JP2008142247A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine allowing a player to confirm the executed display presentation. <P>SOLUTION: The pachinko machine includes a first initiator corresponding unit 33, an ornament symbol display device 42, a special display device 43, or the like in a game board 30. A jackpot lottery is executed based on the entrance of a game ball into the first initiator corresponding unit 33, and the result of the lottery is displayed in the special display device 43, etc. At the same time, the display presentation is executed in the ornament symbol display device 42. The history of the display presentation executed in the ornament symbol display device 42 is stored, and the stored history can be displayed in the ornament symbol display device 42. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,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 game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and if a game ball enters a predetermined starting entrance means provided in the game area, whether or not to generate a big hit state is determined, Accordingly, the identification information is variably displayed on a predetermined display device, and when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner based on the lottery result of the success / failure lottery, a jackpot state advantageous to the player occurs, and the player Many game values (prize balls) can be acquired.

  In recent years, in such gaming machines, various display effects are performed on display means such as a liquid crystal display device in order to improve the interest of the player. Such display effects play an important role in that the player has a sense of expectation for jackpots and the like.

In general, the display effect performed by the display means is performed in conjunction with the fluctuation display of the identification information, so the timing when the game ball enters the start ball entry means and the start of the fluctuation display, etc., together with the winning lottery in the big hit state In addition, the effect pattern (effect mode) and the like are determined. For example, a random value is selected at the timing when the game ball enters the starting ball entry means, and a predetermined effect pattern corresponding to the random value is selected with reference to a table or the like. In addition, the table referred to at this time is set in various ways corresponding to the various lottery results of the success / failure lottery such as winning or losing, and the selection ratio of the various effect patterns is set to be different for each table. In this way, for example, when a winning result in which a big hit state occurs is produced, an effect that makes the player have a sense of expectation for the big win, such as a so-called super reach effect, is easily performed. In some cases, such as a premium reach effect, a display effect that allows a player to recognize that a jackpot state will occur when the player sees the display effect, that is, only when a winning result that results in a jackpot state is obtained. Some gaming machines are set so that display effects that can be broken are selected (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-350814 A

  Occasionally, there may be complaints from the player that, for example, a display effect such as a premium reach effect is performed in the game hall, but the player is not in a big hit state. In many cases, it may be a misunderstanding on the part of the player, but such a malfunction may occur due to noise or the like.

  However, it is difficult for the game hall side to cope with the above situation because it is not possible to confirm what display effect was actually performed.

  On the other hand, on the manufacturer side, even if there is a complaint about the above defect from the game hall, if the reason is the misunderstanding of the player, etc., no problem can be found by analyzing the display control device etc. Become. In this case, the manufacturer side takes measures such as replacing the display control device and the like, which requires a lot of time and cost.

  Note that the above-described problem is not limited to pachinko machines, but also applies to other gaming machines such as slot machines.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of confirming an executed display effect.

  Hereinafter, 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. Lottery means for performing a lottery on whether or not to generate a special gaming state advantageous to the player at a predetermined opportunity;
Special gaming state control means for generating the special gaming state when a winning result is obtained by the winning / losing lottery,
Display effect means for performing a display effect;
An effect determining means for determining an effect mode of the display effect based on at least the result of the success / failure lottery,
In a gaming machine comprising display effect control means for causing the display effect means to execute a display effect of the effect mode determined by the effect determining means,
History storage means for storing history information of display effects executed by the display effect control means;
History display means capable of displaying the history information;
A gaming machine comprising history display control means for controlling display of the history display means.

  According to the means 1, it is possible to display a history of display effects performed in the display effect means. As a result, even when a complaint such as that described in the above-mentioned problem is received from the player, the manager of the game hall, etc., confirms with the history display means what display effect has been performed in the display effect means. Can do. As a result, it is possible to compensate the player in some way, and it is possible to avoid a situation in which the control device or the like is exchanged wastefully.

Mean 2. Provided with predetermined operating means,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the history display control means causes the history display means to display the history information based on an operation of the operation means.

  According to the means 2, by providing the operation means, the history information need not always be displayed, and can be displayed only when it is desired to see.

Means 3. Command information output means for outputting command information corresponding to the effect mode determined by the effect determining means to the display effect control means;
The display effect control means is configured to execute a display effect of an effect mode corresponding to the input command information,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the history storage unit stores at least the command information as the history information.

  According to the means 3, since the command information such as the command corresponding to the effect mode is stored in the history storage means, an increase in the storage capacity can be suppressed as compared with the configuration in which the display data is stored as it is. As a result, a relatively large number of histories can be stored.

  Means 4. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 3, wherein the display effect means is also used as the history display means.

  According to the above means 4, for example, compared with a configuration in which a history display means is separately provided on the back side of the gaming machine, the configuration can be simplified and the number of parts can be suppressed, and the player can also check the history. It becomes. Furthermore, if the display effect control means is configured to also serve as the history display control means, the structure can be further simplified. In addition, if the control device having the display effect control means and the history display control means is provided with the operation means, the structure can be further simplified and the player can operate the operation means without permission. Since it becomes impossible to do it, fraud etc. can be suppressed.

  Means 5. 5. The game according to claim 4, further comprising prohibiting means for prohibiting the history display when at least the display effect of the effect mode determined by the effect determining means is being executed by the display effect means. Machine.

  According to the means 5, since the history display is not performed at least during the execution of the display effect, the player can concentrate on the display effect.

  Means 6. 6. A means according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising backup power supply means for supplying backup power for holding the stored contents to the history storage means when normal power supply is cut off. Game machines.

  According to the means 6, by providing backup power supply means such as a capacitor, a history can be kept for a predetermined period even after the gaming machine is turned off. Therefore, for example, when a manufacturer collects a gaming machine and verifies a problem as described in the above problem, a history can be viewed.

  Means 7. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 6, further comprising an erasing means for erasing the history information.

  According to the means 7, the history information stored in the history storage means can be deleted. As a result, an increase in the amount of stored information can be suppressed. As an example of the erasing means, for example, the history storage means sequentially stores history information in time series, and if the maximum number of history information that can be stored in the history storage means is exceeded, the history information stored previously And a configuration in which history information is erased by operating an operation means such as an erase button.

  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 a more detailed mode example, “an operation means (game ball launching handle) operated by a player, a launching means (shot motor, etc.) for playing and launching a game ball based on an operation of the operation means, A ball ball game machine including a game area where a game ball is guided and each ball entry means (general prize opening, variable prize winning device, operation opening, etc.) arranged in the game 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 a more detailed mode example, “an operation means (game ball launching handle) operated by a player, a launching means (shot motor, etc.) for playing and launching a game ball based on an operation of the operation means, The game balls are guided and extended along a substantially vertical direction (for example, the game area is constituted by a game board surface), and each ball entry means (general winning mouth, And a ball game machine configured to be able to visually recognize the behavior of a game ball flowing down the game area.

  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.

  D. 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 (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 Etc.), a display effect is provided in association with a first display means (specifically, a rotating body unit such as a reel unit) for stopping and displaying the identification information string and a variable display by the first display means. A second display means, and the change of the identification information (design) is started due to the operation of the start operation means (specifically, the start lever), and the stop operation means (specifically, the stop button) The rotator is configured so that the game value is given on the condition that the identification information (symbol) changes due to the operation of the game and the identification information aligned on the active line at the time of the stop is the specific identification information. Type game machine ".

  E. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a gaming machine of a type in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are fused (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 Etc.), a display effect is provided in association with a first display means (specifically, a rotating body unit such as a reel unit) for stopping and displaying the identification information string and a variable display by the first display means. A second display means, and the change of the identification information (design) is started due to the operation of the start operation means (specifically, the start lever), and the stop operation means (specifically, the stop button) The variation of the identification information (symbol) is stopped due to the operation of, and the game value is given on the condition that the identification information aligned on the active line at the time of the stop is the specific identification information, and Set up a ball tray (top plate, etc.) A take-in means for taking in a game ball from a receiving tray and a pay-out means for paying out the game ball to the ball receiving tray are provided, and a game start condition is established when the game ball is taken in by the take-in means. A game machine ".

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as “pachinko machine”) will be described in detail based on 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, and the game balls discharged from the discharge port 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 (launching means) 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 unit (operating port) 33, a second opportunity corresponding port 34, a variable display device unit 35, etc. in through holes 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 slot 31, the variable winning device 32, and the first opportunity corresponding unit 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 unit 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.

  The first opportunity corresponding unit 33 includes a pair of opening / closing members 33a, and the opening / closing member 33a is configured to open / close in response to establishment of a predetermined condition. Thereby, the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 can be switched between a closed state in which a game ball is difficult or impossible to enter and an open state in which the game ball is easier to enter than the closed state. In the first opportunity corresponding unit 33, for example, when the opening / closing member 33a is in the open state in the normal mode and a specified time (for example, 0.2 seconds) elapses, or a specified number (for example, 1) of game balls has entered. The case is closed. This opening / closing process is performed only once in the normal mode.

