JP2007202918A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of conducting a waiting performance at a time when initial setting in standard is completed or a time close to it. <P>SOLUTION: A general control board (a general CPU) outputs a demonstration command (a) a plurality of times at prescribed output interval from the time before the initial setting of a display control substrate is completed by a sub-CPU to the time after the initial setting is completed. The output interval of the demonstration command is set to be the interval being not more than a difference time (22 seconds) between the output of the first demonstration command (a) by the general CPU and the completion of the initial setting in standard by the sub-CPU, and also set to allow the product of output times to exceed the difference time. That is, the general control board (the general CPU) outputs the demonstration command (a) six times at 10-second interval. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that executes a standby effect after power is turned on.

  Conventionally, a pachinko machine, which is a type of gaming machine, has, for example, a liquid crystal display type variable display, and when a game ball is awarded to a start winning opening arranged on the game board, the pattern is displayed on the variable display. A combination game (design variation game) is performed. In this type of pachinko machine, after the power is turned on, until the symbol combination game is started, or when the variation stop state of the symbol combination game is continued for a predetermined time, an effect device such as a variable display is used. A standby effect (and at least one of demonstration effects) is performed. The standby performance or the like is performed for the purpose of attracting the player's interest to the pachinko machine and playing the game with the pachinko machine, or displaying the title and maker name of the pachinko machine for promotion.

By the way, when the power is turned on, various components such as a main control board that controls the entire gaming machine and a symbol control board that controls the variable display are initialized. The time required for this initial setting varies depending on various components. In general, the symbol control board tends to take a longer time for initial setting than the main control board for image data processing. For this reason, even if the main control board or the like outputs a standby effect control command designating the start of execution of the standby effect, the input of the standby effect control command fails and the standby effect is The situation that it is not done occurs. Therefore, the pachinko machine of Patent Document 1 takes measures against input failure by outputting the command every predetermined time (every 30 seconds).
JP 2003-093621 A (paragraph number [0125])

  However, in the pachinko machine described in Patent Document 1, when the main control board or the like outputs a standby effect control command every predetermined time immediately after the initial setting is completed, if the initial setting of the symbol control board is not completed simultaneously, I had to wait 30 seconds for the production. In addition, even if the main control board or the like stores in advance the completion of the initial setting on the standard of the design control board, and outputs a command in accordance with the completion of the initial setting, Even in the case of the same type of symbol control board, there are variations due to individual differences depending on the board, and it also differs depending on the environment, so that the input may fail. In this case as well, the standby effect is not performed unless 30 seconds have elapsed after the first standby effect control command is input.

  That is, in the pachinko machine of Patent Document 1, although the standby effect is performed sometime, the standby effect is not performed for a considerable time, and the screen is dark (or only a text message such as “Please wait”) is long. May last for hours. Even if the power is turned on, this state continues, so that there is a possibility that the shop staff and the player may be suspicious if the pachinko machine is out of order or the power is not turned on. For this reason, the store clerk of the game store must check whether the pachinko machine is operating normally, and the player assumes that the pachinko machine is not moving (cannot play) and will not play. Therefore, after the power is turned on and the initial setting is completed, it is necessary to perform the standby effect at the time when the actual initial setting is completed or at a time close thereto.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems existing in the prior art, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine capable of performing a standby effect at the time of actual initial setting completion or at a time close thereto. It is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to effect execution means for executing a game effect related to a symbol variation game performed by varying a plurality of symbols, and at least an initial setting after power supply is started. When the operation is completed, an effect control means for controlling the effect execution means to execute the standby effect, and an effect instruction means for outputting a standby effect execution control command for instructing an execution trigger of the standby effect to the effect control means. The production instruction means is provided for the production control means from the start of the initial setting of the production control means to after the completion of the initial setting after the power supply is started and the initial setting of the production instruction means is completed. The standby effect execution control command is output a plurality of times at a predetermined output interval, and the output instruction of the standby effect execution control command is the first standby effect execution control by the effect instruction means. It is an interval equal to or less than the difference time from when the command is output to the time when the initial setting of the production control means is completed, and the product with the number of outputs is set to exceed the difference time. To do.

  The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1, the effect instruction means outputs the standby effect execution control command twice or more after the initial setting of the effect control means is completed. .

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the presentation control means is a demonstration different from the standby presentation when the variation stop state of the symbol variation game continues. The production execution unit is configured to control the production execution unit so as to execute the production, and the production instruction unit sends a demonstration production execution control command instructing an execution timing of the demonstration production at a predetermined output interval. The output interval of the demonstration effect execution control command is an interval corresponding to the product of the output interval of the standby effect execution control command and the number of times of output.

  According to the present invention, the standby effect can be performed when the actual initial setting is completed or at a time close thereto.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a “pachinko machine”) that is a kind of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 schematically shows the front side of the pachinko machine 10, and on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 11 that forms the outline of the machine body, there is a vertical rectangular inner frame 12 for setting various components for gaming machines. It is assembled to be openable and detachable. On the front side of the middle frame 12, a front frame 14 having a glass frame on which a protective glass for protecting the game board 13 disposed inside the machine is transparently mounted, and an upper ball tray 15 are in a laterally open state. It is assembled so that it can be opened and closed. On the front side of the front frame 14 and the game area 13 a of the game board 13, there is a decoration lamp (effect execution means (light emission means)) 16 that turns on (flashes) or turns off and performs a game effect (light emission effect) based on the light emission decoration. Is provided. A speaker (production execution means (sound output means)) 17 that outputs various sounds and performs a game effect (sound effect) based on the sound output is disposed below the outer frame 11. A lower ball tray 18 and a launching device 19 are attached to the lower part of the middle frame 12.

  In the approximate center of the game area 13a of the game board 13, a display device 20 having a liquid crystal display type variable display (effect execution means (display means)) H is disposed. In the variable display H, a game effect (display effect) based on image display (or a variable image) is performed. In the variable display H, a symbol combination game (symbol variation game) for displaying a symbol combination by varying a plurality of types of symbols is performed. In the present embodiment, a combination of three columns of symbols is derived in the symbol combination game, and eight types of symbols are formed in each column to form the combination.

