JP2009119102A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine allowing reduction of load applied to a device control part as much as possible when a shooting device and a delivering device are controlled by determining whether a main control part can output a prize winning detection signal to the device control part. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine has the shooting device for shooting game balls, the delivering device for delivering the game balls, the device control part for drive controlling the shooting device and the delivering device, and the main control part for detecting the game ball passing through a predetermined game region and for outputting a detection result signal based on detection to the device control part. The main control part output, to the device control part, the output propriety signal concerning whether detection information of the game ball can be output to the device control part. If the detected result signal is input, the device control part confirms the output propriety signal for drive controlling the delivering device, and confirms the output propriety signal for drive controlling the shooting device in processing performed in a predetermined cycle. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a slot machine (a pachislot machine), a pachinko machine, and the like.

  Conventionally, a gaming table represented by a pachinko machine is configured such that a predetermined profit can be obtained by launching a ball from a launching device and entering a predetermined winning opening provided in a predetermined gaming area. . In such a game machine, a game machine equipped with a board that controls the launching device and the payout device in common is provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-314635 A

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, even if the game ball is launched, the player cannot obtain a predetermined profit, for example, the connection between the main board and the sub board is not connected. No case has been dealt with. When such a situation occurs, it is necessary to stop the launching device and the dispensing device, and further, a configuration that does not place a load on the device control unit as much as possible has been demanded.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points. When the main control unit determines whether or not a winning detection signal can be output to the device control unit and controls the launching device and the payout device, the device control unit An object is to provide a game machine that does not impose a load as much as possible.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a launching device that launches a game ball, a payout device that pays out a game ball, a device control unit that controls drive of the launching device and the payout device, and a game A main control unit that detects that the ball has passed a predetermined game area and outputs a detection result signal to the device control unit based on the detection, and the main control unit The device control unit outputs an output propriety signal regarding whether or not game ball detection information can be output, and the device control unit performs drive control of the payout device when the detection result signal is input. Therefore, the output propriety signal is confirmed, and the output propriety signal is confirmed for drive control of the launching device in a process executed at a predetermined cycle.

  According to the present invention, in the gaming machine according to claim 1, the device control unit performs an output propriety signal confirmation process for driving control of the payout device and an output propriety signal confirmation for drive control of the launching device. The processing is independent of each other.

  According to the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 2, the device control unit performs an output permission signal confirmation process for driving control of the payout device based on an input of the detection result signal. The output enable / disable signal confirmation processing for driving control of the launching device is performed by timer interrupt processing executed at a predetermined cycle.

  According to the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the device control unit is a process executed at a predetermined cycle, and the output propriety signal is used for driving control of the launching device. And confirming whether or not to permit launching of the launching device based on the confirmation result.

  According to the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the device control unit outputs the output for driving control of the payout device when the detection result signal is input. It is characterized by confirming the availability signal and determining whether or not to perform processing based on the detection result signal based on the confirmation result.

  The game machine according to claim 5 is characterized in that the device control unit determines whether or not to permit driving of the payout device based on its own power supply information.

  According to the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the device control unit is a process executed at a predetermined cycle, and the output propriety signal is used for driving control of the launching device. And confirming whether or not to notify the abnormal state based on the confirmation result.

  According to the present invention, when the main control unit determines whether or not it is possible to output a winning detection signal to the device control unit and controls the launching device and the payout device, the game stand that places no load on the device control unit as much as possible is provided. Can be provided.

  Hereinafter, a pachinko machine (game table) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  <Overall configuration>

  First, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the figure is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine 100 from the front side (player side).

  The pachinko machine 100 covers the game board (board surface) 102 from the front and has a glass or resin transparent plate member 151 and a transparent member holding frame 155 as a front frame forming the front surface of the device. The game board (board surface) 102 is disposed behind the door member 156 so as to be visible through the transparent plate member 151.

  Below the door member 156, as a ball launching unit (launching device) for launching a game ball (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a “ball”), a launcher 138 that is rotated by a launch motor 602, which will be described later, A launcher 140 attached to the tip of the launcher 138 for launching a ball toward a game area 104 described later, and a launcher rail 142 for guiding the ball launched by the launcher 140 to an outer rail 106 described later. It is arranged.

  For the purpose of reducing euphoria, it is desirable to limit the number of balls that can be fired per hour (for example, 100 shots per minute).

  Below the door member 156, while further storing the balls temporarily, a storage tray 144 for sequentially supplying the stored balls to the launch rail 142 and a pressing operation by the player are possible. A chance button 146 is provided for changing the effect display by the decorative symbol display device 110, which will be described later, when the operation is detected at a predetermined time.

  Further, below the launcher 138 and the launcher 140, an operation handle 148 for controlling the launcher 138 and adjusting the launch intensity of the sphere toward the game area 104 is disposed. Below the 144, a lower plate 150 is provided for storing overflow balls that cannot be stored in the storage plate 144.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the game board 102 as viewed from the front.