  The variable display device unit 35 displays a normal symbol display device 41 that displays a normal symbol variably with the passage of the second trigger corresponding port 34 as a trigger, and a color change display of the LED with a winning at the first trigger corresponding unit 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 unit 33 is predetermined when the switching display (fluctuation display) is performed at high speed, such as “×” → “○” →..., And the change 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 the 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 constituted 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 deterministically 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 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 in the case of a big hit (occurrence of a special game state), an open state in which the game ball is likely to win and a normal closed state. It is designed to be operated repeatedly. More specifically, when the game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding unit 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. High-speed color change display means, for example, that red, green, and blue are displayed in order every 4 msec. At this time, a special gaming state occurs when the decision display is made in red or green (for example, when it is stopped for a few seconds), that is, when a big win lottery is won. Here, red or green is a display showing a big hit. In particular, red is a display indicating that the game mode after the jackpot ends is a high probability mode described later, and green is a display indicating that the game mode after the jackpot ends is a time reduction mode described later. For this reason, 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). More specifically, a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings is regarded as one round (special prize state), and the large winning opening of the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly opened a predetermined number of times (a predetermined number of rounds). Is done.

  Further, when a new game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding unit 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. Similarly, when a game ball newly wins the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 during the jackpot state, the corresponding change display is also put on hold.

  The game board 30 is provided with a rail unit 50 as a rail member that guides the game ball launched from the game ball launching device to the upper part of the game board 30, and is fired as the handle 18 is rotated. The game balls are 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 path between the inner rail component 51 and the outer rail component 52 to the upper part of the game board 30 returns to the ball guide path 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). Accordingly, 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, game balls are supplied to the game ball launcher 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 ball striking ball, and the game ball is fired with the rotation of the ball striking center around 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 opened 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 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 with reference to FIG. Various types of control boards are arranged on the pachinko machine 10 on the back side (actually on the back side of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30) so that they are arranged vertically and partially and overlapped in front and back. Furthermore, 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”. In addition, 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”. 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 backpack 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 support shaft 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.

  Further, 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 so as not to fall off by a plurality of locking fixtures 211 and 212 provided on the inner frame 12. It is fixed.

  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 and rear directions. 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, the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, and the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 (see FIG. 3 respectively) described above correspond to the game board opening 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.

  Also, on the back surface of the game board 30, a winning detection mechanism (entrance detecting means) for detecting the passage of gaming 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 trigger corresponding unit switch 224 is provided at a position corresponding to the first trigger corresponding unit 33, and a second trigger corresponding port switch 225 is provided at a position corresponding to the second trigger corresponding port 34.

  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 unit switch 224 is directly connected to the main board without the relay board.

  Although not shown in the drawings, the variable prize winning device 32 is provided with a big prize opening solenoid for opening the big prize opening, and the first opportunity handling unit 33 is provided with a first opportunity handling unit (opening / closing member 33a). A starting port) solenoid 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 the 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 sent 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, the payout of the game ball is electrically detected for each of the various winning openings, 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. H.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.

  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.

  The sub-control device 262 is provided with a history display button 262a as an operation means. When the history display button 262a is pressed, a history of display effects performed on the decorative symbol display device 42 is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 as described later. Therefore, the decorative symbol display device 42 constitutes display effect means and history display means in the present embodiment, and the sub-control device 262 constitutes display effect control means and history display control means.

  A power relay board 266 is mounted on the sub control device 262, and power supplied from a power board described later is input to the sub control device 262 and the display control device 45 through 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 equipped 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. The launch control board of the launch control apparatus 312 controls the launch motor 229 in accordance with the player's operation of the handle 18, and the power supply board of the power supply apparatus 313 generates a predetermined power supply voltage required by various control apparatuses. 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 clogged in the payout motor unit, the payout motor is rotated forward and reverse to eliminate the ball clogging (return to a normal state).

  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 retains the state at the time of the power failure and can be restored 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 Is input.

  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 ball passages in the horizontal direction and that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected. Further, the tank rail 356 is arranged vertically on the downstream side of the tank rail 356. 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. In addition, a vibrator 360 that adds vibration to the tank rail 356 is attached 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 for relaying a payout command signal from the payout control device 311 to the payout device 358, and a power switch board 382 for taking in the main power from the outside. Yes. The power switch board 382 is supplied with, for example, an AC 24V main power supply via a voltage converter, and the power switch 382a is switched on or off by a 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. .

  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”. Therefore, the decorative symbol display device 42 is displayed as if it was a big hit, and the big winning opening is forcibly opened using a cell or the like, so that a winning ball is obtained even if it is not a big hit. Even when such a fraudulent act is performed, such a fraudulent act can be easily found by confirming the lighting mode 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 controller 261 (main board) of the pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic unit. 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 is a stack area that stores the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 501, the return address of a control program executed by the CPU 501, and a work area (work area) that stores various flags, counters, I / O values, and the like. ) And a backup area 503a.

  The RAM 503 is configured to retain (backup) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and is stored in the stack area, work area, and backup area 503a. All data is backed up.

  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 normal 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. Upon occurrence, the power failure process (NMI interrupt process) in FIG. 11 is immediately executed.

  Note that if data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 503a is backed up, it is not always necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, the data stored in the stack area and the backup area 503a may be backed up, and the data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

  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. For example, the RAM 553 is provided with a counter buffer for storing values of various counters to be described later, a history area as history storage means for storing a history of display effects, and the like.

  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. The input / output port 554 is connected to the speaker 24, various illumination units and lamps 102 to 106, and a history display button 262a.

  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.

  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, and all stored in the stack area, work area, and backup area 513a. Data is backed up. Note that if data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 513a is backed up, it is not always necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, the data stored in the stack area and the backup area 513a may be backed up, and the data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

  The backup area 513a has a stack pointer, each register at the time of power off, each register, so that the power of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned off. 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. 22), and the restoration of each value written in the backup area 513a is executed in the main process at the time of turning on the power (see FIG. 22). . As with 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. 24) 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, a video display processor (VDP) 526, an input port 527, an output port 529, and bus lines 530 and 531. And. An input / output port 554 of the sub control device 262 is connected to the input port 527. Further, the CPU 521, the program ROM 522, the work RAM 523, and the VDP 526 are connected to the input port 527. An output port 529 is connected to the VDP 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 receives the display command transmitted from the sub-control device 262 via the input port 527 and analyzes the received command or performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on the received command to control the VDP 526 ( Specifically, internal command generation for VDP 526 is performed. Thereby, display control in the decorative symbol display device 42 is performed.

  The program ROM 522 is a memory that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 521 and fixed value data. The work RAM 523 is a memory that temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 521 executes various programs. It is.

  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 that stores character data such as symbols displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The VDP 526 is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates an LCD driver (liquid crystal driving circuit) incorporated in the decorative symbol display device 42. Since the VDP 526 is an IC chip, it is also referred to as a “drawing chip”, and the substance of the VDP 526 can be said to be a microcomputer chip with a dedicated firmware for drawing processing. The VDP 526 adjusts the respective timings of the CPU 521, the video RAM 524, etc. to intervene in reading and writing data, and reads the display data stored in the video RAM 524 at a predetermined timing and causes the decorative symbol display device 42 to display it.

  The power supply device 313 includes a power supply unit 541 that supplies power to each unit 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. 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 the power failure process (NMI interrupt processing in FIG. 11).

  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, the jackpot random number counter C1 as a lottery random number counter used for the jackpot lottery and the mode decision used for determining the transition to the high probability mode or the low probability mode described later when the jackpot is won. The counter C2, the variation selection counter C3 used for determining the variation 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 variation display time of the special display device 43 The variation type counters CS1 and CS2 used for determining the normal symbol and the normal symbol random number counter C4 used for the lottery of the normal symbol display device 41 are used. Note that the variation selection counter C3 is also used for a variation pattern and reach type lottery when the decorative symbol display device 42 is deviated and varied. The variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are also used for variation pattern selection (effect pattern selection) of the decorative symbol display device 42. Specifically, the variation time of the special display device 43 is determined according to the determined variation pattern, and the variation mode and variation time in the decorative symbol display device 42, that is, the effect pattern (effect mode) 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 (except for the random number initial value counter CINI).

  The RAM 503 is provided with a first reserved ball storage area and a second reserved ball storage area as a storage area composed of one execution area and four reserved areas (first to fourth reserved areas). In each area of the first reserved ball storage area, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the mode determination counter C2, and the variation selection counter C3 are time-sequentially matched to the winning history of the game balls to the first opportunity corresponding unit 33. It is designed to be stored. In addition, in each area of the second reserved ball storage area, the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 is stored in time series in accordance with the passing history of the game ball to the second opportunity corresponding port 34. Yes.