  Then, the player can recognize the big hit or miss from the symbol combination (display result) finally displayed (determination stop display) in the symbol combination game. When the symbols of all the columns displayed on the variable display H that are confirmed and stopped are of the same type, the big hit can be recognized from the symbol combination ([222] [777] or the like). The symbol combination that can recognize the jackpot is a jackpot symbol combination (a jackpot display result). When the big hit symbol combination is confirmed and stopped, the player is given a big hit game after the symbol combination game is over. On the other hand, when the symbols of all columns displayed on the variable display H are stopped and displayed, or when the symbols of one column are different from the symbols forming the reach, the symbol combination ([123] [ 122] [767], etc.). A symbol combination that can recognize this deviation is a symbol combination that is out of sync. Further, in the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, when the symbol combination game starts (when the symbols in each column start to change), the left column (left symbol) → the right column (right symbol) → middle when viewed from the player side The symbols are displayed (temporarily stopped) in the order of the columns (middle symbols). Then, when the left symbol and the right symbol once stopped and displayed are of the same type, the reach can be recognized from the symbol combination ([↓] indicates that the symbol is changing, such as [1 ↓ 1]).

  Further, below the display device 20, a start winning opening 22 including an opening / closing blade 21 that opens and closes by the operation of an actuator (solenoid, motor, etc.) (not shown) is disposed. Behind the start winning opening 22 is provided a start opening sensor SE1 (shown in FIG. 2) that detects a winning game ball. The start winning opening 22 can give a start condition for the symbol combination game in response to detection of winning of a game ball. Also, below the start winning port 22, a large winning port 24 having a large winning port door 23 that opens and closes by the operation of an actuator (solenoid, motor, etc.) (not shown) is disposed. When the big hit game is awarded, the big winning opening 24 is opened by the opening operation of the big winning opening door 23 and the game ball can be won, so that the player has a chance to win a large number of winning balls. be able to.

Next, the control configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
A main control board 30 that controls the entire gaming machine is mounted on the back side of the pachinko machine 10. The main control board 30 executes various processes for controlling the entire gaming machine, calculates various control signals (control commands) according to the processing results, and outputs the control signals (control commands). In addition, an overall control board 31, a display control board (production control means) 32, and a sound / lamp control board 33 are mounted on the rear side of the machine.

  The overall control board 31 is connected to the display control board 32 and the sound / lamp control board 33 via signal lines so that control signals (control commands) can be input to the display control board 32 and the sound / lamp control board 33. Has been. The overall control board 31 comprehensively controls the display control board 32 and the sound / lamp control board 33 based on the control signal (control command) output from the main control board 30. The display control board 32 controls the display contents (display images of symbols, backgrounds, characters, characters, etc.) of the variable display H based on the control signal (control command) output from the overall control board 31. The sound / lamp control board 33 is based on the control signal (control command) output by the overall control board 31 and the lighting mode (lighting (flashing) / lighting timing, etc.) of the decorative lamp 16 and the voice output mode (sound) of the speaker 17. Output timing). In the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, the overall control board 31 serves as an effect instruction means, and the display control board 32 and the sound / lamp control board 33 serve as an effect control means. The display control board 32 and the sound / lamp control board 33 specially control various effect devices (effect execution means such as the variable display H, the decoration lamp 16, and the speaker 17). The display control board 32 and the sound / lamp control board 33 are mounted so as to be replaceable. Further, on the back side of the pachinko machine 10, a power supply board 29 that supplies a power source (for example, AC 24 V) of the game hall to various components constituting the pachinko machine 10 is mounted.

Hereinafter, specific configurations of the power supply board 29, the main control board 30, the overall control board 31, the display control board 32, and the sound / lamp control board 33 will be described with reference to FIG.
The power supply board 29 is provided with a power supply circuit 29 a that converts the power supply of the game hall into a supply voltage (for example, DC 30 V) to the pachinko machine 10. A main control board 30, an overall control board 31, a display control board 32, and a sound / lamp control board 33 are connected to the power supply circuit 29a. The converted voltages are supplied from the power supply circuit 29a to the control boards 30 to 33. The power supply board 29 is provided with a reset signal circuit 29b for outputting a reset signal, and the reset signal circuit 29b is connected to the power supply circuit 29a. Outputting a reset signal means raising the signal level of the reset signal from L level (low level) to H level (high level). The reset signal circuit 29b continues the reset signal for a predetermined output time T1 (for example, about 400 ms to 1800 ms) when the voltage supplied to each of the control boards 30 to 33 reaches the stable operation voltage. It is designed to output. The reset signal is a signal that instructs each of the control boards 30 to 33 to start activation. In the present embodiment, the reset signal circuit 29b functions as a start instruction unit.

  The main control board 30 is provided with a main CPU 30a, a ROM 30b, and a RAM 30c. The main CPU 30a updates the values of various random numbers such as the jackpot determination random number used for the jackpot determination at predetermined intervals. The ROM 30b stores a main control program for controlling the pachinko machine 10 and a plurality of types of variation patterns. The variation pattern indicates a pattern that is the base of the game effect from when the symbol starts to vary (start of the symbol combination game) to when all symbols in the row are displayed in a fixed stop (end of symbol combination game). It is. The RAM 30c stores (sets) various information (random number values and the like) that are appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10.

  The main control board 30 is provided with a reset input circuit (delay means, delay circuit) 30d. The reset input circuit 30d is connected to the reset signal circuit 29b of the power supply substrate 29, and receives the reset signal output from the reset signal circuit 29b. The reset input circuit 30d is connected to the main CPU 30a. When a reset signal is input, the reset input circuit 30d continuously outputs the reset signal to the main CPU 30a for a predetermined output time T2. In the present embodiment, the output time T2 is set to a time obtained by adding a predetermined delay time T3 (5 seconds in the present embodiment) to the output time T1 in which the reset signal circuit 29b of the power supply substrate 29 outputs the reset signal. Yes. The main CPU 30a starts activation when the signal level of the reset signal changes from H level to L level. That is, the main CPU 30a is restricted from performing an operation (control process) while the signal level of the reset signal is at the H level.

