, the special display device 43 controlled by the main control device 261 displays whether or not it is a big hit, and the decorative symbol display device 42 controlled by the sub control device 262. Then, display according to the display of the special display device 43 is performed. That is, the variation pattern command is a command that is output to the sub-control device 262 in order to cause the decoration symbol display device 42 to perform display in accordance with the display performed on the special display device 43.

  The payout control device 311 controls payout of prize balls and rental balls by a payout motor 358a. The CPU 511 that is an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 512 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 511, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory or the like.

  The RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261, has a stack area for storing the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 511 and the return address of the control program executed by the CPU 511, various flags and counters, A work area (work area) in which values such as I / O are stored, and a backup area 513a are provided.

  The RAM 513 is configured to hold (backup) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off. Data is backed up.

  The backup area 513a has a stack pointer, each register at the time of power-off, each register This is an area for storing values such as I / O. The writing to the backup area 513a is executed when the power is turned off by the main process (see FIG. 20), and the restoration of each value written to the backup area 513a is executed in the main process at the time of turning on the power (see FIG. 20). . Similarly to the CPU 501 of the main controller 261, the power failure signal SK1 is input to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 when the power is interrupted due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. When input to the CPU 511, NMI interrupt processing as power failure processing is immediately executed.

  In the work area, a payout permission flag for which the payout control device 311 is set to allow the payout of prize balls, a command reception flag set when a command transmitted from the main control device 261 is received, and the main control device 261 And a command buffer for storing a command transmitted from.

  The payout permission flag is a flag for setting a prize ball payout permission, and is turned on when a specific command for permitting the payout of the prize ball is transmitted from the main control device 261 and received, and is initially set. It is turned off when it is restored before the process or power shutdown. In the present embodiment, the specific commands are a payout initialization command for instructing the initial processing of the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, a prize ball command for instructing payout of a prize ball, and the main controller 261 having been restored to power. There are three payout return commands to be transmitted in this case.

  The command reception flag is a flag for confirming whether or not the payout control device 311 has received a command, and is turned on when any command is received. Similar to the payout permission flag, an initial setting process or power-off is performed. It is turned off when it is returned to the front, and it is turned off when the received command is determined by command determination processing (see FIG. 22) described later.

  The command buffer is configured by a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands transmitted from the main control device 261. The ring buffer has a predetermined storage area, and commands are stored with regularity from the beginning to the end of the storage area. When commands are stored in all storage areas, the ring buffer is at the start of the storage area. The return command is configured to be updated. Therefore, when the command is stored and when the command is read, the storage pointer and the read pointer in the command buffer are updated, and the command is stored and read based on each pointer.

  An input / output port 515 is connected to the CPU 511 incorporating the ROM 512 and the RAM 513 through a bus line 514 including an address bus and a data bus. A RAM erase switch circuit 543, a main control device 261, a firing control device 312, a payout motor 358a, and the like are connected to the input / output port 515, respectively.

  The launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of the gaming machine by the launch motor 229, and the launch motor 229 is permitted to drive when a predetermined condition is met. Specifically, a firing permission signal is output from the payout control device 311, a sensor signal is detected that the player is touching the handle 18, and a firing stop switch that stops firing is operated. On the condition that it is not done, the launch motor 229 is driven, and the game ball is launched at an intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the handle 18.

  The display control device 45 executes the variable display of the decorative symbols on the decorative symbol display device 42 in accordance with an instruction from the sub-control device 262. The display control device 45 includes a CPU 521, a program ROM 522, a work RAM 523, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, an image controller 526, an input port 527, an output port 529, and bus lines 530 and 531. Yes. An input / output port 554 of the sub control device 262 is connected to the input port 527. In addition, a CPU 521, a program ROM 522, a work RAM 523, and an image controller 526 are connected to the input port 527. Further, an output port 529 is connected to the image controller 526 via a bus line 531, and a decorative symbol display device 42 as a liquid crystal display device is connected to the output port 529.

  The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 controls the display of the decorative symbol display device 42 based on the display command transmitted from the sub control device 262. The program ROM 522 is a memory that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 521 and fixed value data, and the work RAM 523 is a memory that temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 521 executes various programs. It is. This is provided with a counter buffer for storing various counter values to be described later.

  The video RAM 524 is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42, and the display content of the decorative symbol display device 42 is changed by rewriting the contents of the video RAM 524. The character ROM 525 is a memory for storing character data such as symbols displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42. The image controller 526 adjusts the timings of the CPU 521, the video RAM 524, and the output port 529 to intervene in reading and writing data, and also reads display data stored in the video RAM 524 at a predetermined timing to the decorative symbol display device 42. It is what is displayed.

  The power supply device 313 includes a power supply unit 541 that supplies power to each part of the pachinko machine 10, a power failure monitoring circuit 542 that monitors power interruption due to a power failure, and a RAM erase switch circuit 543 connected to the RAM erase switch 323. And has. The power supply unit 541 supplies necessary operation power to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like through a power supply path (not shown). As its outline, the power supply unit 541 takes in AC 24 volt power supplied from the outside, generates + 12V power for driving various switches and motors, + 5V power for logic, backup power for RAM backup, etc. These + 12V power supply, + 5V power supply and backup power supply are supplied to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like. Note that operation power (+12 V power, +5 V power, etc.) is supplied to the launch control device 312 via the payout control device 311.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit that outputs a power failure signal SK1 to each NMI terminal of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541, and determines that a power failure (power failure) has occurred when this voltage is less than 22 volts. The power failure signal SK1 is output to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. Based on the output of the power failure signal SK1, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 recognize the occurrence of the power failure and execute a power failure process (NMI interrupt process in FIG. 15).

  The power supply unit 541 normally outputs an output of 5 volts, which is a drive voltage of the control system, for a time sufficient to execute the process at the time of a power failure even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Configured to maintain the value. Therefore, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 can normally execute and complete the power failure process.

  The RAM erase switch circuit 543 is a circuit that takes in the switch signal of the RAM erase switch 323 and clears backup data in the RAM 503 of the main controller 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout controller 311 in accordance with the state of the switch 323. When the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed, the RAM erase switch circuit 543 outputs a RAM erase signal SK2 to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on with the RAM erase switch 323 pressed (including power-on due to power failure cancellation), the data in the respective RAMs 503 and 513 are cleared in the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. The

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 performs lottery (big hit lottery) using various counter information in the game. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, a jackpot random number counter C1 as a lottery random number counter used for the jackpot lottery, and a mode determination counter C2 used for determining the transition to the high probability mode or the low probability mode when the jackpot is won. The variable selection counter C3 used for determining the variable display time of the special display device 43, the initial value random number counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and the determination of the variable display time of the special display device 43. The variation type counters CS1 and CS2 used for the above and the normal symbol random number counter C4 used for the lottery of the normal symbol display device 41 are used. The change selection counter C3 is also used for reach lottery when the decorative symbol display device 42 is moved and changed. The variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are also used for variation pattern selection of the decorative symbol display device 42. Specifically, the variation time of the special display device 43 is determined by the determined variation pattern, and the variation mode and variation time in the decorative symbol display device 42 are determined.

  Each of the counters C1, C2, C3, CINI, CS1, CS2, and C4 is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value every time it is updated and returns to the lower limit value of 0 after reaching the upper limit value. Each counter is periodically updated, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503. However, when the initial value random number counter CINI is set as an initial value, the value is stored in the buffer. In addition, the RAM 503 is provided with a holding ball storage area as a storage area composed of one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth holding areas). The values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the mode determination counter C2, and the variation selection counter C3 are stored in time series in accordance with the winning history of the game balls to the 1-chance corresponding port 33.

  In detail, each jackpot random number counter C1 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 676, for example, and after reaching an upper limit value (ie, 676) as a closing price, 0 is a lower limit value as a starting price. It is the composition which returns to. Normally (except when the RAM is initialized), when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the initial value random number counter CINI at that time is read as the next initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The initial value random number counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the big hit random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 676), and is updated once for each timer interrupt and is also used for normal processing (steps S117 to S125 of the main processing). Updated repeatedly within the remaining time. On the other hand, the jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is stored in the jackpot random number counter buffer. The value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the jackpot random number counter buffer is stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding port 33. Two types of random jackpot values are set in the low probability mode and the high probability mode. In this embodiment, the number of random jackpot values in the low probability mode is two, and the value is In the high probability mode, the number of random numbers that are jackpots is 10 and the value is “67, 131, 199, 269, 337, 401, 463, 523, 601, 661”. It is. In other words, the high probability mode is a state in which the combination of a predetermined probability variation symbol (probability variation symbol) is a big hit and the subsequent jackpot probability is increased as added value, and the low probability mode (normal time) is It is said that it is not in a probable state. In the following description, a case where a jackpot is achieved by a combination of probability variation symbols is called “probability jackpot”, and a case where a jackpot is achieved by a combination other than a probability variation symbol (normal symbol) is called “normal jackpot”.