  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, 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 interruption and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of normal processing. 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. Then, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the jackpot random number counter buffer is stored in the first reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding unit 33. There are two types of jackpot random numbers, a low probability state (normal mode, time reduction mode, etc.) and a high probability state (high probability mode). The number of random number values to be 2 is “337, 673”, the number of random number values that are jackpots in the high probability state is 10, and the value is “67, 131, 199, 269,337,401,463,523,601,661 ".

  Here, various game modes will be described. In the present embodiment, the game mode (game state) is switched between a normal mode (normal state) and a plurality of specific modes that are more advantageous to the player than the normal mode. More specifically, as the specific mode, two modes, a high probability mode and a time reduction mode, are set. Among these, the high probability mode is a game mode that continues until the next jackpot, and the time reduction mode is a mode that shifts to the next mode after the predetermined period.

  The normal mode refers to a normal state that is not a specific mode such as the high probability mode. Therefore, in the normal mode, the jackpot probability (winning probability of the jackpot state) is a normal low probability.

  In addition, the high probability mode is a big hit when the special display device 43 is stopped and displayed with “red” (the decorative symbol display device 42 is stopped and displayed with a predetermined probability variation symbol), and the subsequent big hit A state in which the probability is higher than that in the low probability state. In the following description, the case where the decorative symbol display device 42 is a jackpot due to the probability variation symbol is referred to as “probability variation jackpot”, and the case where the jackpot is due to a normal symbol other than the probability variation symbol is referred to as “normal jackpot”.

  In the high probability mode, the jackpot probability is increased and a high probability state is obtained. In addition, in this embodiment, (1) a state in which the variable display time in the special display device 43 is shortened (time shortening state). (2) A state in which the variable display time in the normal symbol display device 41 is shortened, (3) a state in which the specified time (opening time) related to the opening / closing process of the first trigger corresponding unit 33 is longer than that in the normal mode, or A state in which the prescribed number (winning number) is increased compared to the normal mode, and (4) when a winning result indicating that the “○” symbol is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 41 is obtained. The number of executions of the opening / closing process of the corresponding unit 33 is larger than that in the normal mode. (5) The probability that the “○” symbol is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 41 (winning probability) is in the normal mode. High state than winning probability of time is granted. More specifically, in the high probability mode, the opening / closing member 33a of the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is in an open state, and when a specified time (for example, 3 seconds) elapses or a specified number (for example, 3) of game balls enter. Closed when there is a ball. This opening / closing process is repeated twice. As a result, the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is opened frequently, and lottery lotteries are continuously made, and the ball is in good condition. In addition to this, as a high probability mode, in addition to increasing the jackpot probability (winning probability of the jackpot state), any combination of the above configurations (1) to (5) (for example, (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (1) and (2), (1) and (3), (1) and (4), (1) and (5), (2) and (3 ), (2) and (4), (2) and (5), (3) and (4), (3) and (5), (4) and (5), (1) and (2) (3), (1) and (2) and (4), (1) and (2) and (5), (1) and (3) and (4), (1) and (3) and (5 ), (1) and (4) and (5), (2) and (3) and (4), (2) and (3) and (5), (2) and (4) and (5), (3), (4) and (5), (1), (2), (3) and (4), (1), (2), (3) and (5), (1) and (2 ) And (4) (5) can be employed (1) and (3) and (4) (5), and (2) and (3) and (4) (5)). In addition, the ratio of the open state with respect to the closed state per unit time in the 1st opportunity corresponding | compatible unit 33 will be in a state higher than the ratio in the normal mode by the state of said (2)-(5). That is, such a state corresponds to the high ball entering state in the present embodiment. Therefore, the high probability mode can be paraphrased as a high probability, a time reduction, and a high pitching mode. On the other hand, a state that is not in the states (2) to (5) as in the normal mode corresponds to a low entry state.

  In addition, the time reduction mode is a big hit when the special display device 43 is stopped and displayed in “green” (the decorative symbol display device 42 is stopped and displayed with a normal symbol other than a predetermined probability variation symbol). Thereafter, the game mode is set while the variable display of the special display device 43 is performed 100 times, which means a state more advantageous to the player than the normal mode. The time reduction mode is a game mode in which the jackpot probability is the same low probability as in the normal mode, and the ratio of the open state to the closed state per unit time in the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is higher than the ratio in the normal mode. . In the present embodiment, the states (1) to (5) given in the high probability mode are given in the same manner. That is, except for the difference in jackpot probability (winning probability in the jackpot state), the same state (time shortening state and high pitching state) is obtained. Of course, as in the high probability mode, any combination of the configurations (1) to (5) can be adopted. Therefore, the time shortening mode can be restated as a low probability / time shortening / high pitching mode.

  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 high probability mode after the big hit. 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”. In this case, the transition to the time reduction 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 time reduction mode. If so, the time shortening 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 first reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding unit 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 this embodiment, after the reach is generated with respect to the decorative symbol by the variation selection counter C3, the final stop symbol is shifted by one by one before and after the reach symbol and stopped, and the last stop after the occurrence of reach is also performed. “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. 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 unit 33, the value of the variation selection counter C3 stored in the variation selection counter buffer is stored in the first 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 in combination 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 addition, in the case of “completely off”, none of normal reach, super reach, and premium reach is selected.

  Further, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated once every time a normal 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.

  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.

  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 the present embodiment), and the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 is acquired when the game ball passes through the left or right second opportunity corresponding port 34. Is done. Normally, there are 149 random numbers to be won, and the range is “5 to 153”. On the other hand, in the high probability mode and the time reduction mode, that is, in the case where the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is in the high pitching state, there are 224, and the range is “5-228”. That is, the probability of stopping the symbol “◯” in the normal symbol display device 41 is higher than that in the normal mode. 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 in the normal symbol display device 41, the symbol corresponding to the winning (in this example, “◯”) is stopped and displayed. Then, the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is activated for a predetermined time. Further, in the high probability mode and the time reduction mode, the time until the lottery result is displayed on the normal symbol display device 41 (variable display time of the normal symbol) is shortened. The ratio at which the unit 33 is in a high entrance state increases. As a result, the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is frequently opened, and the big hit lottery is continuously performed.

  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 S301, 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 S302, random number initial value update processing is executed. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (676 in this embodiment).

  In step S303, random number update processing is executed. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the mode determination counter C2, the variation selection counter C3, and the normal symbol random number counter C4 are each incremented by 1 and their counter values are the maximum values (in this embodiment, 676, 9 respectively. , 238, 250) is cleared to 0 respectively. Then, the updated values of the counters C1, C2, C3, and C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

  Thereafter, in step S304, a start winning process associated with winning the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is executed, and in step S305, a second opportunity corresponding port passing process accompanying the passing of the game ball to the second opportunity corresponding port 34 is performed. Execute. Thereafter, the timer interrupt process is temporarily terminated.

  Here, the start winning process in step S304 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S501, whether or not the game ball has won the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is determined based on the detection information of the first opportunity corresponding unit switch 224. If it is determined that the game ball has won the first opportunity corresponding unit 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 condition that there is a winning in the first opportunity corresponding unit 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 success or failure 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 S303 are used as the first free storage area in the first reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503. Store in the area. Thereafter, the start winning process is temporarily terminated. Therefore, a part of the lottery means (win / no lottery process) in the present embodiment is configured by the function of the start winning process.

  Next, the second opportunity corresponding port passing process in step S305 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S601, whether or not the game ball has passed through the second opportunity corresponding port 34 is determined based on the detection information of the second opportunity corresponding port switch 225. When it is determined that the game ball has passed through the second opportunity corresponding port 34, in the subsequent step S602, it is determined whether or not the number N of retained balls of the normal symbol display device 41 is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). Determine. The process proceeds to step S603 on the condition that there is a passage to the second opportunity corresponding port 34 and the number of reserved balls N <4, and the number of reserved balls N is incremented by one. In subsequent step S604, a random number related to the success or failure is acquired. Specifically, the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 updated by the random number update process in step S303 is stored in the first area of the free storage area of the second reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503. Thereafter, the second opportunity corresponding port passing process is temporarily ended.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt process. 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 S401, 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 in 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 the 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. 11 is started. The contents are as described above.

  Next, the flow of main processing executed by the CPU 501 in the main controller 261 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This main process is started upon reset when 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 the 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 the process also proceeds to step S113 in this case.

  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. Thereafter, interrupt permission is set in step S112, and the routine proceeds to normal processing described later.

  On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed (step S104: NO), it is a condition that the information on occurrence of power interruption is set and that 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 routine proceeds to normal processing described later.

  Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this normal process, the main process of the game is executed. As its outline, the processing of steps S201 to S210 is executed as a periodic processing with a period of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S211 and S212 is executed with the remaining time.

  First, in step S201, a control signal based on the setting contents of the special display device 43 and the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 updated in the previous process is transmitted to each device, and output data such as a command is transmitted to each sub-side. External output processing to be transmitted to the control device is executed.