  The main CPU 30a of the main control board 30 executes various processes based on the main control program stored in the ROM 30b when starting after the power is turned on. After starting, the main CPU 30a first performs initial settings. That is, the main CPU 30a clears the stored contents of the RAM 30c and sets initial values. In the present embodiment, the time taken for the initial setting of the main control board 30 by the main CPU 30a to be completed is 6 seconds from the time of power-on including the time T2 (time T1 + delay time T3). The main CPU 30a shifts to normal processing after the initial setting is completed. Specifically, the main CPU 30a executes timer interrupt processing (not shown) every predetermined cycle (for example, every 4 ms).

  After the main CPU 30a shifts to the normal process, when the game ball is won in the start winning opening 22 and the detection signal from the start opening sensor SE1 is input, the start reserved ball stored in the RAM 30c is stored. It is determined whether or not the number (hereinafter referred to as “pending storage number”) is less than a predetermined upper limit number (4 in the present embodiment). If this determination result is affirmative (less than the upper limit number), the main CPU 30a adds 1 (+1) to the reserved storage number and rewrites it. Further, the main CPU 30a reads out the value of the big hit determination random number from the RAM 30c and sequentially stores (stores) it in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 30c. The number of reserved memories indicates the number of symbol combination games that are on hold. The main CPU 30a subtracts 1 (-1) from the reserved memory number and rewrites it at the start of the symbol combination game.

  The main CPU 30a compares the jackpot determination random number stored in the RAM 30c with the jackpot determination value stored in the ROM 30b immediately before starting the symbol combination game to determine whether or not it is a jackpot (hit judge. When the determination result of the big hit determination is affirmative (the value of the random number for big hit determination matches the big hit determination value), the main CPU 30a determines the big hit. The main CPU 30a that has determined the big hit determines the change pattern for the big hit symbol and the big hit effect. The jackpot symbol is a symbol that forms a jackpot symbol combination that is finally displayed in a stopped state. In addition, the jackpot effect is an effect that the symbol combination game is developed so that the symbol combination of the big hit is finally stopped.

  On the other hand, when the determination result of the big hit determination is negative (the value of the big hit determination random number does not match the big hit determination value), the main CPU 30a determines a deviation (including a reach deviation). The main CPU 30a that has determined the detachment determines a variation pattern for the detachment effect (including the detachment reach effect). The missing symbol is a symbol that forms a missing symbol combination that is finally displayed in a fixed stop state. The outlier effect is an effect in which the symbol combination game is developed so that the final symbol combination is finally stopped.

  The main CPU 30a having determined the symbol and the variation pattern outputs a predetermined control command to the overall control board 31 (overall CPU 31a) at a predetermined timing. Specifically, the main CPU 30a first instructs a variation pattern and outputs a variation pattern designation command for instructing the start of the symbol combination game. Next, the main CPU 30a outputs a symbol designation command for designating symbols in each column. After that, the main CPU 30a outputs an all symbol stop command instructing stop of symbols in each column (definite stop display) when the variation time set in the instructed variation pattern has elapsed. In the present embodiment, the main control board 30 (main CPU 30a) and the overall control board 31 (overall CPU 31a) are restricted in command (signal) input from the overall CPU 31a to the main CPU 30a to prevent fraud. Only the command to the general CPU 31a is permitted.

  The main CPU 30a determines whether or not the number of reserved memories is “0 (zero)” after the symbol combination game ends (after the output of all symbol stop commands). Then, when the reserved memory number is not “0 (zero)” (the reserved memory number> 0), the main CPU 30a starts the next symbol combination game based on the reserved memory number. On the other hand, the main CPU 30a shifts to a standby state when the number of reserved memories is “0 (zero)”. The standby state is a state in which the symbol combination game has been suspended (a state in which the symbol combination game is not being performed). In the pachinko machine 10, the standby state occurs when the player launches the game ball and plays the game without the game ball being won at the start winning opening 22, or when the player is not playing the game. There is a case to do. When the main CPU 30a shifts to the standby state, the main CPU 30a outputs a command (hereinafter referred to as “demo command I”) instructing the start of the standby state (start of the standby period) to the overall control board 31 (overall CPU 31a). To do. This standby state is continued until a predetermined end condition is satisfied. In this embodiment, the end condition of the standby state is that the game ball wins the start winning opening 22, that is, the symbol combination game starts.

  During the standby state, a standby effect or a demonstration effect (hereinafter referred to as “demo effect”) is executed. Then, the main CPU 30a instructs the start of the standby state by the output of the demo command I when the number of reserved memories after the end of the symbol combination game is “0 (zero)”. The display control board 32 and the sound / lamp control board 33 perform execution control of standby effects or demonstration effects. The demo command I is output only once by the main CPU 30a immediately after the game ends when the number of reserved memories after the symbol combination game ends is "0 (zero)".

  The contents of the production of the standby production and the demonstration production in this embodiment are different. Specifically, the standby effect is an effect content that causes an effect image element (such as a symbol or a background image) that is confirmed and stopped on the variable display H at the end of the symbol combination game to operate according to a predetermined operation pattern. It has come to be performed in production. In addition, during execution of the standby effect, a light emission effect by the decoration lamp 16 corresponding to the display effect and a sound effect by the speaker 17 may be executed. In the stand-by effect, for example, when the symbol is a character symbol, the expression is changed without changing the type or display position of the symbol that is confirmed and stopped at the end of the symbol combination game. The

  In the present embodiment, the demonstration effect is an effect content in which the variable display H displays the model name of the pachinko machine 10 and the name of the manufacturer that manufactured and sold the pachinko machine 10. These standby effects and demonstration effects are performed for the purpose of attracting the player's interest or advertising. In this embodiment, the demonstration effect is performed for 10 seconds per time, and is configured to be executed after the standby effect.

Next, the overall control board 31 will be described with reference to FIG.
The overall control board 31 is provided with an overall CPU 31a, a ROM 31b, and a RAM 31c. The ROM 31b stores an overall control program for overall control of the display control board 32 and the sound / lamp control board 33. The RAM 31c stores (sets) various information that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10.