  In the game board 102, an outer rail 106 and an inner rail 108 are provided, and a game area 104 in which a game ball can roll is defined.

  In the center of the game area 104, an effect device 200 is provided. In the effect device 200, a horizontally long decorative symbol display device 110 is disposed substantially at the center.

  Around the decorative symbol display device 110, a normal symbol display device 112, a special symbol display device 114, a normal symbol hold lamp 116, a special symbol hold lamp 118, and a high accuracy medium lamp 120 are arranged. . Hereinafter, the normal symbol may be referred to as “general symbol” and the special symbol may be referred to as “special symbol”.

  The effect device 200 performs an effect by operating a movable part, and details thereof will be described later.

  The decorative symbol display device 110 is a display device for displaying a decorative symbol (see FIG. 4B) and various images used for production, and here is configured by a liquid crystal display device (Liquid Crystal Display).

  The decorative symbol display device 110 is divided into four display areas, a left symbol display area 110a, a middle symbol display area 110b, a right symbol display area 110c, and an effect display area 110d, and the left symbol display area 110a and the middle symbol display area 110b. The left symbol display area 110c displays different decorative symbols, and the effect display area 110d displays an image used for the effect. Further, the positions and sizes of the display areas 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d can be freely changed within the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 110.

  As the decorative symbol display device 110, other display devices such as a dot matrix display device, a 7-segment display device, an EL (ElectroLuminescence) display device, a drum display device, and a leaf display device are used instead of the liquid crystal display device. May be.

  The general-purpose display device 112 is a display device for displaying a general-purpose display (see FIG. 4C), and here, it is constituted by a 7-segment LED. The special figure display device 114 is a display device for displaying a special figure (see FIG. 4A), and here, it is constituted by a 7-segment LED.

  The general-purpose hold lamp 116 is a lamp for indicating the number of general-purpose variable games (details will be described later) that are on hold. Here, it is possible to hold up to two general-purpose variable games. The special figure hold lamp 118 is a lamp for indicating the number of special figure variable games that are held (details will be described later). Here, up to four special figure variable games can be held. The high probability lamp 120 is a lamp for indicating that the gaming state is a high probability state or a high probability state, and is turned on when the gaming state is changed from the low probability state to the high probability state. Turns off when changing from probability state to low probability state.

  Further, around the effect device 200, a general winning opening 122, a general drawing starting opening 124, a first special drawing starting opening 126, a second special drawing starting opening 128, and a variable winning opening 130 are arranged. ing.

  Here, a plurality of general winning holes 122 are arranged on the game board 102, and when a predetermined ball detection sensor (not shown) detects a ball entering the general winning holes 122 (the general winning hole 122 has been won). ), A payout device 552 described later is driven, and a predetermined number (here, 10) of balls are discharged as prize balls to a storage tray 144 described later. The ball discharged to the storage tray 144 can be freely taken out by the player, and with these configurations, the prize ball is paid out to the player based on the winning.

  The ball that has entered the general winning opening 122 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  Here, the ball paid out to the player as a consideration for the prize may be referred to as “prize ball”, and the ball lent out to the player may be referred to as “rental ball”. This is called a “ball (game ball)”.

  The normal start port 124 is configured by a device called a gate or a through chucker for determining whether or not a ball has passed a predetermined area of the game area. Here, one is provided on the left side of the game board 102. It is arranged. Unlike the ball that has entered the general winning opening 122, the ball that has passed through the normal start port 124 is not discharged to the amusement island side.

  When the predetermined ball detection sensor detects that the ball has passed through the usual figure starting port 124, the pachinko machine 100 starts the usual figure variable game by the usual figure display device 112.

  Here, only one first special figure starting port 126 is arranged at the center of the game board 102. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the first special figure starting port 126, a payout device 552 described later is driven, and a predetermined number (three in this case) of balls is stored as a prize ball. While discharging to the plate 144, the special figure display game by the special figure display device 114 is started.

  The ball that has entered the first special figure starting port 126 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  The second special figure starting port 128 is called an electric tulip (electrical chew), and here, only one is provided directly below the first special figure starting port 126. This second special figure starting port 128 is provided with wings that can be opened and closed to the left and right. While the wings are closed, it is impossible to enter a sphere. Is stopped and displayed, the blades open and close at a predetermined time interval and a predetermined number of times.

  When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the second special figure starting port 128, a payout device 552 described later is driven, and a predetermined number (here, five) of balls is used as a prize ball to store a storage tray described later. At the same time as discharging to 144, the special figure display game by the special figure display device 114 is started.

  The ball that has entered the second special figure starting port 128 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  The variable winning opening 130 is called a big winning opening or an attacker, and here, only one variable winning opening 130 is arranged below the center of the game board 102. This variable winning opening 130 has a door member that can be freely opened and closed. When the door member is closed, it is impossible to enter a ball, and the special figure display device 114 stops displaying the jackpot symbol. In this case, the door member opens and closes at a predetermined time interval (for example, an opening time of 29 seconds and a closing time of 1.5 seconds) and at a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the variable winning opening 130, a payout device 552 described later is driven, and a predetermined number (here, 15 balls) of balls are discharged as a winning ball to a storage tray 144 described later. To do.