  For example, when the decorative symbol display device 42 displays the variation of the decorative symbol, a variation pattern command, a symbol command, or the like is transmitted to the sub-control device 262. That is, the variation pattern command and the symbol command are commands that are output to the sub-control device 262 in order to cause the decorative symbol display device 42 to perform a display effect in accordance with the display performed on the special display device 43. This corresponds to the command information in the form. Therefore, the function of this external output process constitutes the command information output means in this embodiment. On the other hand, the sub-control device 262 that has input the variation pattern command, the symbol command, etc. determines the variation mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 based on the various commands, and displays the variation mode on the decorative symbol display device 42. An instruction is issued to the display control device 45 so as to (variable display).

  For convenience, the variation pattern command and the like will be described here. The variation pattern command includes information for specifying the variation type of the decorative symbol such as normal reach, super reach, and premium reach. In the present embodiment, for example, in the normal mode, any one of “FF10”, “FF11”, “FF12”, “FF13”, “FF14”, “FF15”, and “FF16” is set as the variation pattern command. In the high probability mode, “FD10”, “FD11”, “FD12”, “FD13”, “FD14”, “FD15”, “FD16” are set, and in the time reduction mode, “FE10”, “FE11”. , “FE12”, “FE13”, “FE14”, “FE15”, “FE16” are set. On the other hand, the sub-control device 262 stores the relationship between these variation pattern commands and decoration symbol variation types in a table (see FIG. 28). Then, the sub control device 262 executes the effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern command.

  Hereinafter, the variation type of the decorative symbol and the correspondence between the variation type and the variation pattern command will be described.

  Normal reach is a reach pattern that does not display any special effects other than the variation of the decorative design. In the variation pattern command corresponding to the normal reach, “FF11” is set in the normal mode, “FD11” is set in the high probability mode, and “FE11” is set in the time reduction mode. In this embodiment, the variable display time for which the normal reach is derived is set to “20 seconds” in the normal mode, “8 seconds” in the high probability mode, and “10 seconds” in the time reduction mode.

  Super Reach is a reach pattern in which characters and the like are displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 in addition to the decorative symbol during the variation display of the decorative symbol (after the reach state is established), thereby giving the player a sense of expectation. is there. In this embodiment, three types (super reach SR1, SR2, SR3) of 30 second, 40 second, and 50 second patterns are prepared for the super reach in the normal mode. Note that the variable display time in the high probability mode and in the time reduction mode is shortened compared to that in the normal mode, as in the normal reach. Corresponding to each reach pattern, in the case of the super reach SR1, “FF12” in the normal mode, “FD12” in the high probability mode, and “FE12” in the time reduction mode are set as the variation pattern commands. In the case of the super reach SR2, “FF13” in the normal mode, “FD13” in the high probability mode, and “FE13” in the time reduction mode are set. In the case of the super reach SR3, “FF14” in the normal mode, “FD14” in the high probability mode, and “FE14” in the time reduction mode are set.

  Premium reach is an effect that can be derived only when a big hit state occurs. During the decorative symbol variation display (after reaching the reach state), in addition to the decorative symbol, a character with a different pattern from the super reach is displayed. This is a reach pattern that makes the player have a sense of expectation. In the premium reach of this embodiment, two types (premium reach PR1, PR2) of 60-second and 70-second patterns are prepared in the normal mode. Note that the variable display time in the high probability mode and in the time reduction mode is shortened compared to that in the normal mode, as in the normal reach. Corresponding to each reach pattern, in the premium reach PR1, “FF15” in the normal mode, “FD15” in the high probability mode, and “FE15” in the time reduction mode are set as the variation pattern command. In the premium reach PR2, “FF16” in the normal mode, “FD16” in the high probability mode, and “FE16” in the time reduction mode are set.

  In addition, the fluctuation pattern command corresponding to “complete out” that does not reach any reach state is set to “FF10” in the normal mode, “FD10” in the high probability mode, and “FE10” in the time reduction mode. The In the present embodiment, the variable display time that is completely off is set to 10 seconds in the normal mode. Of course, the variable display time in the high probability mode and the time shortening mode is shortened compared to the normal mode as in the normal reach.

  Further, the sub-control device 262 determines a stop symbol (combination of stop symbols) based on the symbol command, and displays it after the fluctuation time has elapsed. The symbol command is a command for causing the sub-control device 262 to determine a stop symbol, a combination of probability variation symbols, a normal symbol combination, a front / rear off symbol combination, a front / rear off symbol combination, a complete out symbol design combination. Five classifications are designated, which are the combinations. These divisions are indicated by “A1”, “A2”, “A3”, “A4”, “A5”, and any of these is set as a symbol command. On the other hand, the sub-control device 262 stores the relationship between these commands and stop symbols in a table. Then, the sub control device 262 displays a stop symbol corresponding to the symbol command.

  Hereinafter, the stop symbol classification and the correspondence between the stop symbol and the symbol command will be described.

  The combination of probability variation symbols is a combination of symbols composed of numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 and “A1” is set in the symbol command corresponding to the combination of probability variation symbols. Then, when “A1” indicating the probability variation symbol is set in the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 is one of the combinations of symbols consisting of the numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 in the form of a slot. Is determined as a stop symbol.

  The combination of normal symbols is a combination of symbols consisting of numbers 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8, and “A2” is set in the symbol command corresponding to the combination of normal symbols. Then, when “A2” indicating the normal symbol is set in the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 is one of the combinations of symbols consisting of the numbers 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8. Is determined as a stop symbol.

  The combination of back and forth symbols corresponds to the combination of back and forth symbols, where after reaching, the final stop symbol is stopped by one shift before and after the reach symbol. “A3” is set in the symbol command. The combination of symbols other than front / rear detachment corresponds to the “reach other than front / rear detachment” that occurs after reach occurs, and the final stop symbol stops other than before / after the reach symbol. “A4” is set in the command. The combination of complete detachment symbols corresponds to “complete detachment” in which no reach occurs, and “A5” is set in the symbol command corresponding to the combination of complete detachment symbols. As will be described in detail later, when “A3” to “A5” are set in the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 stops the combination of symbols stored in the counter buffer of the corresponding RAM 553. Determine as. In the present embodiment, three commands “A3” to “A5” are prepared for the symbol command for detachment. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration having only one symbol command for detachment may be used.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 9, in step S202, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. 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 S203, the prize ball counting signal received from the payout control device 311 is read. Next, in step S204, the payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 311 is read.

  Thereafter, in step S205, a first display control process is executed. In this process, the control content of the special display device 43 is set as to what kind of control is performed in the special display device 43, and the jackpot determination and the decorative pattern variation pattern (effect pattern) in the decorative design display device 42 are performed. Settings are made. Details of the first display control process will be described later. The decorative pattern variation pattern (effect pattern) corresponds to a display effect effect mode in the present embodiment.

  In step S206, variable winning device control processing is executed. In this process, the control content of the variable winning device 32 is set as to what control is performed in the variable winning device 32. As a result, when the big win state (special game state) is reached, the opening / closing process of the big prize opening of the variable prize winning device 32 is repeatedly executed a predetermined number of rounds. Details of the variable winning device control process will be described later. The special game state control means in this embodiment is configured by the function of the variable winning device control process.

  In step S207, the second display control process is executed. In this process, the control contents of the normal symbol display device 41 are set as to what kind of control is performed in the normal symbol display device 41. Details of the second display control process will be described later.

  In step S208, an opportunity handling unit control process is executed. In this process, the control content of the first opportunity handling unit 33 is set as to what control is performed in the first opportunity handling unit 33.

  After that, in step S209, it is determined whether or not occurrence information of power interruption is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Here, if the occurrence information of power interruption is not set in the backup area 503a, it is determined in step S210 whether or not the next normal processing execution timing has been reached, that is, a predetermined time from the start of the previous normal processing (this embodiment) It is determined whether or not 4 msec) has elapsed. And if predetermined time has already passed, it will transfer to Step S201 and will repeat the processing after the above-mentioned Step S201.

  On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed from the start of the previous normal process, the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process. Repeatedly execute (step S211, step S212).

  That is, in step S211, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (676 in this embodiment).

  In step S212, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated (similar to step S202). Specifically, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and are cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the maximum values (198 and 240 in this embodiment). Then, the change values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

  Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S201 to S209 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the next execution timing of the normal process is not constant and varies. Therefore, it is possible to update the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the big hit random number counter C1) at random by repeatedly executing the update of the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time, and similarly change The type counters CS1 and CS2 can also be updated at random.