  The overall control board 31 is provided with a reset input circuit 31d. The reset input circuit 31d is connected to the reset signal circuit 29b of the power supply substrate 29, and receives the reset signal output from the reset signal circuit 29b. The reset input circuit 31d is connected to the overall CPU 31a, and when a reset signal is input, the reset signal is continuously output to the overall CPU 31a for a predetermined output time T1. The overall CPU 31a is restricted from executing an operation (control process) while the signal level of the reset signal is at the H level, and starts to be activated when the signal level becomes the L level. In this embodiment, the reset signal output time T1 in the reset input circuit 31d is set shorter than the reset signal output time T2 (output time T1 + delay time T3) in the reset input circuit 30d of the main control board 30. For this reason, the general CPU 31a starts activation earlier than the main CPU 30a by the delay time T3.

  Then, the general CPU 31a of the general control board 31 performs initial setting when starting. In this initial setting, the overall CPU 31a performs processing such as initialization of the contents stored in the RAM 31c. Note that the time required for the initial setting executed by the overall CPU 31a is equal to or shorter than a predetermined delay time T3 created by the reset input circuit 30d of the main control board 30. That is, the predetermined delay time T3 is set to be longer than the time required for the initial setting executed by the overall CPU 31a.

  Then, the overall CPU 31a proceeds to normal processing after the initial setting is completed. The general CPU 31a, after shifting to the normal processing, outputs these various commands to the control boards 32 and 33 when a variation pattern designation command, a symbol designation command, and an all symbol stop command are input. The overall control board 31 outputs an effect content designation command for finely designating the content of the game effect according to the input variation pattern designation command to make the content of the game effect various, and the burden on the main control board 30 Provided to reduce. The overall control board 31 is provided to associate (synchronize) the display content of the variable display H with the light emission mode of the decorative lamp 16 and the audio output content of the speaker 17.

  Further, when the general CPU 31a inputs the demo command I from the main CPU 30a, the general CPU 31a starts control for starting the standby state and executing the standby effect and the demonstration effect. The general CPU 31a that has started the standby state creates a demo command (hereinafter referred to as “demo command a”) that instructs execution of the standby effect when the demo command I is input from the main CPU 30a. The overall CPU 31a outputs the demo command a to the display control board 32 and the sound / lamp control board 33 a plurality of times (6 times in this embodiment) at predetermined output intervals (10 seconds in this embodiment). . Therefore, the demo command a of the present embodiment functions as a standby effect control command.

  In addition, each time the overall CPU 31a finishes outputting the demo command a at a predetermined output interval a plurality of times, the general CPU 31a performs a demonstration command as a demonstration performance execution control command that instructs execution of the demonstration performance (hereinafter, referred to as “demo command b”). Is output to the display control board 32 and the sound / lamp control board 33. In the present embodiment, the demo command “b” is set to be output after the demo command “a” has been output six times at intervals of 10 seconds. In other words, the overall CPU 31a outputs the demo command b when the end condition for the standby state is not satisfied even after one minute has elapsed (when the variation pattern designation command is not input). Thereafter (in this embodiment, 10 seconds after the output of the demo command b), the overall CPU 31a outputs the demo command a a plurality of times at a predetermined output interval. Thereafter, in the same manner, the overall CPU 31a sends the demo command a and the demo command b to the display control board 32 and the sound / lamp control board 33 while the standby state continues (until the change pattern designation command is input). Output repeatedly.

Next, the configuration of the display control board 32 and the sound / lamp control board 33 will be described.
The display control board 32 is provided with a sub CPU 32a, a ROM 32b, and a RAM 32c. A ROM 32b and a RAM 32c are connected to the sub CPU 32a. The ROM 32b stores a display effect control program for controlling display effects, various image information, and the like. The RAM 32c stores (sets) various information (various control flags, various timer values, etc.) that can be appropriately rewritten during operation of the pachinko machine 10.

  The display control board 32 is provided with a reset input circuit 32d. The reset input circuit 32d is connected to the reset signal circuit 29b of the power supply substrate 29, and receives the reset signal output from the reset signal circuit 29b. The reset input circuit 32d is connected to the sub CPU 32a. When a reset signal is input, the reset signal is continued to the sub CPU 32a for a predetermined output time T1 as in the reset input circuit 31d of the overall control board 31. It is designed to output. Accordingly, the sub CPU 32a starts to start earlier than the main CPU 30a by the delay time T3. Then, the sub CPU 32a of the display control board 32 performs initial setting when starting. More specifically, the sub CPU 32a initializes the storage contents of the RAM 32c. The time required for the initial setting of the display control board 32 executed by the sub CPU 32a is closely related to the time required for the initial setting of the variable display H. If the time required for the initial setting of the variable display H is long. The time required for the initial setting of the display control board 32 is also increased. That is, if the variable display H has high image quality and the time required for the initial setting of the variable display H is long, the time required for the initial setting of the display control board 32 is also increased. In the present embodiment, the time required for the initial setting of the display control board 32 is equal to or longer than a predetermined delay time T3 created by the reset input circuit 30d of the main control board 30. Specifically, since a high-quality liquid crystal is used for the variable display H, the initial setting of the display control board 32 takes 22 seconds from the start of power-on. This 22 seconds is a theoretical theoretical value, and actually takes about 22 seconds due to individual differences of the display control board 32.

  Then, after the initial setting is completed, the sub CPU 32a shifts to normal processing. In this normal processing, when the sub CPU 32a inputs a control command from the overall control board 31 (overall CPU 31a), the sub CPU 32a performs control according to the input control command based on the display effect control program. Specifically, when the sub CPU 32a inputs the variation pattern designation command, the variable display H is configured so that the symbol combination game is started based on the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command and the symbol combination game is started. Control display content. When the sub CPU 32a inputs the all symbol stop command, the sub CPU 32a controls the display content of the variable display H so that the symbol combination designated by the input symbol designation command is displayed on the variable display H. By this control, the symbol combination game is performed on the variable display H.

  In addition, when the demo command is input, the sub CPU 32a controls the display content of the variable display H so that the display image for the standby effect or the demonstration effect is displayed. More specifically, when the sub CPU 32a inputs the demo command a, the sub CPU 32a displays a display image corresponding to the standby effect (effect that operates the effect image element). When the sub CPU 32a inputs the demo command b, the sub CPU 32a displays a display image corresponding to the demonstration effect (effect that displays the model name and the manufacturer name).