  Further, the normal symbol random number counter C4 is configured as a loop counter that is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 250, for example, and reaches the upper limit value (that is, 250) and then returns to the lower limit value of 0. The normal symbol random number counter C4 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 is acquired when the game ball passes through the second trigger corresponding port 34 on either the left or right side. Is done. The number of random number values to be won is 149, and the range is “5 to 153”. Then, when the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 to be won is acquired, after the variable display is performed for a predetermined time on the normal symbol display device 41, the symbol corresponding to the winning (in this example, “◯”) is stopped and displayed. Then, the first opportunity corresponding port 33 is activated for a predetermined time. In the high probability mode, the time until the lottery result is displayed on the normal symbol display device 41 (normal symbol variation display time) is shortened, and the first opportunity corresponding port 33 is activated ( It takes longer time. As a result, the first opportunity corresponding port 33 is frequently opened, and the big hit lottery is continuously performed. In addition to or in place of this, in the high probability mode, the number of values of the normal symbol random number counter C4 corresponding to winning may be set to be larger than that in the low probability mode to increase the winning probability.

  For example, the mode determination counter C2 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 9, for example, and after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 9), the mode determination counter C2 returns to the lower limit value of 0. In the present embodiment, the mode determination counter C2 determines whether or not to shift to the jackpot high probability mode. Specifically, if the counter value is an odd number such as “1, 3, 5, 7, 9”, the transition to the high probability mode is determined, and if the counter value is an even number such as “0, 2, 4, 6, 8”. Transition to the low probability mode is determined. Although the term “transition” is used here, the high probability mode is continued if the counter value is odd when originally in the high probability mode, and the counter value is even when originally in the low probability mode. If so, the low probability mode is continued. The mode determination counter C2 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and the value of the mode determination counter C2 is stored in the mode determination counter buffer. The value of the mode determination counter C2 stored in the mode determination counter buffer is stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding port 33.

  Further, the variation selection counter C3 is configured so that, for example, one by one is added in order within a range of 0 to 238, for example, and after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 238), it returns to 0 that is the lower limit value. In the present embodiment, the variation selection counter C3 determines that the final stop symbol after the occurrence of the reach is shifted by one by one before and after the reach symbol and stops after the occurrence of reach, and the final stop symbol after the occurrence of reach is the reach symbol of the reach symbol. “Reach other than front / rear off” that stops other than front and back and “complete out” that does not occur reach are selected by lottery. For example, C3 = 0, 1 corresponds to front / rear reach, and C3 = 2-21 is front / back It corresponds to reach other than detachment, and C3 = 22 to 238 corresponds to complete detachment. The reach lottery may be individually set according to the state of the lottery probability, the number of starting reserved balls at the start of change, and the like. The fluctuation selection counter C3 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 is stored in the fluctuation selection counter buffer. Then, at the timing when the game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding port 33, the value of the variation selection counter C3 stored in the variation selection counter buffer is stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503.

  In addition, one of the two variation type counters CS1 and CS2 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 198, for example, and reaches the upper limit value (that is, 198), and then reaches the lower limit value. The other variation type counter CS2 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 240, for example, and reaches the upper limit value (that is, 240) and then returns to the lower limit value of 0. It has become. In the following description, CS1 is also referred to as “first variation type counter”, and CS2 is also referred to as “second variation type counter”. This is also shown in FIG. The first variation type counter CS1 determines the reach type (reach pattern) of the decorative symbol such as so-called normal reach, super reach, premium reach, and other rough symbol variation modes, and the second variation type counter CS2 determines the final after the reach occurrence. A more detailed symbol variation mode such as an elapsed time (in other words, the number of variation symbols) until the stop symbol (in this embodiment, the middle symbol) stops is determined. Accordingly, a variety of variation patterns can be easily realized by combining these variation type counters CS1 and CS2. It is also possible to determine the symbol variation mode only by the first variation type counter CS1, or to determine the symbol variation mode similarly by combining the first variation type counter CS1 and the stop symbol.

  In the present embodiment, when “big hit” occurs, one of normal reach, super reach, and premium reach is selected, and when “out-of-front reach” occurs, normal reach and super reach are selected. When either one is selected and “reach other than front / rear out” occurs, normal reach is selected. In the case of “completely off”, none of normal reach, super reach, and premium reach is selected. In particular, with regard to premium reach, the premium reach is only selected when a jackpot condition occurs. In other words, if the premium reach is displayed, the player can recognize that a big hit state will occur at that time.

  The variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated once every time a normal process (steps S117 to S125 of the main process) described later is executed once, and are repeatedly updated even within the remaining time of the normal process. Then, the buffer values of CS1 and CS2 are acquired when determining the variation pattern at the start of variation of the decorative symbol by the decorative symbol display device 42.

  Also, the initial value random number counter CINI is updated once every time a normal process (steps S117 to S125 of the main process) described later is executed once, similarly to the variation type counters CS1 and CS2. It is repeatedly updated even within the remaining time. However, the initial value random number counter CINI is updated once every time a timer interrupt process described later is executed once. Note that the function of a random number initial value update process (step S127), which will be described later, in which the update process of the initial value random number counter CINI is repeatedly performed within the remaining time of the normal process, which is a loop process in which a plurality of processes are periodically executed, The initial value random number counter updating means in the present embodiment is configured. Of course, the functions of the other initial value random number update processing (step S117, step S202) similarly constitute the initial value random number counter updating means. However, the initial value random number update process in steps S117 and S202 may be performed in at least one (step S117 or step S202), and either one may be omitted.

  In addition, the magnitude | size and range of each counter are only examples, and can be changed arbitrarily. However, it is desirable that the big hit random number counter C1, the variation selection counter C3, and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are different prime numbers and are not synchronized in any case.

  Next, each control process executed by the CPU 501 in the main controller 261 will be described with reference to a flowchart. The processing of the CPU 501 is broadly divided into a main process that is started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt process that is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 msec), and a stop signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). For convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt process and the NMI interrupt process will be described first, and then the main process will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process. This process is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 every 2 msec, for example.

  In FIG. 10, first, in step S201, reading processing of various winning switches is executed. That is, the state of various switches (except for the RAM erase switch 323) connected to the main controller 261 is read, and the state of the switch is determined and the detection information (winning detection information) is stored.

  In step S202, random number initial value update processing is executed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, in step S301, the initial value random number counter CINI is incremented by 1, and in step S302, it is determined whether or not the counter value is equal to or less than an upper limit value (676 in the present embodiment). Here, when the counter value is equal to or less than the upper limit value, the present process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the counter value exceeds the upper limit value, the counter value is cleared to 0, which is the lower limit value, in step S303, and this process ends.

  In step S203, random number update processing is executed. The function of this random number update process constitutes the lottery counter update means in the present embodiment.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the jackpot random number counter C1 is incremented by 1 in step S401, and in step S402, it is determined whether or not the counter value is equal to or less than an upper limit value (676 in this embodiment). If the counter value is less than or equal to the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S404 as it is. On the other hand, if the counter value exceeds the upper limit value, the counter value is cleared to 0, which is the lower limit value, in step S403, and the process proceeds to step S404. In step S404, the updated value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is stored in the corresponding buffer area (the jackpot random number counter buffer) of the RAM 503.

  In a succeeding step S405, it is determined whether or not an initial value set in an initial value buffer, which will be described later, matches an update value of the big hit random number counter C1 stored in the big hit random number counter buffer. If the two values do not match, the timing for changing the initial value has not arrived, such as when the big hit random number counter C1 has not yet been updated, and the process proceeds to step S410 without changing the initial value. . On the other hand, if the two values match, it means that the timing for changing the initial value has arrived, such as when the big hit random number counter C1 has been updated once, so the initial value of the big hit random number counter C1 is changed thereafter. In order to do so, processing is performed.