  Now, if the occurrence information of power interruption is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 (step S209: YES), the power is cut off, so that the processing after step S213 is performed as a power failure process at the time of power interruption. Is called. In the power failure process, first, the generation of each interrupt process is prohibited in step S213, the contents of each register used by the CPU 501 are saved in the stack area in step S214, and the value of the stack pointer is saved in the backup area 503a in step S215. To remember. Thereafter, in step S216, a power-off notification command indicating that the power has been cut off is transmitted to other control devices (such as the payout control device 311). In step S217, 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, RAM access is prohibited in step S218, and the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed.

  The process of step S209 is performed at the end of a series of processes corresponding to the game state change performed at steps S201 to S208, or at the end of one cycle of the processes of steps S211 and S212 performed within the remaining time. It is executed at the timing. Therefore, in the normal process of the main controller 261, the occurrence information of the power interruption is confirmed at the end of each process, so that the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 is less than that in the middle of each process. And can be easily memorized. 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. . Further, since the interruption processing is prohibited before the data is stored (step S213), 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 first display control process of step S205 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 14, 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 the subsequent step S802, it is determined whether or not color change display (variation display) is being performed by the special display device 43 by looking at the setting status of the display timer. Specifically, when the display timer is set (when it is in the on state), it is regarded as a variable display, and when the display timer is released (when it is in the off state), the variable display is in a stopped state. It is considered that the stop display is in progress. 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 if 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, processing for shifting the data stored in the first reserved ball storage area is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the first to fourth areas on hold in the first holding ball storage area to the execution area side. Data in each area is shifted, such as area → holding first area, holding third area → holding second area, holding fourth area → holding third area.

  Thereafter, in step S806, a variable display setting process is executed. Here, the details of the variable display setting 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 first 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 the numerical value 0 to 676 of the jackpot random number counter C1 in the low probability state such as the normal mode as described above. Among them, “337, 673” is a winning value, and in the high probability mode, “67, 131, 199, 269, 337, 401, 463, 523, 601, 661” is a winning value. Therefore, a part of the lottery means (win / fail lottery process) in the present embodiment is configured by the function of this process. 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 S909.

  In step S902, it is determined whether or not the probability variation jackpot. In the present embodiment, the system is configured to shift to the high probability mode or the time reduction mode with a probability of 1/2 in the case of a big hit. 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 first 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 time reduction mode is determined (usually a big hit).

  Here, when it is determined that the probability variation jackpot (step S902: YES), the jackpot variation pattern is determined in step S904, and the probability variation symbol (“A1” in the present embodiment) is set to the symbol command in step S905. Then, the process proceeds to step S917.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S902 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 S907, and a normal symbol (this embodiment) is determined in step S908. Then, “A2”) is set as the symbol command, and the process proceeds to step S917.

  In steps S904 and S907, 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 variation time are defined in advance by a table or the like for each game mode. . Note that the mode determination in the present embodiment is performed by a combination of an on / off state of a high probability state flag, a time shortening state flag, and a high entry state flag, which will be described later. For example, if the high probability state flag, the time shortening state flag, and the high pitched state flag are all on (flag value “1”), it is determined that the mode is a high probability mode.

  Here, the correspondence between the numerical values of the first variation type counter CS1 and the second variation type counter CS2 and the variation type will be described. For example, at the big hit time in the normal mode, the correspondence is defined by a normal mode big hit table as shown in FIG. That is, when CS1 = 0 to 9, “FF11” (normal reach) is set in the variation pattern command regardless of the value of CS2. When CS1 = 10 to 196 and CS2 = 0 to 69, “FF12” (super reach SR1) is set in the variation pattern command. When CS1 = 10 to 196 and CS2 = 70 to 149, “FF13” (super reach SR2) is set in the variation pattern command. When CS1 = 10 to 196 and CS2 = 150 to 240, “FF14” (super reach SR3) is set in the variation pattern command. When CS1 = 197, 198 and CS2 = 0-120, “FF15” (premium reach PR1) is set in the variation pattern command. When CS1 = 197, 198 and CS2 = 121-240, “FF16” (premium reach PR2) is set in the variation pattern command.

  The symbol commands in step S905 and step S908 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 S905), the symbol combination of any one of the first, third, fifth, seventh, and ninth slots 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 S908), 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 S905 and step S908, the process proceeds to step S917.

  In step S909, which is shifted when 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 variation selection counter C3 stored in the execution area of the first 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 S909: YES), the process proceeds to step S910. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not reach (step S909: NO), that is, if it is “completely out”, a dislocation variation pattern is determined in step S915, and a complete out symbol is set as a symbol command in step S916. Then, the process proceeds to step S917.

  In step S910, 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 S910: YES), a deviation variation pattern is determined in step S911, the front / rear pattern is set as a symbol command in step S912, and the process proceeds to step S917. . On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not front / rear detachment (step S910: NO), that is, when it is reach other than front / rear detachment, a detachment variation pattern is determined in step S913, and symbols other than front / rear detachment are determined in step S914. The command is set, and the process proceeds to step S917.

  When the outlier variation pattern is determined in steps S911, S913, and S915, 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. In addition, the effect determination means in this embodiment is comprised by said step S904, S907, S911, S913, S915.

  Here, the correspondence between the numerical value of the first variation type counter CS1 and the variation type will be described. For example, at the time of front / rear detachment during the normal mode, the correspondence is defined by a table for front / rear detachment during the normal mode as shown in FIG. That is, when CS1 = 0 to 9, “FF11” (normal reach) is set in the variation pattern command regardless of the value of CS2. When CS1 = 10 to 198 and CS2 = 0 to 90, “FF12” (super reach SR1) is set in the variation pattern command. When CS1 = 10 to 198 and CS2 = 91 to 170, “FF13” (super reach SR2) is set in the variation pattern command. When CS1 = 10 to 198 and CS2 = 171 to 240, “FF14” (super reach SR3) is set in the variation pattern command. At the time of reach other than forward / backward deviation (C3 = 2 to 21), the reach is normal regardless of the values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2, and “FF11” is set in the variation pattern command. Further, at the time of complete deviation (C3 = 22 to 238), “FF10” is set in the variation pattern command regardless of the values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2.

  Further, the symbol command in step S912, step S914, and step S916 indicates a predetermined division of the combination of symbols that are out of the same manner as in step S905 and the like. Specifically, when “A3” indicating the combination of the front and rear symbols is set in the symbol command (step S912), 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 S914), 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 “A5” indicating the combination of completely out-of-design is set in the symbol command (step S916), the sub-control unit 262 converts the combination of symbols corresponding to the complete out-of-game stored in the complete out-of-design symbol buffer of the RAM 553. Is determined as a stop symbol.

  In step S917, start setting processing is performed to indicate that a condition for performing color change display (variation display) is satisfied in the special display device 43. In this start setting process, a display timer setting process is performed. The display timer is a means for measuring the fluctuation time, and is considered when determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the fluctuation display. For example, when the variation time is 10 seconds (10000 msec), it is set to 10000 msec. As will be described later, the display timer is decremented by 4 msec every time the normal process is performed once. In addition, the value corresponding to the variation pattern of the decorative design selected by the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 is set as the variation display time of the special display device 43 in the present embodiment. Based on such setting of the display timer, when a control signal for starting color change display (variation display) is output to the special display device 43 in the next external output processing of normal processing, special display is performed. Color change display is started in the device 43. The special display device 43 is a three-color LED as described above, and changes color to green if the lit color is red, blue if it is green, and red if it is blue. Then, after step S917 ends, the variable display setting process ends.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 14, if step S802 is YES, that is, if the variable display is being performed, the process proceeds to step S807 to perform display timer subtraction processing. Each time this process is performed, the value of the display timer is subtracted by 4 msec. For example, when a display timer of 10000 msec is set, the value of the display timer is 9996 msec in the display timer subtraction process in the next normal process for the time when the display timer is set.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S808, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed with reference to the value of the display timer after the subtraction. At this time, when a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the display timer becomes “0”, an affirmative determination is made in step S808. If an affirmative determination is made in step S808, the display timer is canceled [turned off (cleared)] in step S809, and stop display setting for performing a stop display on the special display device 43 is performed in step S810. Then, based on the setting contents of the stop display setting, a control signal for performing stop display is output to the special display device 43 in the next external output process in the normal process. In other words, if it is a promiscuous jackpot with a transition to the high probability mode, the red is stopped (for example, lighted only for a few seconds), and if it is a regular jackpot with a transition to the time reduction mode, the green is stopped and displayed. If it is off, blue is stopped and displayed. Again, the main display is such a stop display by the special display device 43, and the display of the decorative symbols by the decorative symbol display device 42 is only auxiliary.

  In step S811, discrimination information setting processing is performed. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, it is determined in step S1001 whether or not the stop display corresponds to a jackpot. Here, when it corresponds to jackpot, it transfers to step S1002 and performs jackpot setting. Specifically, processing for setting a jackpot flag, a variable flag, a variable timer, and a round number counter is performed. And after completion | finish of step S1002, a discrimination | determination information setting process is complete | finished.