  In this embodiment, when the demo command a is input, the sub CPU 32a switches the display content of the variable display H to a display image corresponding to the standby effect, and executes the standby effect until the demo command b is input. That is, the sub CPU 32a repeatedly executes the standby effect and the demonstration effect when the demo command a or the demo command b repeatedly output from the overall control board 31 is input. With this control, in the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, the standby effect and the demonstration effect are repeatedly executed until the standby condition end condition is satisfied (while the variable combination state of the symbol combination game is continued). It has come to be. And if sub CPU32a inputs a change pattern designation | designated command, it will complete | finish the standby production or demonstration production in execution, and will perform a symbol combination game.

  The sound / lamp control board 33 is provided with a sub CPU 33a, a ROM 33b, and a RAM 33c. A ROM 33b and a RAM 33c are connected to the sub CPU 33a. The ROM 33b stores a sound / light emission effect control program for controlling the sound effect and the light emission effect. The RAM 33c stores (sets) various information (various control flags, various timer values, etc.) that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10.

  The sound / lamp control board 33 is provided with a reset input circuit 33d. The reset input circuit 33d is connected to the reset signal circuit 29b of the power supply substrate 29, and receives the reset signal output from the reset signal circuit 29b. The reset input circuit 33d is connected to the sub CPU 33a. When a reset signal is input, the reset signal is continued to the sub CPU 33a for a predetermined output time T1 as in the reset input circuit 31d of the overall control board 31. It is designed to output. Accordingly, the sub CPU 32a starts to start earlier than the main CPU 30a by the delay time T3. Then, the sub CPU 33a of the sound / lamp control board 33 performs initialization when starting. Specifically, the sub CPU 33a initializes the contents stored in the RAM 33c. Note that the time required for the initial setting executed by the sub CPU 33a is equal to or shorter than a predetermined delay time T3 created by the reset input circuit 30d of the main control board 30. That is, the predetermined delay time T3 is set to be equal to or longer than the time required for the initial setting executed by the sub CPU 33a. Further, the time required for the initial setting in the sound / lamp control board 33 is the shortest among the overall control board 31, the display control board 32, and the sound / lamp control board 33.

  Then, after completing the initial setting, the sub CPU 33a shifts to normal processing. In this normal process, when the sub CPU 33a inputs a control command from the overall control board 31 (overall CPU 31a), the sub CPU 33a performs control according to the input control command based on the sound / light emission effect control program. Specifically, when the sub CPU 33a inputs the variation pattern designation command, the light emission mode of the decoration lamp 16 and the sound output mode from the speaker 17 according to the display effect based on the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command. To control. As a result, the decoration lamp 16 emits light according to the symbol combination game, and sound is output from the speaker 17.

  Further, when the demo command is input, the sub CPU 33a controls the light emission mode of the decorative lamp 16 and the sound output mode from the speaker 17 for the standby effect or the demonstration effect. More specifically, when the sub CPU 33a inputs the demo command a, the sub lamp 33a causes the decoration lamp 16 to emit light in a light emission mode corresponding to the standby effect, and silences the sound output of the speaker 17. When the sub CPU 33a inputs the demo command b, the sub lamp 33a causes the decoration lamp 16 to emit light in a light emission mode corresponding to the demonstration effect (effect of displaying the model name and manufacturer name), and causes the speaker 17 to display the model name / Makes the manufacturer name etc. sound output.

  In the present embodiment, similarly to the sub CPU 32a, the sub CPU 33a repeatedly executes the standby effect and the demo effect when the demo command a or the demo command b repeatedly output from the overall control board 31 is input. And if sub CPU33a inputs a change pattern designation | designated command, it will complete | finish the standby effect or demonstration effect in execution, and will perform a symbol combination game.

  In the present embodiment, when the initial setting is completed after the power is turned on, the main CPU 30a outputs a demo command a to the overall control board 31 (overall CPU 31a) and causes the variable display H to execute a standby effect. ing. Hereinafter, a process for executing the standby effect when the initial setting is completed will be described. Note that the sound / lamp control board 33 (sub CPU 33a) performs the same control as the display control board 32 (sub CPU 32a), and hence the description regarding the sound / lamp control board 33 is omitted.

  When the initialization is completed after the power is turned on, the main CPU 30a outputs a demo command I to the overall control board 31 (overall CPU 31a). Specifically, the main CPU 30a starts the initial setting after the reset signal output time T2 from the reset input circuit 30d after the power is turned on, and outputs the demo command I after the initial setting is completed.

  Then, when the general CPU 31a inputs the first demo command I after the completion of the initial setting, the general CPU 31a outputs the demo command a to the display control board 32 (sub CPU 32a) at a predetermined output interval based on the general control program.

  More specifically, the general CPU 31a gives a demonstration command a to the display control board 32 (sub CPU 32a) a plurality of times at predetermined output intervals before and after the initial setting of the display control board 32 by the sub CPU 32a is completed. Output to output. The output interval is an interval equal to or less than the difference time from when the general CPU 31a outputs the first demo command a to when the initial setting of the sub CPU 32a is completed, and the product of the output count is the difference It is set to exceed the time. Specifically, when the general CPU 31a outputs the first demo command a, it is 6 seconds after the power is turned on (when the initial settings according to the specifications of the main control board 30 and the general control board 31 are completed), and the sub CPU 32a When the initial setting according to the standard is completed, 22 seconds after the power is turned on, the difference time is 16 seconds. For this reason, it is necessary to set the output interval to 16 seconds or less and the number of outputs to 2 times or more. In this embodiment, the number of outputs is set so that the demo command a is output two or more times after the completion of the standard initialization in order to input the demo command a reliably. Therefore, in this embodiment, the output interval is 10 seconds and the number of outputs is six.

  The general CPU 31a performs initialization by a predetermined delay time T3 earlier than the main CPU 30a by the reset input circuit 31d, and completes the initial setting within the time T3. Therefore, the initial setting of the main CPU 30a is completed after the power is turned on. If so, the process has shifted to normal processing, and the demo command I is normally input. The general CPU 31a outputs the demo command b every time the demo command a is output six times at 10 second intervals.