  First, in step S406, it is determined whether or not a value (residue value) stored in a remainder value buffer described later is zero. As can be seen from the RAM 503 initialization flow (steps S114 to S116) in the main process described later, if the value stored in the remainder value buffer is not 0, it is determined based on the ID number of the CPU 501. This means that the initial value (residue value) is stored in the remainder value buffer. Therefore, if it is determined in step S406 that the value stored in the remainder value buffer is not 0, the initial value (first initial value) is set at the time of initialization of the RAM 503, and the first initial value is set. It is considered that the value change timing has arrived. Accordingly, the value stored in the remainder value buffer in step S407 is set as the initial value (second initial value) in the initial value buffer and the jackpot random number counter C1, and in step S408, the value in the remainder value buffer is cleared to 0, The process proceeds to step S410.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S406 that the value stored in the remainder value buffer is 0, the second and subsequent initial value change timings after initialization of the RAM 503 (after the setting of the first initial value) have come. In step S409, the initial value random number counter CINI at this time is set as the initial value in the initial value buffer and the big hit random number counter C1, and the process proceeds to step S410. Accordingly, after the value stored in the remainder value buffer is set as the initial value, the value of the initial value random number counter CINI at the end of the round is set as the next initial value for each round of the big hit random number counter C1, as before. It will be set.

  In step S410, the mode determination counter C2 is incremented by 1. In step S411, it is determined whether or not the counter value is equal to or less than an upper limit value (9 in the present embodiment). If the counter value is equal to or smaller than the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S413 as it is. On the other hand, if the counter value exceeds the upper limit value, the counter value is cleared to 0, which is the lower limit value, in step S412, and the process proceeds to step S413. In step S413, the updated value of the mode determination counter C2 is stored in the corresponding buffer area (mode determination counter buffer) of the RAM 503. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S414.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in step S414, the variation selection counter C3 is incremented by 1, and in step S415, it is determined whether or not the counter value is equal to or less than the upper limit value (238 in this embodiment). If the counter value is equal to or smaller than the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S417 as it is. On the other hand, if the counter value exceeds the upper limit value, the counter value is cleared to 0, which is the lower limit value, in step S416, and the process proceeds to step S417. In step S417, the updated value of the variation selection counter C3 is stored in the corresponding buffer area (variation selection counter buffer) of the RAM 503. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S418.

  In step S418, the normal symbol random number counter C4 is incremented by 1. In step S419, it is determined whether or not the counter value is equal to or less than the upper limit value (250 in this embodiment). If the counter value is equal to or smaller than the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S421 as it is. On the other hand, if the counter value exceeds the upper limit value, the counter value is cleared to 0, which is the lower limit value, in step S420, and the process proceeds to step S421. In step S421, the updated value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 is stored in the corresponding buffer area (normal symbol random number counter buffer) of the RAM 503. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 10, in step S <b> 204, a start winning process associated with winning in the first opportunity corresponding port 33 is executed. The start winning process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14. In step S501, whether or not the game ball has won the first opportunity corresponding port 33 is determined based on the detection information of the first opportunity corresponding port switch 224. If it is determined that the game ball has won the first opportunity corresponding port 33, in the subsequent step S502, it is determined whether or not the number N of starting reserved balls is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). The process proceeds to step S503 on the condition that there is a winning at the first opportunity corresponding port 33 and the number N of starting reserved balls is smaller than 4, and the number N of starting reserved balls is incremented.

  In subsequent step S504, a random number related to the winning is acquired. Specifically, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the mode determination counter C2, and the variation selection counter C3 updated by the random number update process in step S203 are stored in the first area of the free storage areas of the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503. Store. The processing function of step S504 constitutes the lottery value reading means in the present embodiment.

  After the start winning process in step S204, 1 is added to the value of the timer interrupt execution number counter that counts the number of executions of the timer interrupt process in step S205, and this timer interrupt process is temporarily terminated.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt process, and this process is executed by the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. By this NMI interruption, the state of the main controller 261 at the time of power-off is stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503.

  That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal SK1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501 in the main controller 261. Then, the CPU 501 interrupts the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt process. In step S601, the CPU 501 stores the power interruption occurrence information in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 as the setting of the power interruption occurrence information, and performs the NMI interruption process. finish.

  The above NMI interrupt processing is executed in the same manner by the payout control device 311, and information on occurrence of power interruption is stored in the backup area 513 a of the RAM 513 by such NMI interrupt. That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal SK1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 and the CPU 511 interrupts the control being executed. Then, the NMI interrupt process of FIG. 15 is started. The contents are as described above.

  FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing an example of a main process executed by the CPU 501 in the main controller 261. This main process is started upon reset when the power is turned on.

  First, in step S101, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, for example, 1 is set in order to set a predetermined value in the stack pointer and wait for the sub-side control device (sub-control device 262, payout control device 311, etc.) to become operable. Wait processing is performed for about 2 seconds. In the subsequent step S103, RAM access is permitted.

  Thereafter, data backup processing is executed for the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. That is, in step S104, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 323 provided in the power supply device 313 is pressed (ON), and if it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S113 to clear (erase) the backup data. To do. On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed, it is determined in a subsequent step S105 whether power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Here, if it is not set, no backup data is stored. In this case as well, the process proceeds to step S113. If power failure occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a, a RAM determination value is calculated in step S106, and in the subsequent step S107, whether or not the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off. That is, the effectiveness of the backup is determined. If the RAM determination value calculated here does not match the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off, the backed up data is destroyed, and in this case as well, the process proceeds to step S113.

  In the process of step S113, an initialization command is transmitted in order to initialize the sub control device 262, the payout control device 311 and the like that are the sub-side control devices. Thereafter, the process proceeds to a RAM initialization process (step S114, etc.). Note that the RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. Instead of the RAM determination value, it is possible to determine the effectiveness of backup based on whether or not the keyword written in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 is correctly stored.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 10 is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 323 when it is desired to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, for example, when the hall starts business. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 323 is ON, the process proceeds to a RAM initialization process (step S114, etc.). Similarly, when the information on occurrence of power interruption is not set, or when a backup abnormality is confirmed by a RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process proceeds to initialization processing of the RAM 503 (step S114 or the like). That is, in step S114, the used area of the RAM 503 is cleared to 0, and in the subsequent step S115, the initial value of the RAM 503 is set. In step S116, random number initial value acquisition processing is performed. Thereafter, interrupt permission is set in step S112, and the process proceeds to step S117. It should be noted that functions for initializing the RAM 503, such as the RAM erasure switch 323 and the initialization process of the RAM 503 (step S114, etc.) constitute the initialization means in this embodiment.

  In the process of setting the initial value of the RAM 503 in step S115, the initial value (first initial value) stored in advance in the ROM 502 is set in the jackpot random number counter C1 as the first initial value after initialization of the RAM 503. . In the present embodiment, “674”, which is one of the values smaller than the upper limit value (that is, 676) of the jackpot random number counter C1 and larger than the winning value (that is, 673) closest to the upper limit value, is set. . The value closest to the upper limit value means the value closest to the winning value in the low probability mode set after initialization of the RAM 503. The ROM 502 storing the first initial value “674”, which is the first initial value after the initialization of the RAM 503, constitutes a fixed value storage unit in the present embodiment.

  Further, in step S115, 0 is set as the initial value of initialization of the RAM 503 in the initial value buffer that functions as a storage unit that stores the initial value to be set. Thereafter, the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is changed by determining whether or not the initial value set in the initial value buffer matches the updated value of the jackpot random number counter C1 as described above. It is determined whether or not the timing to perform has come.

  The process of setting the initial value of the RAM 503 in step S115 constitutes an initial value setting unit in the present embodiment. Of course, not only the processing of step S115 but also other processing functions for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1 similarly constitute the initial value setting means.

  Next, the random number initial value acquisition process in step S116 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In the ROM 502 of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261, a chip-specific ID number (identification number) given at the time of manufacturing the CPU chip is stored as an 8-byte numerical value. In step S701, first, data for the lower 2 bytes of the ID number is acquired. That is, here, any value of 65536 (0 to 65535), which is 2 bytes, can be acquired. Note that the ROM 502 that stores the ID number of the CPU 501 that is a unique value (identification number) unique to the gaming machine corresponds to the identification number storage means in the present embodiment. Further, the ID number is a number assigned to each gaming machine (each chip) as a number for managing gaming machines (chips) in advance by the manufacturer in order to prevent an illegal act of replacing the CPU chip 501. In particular, a serial number is assigned to each manufacturer and each machine type and model. In the present embodiment, this ID number is used instead of the newly set number for initial value acquisition.

  In the subsequent step S702, the value of the lower 2 bytes of the ID number acquired in step S701 is divided by the upper limit value +1 of the big hit random number counter C1 (that is, the number of counter values: 677 in this embodiment), and the remainder value is divided. get. For example, when the value of the lower 2 bytes of the acquired ID number is “34759”, the remainder value “232” is acquired by dividing by “677”. The processing function of step S702 that converts the ID number into a value within the update range of the initial value random number counter CINI constitutes an initial value acquisition means in the present embodiment.