  The jackpot flag is state determination information for determining whether or not the jackpot state is a special gaming state, and here, “1” indicating the occurrence of the jackpot state is set as the flag value. The value of the jackpot flag is determined based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1.

  The variable flag is determination information for determining whether or not the variable winning device 32 is in an open state.

  The variable timer is means for measuring the opening time of the variable winning device 32, and is considered when determining whether or not a specified time has elapsed since the start of opening.

  The round number counter is discriminating information for discriminating the number of rounds executed during the jackpot state (the number of special prize occurrences, that is, the number of executions of the opening / closing process of the variable winning device 32), as will be described later. “15” indicating 15 rounds is set as a value.

  If it is determined in step S1001 that the jackpot does not correspond, that is, it is determined that the game is out of place, the process proceeds to step S1003.

  In step S1003, it is determined whether or not a variation counter is set. The variation counter is a means for measuring the duration of the time-reduced state (how many variations are displayed). As will be described later, “100” is set as the counter value after the end of the normal jackpot.

  Here, when the variation counter is canceled (in the off state), this processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the variation counter is set (in the ON state), it is regarded that the time reduction state is being set, and in step S1004, the value of the variation counter is decremented by 1, and the process proceeds to step S1005. To do.

  In step S1005, it is determined whether or not the value of the variation counter is zero. That is, it is determined whether or not the current variation display is the 100th variation display after the end of the normal jackpot (after the provision of the time reduction state). Here, if the remaining value of the variation counter is 0 count, a process of resetting a high pitching state flag described later in step S1006 is performed (set to “0”), and a time shortening state flag described later is set in step S1007. A process of resetting (setting “0”) is performed, a process of canceling (turning off) the variation counter is performed in step S1008, and the present process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1005 that the value of the variation counter is not 0 count, the present process is terminated.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 14, after the discrimination information setting process in step S <b> 811 is finished, the first display control process is finished. If the determination in step S808 is negative, in step S812, the color change display setting for continuously performing the color change display (fluctuation display) of the LED of the special display device 43 is performed, and this process is terminated. To do. Based on the setting contents of the color change display setting, a control signal for performing color change display is output to the special display device 43 in the external output process in the next normal process. Specifically, it is set to change the color to green if the current lighting color is red, blue if it is green, and red if it is blue. Thereby, the color change display (variable display) of the LED of the special display device 43 is realized at the timing of the first display control process, that is, every 4 ms. In the present embodiment, the determination information setting process (step S811) is performed after the stop display setting process (step S810). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the variable display setting process (step S806). It is good also as a structure performed after.

  Next, the variable winning device control process in step S206 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not the variable flag of the variable winning device 32 is on. Here, when it is determined that the variable flag is not ON (OFF), this processing is ended as it is.

  As described above, the variable flag is determination information for determining whether or not the variable winning device 32 is in the open state, and when the variable flag is set in the determination processing of step S1201 ( When the variable flag is released (in the off state), it is regarded as being in the closed state.

  Based on the ON / OFF state of the variable flag, various control signals are output to the variable winning device 32 in the next external output process of the normal process. When the variable flag is ON, a control signal for opening the big prize opening is output to the variable winning device 32, and the variable winning device 32 is opened. On the other hand, when the variable flag is OFF, a control signal is output to the variable winning device 32 to close the big winning opening, and the variable winning device 32 is closed.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1201, that is, if the variable flag is on, the variable winning device 32 is considered to be in the open state, and variable timer subtraction processing is performed in step S1202. Each time this process is performed, the value of the variable timer is decremented by 4 msec.

  In step S1203, the value of the variable timer after the subtraction is taken into consideration to determine whether or not the specified open time has elapsed. Here, when the specified opening time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the variable timer becomes “0”, an affirmative determination is made in step S1203. If a positive determination is made in step S1203, the process proceeds to step S1204.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1203, it is determined whether or not the number of game balls won in the variable winning device 32 in step S1205 has reached a specified number. If a positive determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S1204. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1205, that is, if the number of winnings to the variable winning device 32 has not reached the prescribed number, this processing is terminated as it is. Therefore, the variable winning device 32 maintains the open state until the specified opening time elapses or until the specified number of game balls wins, and becomes the closed state when the condition is satisfied.

  Proceeding to step S1204, it is determined whether or not the number of times the variable winning device 32 has been released, that is, the number of executed rounds has reached a specified number (the value of the round number counter is 0), taking into account the value of the round number counter. . Here, if the number of rounds has not reached the specified number, in step S1206, 1 is subtracted from the value of the round number counter, and this process is terminated as it is. That is, the opening / closing process is repeated until the number of executed rounds reaches a predetermined number of times set in advance.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1204 that the number of rounds has reached the specified number, an end setting process is performed in step S1207, and the process ends.

  In the end setting process of step S1207, the variable flag and variable timer reset process (cancellation process), the jackpot flag reset process, the round number counter reset process, the high probability state flag setting process, and the time reduction state flag setting process Then, a process for setting a high pitching state flag, a process for setting a variation counter, etc. are performed.

  More specifically, the variable flag and the variable timer are released (turned off) by the reset process of the variable flag and the variable timer.

  In the jackpot flag reset process, “0” indicating the end of the jackpot state is set as the flag value.

  The round number counter is canceled (off) by the reset processing of the round number counter.

  The high probability state flag is state determination information for determining whether or not the game mode is a high probability state. In the high probability state flag setting process, the high probability state flag is stored in the execution area of the first reserved ball storage area. The flag value is switched and set based on the value of the current mode determination counter C2. As a result, when the high probability mode is set after the jackpot ends (probability jackpot), “1” indicating the occurrence of a high probability state is set as the flag value, and the time reduction mode is set (normal jackpot) “0” indicating the occurrence of a low probability state is set as the flag value.

  The time reduction state flag is state determination information for determining whether or not the game mode is a time reduction state. In the time reduction state flag setting process, “1” indicating that a time reduction state is generated is set. Set as a flag value.

  The high entry state flag is state determination information for determining whether or not the game mode is a high entry state, and indicates that the high entry state is generated in the high entry state flag setting process. “1” is set as the flag value.

  The variation counter is a means for measuring the duration of the time-reduced state (how many variations are displayed) as described above. In the variation counter setting process, the high probability state flag setting process and Similarly, the change count counter is switched based on the value of the mode determination counter C2. Thus, when the high probability mode is set after the jackpot is finished (probability jackpot), the variation counter is canceled (off). On the other hand, when the time reduction mode is set (usually a big hit), “100” corresponding to 100 fluctuation displays is set as the value of the fluctuation counter.

  Next, the second display control process of step S207 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 19, in step S2101, it is determined whether or not switching display (variable display) is being performed by the normal symbol display device 41 by looking at the setting state of the display timer. Specifically, when the display timer is set (when it is in the on state), it is regarded as a variable display, and when the display timer is released (when it is in the off state), the variable display is in a stopped state. It is considered that the stop display is in progress. If it is not in the variable display, the process advances to step S2102 to determine whether or not the number of reserved balls N is greater than zero. At this time, if the number of reserved balls N is 0, this processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if the variable display is not being performed and the number of held balls N> 0, the process proceeds to step S2103. In step S2103, 1 is subtracted from the number of reserved balls N. In step S2104, a process for shifting the data stored in the second reserved ball storage area is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the holding first to fourth areas of the second holding ball storage area to the execution area side. The holding first area → the execution area, the holding second Data in each area is shifted, such as area → holding first area, holding third area → holding second area, holding fourth area → holding third area.

  Thereafter, in step S2105, start setting processing is executed. In this process, the normal symbol display device 41 performs a process indicating that a condition for performing switching display (variable display) is established. Specifically, the display timer setting process of the normal symbol display device 41 is performed. The display timer is a means for measuring the fluctuation time, and is considered when determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the fluctuation display. Note that the variable display time of the normal symbol display device 41 in the present embodiment is set in advance in each of the high and low entrance states as described above. Based on such setting of the display timer, when a control signal for starting switching display (variation display) is output to the normal symbol display device 41 in the next external output processing of the normal processing, the normal symbol is output. Switching display is started on the display device 41. As described above, the normal symbol display device 41 is configured to light up and display “O” or “X” as an ordinary symbol. If the displayed symbol is “O”, “X”, “X” "Is switched to" ○ ". Then, after step S2105 ends, the second display control process ends.

  If step S2101 is YES, that is, if variable display is being performed, the process proceeds to step S2106 to perform display timer subtraction processing. Each time this process is performed, the value of the display timer is subtracted by 4 msec.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S2107, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed with reference to the value of the display timer after the subtraction. At this time, when a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the display timer becomes “0”, an affirmative determination is made in step S2107. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2107, the display timer is released [turned off (cleared)] in step S2108, and stop display setting for performing stop display in the normal symbol display device 41 is performed in step S2109. Then, based on the setting contents of the stop display setting, a control signal for performing stop display is output to the normal symbol display device 41 in the next external output process in the normal process. That is, in the case of winning, the “◯” symbol (winning symbol) is stopped (for example, lit only for a few seconds), and in the case of being off, the “x” symbol is stopped.