  When the demo command a is input after the initial setting of the display control board 32 is completed after the power is turned on, the sub CPU 32a displays a predetermined symbol combination (for example, [123]) and displays the standby effect as a variable display. Control to cause H to execute.

  Next, the flow of the standby process in the standby state (and after completion of the initialization process) by the general CPU 31a as described above will be specifically described based on the flowchart of FIG. The standby process is executed every 2 ms during the standby state (and after the initialization process is completed).

  When the general CPU 31a inputs the demo command I from the main CPU 30a (that is, when the standby state is started or the initialization process is completed), the general CPU 31a refers to the demo timer stored in the RAM 31c and subtracts 1 from the value of the demo timer. (Step 1). The demo timer is for measuring an output interval for outputting the demo command a or the demo command b. Note that the value of the demo timer is set to 0 when the standby state starts or when the initialization process is completed.

  Next, the overall CPU 31a determines whether or not the value of the demo timer is 0 or less (step 2). If the determination result of step S2 is affirmative (when the demo timer is 0 or less), the overall CPU 31a updates the value of the demo counter stored in the RAM 31c (step 3). The demo counter is for measuring the number of outputs of the demo command a. Specifically, the overall CPU 31a adds 1 to the demo counter value, and if the demo counter value after the addition is 7, sets the demo counter value to 0 and sets the demo counter value after the addition. If the value is other than 7, the value of the demo counter is updated so that the value of the demo counter after the addition is set as the value of the demo counter. Note that the value of the demo counter is set to 0 when the standby state starts or when the initialization process is completed.

  Next, the overall CPU 31a determines whether or not the value of the demo counter is 0 or less (step S4). If the determination result in step S4 is affirmative (when the demo counter is 0 or less), the overall CPU 31a outputs a demo command a to the display control board 32 (step S5). The general CPU 31a rewrites the RAM 31c so as to set 5000 as the value of the demo timer (the central CPU 31a executes this standby processing every 2 ms, so a value corresponding to 10 seconds (10000 ms) is set in the demo timer). (Step S6), the standby process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the determination result of step S4 is negative (when the demo counter is not 0 or less), the overall CPU 31a outputs a demo command b to the display control board 32 (step S7). The general CPU 31a rewrites the RAM 31c so as to set 5000 as the value of the demo timer (the central CPU 31a executes this processing every 2 ms, so a value corresponding to 10 seconds (10000 ms) is set in the demo timer). Step S8), the standby process is terminated.

If the determination result in step S2 is negative (when the demo command is not 0 or less), the overall CPU 31a ends the standby process as it is.
Next, how individual standby effects are executed when individual differences occur when the initial setting of the display control board 32 is completed will be described. Note that when the actual initial settings of the main control board 30 and the overall control board 31 are completed, there may be an error from the completion of the standard initial settings. However, the initial setting completion time according to the standards of the main control board 30 and the general control board 31 is sufficiently faster than that of the display control board 32, so even if some errors occur, before the initial setting of the display control board 32 is completed. Since the initial setting is completed, no particular inconvenience arises. Therefore, in the following description, the initial setting of the main control board 30 and the overall control board 31 will be described as being completed when the initial setting according to the standard is completed.

First, a case where the initial setting according to the standard of the display control board 32 is completed and the actual initial setting is completed will be described with reference to FIG.
The main CPU 30a outputs a demo command I to the overall control board 31 (overall CPU 31a) 6 seconds after the power is turned on (when the initial setting of the main control board 30 is completed) (time point A1). When the general CPU 31a inputs the first demo command I, it outputs the demo command a to the display control board 32 (sub CPU 32a) a plurality of times (six times) at a predetermined output interval (10-second interval) (time point A1 to time point A6). ). That is, the general CPU 31a outputs the demo command a to the display control board 32 (sub CPU 32a) a plurality of times (six times) at a predetermined output interval (10-second interval) after 6 seconds from turning on the power ( Time point A1 to time point A6).

  When the initial setting by the sub CPU 32a is completed, it is the same as when the initial setting according to the standard is completed (that is, 22 seconds), so the sub CPU 32a inputs the demo command a output for the third time, and waits. An effect is executed (time point A3). That is, the standby effect is executed 26 seconds after the power is turned on.

  Here, as in the prior art, when the demo command a is output every 30 seconds from the completion of the initial setting of the main control board 30 and the integrated control board 31 (that is, the demonstration is performed from before the initial setting is completed to after the initial setting is completed). When the command a is not output), the stand-by effect is executed 36 seconds after the power is turned on. That is, the standby effect is executed with a delay of 10 seconds as compared with the present embodiment.

  Next, when the actual initial setting of the display control board 32 is completed earlier than the initial setting according to the standard (specifically, when the actual initial setting is 16 seconds after the power is turned on). This will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above (FIG. 4), the general CPU 31a displays the demo command a a plurality of times (six times) at a predetermined output interval (10-second interval) 6 seconds after the power is turned on (the sub CPU 32a). (Time A1 to time A6).

  When the initial setting by the sub CPU 32a is completed, the sub CPU 32a inputs the demo command a output for the second time and waits for it because it is earlier than the standard initial setting completion (that is, 16 seconds). An effect is executed (time point A2). That is, the standby effect is executed 16 seconds after the power is turned on.

  Here, when the demo command a is output every 30 seconds from the completion of the initial setting of the main control board 30 and the overall control board 31 as in the prior art, the sub CPU 32a is completed earlier than the standard initial setting. Nevertheless, the standby effect is executed 36 seconds after the power is turned on. That is, the standby effect is executed with a delay of 20 seconds as compared with the present embodiment. When the demo command a is output upon completion of the standard initialization, the standby effect is executed 22 seconds after the power is turned on. That is, the standby effect is executed with a delay of 6 seconds as compared with the present embodiment.

  Next, when the actual initial setting completion of the display control board 32 is later than the standard initial setting completion (specifically, when the actual initial setting is 26 seconds after the power is turned on). This will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above (FIG. 4), the general CPU 31a displays the demo command a a plurality of times (six times) at a predetermined output interval (10 seconds) 6 seconds after the power is turned on (sub CPU 32a). (Time A1 to time A6).