  In step S703, the acquired remainder value is set in the corresponding buffer area (residue value buffer) of the RAM 503, and this process ends. The value set in the remainder value buffer is the initial value unique to the gaming machine (second initial value) that is set when the initial value is first changed after initialization of the RAM 503 (after setting the first initial value). Value). Further, the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the initial value is acquired from the data corresponding to 2 bytes of the ID number as in the present embodiment, and the initial value may be acquired from the data corresponding to 1 byte or 3 bytes.

  Further, if the RAM erase switch 323 is not pressed (step S104: NO), it is a condition that the information on occurrence of power interruption is set and the RAM judgment value (checksum value etc.) is normal. In addition, the process at the time of power recovery (process at the time of power failure recovery) is executed. That is, in step S108, the stack pointer before the power interruption is restored, and in step S109, the information on the occurrence of the power interruption is cleared. In step S110, a command for returning the control device on the sub side to the gaming state at the time of power-off is transmitted, and in step S111, the used register is returned from the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Thereafter, interrupt permission is set in step S112, and the process proceeds to step S117.

  Now, as shown in FIG. 9, the main normal process in the game is executed after step S117. As an outline, the processing of steps S117 to S125 is executed as a periodic processing with a period of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S127 and S128 is executed with the remaining time.

  First, in step S117, a random number initial value update process (see FIG. 11) similar to that in step S202 is executed.

  In step S118, output data such as a command updated in the previous process is transmitted to each control device on the sub side. For example, a variation pattern command, a symbol command, and the like are transmitted to the sub-control device 262 when the decorative symbol display device 42 displays the variation of the decorative symbol. Also, the presence / absence of winning detection information is determined, and if there is winning detection information, a winning ball payout command corresponding to the number of acquired game balls to be transmitted to the payout control device 311 is set in the command transmission buffer. If a command related to voice or lamp control is set, the command is set in the command transmission buffer. In this embodiment, various commands set in the command transmission buffer are output to the sub-side control device for a predetermined byte (in this embodiment, three commands having two bytes, that is, six bytes). Control signals relating to the control of the special display device 43 and the normal symbol display device 41 are also output here.

  In subsequent step S119, update of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 is executed. More specifically, like the other counters, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the upper limit values (198 and 240 in this embodiment). To do. Then, the update values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

  In the subsequent step S120, the prize ball counting signal received from the payout control device 311 is read. Next, in step S121, the payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 311 is read. Thereafter, in step S122, variation processing is executed. By this variation processing, the special display device 43 is controlled, and jackpot determination and setting of a variation pattern of the decorative symbol in the decorative symbol display device 42 are performed. However, details of the variation process will be described later.

  Thereafter, in step S123, it is determined whether or not the read value of the jackpot random number counter C1 matches one of the winning values, that is, whether or not the jackpot state (special game state) is entered. Executes a special prize opening / closing process for opening or closing the special prize opening of the variable prize winning device 32. When the big win state is derived, the big winning opening is opened for each round of the big hit state, and whether the maximum opening time of the big winning gate has passed or whether the specified number of game balls have won the big winning opening judge. When either of these conditions is satisfied, the special winning opening is closed. The processing function in step S123 constitutes a winning determination unit and a special gaming state deriving unit in the present embodiment.

  Further, in step S124, normal symbol display control by the normal symbol display device 41 is executed. Briefly, on the condition that the game ball has passed through the second opportunity corresponding port 34, each time the normal symbol random number counter C4 is acquired, and when the acquired C4 value is a value corresponding to winning The normal symbol is stopped and displayed as the winning symbol on the normal symbol display device 41, and then the first opportunity corresponding port 33 is opened for a predetermined time. Although the explanation is omitted, the normal symbol random number counter C4 is also updated by the timer interruption process shown in FIG. 10, similarly to the big hit random number counter C1, the mode determination counter C2, and the variation selection counter C3. .

  Thereafter, in step S125, it is determined whether or not the information on occurrence of power interruption is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. If the occurrence information of power interruption is not set in the backup area 503a, whether or not the number of execution times of the timer interrupt processing has reached 2 in consideration of the value of the timer interruption execution number counter in step S126, That is, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed. If the number of executions of the timer interrupt process has reached 2, the value of the timer interrupt execution number counter is cleared to 0 in step S135, then the process proceeds to step S117, and the processes after step S117 are repeatedly executed. .

  On the other hand, if the number of executions of the timer interrupt process has not reached 2, the initial value random number counter CINI and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the next loop execution timing. (Step S127, Step S128). That is, in step S127, a random number initial value update process (see FIG. 11) similar to that in step S202 is executed. In step S128, update processing of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 similar to that in step S119 is executed.

  Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S117 to S125 changes according to the gaming state, the remaining time until the next loop execution timing is not constant and varies. Therefore, it is possible to update the initial value random number counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the big hit random number counter C1) at random by repeatedly executing the update of the initial value random number counter CINI using the remaining time. Similarly, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 can be updated at random.

  In step S125, if the information on occurrence of power interruption is set, the power is turned off. Therefore, the process after step S129 is performed as a power failure process at the time of power interruption. In the power failure process, first, the generation of each interrupt process is prohibited in step S129. In step S130, the contents of each register used by the CPU 501 are saved in the stack area. In step S131, the value of the stack pointer is stored in the backup area 503a. To remember. Thereafter, in step S132, a power-off notification command indicating that the power has been cut off is transmitted to another control device (such as the payout control device 311). In step S133, a RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the backup area 503a. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. Thereafter, the RAM access is prohibited in step S134, and the infinite loop is continued until the power is completely shut down and the processing cannot be executed.

  The process of step S125 is performed at the end of a series of processes corresponding to the game state change performed at steps S117 to S124, or at the end of one cycle of the processes of steps S127 and S128 performed within the remaining time. It is executed at the timing. Therefore, since the information on the occurrence of power interruption is confirmed at the end of each process, the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 is reduced as compared with the case where each process is in progress, and can be easily stored. . Further, when returning to the state before power-off, since the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a is small, it can be easily restored and the processing load of the main control device 261 can be reduced. . Furthermore, since the generation of interrupt processing is prohibited before the data is stored (step S129), it is possible to prevent the data from being changed when the power is shut off and to reliably store the state before the power is shut off. .

  Next, the variation process of step S122 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 17, in step S801, it is determined whether or not a big hit is currently being made. The jackpot includes a jackpot state (special game state) and a predetermined time after the jackpot state ends. In a succeeding step S802, it is determined whether or not the special display device 43 is performing color change display (variable display). If it is not a big hit and is not being displayed in a variable manner, the process proceeds to step S803, where it is determined whether or not the number N of starting reserved balls is greater than zero. At this time, if it is a big hit or the number N of starting reserved balls is 0, this processing is terminated as it is.

  Further, if neither the big hit or the variable display is being displayed and if the number of starting reserved balls N> 0, the process proceeds to step S804. In step S804, 1 is subtracted from the number N of starting reserved balls. In step S805, a process for shifting the data stored in the reserved ball storage area is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the reserved first to fourth areas of the reserved ball storage area to the execution area side. The reserved first area → the execution area, the reserved second area → The data in each area is shifted such as the first hold area, the third hold area → the second hold area, the fourth hold area → the third hold area.

  Thereafter, in step S806, a change start process is executed. Here, the details of the variation start process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S901, it is determined whether or not a big hit is made based on the value of the big hit random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area. Specifically, whether or not the jackpot is determined is determined based on the relationship between the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the mode at that time, and as described above, in the low probability mode, “337” of the numbers 0 to 676 of the jackpot random number counter C1. , 673 ”is the winning value, and in the high probability mode,“ 67, 131, 199, 269, 337, 401, 463, 523, 601, 661 ”is the winning value. If it is determined that the game is a big hit (step S901: YES), the process proceeds to step S902. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not a big hit (step S901: NO), that is, when it is out of place, the process proceeds to step S907.

  In step S902, it is determined whether or not the probability variation jackpot. In this embodiment, when it is a big hit, it is configured to shift to the high probability mode or the low probability mode with a probability of 1/2 respectively. Specifically, whether or not to shift to the high probability mode is determined based on the value of the mode determination counter C2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area. If the value of the stored mode determination counter C2 is an odd number “1, 3, 5, 7, 9” among the numerical values 0 to 9, the transition to the high probability mode is determined (probability large hit), and the even number “ If it is 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 ", the transition to the low probability mode is determined (usually jackpot). Here, when it is determined that the probability variation jackpot (step S902: YES), the jackpot variation pattern is determined in step S903, and the probability variation symbol (“A1” in the present embodiment) is set to the symbol command in step S904. Then, this variation start process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not a probable big hit (step S902: NO), that is, if it is a normal big hit, a big hit variation pattern is determined in step S905, and a normal symbol (in the present embodiment, “A2”) is determined. ") Is set in the symbol command, and this variation start process is terminated.