  As described above, it is determined whether or not the winning is made based on the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 stored in the execution area of the second reserved ball storage area. Specifically, whether or not it is won is determined based on the relationship between the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 and the mode at that time, and as described above, the numerical value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 in the low entry state such as the normal mode. Of the 0 to 250, “5-153” is the winning value, and “5 to 228” is the winning value in a high pitched state such as the high probability mode.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S2110 to perform discrimination information setting processing, and this processing is terminated. In this process, when the stop display corresponds to winning, a setting process for performing the opening / closing process of the first opportunity handling unit 33 is performed. Specifically, a setting process of a variable flag, a variable timer, and an opening number counter is performed.

  The variable flag is determination information for determining whether or not the first opportunity handling unit 33 is in an open state.

  The variable timer is a means for measuring the opening time of the first opportunity handling unit 33, and is taken into account when determining whether or not a specified time has elapsed since the start of opening.

  The opening number counter is determination information for determining the number of execution times of the opening / closing process of the first opportunity corresponding unit 33.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S2107, in step S2111 a switching display setting for continuously performing the switching display (variable display) of the normal symbol display device 41 is performed, and this process is terminated. Based on the setting contents of the switching display setting, a control signal for performing switching display is output to the normal symbol display device 41 in the external output processing in the next normal processing. Specifically, if the current lighting is “◯”, “×” is displayed, and if “×”, the display is switched to “◯”. Thereby, the switching display (variable display) of the normal symbol display device 41 is realized at the timing of the second display control process, that is, every 4 ms.

  Next, the opportunity handling unit control process in step S208 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  First, in step S2201, it is determined whether or not the variable flag of the first opportunity handling unit 33 is on. Here, when it is determined that the variable flag is not ON (OFF), this processing is ended as it is.

  As described above, the variable flag is determination information for determining whether or not the first opportunity handling unit 33 is in the open state, and the variable flag is set in the determination process of step S2201. In the case (in the on state), it is regarded as being in the open state, and in the case where the variable flag is released (in the case of the off state), it is regarded as being in the closed state.

  Based on the ON / OFF state of the variable flag, various control signals are output to the first opportunity handling unit 33 in the next external output process of the normal process. When the variable flag is on, a control signal for opening the opening / closing member 33a is output to the first trigger corresponding unit 33, and the first trigger corresponding unit 33 is opened. On the other hand, when the variable flag is off, a control signal for closing the opening / closing member 33a is output to the first trigger corresponding unit 33, and the first trigger corresponding unit 33 is closed.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2201, that is, if the variable flag is on, the first trigger handling unit 33 is considered to be in the open state, and variable timer subtraction processing is performed in step S2202. Each time this process is performed, the value of the variable timer is decremented by 4 msec.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S2203, and it is determined whether or not the specified open time has elapsed by taking into account the value of the variable timer after the subtraction. Here, when the specified opening time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the variable timer becomes “0”, an affirmative determination is made in step S2203. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2203, the process advances to step S2204.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2203, it is determined whether or not the number of game balls won in the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 in step S2205 has reached a prescribed number. If an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S2204. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S2205, that is, if the number of winnings to the first opportunity handling unit 33 has not reached the specified number, this processing is terminated. Therefore, the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 maintains the open state until the specified opening time elapses or until the specified number of game balls wins, and becomes the closed state when the above condition is satisfied.

  Proceeding to step S2204, it is determined whether or not the number of times of opening of the first opportunity handling unit 33 has reached a specified number by taking into account the value of the number of times of opening counter (the value of the number of opening counter is 0). If the number of times of opening has not reached the specified number of times, 1 is subtracted from the value of the number of times of opening counter in step S2206, and this process is terminated. That is, the opening / closing process is repeatedly performed until a predetermined number of times set in advance is reached.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2204 that the number of times of opening has reached the specified number of times, an end setting process is performed in step S2207, and this process ends.

  In the end setting process in step S2207, the variable flag and variable timer reset process (release process), the release number counter reset process, and the like are performed.

  More specifically, the variable flag and the variable timer are released (turned off) by the reset process of the variable flag and the variable timer. Further, the release number counter is released (turned off) by the reset process of the release number counter.

  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. 21, and then the main process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process executed by the payout control device 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. 22 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 a checksum value at a work area address in the RAM 513, for example. It should be noted 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. 24 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 control device 261 is received in the above-described reception interrupt process (see FIG. 21).

  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 controller 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. With this process, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, for example, when the payout motor is clogged, the payout motor is rotated forward and reverse to eliminate the ball clogging (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. Display.

  Here, the normal process of the sub-control device 262 will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This normal process is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 4 msec).

  First, in step S3901, external output processing for transmitting a control signal based on the setting content updated in the previous processing to each device is executed. For example, a display command is transmitted to the display control device 45 when the decorative symbol display device 42 displays the variation of the decorative symbol.

  In step S3902, various counter update processes are executed. The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 uses various counter information when displaying decorative symbols. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 26, 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 5 patterns and 5 normal symbols. Accordingly, five (0 to 4) counter values are prepared as the big hit decoration 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 in the counter update process in step S3902, and is read from the counter buffer of the RAM 553 at the timing when the sub-control device 262 receives the symbol command as will be described later. 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. As shown in FIG. 27, 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.

  Returning to FIG. 25, in step S3903, it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the main control device 261 has been 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 S3904. On the other hand, if no command has been received, the process proceeds to step S3907.

  The command buffer of the RAM 553 is 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.

  In the subsequent effect setting process in step S3905, for example, based on the information stored in the command buffer of the RAM 553, various arithmetic processes such as generating a display command to be output to the display control device 45 and command output setting are performed. Accordingly, the display mode to be displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 is determined here, and a value corresponding to the variation time of the variation pattern command is set in the variation time measurement timer. At this time, the sub-control device 262 performs processing based on a table associating, for example, the decorative symbol variation type and variation pattern command as shown in FIG.

  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. Each time a necessary display command is generated.

  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. 26) 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 controller 261, settings for performing these controls are also made in step S3905.

  Then, the display control device 45 performs a drawing process in response to a command from the sub-control device 262, and starts a variable display of symbols on the decorative symbol display device. Once the variation pattern command is received from main controller 261, sub-control is performed until the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern has elapsed (until the variation time timer set in step S3905 becomes 0). Under the cooperation of the device 262 and the display control device 45, the variable display of symbols is continued.

  Then, when the main control device 261 determines the jackpot, the special display device 43 displays that fact, and the decorative symbol is supplementally combined with the jackpot symbol on the decorative symbol display device 42, and the special game video is displayed as the jackpot. Is displayed (a jackpot is started).

  Here, the display mode of the decorative symbol display device (liquid crystal display device) 42 will be described in more detail. In the decorative symbol display device 42, as shown in FIG. 29, three symbol sequences (identification information sequences) of upper, middle, and lower are set, and a plurality of types of symbols (decorative symbols) vary for each symbol sequence. Is displayed. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, symbols Z0 to Z9 are set as decorative symbols. The symbols Z0 to Z9 are configured to be given numbers “0” to “9”, respectively. The symbols Z0 to Z9 are scrolled and displayed from right to left with a periodicity in ascending or descending numerical order, thereby forming a series of symbol strings. Note that the symbol variation mode is not limited to scroll variation, and may be switching variation or the like.

  In this case, in the upper symbol row, symbols Z0 to Z9 are displayed in descending order (in the order in which the attached numbers decrease), and in the middle symbol row and lower symbol row, the symbols Z0 to Z9 are also in ascending order (numbers attached). (In order of increasing)). Then, after the predetermined time has elapsed, the variable display stops in the order of the upper symbol row → the lower symbol row → the middle symbol row, and at the time of the stop, the symbols Z0 to Z9 are combined with the jackpot symbol on the predetermined jackpot line (in this embodiment) If a combination of symbols of the same type), the jackpot video is displayed as a jackpot.

  In addition, immediately before the combination of jackpot symbols described above is displayed, a so-called reach state (a state where the reach mode is established) is obtained. However, even if it reaches a reach state, it may not reach a big hit state.

  In this embodiment, the jackpot line is composed of left, middle and right vertical lines and two diagonal lines (referred to as five lines). Therefore, in the upper, middle, and lower symbol rows, when the same type of symbols Z0 to Z9 is stopped and displayed side by side on any of the five lines (for example, “ When three "1" symbols Z1 are stopped and displayed), a big hit state occurs.