  When the initial setting by the sub CPU 32a is completed, the sub CPU 32a inputs the demo command a output for the third time and waits because it is slower than the standard initial setting completion (that is, 26 seconds). An effect is executed (time point A3). That is, the standby effect is executed when the initial setting is completed (after 26 seconds) from when the power is turned on.

  Here, as in the prior art, when the demonstration command a is output every 30 seconds from the completion of the initial setting of the main control board 30 and the overall control board 31, the standby effect is executed 36 seconds after the power is turned on. It becomes. That is, the standby effect is executed with a delay of 10 seconds as compared with the present embodiment. In addition, when the demo command a is output upon completion of the initial setting according to the standard, the initial setting of the display control board 32 is not completed at the completion of the initial setting according to the standard. The standby effect is not performed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the output interval of the demo command a from the overall control board 31 to the display control board 32 so that the demo command a is output from before the completion of the initial setting of the display control board 32 to after the completion. Is set. For this reason, the demo command a can be surely input even when the initial setting completion time of the sub CPU 32a is deviated as compared with the case where the demo command a is output upon completion of the initial setting according to the standard. The output interval is an interval equal to or less than the difference time from the time when the general CPU 31a outputs the first demo command a to the time when the initial setting of the sub CPU 32a is completed, and the product of the number of times of output indicates the difference time. It was set to exceed. For this reason, when the actual initial setting completion time is advanced, the standby effect can be executed at a time closer to the initial setting completion time than in the case where the demo command a is not output at such an output interval. Further, when the actual initial setting completion time is delayed, the standby effect can be executed at a time close to the actual initial setting completion time as compared with the case where the demo command a is not output at such an output interval. Further, since the output is made a plurality of times after completion of the initial setting according to the standard, the demo command a can be surely input to the display control board 32.

  Further, the output interval of the demo command a is made shorter than that of the demo command b, and the demo command a having a short output interval is output a plurality of times after the initial setting of the overall control board 31 is completed. For this reason, even if the model of the display control board 32 and the variable display H is changed and the initial setting completion on the standard is changed, the demonstration is performed at the time when the initial setting on the changed model is completed or close to it. The standby effect can be executed by inputting the command a. In other words, the overall control board 31 shares the output control (standby process) of the demo command a without depending on the configuration of the display control board 32 and the variable display H whose specifications are changed for each model of the pachinko machine 10. ing.

As described above in detail, the present embodiment has the following effects.
(1) The overall control board 31 (overall CPU 31a) outputs the demo command a a plurality of times at a predetermined output interval from the completion of the initial setting of the display control board 32 by the sub CPU 32a to the completion of the initial setting. Yes. For this reason, the standby effect is executed by inputting the demo command a output immediately after the initial setting by the sub CPU 32a is completed, and the player can be surely informed that the pachinko machine 10 is activated (can be played). it can. The output interval of the demo command a is an interval equal to or less than the difference time from the time when the general CPU 31a outputs the first demo command a to the time when the initial setting by the sub CPU 32a is completed, and the product of the output count is It is set to exceed the difference time. For this reason, in the same type of display control board 32, even if an individual difference occurs in the initial setting completion time and the initial setting completion time is advanced or delayed, the demo command a is input according to the individual difference. be able to. That is, even if there is an individual difference in the completion time of the actual initial setting, the standby effect can be executed when the actual initial setting is completed or at a time close thereto.

  (2) The overall control board 31 (overall CPU 31a) outputs the demo command a twice or more after the initial setting of the display control board 32 is completed. For this reason, even if the input of the first demo command a output after the initial setting of the display control board 32 is failed, the demo command a can be reliably input to the display control board 32 (sub CPU 32a).

  (3) The overall control board 31 (overall CPU 31a) outputs the demo command b after outputting the demo command a a plurality of times at a predetermined output interval. By inputting the demo command b, the sub CPU 32a controls the variable display H so that the demonstration effect different from the standby effect is executed when the variation stop state of the symbol combination game is continued. For this reason, when the symbol combination game is not continuously performed after completion of the initial setting, the demonstration effect can be performed at predetermined intervals. For this reason, burn-in of the variable display H can be prevented. The output interval of the demo command b is an interval corresponding to the product of the output interval of the demo command a and the number of outputs. Specifically, the overall CPU 31a outputs a demo command b when a predetermined interval has elapsed after outputting the sixth demo command a. For this reason, when the demonstration effect is executed at predetermined intervals, it is not necessary to provide a new measurement counter for measuring the output timing of the demonstration command b instructing the execution timing of the demonstration effect. It is possible to reduce time and labor when developing a control program for the control board 32 (sub CPU 32a).

  (4) The demonstration effect is an effect of displaying an advertising character string indicating at least one of the manufacturer name of the pachinko machine 10 and the model title of the gaming machine in a state where the symbol combination game is not performed. Thereby, the manufacturer of the pachinko machine 10 or the advertisement of the pachinko machine 10 can be advertised to the player.

  (5) Since the standby effect can be executed at the time when the actual initial setting is completed or close to it, the player can play a game compared to the pachinko machine 10 in which the standby effect is not executed for a long time after the actual initial setting is completed. Can be recognized quickly. Moreover, since the operation of the pachinko machine 10 is improved accordingly, it is possible to prevent a game store from reducing sales due to a decrease in operation. In addition, since the standby effect is executed at a time close to the completion of the initial setting according to the standard even at the latest, it is less likely that the amusement store side may be wondering whether a failure or power is turned on.

  (6) The standby effect is an effect that operates in a predetermined operation pattern without changing the type and display position of the effect image element that is confirmed and stopped displayed on the effect execution means at the end of the symbol combination game. For this reason, a player can be attracted and it can be shown that the pachinko machine 10 is operating normally.