  In step S903 and step S905, the variation pattern at the time of the big hit is determined, and the variation pattern is set in the variation pattern command. At this time, the values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503 are checked, and the symbol variation mode of the decorative symbol is determined based on the values of the first and second variation type counters CS1 and CS2. . The relationship between the numerical value of the first variation type counter CS1 and the reach pattern (variation type) and the relationship between the numerical value of the second variation type counter CS2 and the stop symbol time are defined in advance by a table or the like.

The symbol commands in step S904 and step S906 indicate the jackpot symbol in a predetermined section, and the sub controller 262 determines the stop symbol as will be described later. Specifically, when “A1” indicating the combination of probability variation symbols is set in the symbol command (step S904), the symbol combination of any one of the first, third, fifth, seventh, and ninth symbols is sub-selected. The control device 262 determines the stop symbol. On the other hand, when “A2” indicating the combination of normal symbols is set in the symbol command (step S906), any combination of symbols 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 is changed to the sub-control device 262. Is determined as a stop symbol. After the symbol command is set in step S904 and step S906, the process proceeds to step S915. In step S907, where a negative determination is made in step S901, it is determined whether or not a reach is reached. This determination is made based on the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area. As described above, in the present embodiment, the fluctuation selection counter C3 causes the final stop symbol after the occurrence of reach to stop by shifting by one by one before and after the reach symbol, and the final stop after the occurrence of reach. “Reach other than front / rear detachment” where the symbol stops other than before and after the reach symbol and “completely disengagement” where reach does not occur are selected by lottery. For example, C3 = 0, 1 corresponds to front / rear outreach and C3 = 2 to 21 correspond to reach other than front / rear disengagement, and C3 = 22 to 238 corresponds to complete disengagement. Here, when it is determined that it is reach (step S907: YES), the process proceeds to step S908. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not reach (step S907: NO), that is, when it is “completely out”, a dislocation variation pattern is determined in step S913, and a combination of complete out symbols is shown in step S914. “A5” is set as the symbol command, and the process proceeds to step S915.

  In step S908, it is determined whether or not the front / rear reach is reached. If it is determined that the front / rear reach is out of step (step S908: YES), a deviation variation pattern is determined in step S909, and “A3” indicating the combination of front / rear out of symbol is set in the symbol command in step S910. Then, the process proceeds to step S915. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not front / rear detachment (step S908: NO), that is, if it is reach other than front / rear detachment, a deviation variation pattern is determined in step S911, and a set of symbols other than front / rear detachment is determined in step S912. “A4” indicating the alignment is set in the symbol command, and the process proceeds to step S915.

  When the outlier variation pattern is determined in steps S909, S911, and S913, the variation pattern is determined based on the values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503. And so on.

  Also, the symbol command in step S910, step S912, and step S914 indicates a predetermined division of the combination of symbols that are out of the same manner as in step S904 and the like. Specifically, when “A3” indicating the combination of front and rear symbols is set in the symbol command (step S910), the sub-control device 262 that has received the symbol command stores it in the front and rear error symbol buffer of the RAM 553. The combination of symbols corresponding to the front / rear out of reach is determined as the stop symbol. When “A4” indicating a combination of symbols other than front / rear detachment is set in the symbol command (step S912), a combination of symbols corresponding to reach other than front / rear detachment stored in the reach symbol buffer other than front / rear detachment of RAM 553 is selected. The sub-control device 262 determines the stop symbol. When the symbol command “A5” indicating the complete out symbol combination is set in the symbol command (step S914), the sub control unit 262 converts the symbol combination corresponding to the complete out symbol stored in the complete out symbol buffer of the RAM 553. Is determined as a stop symbol.

  In step S915, color change display (variation display) on the special display device 43 is started. The special display device 43 is a three-color LED as described above. If the lit color is red, the special display device 43 changes color to green, blue if it is green, and red if it is blue, and ends this processing.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 17, if step S802 is YES, that is, if the fluctuation display is being performed, the process proceeds to step S807 to determine whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed. In step S808, which is shifted when an affirmative determination is made in step S807, determination display by the special display device 43 is performed. In other words, when it is a probable big hit with the transition to the high probability mode, red is determined and displayed (for example, it is lit only for a few seconds), and when it is a normal jackpot with the transition to the low probability mode, the green is determined and displayed ( For example, it is lit only for a few seconds), and when it is off, blue is determined and displayed (lights only for a few seconds). Again, such a determination display by the special display device 43 is the main display, and the display of the decorative symbols by the decorative symbol display device 42 is only auxiliary. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step S809, which is shifted when a negative determination is made in step S807, color change display (variable display) of the LED of the special display device 43 is performed. Specifically, if the current lighting color is red, the color is changed to green, blue if it is green, and red if it is blue. Thereby, the color change display (variation display) of the LED of the special display device 43 is realized at the timing of the variation processing, that is, every 4 ms.

  Next, payout control executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 will be described. For convenience of explanation, the reception interrupt process will be described first with reference to FIG. 19, and then the main process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process executed by the payout control apparatus 311. The reception interrupt process is a process executed by interruption when the payout control device 311 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 261. When the payout control device 311 confirms that the command transmitted from the main control device 261 has been received, the other processing executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 is temporarily waited, and the reception interrupt process is executed. When the reception interrupt process is executed, the command transmitted from the main control device 261 in step S3001 is first stored in the command buffer of the RAM 513, and the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is stored in step S3002. Turns on the command reception flag and ends this reception interrupt processing. As described above, when a command is stored in the command buffer, the storage pointer is referred to and stored in a predetermined storage area, and the storage pointer is stored in order to store the next received command in the next storage area. Is updated.

  In the present embodiment, the reception process of the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is performed by the interrupt process executed when the command is received. For example, as illustrated in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, before the command determination process (step S3201) is performed, it is confirmed whether or not a command is received. If a command is received, the command is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 513. The command reception flag may be turned on, and if no command is received, the process may proceed to command determination processing. In such a case, it is confirmed whether or not a command has been received by confirming a port corresponding to the command input of the input / output port at predetermined intervals.

  Next, main processing of the payout control device 311 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the main process of the payout control apparatus 311. This main process is started upon reset when the power is turned on.

  First, in step S3101, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, a predetermined value set in advance is set in the stack pointer, and an interrupt mode is set. In step S3103, the RAM access is permitted, and in step S3104, an external interrupt vector is set.

  Thereafter, in step S3106, it is determined whether or not occurrence information of power interruption is set in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. If the information on occurrence of power interruption is set in the backup area 513a, a RAM determination value is calculated in step S3107, and in step S3108, whether the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off. No, that is, the validity of the backup is determined. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at a work area address in the RAM 513. Note that it is possible to determine the effectiveness of backup based on whether or not the keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 513 are correctly stored.

  If no power-off occurrence information is set in step S3106, or if a backup abnormality is confirmed by a RAM determination value (checksum value or the like) in step S3108, the process proceeds to initialization processing of the RAM 513 after step S3115. Transition.

  In step S3115, the entire area of the RAM 513 is cleared to 0, and in step S3116, the initial value of the RAM 513 is set. Thereafter, in step S3117, the CPU peripheral device is initialized, and the process proceeds to step S3114 to permit interruption.

  On the other hand, on the condition that the power failure occurrence information is set in step S3106 and the RAM judgment value (checksum value etc.) is normal in step S3108, the process at the time of power recovery (at the time of power failure recovery) Process). That is, in step S3109, the stack pointer before power-off is restored, power-off occurrence information is cleared in step S3110, and a payout permission flag that permits payout of prize balls is cleared in step S3111. In step S3112, the CPU peripheral device is initialized. In step S3113, the used register is restored from the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. In step S3114, an interrupt is permitted.

  After the interruption is permitted in step S3114, it is determined in the process of step S3122 whether power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 513a. Here, if the information on occurrence of power supply interruption is set, the power supply is cut off. Therefore, the processing after step S3123 is performed as a power failure process at the time of power supply interruption. In the power failure process, first, the generation of each interrupt process is prohibited in step S3123, and a command determination process described later is executed in the next step S3124. Thereafter, the contents of each register used by the CPU 511 are saved in the stack area in step S3125, the stack pointer value is stored in the backup area 513a in step S3126, and the RAM determination value is calculated in step S3127 to calculate the backup area 513a. In step S3128, RAM access is prohibited, and the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed. Here, the RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value in the stack area and work area to be backed up in the RAM 513.