  In addition, the reach state in the present embodiment includes a state in which the symbol variation of the lower symbol row stops at the same kind of symbols as the stop symbol of the upper symbol row on the jackpot line. For example, in FIG. 31, in each of the upper and lower symbol rows, the symbol Z1 of “1” is stopped on the diagonally descending right hit line, and “9” is displayed on the diagonally descending diagonally hit line on the left. The case where symbol Z9 is stopped and displayed and the middle symbol row is still changing is illustrated. In this case, if the symbol Z1 or the symbol Z9 is stopped and displayed on the jackpot line in the middle symbol row, a jackpot state occurs. In addition, in the reach state, the symbols in the middle symbol row are not the same as the symbols in the upper and lower symbol rows that eventually stop at the same symbol type (big hit symbol) and become a big hit state. Stopping at a symbol (this is called “outgoing reach design”) and not being a big hit state (this is called “outgoing reach state”) are included. In FIG. 31, symbols Z0 to Z9 displayed in the middle symbol row are omitted for convenience. In the reach state, various reach effects are performed as described above.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 25, in step S3906, history information including the combination information of the variation pattern command and the stop symbol is stored in the history area of the RAM 553. For example, if the variation pattern command is “FF12” and the stop symbol is “7, 6, 7”, these pieces of information are stored in the history area of the RAM 553 as history information.

  The history area in this embodiment has 20 storage areas, and is configured so that history information for 20 variable displays is sequentially stored in time series. Then, when the maximum number of history information that can be stored exceeds 20, the history information stored in advance is automatically and sequentially deleted.

  Note that steps from the command reception process in step S3903 to the history storage process in step S3906 may be performed by a reception interrupt process that is executed when a command is received, separately from the normal process.

  In the next step S3907, it is determined whether or not the decorative symbol display device 42 is performing variable display or jackpot. When a negative determination is made here (for example, when a so-called demonstration screen is being displayed), the process proceeds to step S3908, and when an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S3910.

  In step S3908, it is determined whether the history display button 262a is on. If an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S3909 to perform a history display setting process, and the process proceeds to step S3910. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds directly to step S3910. That is, the operation of the history display button 262a is invalidated when the decorative symbols are being displayed in a variable display or in a big hit state. Accordingly, the prohibiting means in the present embodiment is configured by the processing function of step S3907.

  In the history display setting process in step S3909, setting of a display command for performing history display, output setting of history information stored in the history area, and the like are performed.

  Accordingly, when the history display button 262a is pressed to turn it on, a history list of variable display (display effects) executed in the decorative symbol display device 42 is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 as shown in FIG. . Specifically, the type of variation pattern command received from the main control device 261, the variation type (effect type) such as reach effect corresponding to this, and the combination of stop symbols are displayed in time series.

  Then, when the pressing operation of the history display button 262a is released to turn it off, or when a new decorative symbol variation display is started, the history display ends. Therefore, even if the history display is performed, if there is a ball entering the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 and the decorative symbol variation display is started, the history display ends at that point. That is, the decorative symbol variation display is prioritized over the history display.

  In step S3910, other processing such as control setting for driving voices and lamps and display control setting during display of the demonstration screen is performed, and this processing is terminated.

  As described above in detail, in the present embodiment, a history of display effects performed in the decorative symbol display device 42 can be displayed. As a result, for example, in the case of a game hall, even if a complaint is received from a player that a premium hit effect or other display effect has been made but the player does not win a big hit, the game hall manager, etc. It is possible to confirm in the history list what display effects have been performed on the display device 42. As a result, it is possible to compensate the player in some way, and it is possible to avoid a situation in which the control device or the like is exchanged wastefully.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 42 serves as both a display means for production and a display means for history display, and therefore, for example, a configuration in which a history display display means is separately provided on the back side of the gaming machine, etc. In comparison with the above, the simplification of the configuration and the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed, and the player can also check the history.

  Furthermore, the sub-control device 262 includes a history display button 262a, and the player cannot operate the history display button 262a without permission.

  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, when the normal power supply is cut off, the history information stored in the history area of the RAM 553 disappears. For example, the sub-control device 262 has backup power supply means such as a capacitor. The backup power for holding the stored contents may be supplied to the RAM 553 when the normal power supply is cut off. In this way, it is possible to leave a history for a predetermined period even after the pachinko machine 10 is powered off. Therefore, for example, when a manufacturer collects a gaming machine and verifies a problem as described in the above problem, a history can be viewed.

  (B) The history area in the above embodiment has 20 storage areas, and is configured so that history information for 20 variable displays is sequentially stored in time series, and the maximum history information that can be stored is When the number exceeds 20, the history information stored in advance is automatically and sequentially deleted. However, the number of history information that can be stored is not limited to this. Moreover, it is good also as a structure provided with deletion means, such as a deletion button for deleting history information. For example, the sub-control device 262 may be connected to the RAM erase switch circuit 543. In this case, when the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned on while the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed, the data in the RAM 553 is cleared in the sub control device 262. Needless to say, the sub-control device 262 may be separately provided with a delete button corresponding to the history area.

  (C) In the above-described embodiment, the combination information of the variation pattern command received from the main controller 261 and the stop symbol is stored in the history area. If the pattern command is stored, it is possible to determine what display effect has been performed. Further, the items of the history list displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 are not limited to the above embodiment, and for example, the time when the display effect is performed may be displayed.

  (D) In the above embodiment, the history information is stored in the RAM 553 of the sub-control device 262, but the storage location of the history information is not particularly limited. For example, it is good also as a structure memorize | stored in the main controller 261 or the display controller 45.

  (E) In the above embodiment, the history display is executed in response to the operation of the history display button 262a. For example, while the so-called demonstration screen is displayed, the history display is automatically displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42. It is good also as a structure which does. Moreover, it is good also as a structure by which the log | history is always displayed by the side of a display part while the variable display effect is performed in the decoration symbol display apparatus 42. FIG. In these cases, the history display button 262a may be omitted.

  (F) In the above embodiment, the history display button 262a is provided in the sub-control device 262. Not limited to this, a history display button may be provided on the front side of the pachinko machine 10 so that the player can check it for himself.

  (G) In the above embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 42 serves as both the display means for production and the display means for history display. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a separate history display device is provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 10. It is good also as a structure provided with the display means.

  (H) In the above embodiment, the display mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 is determined by the sub-control device 262 based on the command from the main control device 261, and the display effect of the display mode is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42. The sub-control device 262 issues an instruction to the display control device 45 so that it is displayed. Not limited to this, the sub control device 262 may be omitted, and a command may be directly output from the main control device 261 to the display control device 45. In this case, a history of display effects is stored in the main control device 261 or the display control device 45.

  (I) In the embodiment described above, the history display is not executed during the decorative symbol variation display or the big hit. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the decorative symbol variation display is performed. When the history display button 262a is operated in the middle, it may be configured such that the history display is performed by temporarily interrupting the decorative symbol variation display.

  (J) You may implement as a different type of pachinko machine from the said embodiment. In addition to pachinko machines, various game machines such as an arrangement ball machine and a sparrow ball can be implemented. Furthermore, as a gaming machine other than a pachinko machine, as a slot machine as a swivel type gaming machine equipped with an auxiliary display device (liquid crystal display device, dot matrix display device), or a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused, Of course, it can be implemented.

  (K) In addition to the decorative symbol display device 42 (liquid crystal display device) of the above embodiment, a CRT, a dot matrix, an LED, an electroluminescence (EL), a fluorescent display tube, a rotating drum, etc. are used as the display effect means. May be. Further, like the special display device 43, display means that displays the identification information in a variable manner and displays the identification information in a specific manner in a definite manner so as to definitely display whether or not it is a big hit may be used as display effect means. .

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. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process by the main controller. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a NMI interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a start winning process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd opportunity corresponding | compatible opening passage process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st display control process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation | variation display setting process. It is a flowchart which shows discrimination | determination information setting processing. (A), (b) is explanatory drawing which shows various table structures. It is a flowchart which shows a variable winning apparatus control process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd display control process. It is a flowchart which shows an opportunity corresponding unit control 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 a flowchart which shows the normal process of a sub control apparatus. 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 explanatory drawing which shows a table structure. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the variable display aspect of a decoration design. It is a figure which shows the symbol which comprises each symbol row | line | column. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display aspect of reach production. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the display mode of a history list.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine, 42 ... Decoration symbol display device, 45 ... Display control device, 261 ... Main control device, 262 ... Sub control device, 262a ... History display button, 553 ... RAM.

Claims (1)

Lottery means for performing a lottery on whether or not to generate a special gaming state advantageous to the player at a predetermined opportunity;
Special gaming state control means for generating the special gaming state when a winning result is obtained by the winning / losing lottery,
Display effect means for performing a display effect;
An effect determining means for determining an effect mode of the display effect based on at least the result of the success / failure lottery,
In a gaming machine comprising display effect control means for causing the display effect means to execute a display effect of the effect mode determined by the effect determining means,
History storage means for storing history information of display effects executed by the display effect control means;
History display means capable of displaying the history information;
A gaming machine comprising history display control means for controlling display of the history display means.

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