  (7) The output interval of the demo command a is set shorter than that of the demo command b, and the demo command a having a shorter output interval is output a plurality of times after the initial setting of the overall control board 31 is completed. For this reason, even if the model of the display control board 32 and the variable display H is changed and the initial setting completion on the standard is changed, the demonstration is performed at the time when the initial setting on the changed model is completed or close to it. The standby effect can be executed by inputting the command a. Therefore, the overall control board 31 can be shared without changing the overall control board 31 for each display control board 32.

  (8) Since the demo command a is output a plurality of times at a predetermined output interval, even if the type of the display control board 32 is changed and the initial setting on the standard is changed, the initial setting on the standard is completed. A standby effect can be executed in a short time. Further, since the demo command a is output a plurality of times, it is possible to reliably execute the standby effect regardless of the model. As described above, the output control of the demo command a is made common without depending on the configuration of the display control board 32 and the variable display H whose specifications are changed for each model. Without changing the control program of the control means, it is possible to reliably execute the standby effect at the time when the initial setting according to the standard is completed or at a time close thereto. Therefore, the common overall control board 31 can be used for the display control board 32 having different initial setting completion times.

  (9) The overall control board 31 (overall CPU 31a) outputs the demo command a a plurality of times within a predetermined period until the demo command b is output. Therefore, the standby effect is executed by inputting the demo command a output immediately after the initial setting by the sub CPU 32a, and the player can be surely informed that the pachinko machine 10 is activated (can be played). it can.

In addition, the said embodiment can be embodied in another embodiment (another example) as follows.
In the above embodiment, the output interval and the number of outputs of the demo command a are determined based on the theoretical value in the standard, but may be determined based on experimental values.

In the above embodiment, the standby effect and the demonstration effect are executed, but either one may be performed.
In the above embodiment, after the initial setting of the display control board 32 according to the standard is completed, the overall CPU 31a outputs the demo command a a plurality of times. However, if it is output at least once, it can be changed arbitrarily. Also good.

In the above embodiment, the sub CPU 32a executes the standby effect when the demo command a is input, but may execute the demonstration effect.
In the above embodiment, the overall control board 31 and the sound / lamp control board 33 are configured as separate boards, but may be configured as a single board.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the overall control board 31 may be omitted, and the main control board 30, the display control board 32, and the sound / lamp control board 33 may be connected. In this case, the main control board 30 executes the processing of the overall control board 31. Specifically, the main CPU 30a of the main control board 30 executes standby processing and executes processing such as outputting the demo command a a plurality of times at predetermined output intervals. In this case, the main control board 30 functions as an effect instruction unit.

  In the above embodiment, the output interval of the demo command a from the general control board 31 to the display control board 32 is the difference from the time when the general CPU 31a outputs the first demo command a to the time when the initial setting of the sub CPU 32a is completed. If the interval is equal to or shorter than the time and the product of the number of outputs exceeds the difference time, it may be arbitrarily changed. For example, the demo command a may be output 12 times at intervals of 5 seconds. As the output interval is shortened, the standby effect can be executed at a time closer to the completion of the standard initial setting.

Next, a technical idea that can be grasped from the above embodiment and another example will be added below.
(B) The demonstration effect is an effect of displaying an advertising character string indicating at least one of the manufacturer name of the gaming machine and the model title of the gaming machine in a state where the symbol variation game is not performed. The gaming machine according to claim 3.

  (B) The stand-by effect is an effect in which a symbol that is confirmed and stopped displayed on the effect execution means at the end of the symbol variation game is operated in a predetermined operation pattern without changing the symbol type or display position. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

  (C) The standby effect is executed in response to an input of an effect execution means for executing a game effect related to a symbol variation game performed by changing a plurality of types of symbols and a standby effect execution control command for instructing an execution timing of the standby effect. And an effect control means for controlling the effect execution means to execute the demonstration effect triggered by an input of a demonstration effect execution control command for instructing an execution trigger for a demonstration effect different from the standby effect, and at least a power supply Production instruction means for outputting the standby production execution control command when supply is started and initial setting is completed, and outputting the demonstration production execution control command when the standby production is continued for a predetermined period. The production instruction means outputs the standby production execution control command a plurality of times within the predetermined period. Game machine and said.

  (D) The gaming machine according to the technical idea (c), wherein the production instruction unit outputs the standby production execution control command a plurality of times at intervals of equally dividing the predetermined period.

The front view which shows the machine surface side of a pachinko machine. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing configurations of a main control board, a general control board, a display control board, a sound / lamp control board, and a power supply board. The flowchart which shows the flow of a standby process. The timing chart which shows the input / output timing of a demo command. The timing chart which shows the input / output timing of a demo command. The timing chart which shows the input / output timing of a demo command. The block diagram which shows the structure of the main control board in another example, a display control board, a sound and lamp control board, and a power supply board.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine (game machine), 20 ... Display device, 30 ... Main control board (production instruction means), 30a ... Main CPU, 31 ... Overall control board (production instruction means), 31a ... General CPU, 32 ... Display Control board (production control means), 32a ... sub CPU, H ... variable display (production execution means).

Claims (3)

Effect execution means for executing a game effect related to a symbol variation game performed by varying a plurality of types of symbols;
Production control means for controlling the production execution means to execute a standby production at least when power supply is started and initial setting is completed,
Production instruction means for outputting to the production control means a standby production execution control command for instructing execution timing of the standby production,
The effect instructing unit waits for the effect control unit after the initial setting of the effect control unit is completed and after the initial setting is completed after power supply is started and the initial setting of the effect instructing unit is completed. A production execution control command is output a plurality of times at a predetermined output interval.
The output interval of the standby effect execution control command is an interval equal to or less than the difference time from when the effect instruction unit outputs the first standby effect execution control command to when the initial setting of the effect control unit is completed, and The gaming machine is set so that the product of the number of outputs exceeds the difference time.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect instruction means outputs the standby effect execution control command twice or more after the initial setting of the effect control means is completed. The production control unit is configured to control the production execution unit to execute a demonstration production different from the standby production when the state of variation stop of the symbol variation game continues.
The production instruction unit is configured to output a demonstration production execution control command to instruct the execution opportunity of the demonstration production to the production control unit at a predetermined output interval.
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the output interval of the demonstration effect execution control command is an interval corresponding to a product of the output interval of the standby effect execution control command and the number of times of output.

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