  Note that since the process of step S3122 confirms the occurrence information of the power-off after the process performed at the time of turning on the power, the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513 is smaller than that in the middle of each process. Less and can be easily memorized. Further, when returning to the state before power-off, since the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a is small, it can be easily restored and the processing load of the payout control device 311 can be reduced. .

  Next, timer interrupt processing of the payout control device 311 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This timer interrupt process is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 msec).

  In the timer interrupt process, first, a command from the main control device 261 is acquired, and a determination process for the command is performed (step S3201). This command determination process will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing command determination processing performed by the payout control device 311. In the command determination process (steps S3124 and S3201), first, it is determined whether or not the command reception flag is turned on in step S3301. The command reception flag is turned on when a command transmitted from the main controller 261 is received in the above-described reception interrupt process (see FIG. 19).

  If it is determined in step S3301 that the command reception flag is OFF, a new command has not been received from the main control device 261, and thus this process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3301 that the command reception flag is on, the received command is read from the RAM 513 in step S3302, and the command reception flag is turned off in step S3303. By turning off the command reception flag in step S3303, the processing in steps S3302 to S3311 can be skipped until a new command is received, so that the control of the payout control device 311 can be reduced.

  The type of command read from the RAM 513 is determined in the processing of step S3304 to step S3306. In step S3304, it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a payout initialization command. In step S3305, it is determined whether or not it is a payout return command. In step S3306, it is determined whether the command is a prize ball command. It is determined whether or not.

  If the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is a payout initialization command, it is determined in step S3307 whether or not the payout permission flag has already been turned on. If the payout permission flag has been turned off, the main power is turned on. Since the initialization of the RAM 513 is instructed from the control device 261, the work area (area) other than the stack area of the RAM 513 is cleared to 0 in step S3308, and the initial value of the RAM 513 is set in step S3309. Thereafter, in step S3311, the payout permission flag is turned on, and the payout permission for the winning ball is set.

  As described above, the main controller 261 performs initialization processing of the RAM 503 after transmitting the payout initialization command, and the payout control device 311 initializes processing of the RAM 513 after receiving the payout initialization command. Therefore, the timing at which the RAM 503 is initialized and the timing at which the RAM 513 is initialized are substantially at the same time. Therefore, even if the payout control device 311 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 261 due to a shift in the initialization timing, the RAM 513 is initialized, and control corresponding to the received command cannot be performed. The occurrence of adverse effects can be prevented. In addition, since the payout permission flag is turned on after the RAM 513 is initialized, it is possible to reliably set the payout allowance for prize balls.

  On the other hand, if the payout permission flag has already been turned on in step S3307, the command determination process is terminated without clearing the work area of the RAM 513 and the initialization process of the RAM 513. That is, the processing in step S3307 prohibits initialization of the RAM 513 with the payout permission flag set. The payout initialization command is a command that is transmitted only when the RAM erase switch 323 is turned on when the power is turned on. Therefore, the payout initialization command is not received in a state where the payout permission flag is turned on. It is conceivable that the payout control device 311 has recognized the payout initialization command due to the influence of noise or the like. Therefore, if the work area of the RAM 513 is cleared (step S3308) and the initial value setting of the RAM 513 (step S3309) is executed in a state where the payout permission flag is turned on, the payout is not made when a prize ball remains. Although an adverse effect occurs and causes a loss to the player, since the RAM 513 is prevented from being initialized while the payout permission flag is turned on, it is possible to prevent the player from being lost.

  Further, if the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a payout return command (step S3304: NO, step S3305: YES), the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 return to the state before the power cut-off. In order to permit the payout of the prize ball, the payout permission flag is turned on in step S3311. That is, when there is information on occurrence of power interruption and the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 return to the state before the power interruption, the payout of the prize ball is permitted. When the payout permission flag is turned on in the process of step S3311, the process based on the command stored in the predetermined storage area of the command buffer is completed, so the read pointer is changed to the read pointer corresponding to the next storage area. Updated.

  Further, if the command transmitted from main controller 261 is a prize ball command (step S3305: NO, step S3306: YES), the received prize ball number is added to the total prize ball number and stored in step S3310. In order to permit the payout of prize balls, the payout permission flag is turned on in step S3311. At this time, the payout control device 311 sequentially reads out the prize ball commands stored in the command buffer (ring buffer), and adds the number of prize balls corresponding to the command to the total number of prize balls stored in a predetermined buffer area. And remember. Since a prize ball corresponding to the number of prize balls is paid out based on the prize ball command transmitted from the main controller 261, the prize ball command is a payout instruction command for instructing the prize ball to be paid out. . In addition, when a winning ball command is received, the payout permission is immediately set, so that the winning ball can be paid out early for winning. When the payout permission flag is turned on in the process of step S3311, the process based on the command stored in the predetermined storage area of the command buffer is completed, so the read pointer is changed to the read pointer corresponding to the next storage area. Updated.

  Note that the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is not a payout initialization command (step S3304: NO), is not a payout return command (step S3305: NO), and is not a prize ball command (step S3306: NO), The command determination process is terminated without turning on the payout permission flag.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. When the command determination process ends, it is determined in step S3202 whether or not the payout permission flag is turned on in the command determination process. Here, if the payout permission flag is not turned on, this processing is ended as it is. That is, it is possible to prevent award balls from being paid out before a command is transmitted from the main control device 261.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S3202, the launch permission is set for the launch control device 312 in step S3203, and the state return switch 321 is checked in step S3204, and the state return operation is determined to be started. Perform a return operation. By this process, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, for example, a ball jam of the payout motor, the payout motor is rotated forward and reverse to eliminate the ball jam (return to the normal state). .

  Thereafter, in step S3205, setting of the lower plate full state or the lower plate full state is performed according to the change in the state of the lower plate 15. That is, when the lower pan 15 is detected based on the detection signal of the lower pan full switch, when the lower pan is full, the lower pan full state is set, and when the lower pan full is not reached , Set the lower pan full release state. In step S3206, setting of a tank ball absence state (out of ball state) or a tank ball absence release state (ball state) is executed in accordance with a change in the state of the tank ball. In other words, the tank ball no switch state is determined based on the detection signal of the tank ball no switch, and the special setting for the absence of the tank ball and the setting for the no tank ball state are executed. Perform configuration.

  Thereafter, in step S3207, for example, the presence / absence of a state to be notified, such as an error state, is determined. If there is a state to be notified, a notification is made.

  Subsequently, a payout control process for prize balls and rental balls is executed. Specifically, a payout number setting process is performed in step S3208, a motor control state acquisition process is performed in step S3209, and a motor drive process is performed in step S3210.

  In step S3211, the state return switch 321 is checked to execute the ball removal process by driving the payout motor 358a on the condition that the ball removal disabled state is not set and the ball removal operation is not started. In a succeeding step S3212, the control of the vibrator 360 (vibration motor control) is executed on condition that the ball is clogged. Thereafter, the process returns to the beginning of the timer interrupt process.

  Next, processing of the sub control device 262 will be described. The sub-control device 262 that has input the variation pattern command, the symbol command, etc. determines the display mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 based on the various commands, and the display mode is transferred to the display control device 45 in the decorative symbol display device 42. It is supposed to be displayed. More specifically, the decorative symbols are displayed for a predetermined time based on the variation pattern command. Then, a stop symbol is determined based on the symbol command.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 uses various counter information when displaying decorative symbols. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 23, the jackpot decorative symbol counter C5 and the upper, middle, and lower outlier counters CL, CM, used for setting the outlier symbols in the upper row, middle row, and lower row, CR is used. The off symbol counters CL, CM, CR are configured such that register values are added using an R register (refresh register) in the CPU 551, and as a result, the numerical values change randomly.

  The jackpot decorative symbol counter C5 determines the symbol when the variation of the decorative symbol display device 42 stops when the jackpot is hit (the jackpot symbol). In the present embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 42 determines the decorative symbol. There are five patterns (probability variation symbols) and five normal symbols (designs other than probability variation symbols). Therefore, five (0 to 4) counter values are prepared as the jackpot decorative symbol counter C5. That is, the jackpot decoration symbol counter C5 is incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 4, and reaches 0 to the upper limit value (that is, 4). When the symbol command transmitted from the main control device 261 is “A1” indicating a combination of probability variation symbols, for example, based on a table (a table that associates counter values with decorative symbols), the counter value is If it is 0, it is “1”. ) If it is 4, the combination of probability variation symbols is determined in such a manner as “9” (the flat eye). When the symbol command is “A2” indicating a combination of normal symbols, for example, if the counter value is 0, “0” (based on a table (not shown) that associates the counter value with the decorative symbol) ( 1) “2” (for the doublet), 2 for “4” (for the doublet), 3 for “6” (for the doublet), 4 for “8” ”(The doublet) and the normal symbol combination is determined. The jackpot decorative symbol counter C5 is periodically updated, and is read from the counter buffer of the RAM 553 at the timing when the sub-control device 262 receives the symbol command. In this embodiment, the jackpot decorative symbol counter C5 is stored in the jackpot decorative symbol counter buffer of the RAM 553, but is not stored in the buffer, and the counter value is referred to at the timing of receiving the symbol command. It may be.

  The upper, middle and lower off symbol counters CL, CM, CR determine the stop symbol (combination of the off symbol) of the upper row ornament symbol, middle row ornament symbol, and lower row ornament symbol when the big hit lottery is missed. Since each of 10 decorative symbols is displayed in each column, 10 (0 to 9) counter values are prepared for each column. The stop symbol of the upper symbol row is determined by the off symbol counter CL, the stop symbol of the middle symbol row is determined by the off symbol counter CM, and the stop symbol of the lower symbol row is determined by the off symbol counter CR.

  In the present embodiment, the values of the counters CL, CM, and CR are randomly updated by using the value of the R register built in the CPU 551. That is, when each outlier symbol counter CL, CM, CR is updated, the value of the lower 3 bits of the R register is added to the previous value, and when the addition result exceeds the upper limit value, 10 is subtracted to determine the current value. The Each outlier symbol counter CL, CM, CR is updated so that the update times do not overlap, and the combination of these outlier symbol counters CL, CM, CR is the front / rear outreach symbol buffer of RAM 553, the reach symbol buffer other than front / rear out, and It is stored in one of the completely off symbol buffers.

  Here, the update process of each off symbol counter CL, CM, CR will be described in detail. This process is executed by the sub-control device 262 every predetermined time such as 4 msec.

  As shown in FIG. 24, in step S4001, it is determined whether or not it is time to update the out symbol counter CL of the upper symbol row, and in step S4002, it is determined whether or not it is time to update the out symbol counter CM in the middle symbol row. . It should be noted that each outlier symbol counter CL, CM, CR of the upper symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the lower symbol row is configured to be updated one by one in one update process. Therefore, if the out symbol counter CR in the lower symbol row has been updated in the previous update process, an affirmative determination is made in step S4001. If the out symbol counter CL in the upper symbol row has been updated in the previous update process, an affirmative determination is made in step S4002. If the upper symbol sequence is updated (YES in step S4001), the process advances to step S4003 to update the out symbol symbol CL of the upper symbol sequence. If the middle symbol row update time (step S4002 is YES), the process proceeds to step S4004, and the middle symbol row outlier symbol counter CM is updated. Further, if the lower symbol sequence is updated (NO in steps S4001 and S4002), the process proceeds to step S4005, and the out symbol counter CR of the lower symbol sequence is updated. In updating the outlier symbol counters CL, CM, and CR in steps S4003 to S4005, the lower 3 bits of the R register are added to the previous counter value, and 10 is subtracted when the addition result exceeds the upper limit value. The calculation result is set as the current value of the off symbol counters CL, CM, CR.

  According to the above-described CL, CM, and CR update processing, the off symbol counters CL, CM, and CR of the upper symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the lower symbol row are updated one by one in a single update process. The update times of the values do not overlap. As a result, every time the update process is executed three times, the set symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are updated for one set.

  Thereafter, in step S4006, it is determined whether or not the combination of the updated out symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is a reach symbol combination, and if it is a reach symbol combination (YES in S4006), Further, in step S4007, it is determined whether or not it is a front-rear reach. If the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR are a combination of front / rear out of reach (front / rear out symbol) (YES in S4007), the process proceeds to step S4008, and the combination of the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR at that time is stored in the RAM 553. Is stored in the front / rear reach reach symbol buffer. If the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR are a combination of reach other than front / rear disengagement (design other than front / back disengagement) (NO in S4007), the process proceeds to step S4009, and the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR at that time The combination is stored in the reach symbol buffer other than the front and rear deviation of the RAM 553.

  If the combination is other than the reach symbol (NO in S4006), the process proceeds to step S4010 to determine whether or not the combination of the symbol symbols CL, CM, and CR is out of the combination, and the symbol is separated. If it is a combination of symbols (completely deviated symbols) (YES in S4010), the process proceeds to step S4011, and the combination of deviated symbol counters CL, CM, CR at that time is stored in the completely deviated symbol buffer of the RAM 553. If NO in both steps S4006 and S4010, the symbols are aligned at the top, middle, and bottom, that is, it corresponds to a combination of jackpot symbols. In this case, the off symbol counters CL, CM, CR are used as buffers. This process is terminated without storing.

  As described above, based on the symbol command transmitted from the main control device 261, the sub-control device 262 determines a stop symbol to be displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42.

  Specifically, when the symbol command transmitted from the main control device 261 is “A1” indicating a combination of probability variation symbols, the jackpot decorative symbol counter C5 stored in the jackpot decorative symbol counter buffer is stored. Read the value. Further, by referring to a table (not shown) (a table for associating counter values and decorative symbols) based on the counter C5 value, as described above, if the value stored in the jackpot decorative symbol counter buffer is zero, “1” (the flat eye), “1” is “3”, 2 is “5”, 3 is “7”, 4 is “9”, and so on. decide. When the symbol command is “A2” indicating the combination of the normal symbols, the value of the jackpot decorative symbol counter C5 stored in the jackpot decorative symbol counter buffer is read. Further, by referring to a table (not shown) (a table for associating counter values and decorative symbols) based on the counter C5 value, as described above, if the value stored in the jackpot decorative symbol counter buffer is zero, “0” (the doublet), 1 is “2”, 2 is “4”, 3 is “6”, 4 is “8”, etc. decide. In addition, when the symbol command transmitted from the main control device 261 is “A3” indicating the combination of the front / rear out of symbol, the combination of symbols corresponding to the front / rear out of reach reach buffer stored in the RAM 553. Is determined as a stop symbol. Further, when the symbol command is “A4” indicating a combination of symbols other than front / rear detachment, the combination of symbols corresponding to the reach other than front / rear detachment stored in the RAM 553 is determined as a stop symbol. To do. Further, when the symbol command is “A5” indicating the combination of completely out of symbols, the combination of symbols corresponding to the complete out of symbol stored in the complete out of symbol buffer of the RAM 553 is determined as a stop symbol.

  Next, normal processing of the sub-control device 262 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This normal process is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 msec).

  In step S4101, it is determined whether a command transmitted from main controller 261 is received. In this case, by confirming the port corresponding to the command input of the input / output port 554, it is confirmed whether or not the command is received. If a command has been received, the command is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 553 in step S4102. On the other hand, if no command has been received, the process proceeds to step S4105.

  Note that the command buffer of the RAM 553 is a ring buffer that temporarily stores a command transmitted from the main control device 261. The ring buffer has a predetermined storage area, and commands are stored with regularity from the beginning to the end of the storage area. When commands are stored in all storage areas, the ring buffer is at the start of the storage area. The return command is configured to be updated. Therefore, when the command is stored and when the command is read, the storage pointer and the read pointer in the command buffer are updated, and the command is stored and read based on each pointer.

  In a succeeding step S4103, it is determined whether or not the command stored in the command buffer is a variation pattern command. If the stored command is a variation pattern command, in step S4104, a value corresponding to the variation time of the variation pattern command is set in the variation time timer, and the process proceeds to step S4105. The variation time timer is a timer for measuring the variation time. On the other hand, if the stored command is not a variation pattern command, the process proceeds to step S4105.

  A setting process is performed in step S4105, a control execution process for performing various controls (for example, a command output process) is performed in step S4106 based on the setting contents, and this process is terminated.

  In the setting process in step S4105, for example, various arithmetic processes such as generating a display command to be output to the display control device 45 and command output setting are performed based on information stored in the command buffer of the RAM 553. The display command is, for example, a command for designating a series of display effects from the start to the end of variable display, or a command for designating a display effect during a jackpot, based on information stored in the command buffer. Necessary display commands are generated each time.

  Here, the stop symbol is also determined based on the symbol command. As described above, when “A1” is set in the symbol command, any combination of symbols 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 is determined as a stop symbol. On the other hand, when “A2” is set in the symbol command, a combination of symbols 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 is determined as a stop symbol. When “A3” is set in the symbol command, the combination of symbols stored in the front / rear reach reach symbol buffer (see FIG. 23) of the RAM 553 is determined as a stop symbol. When “A4” is set in the symbol command, the combination of symbols stored in the reach symbol buffer other than front / rear deviation is determined as a stop symbol. When “A5” is set in the symbol command, the combination of symbols stored in the completely off symbol buffer is determined as a stop symbol.

  Then, a display command to be output to the display control device 45 is generated based on these pieces of information. Usually, the display commands related to the variable display generated by the sub-control device 262 are roughly divided into a normal variable data group, a reach effect data group, and the like. Basically, each data constituting these data groups is the variable time timer. Are sequentially output in accordance with a predetermined time order, thereby providing display effects according to various variation patterns. For example, the normal fluctuation data group includes normal fluctuation data 1, normal fluctuation data 2,..., And normal fluctuation data m, and the reach effect data group includes reach effect data 1, reach effect data 2,. In the case of n, data output is sequentially performed in the order of normal fluctuation data 1 → 2 →... → m with the start of normal fluctuation, and subsequently reach effect data 1 → 2 → with the start of reach effect. ... → Data is sequentially output in the order of n.

  In addition, the sub-control device 262 performs control settings for driving voices and lamps while synchronizing with the display effects at each time. Of course, when a command related to voice or lamp control is transmitted from the main control device 261, settings for performing these controls are also made in step S4105.

  Then, the display control device 45 performs a drawing process in response to a command from the sub-control device 262 (a display command output by the control execution process in step S4106), and starts a variable display of the symbols on the decorative symbol display device 42. To do. Once the variation pattern command is received from main controller 261, sub-control is performed until the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern elapses (until the variation time timer set in step S4104 becomes 0). Under the cooperation of the device 262 and the display control device 45, the variable display of symbols is continued.

  As described in detail above, the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1 immediately after initialization of the RAM 503 executed when the power is turned on or when the RAM is cleared is smaller than the upper limit value “676” of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the upper limit value. By setting “674” which is one of the values larger than the winning value “673” of the closest value, the big hit random number counter C1 is the winning value until the value of the big hit random number counter C1 reaches the upper limit value. It is updated within the range not including. In other words, there is no big win until the next initial value change timing. Thereafter, when the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 reaches the upper limit value, a second initial value unique to the gaming machine acquired based on the ID number of the CPU 501 is set as the next initial value. In other words, after the initialization of the RAM 503, before the jackpot random number counter C1 takes a value corresponding to the winning value, the initial value is changed for each gaming machine. Therefore, after initialization of the RAM 503, it is impossible to grasp the count number (winning timing) up to the winning value. As a result, even when the RAM 503 is initialized by turning on the power, clearing the RAM, or performing fraud, and the values of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the initial value random number counter CINI are cleared, the winning timing cannot be grasped. It is possible to prevent fraud using a “hanging board” or the like. Also, even if it becomes possible to grasp the winning timing for one gaming machine due to cheating, the acquired timing cannot be applied to other gaming machines, so that it is possible to prevent the spreading of cheating it can.

  In the present embodiment, the ID number of the CPU 501 is converted into a value within the update range of the initial value random number counter CINI to acquire the initial value. Since the ID number of the CPU 501 is a number unique to a gaming machine for each gaming machine, an initial value of a different value can be acquired more reliably even in the same type of gaming machine. Furthermore, for example, different initial values can be acquired for each gaming machine more reliably than a configuration in which an initial value is acquired based on a CPU-specific clock frequency, which is an individual difference between CPUs 501.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows.

  (A) In the above embodiment, the initial value (first initial value) of the jackpot random number counter C1 set immediately after initialization of the RAM 503 is stored in the ROM 502 in advance. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each time initialization of the RAM 503 is performed, a predetermined calculation process may be performed and set randomly within a predetermined range.

  (B) In the above embodiment, the second initial value is obtained by converting the ID number of the CPU 501 into a value within the update range of the initial value random number counter CINI. It is good also as a structure which acquires not only this but the initial value from the ID number of the pachinko machine 10 main body. Of course, the acquisition calculation process is not limited to the calculation process of dividing and acquiring the remainder value as in the above embodiment. Note that the method for acquiring the ID number and the second initial value is not limited to the acquisition method using software as in the above embodiment, and the acquisition method using hardware such as an electronic circuit may be employed.

  Further, for example, the second initial value may be acquired based on a CPU-specific clock frequency that is an individual difference between CPUs. In this case, due to the difference in the clock frequency, the period of the predetermined loop processing periodically performed shifts for each gaming machine such as 1.9997 ms or 2.003 ms. Therefore, the initial value random number counter CINI is updated as usual. If it carries out, the value set as the 2nd initial value will become a different value for every game machine.

  (C) You may implement as a pachinko machine etc. of a different type from the said embodiment. In addition to pachinko machines, the present invention can be implemented as various gaming machines such as slot machines, arrange ball machines, and similar sparrow balls. The slot machine is a well-known machine in which, for example, a symbol is stopped and fixed by operating a control lever in a state where a symbol effective line is determined by inserting coins. In this case, examples of the game medium include coins and medals.

  Moreover, you may implement as a game machine which the pachinko machine and the slot machine united. As a specific example, an identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information (specifically, a reel and identification information is a symbol attached to the reel) is variably displayed (specifically, a rotation of the reel). After that, variable display means for confirming and stopping the identification information is provided, and the fluctuation of the identification information is started due to the operation of the start operation means (for example, the operation lever), and the stop operation means (for example, the stop button) is operated. A special gaming state that causes a special gaming state that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the variation of the identification information is stopped due to or after a predetermined time elapses, and the confirmed identification information at the time of the stoppage is the specific identification information Generating means, using a game ball as a game medium, requiring a predetermined number of game balls at the start of fluctuation of the identification information, and generating a large number of games at the occurrence of a special game state. One in which the ball is paid out.

  (D) In the above embodiment, as a random number counter (for example, the big hit random number counter C1 or the initial value random number counter CINI), one by one is added in order within a predetermined range, and after reaching the upper limit value as the closing price, An addition type counter that returns to the lower limit is used. Not limited to this, for example, a subtraction type in which 1 is sequentially subtracted within a predetermined range, and after reaching a lower limit value (for example, “0”) as a closing price, it returns to an upper limit value (for example, “676”) as an opening price. A counter may be employed. In this case, the jackpot random number counter C1 has a first initial value that is larger than the lower limit value (closing price) of the jackpot random number counter C1 and smaller than the winning value closest to the lower limit value as the initial value after initialization of the RAM 503. When the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 reaches the lower limit (final value) after the setting of the first initial value, the next initial value is determined based on the unique value unique to the gaming machine. The second initial value to be set is set.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in one embodiment. It is a front view which shows the inner frame etc. in the state which open | released the front frame set. It is a front view which shows the structure of a game board. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view which shows the structure of an inner frame and a game board. It is a block diagram which shows the main electrical structures of a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the various counters used for game control. It is a flowchart which shows the main process by the main controller. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating main processing performed by the main control device, following FIG. 8. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a random number initial value update process. It is a flowchart which shows a random number update process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating random number update processing following FIG. 12. It is a flowchart which shows a start winning process. It is a flowchart which shows a NMI interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a random number initial value acquisition process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation | variation start process. It is a flowchart which shows a reception interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of the payout control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a command determination process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the various counters used for the determination of a decoration design. It is a flowchart which shows the update process of an off symbol counter. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process of a sub control apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine as a game machine, 261 ... Main controller, 323 ... RAM erasure switch, 501 ... CPU, 502 ... ROM, 503 ... RAM, C1 ... Jackpot random number counter, CINI ... Initial value random number counter.

Claims (1)

A random number counter for lottery that is updated periodically in the order from the opening price to the closing price in the range from the predetermined opening price to the closing price, and sequentially from the set initial value,
An initial value random number counter for initial value determination that is periodically updated within a predetermined range;
Initial value setting means for setting the initial value;
Storage means for storing an initial value set by the initial value setting means;
Initialization means capable of initializing the storage means;
Lottery counter updating means for updating the lottery random number counter in consideration of the initial value stored in the storage means;
Lottery value reading means for reading the value of the random number counter for lottery at a predetermined opportunity;
Winning determination means for determining whether or not the value read out by the lottery value reading means matches a preset winning value;
A gaming machine comprising special gaming state deriving means capable of deriving a special gaming state advantageous to the player when the value read by the lottery value reading means matches the winning value,
The initial value setting means includes
When the initialization by the initialization means is executed, the first initial value is a value closer to the closing price than the winning price, which is a value closer to the closing price than the closing price of the lottery counter. Set the initial value of 1,
After the setting of the first initial value, when the value of the lottery random number counter reaches the closing price, a second initial value determined based on the unique value unique to the gaming machine is set as the next initial value. ,
After the setting of the second initial value, the value of the initial value random number counter is set as the next initial value when the circulation ends for each round of the lottery random number counter. Machine.

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