  The ball that has entered the variable prize opening 130 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  Further, a plurality of disc-shaped hitting direction changing members 132 called a windmill and a plurality of game nails 134 are arranged in the vicinity of these winning openings and starting openings as means for imparting a change in rolling mode. At the bottom of the inner rail 108, an out port 136 is provided for guiding a ball that has not won any prize opening or starting port to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharging it to the amusement island side. Yes.

  The pachinko machine 100 supplies the ball stored in the storage tray 144 by the player to the launch position of the launch rail 142, drives the launch motor 602 with strength according to the operation amount of the player's operation handle 148, The launcher 138 and the launcher 140 are passed through the outer rail 106 and the inner rail 108 to launch into the game area 104. The ball that has reached the upper part of the game area 104 falls downward while changing the direction of travel by the hitting direction changing member 132, the game nail 134, etc. 1 special figure start port 126, 2nd special figure start port 128), reach the out port 136 without winning any winning port or start port, or just passing through the normal start port 124 To do.

  <Director>

  Next, the rendering device 200 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  A warp device 230 and a stage are arranged on the front side of the effect device 200, and a decorative symbol display device 110 and a shielding means 250 are arranged on the back side of the effect device 200. That is, in the rendering device 200, the decorative symbol display device 110 and the shielding means 250 are located behind the warp device 230 and the stage.

  The warp device 230 discharges the game ball that has entered the entrance 232 provided at the upper left of the effect device 200 to the front stage 234 below the front surface of the effect device 200, and further, the game ball discharged to the front stage 234 is discharged. When the player enters the second entrance 236 provided at the rear of the center of the front stage 234, the game ball is placed above the first special figure starting port 126 and in the lower center of the stage device 200. The gas is discharged from the outlet 238 toward the first special figure starting port 126. The game ball discharged from the discharge port 238 is easy to enter the special figure starting port 126.

  The shielding means 250 includes a lattice-like left door 250a and right door 250b, and is disposed between the decorative symbol display device 110 and the front stage 234.

  Belts wound around two pulleys (not shown) are respectively fixed to the upper portions of the left door 250a and the right door 250b. That is, the left door 250a and the right door 250b move to the left and right as the belt driven by the motor (not shown) drives through the pulley.

  When the left and right doors 250a and 250b are closed, the shielding means 250 covers the inner end portions of the doors 250a and 250b so that it is difficult for the player to visually recognize the decorative symbol display device 110. In the state where the left and right doors 250a and 250b are opened, each inner end portion slightly overlaps the outer end portion of the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 110, but the player can visually recognize all of the displays on the decorative symbol display device 110. .

  Further, the left and right doors 250a and 250b can be stopped at arbitrary positions, for example, only a part of the decorative design is shielded so that the player can identify which decorative design the displayed decorative design is. You can do that.

  Note that the left and right doors 250a and 250b may make it possible to visually recognize a part of the decorative pattern display device 110 behind the lattice hole, or block the shoji part of the lattice hole with a translucent lens body to decorate the rear. The display by the symbol display device 110 may be vaguely visible to the player, or the shoji part of the lattice holes may be completely blocked (shielded), and the decorative symbol display device 110 at the rear may be completely invisible. .

  FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the pachinko machine 100 viewed from the back side.

  The upper part of the back surface of the pachinko machine 100 has an opening that opens upward, a ball tank 152 for temporarily storing a ball, and a lower part of the ball tank 152 that is formed at the bottom of the ball tank 152. A tank rail 153 is provided for guiding a ball that has passed through the communication hole and dropped to a payout device 154 (which constitutes a payout device 552 described later) located on the right side of the back surface.

  The payout device 154 is made of a hollow member, and includes a sprocket 157 and a payout sensor 158 inside thereof.

  The sprocket 157 is configured to be rotatable by a motor. The sprocket 157 temporarily retains a sphere that has passed through the tank rail 153 and dropped into the dispensing device 154, and is rotated by a predetermined angle by driving the motor. The balls that have stayed temporarily are configured to be sent one by one downward to the dispensing device 154.

  The payout sensor 158 is a sensor for detecting the passage of the ball sent out by the sprocket 157, and outputs an ON signal when the ball is passing, and outputs an OFF signal when the ball is not passing. To do.

  The ball that has passed through the payout sensor 158 passes through a ball rail (not shown) and reaches a storage tray 144 disposed on the front side of the pachinko machine 100. The ball is paid out.

  In the lower left part of the dispensing device 154, a main board 161 constituting a main control unit 300 described later and a sub board 164 constituting a sub control unit 400 described later are disposed. Also, below the main board 161 and the sub board 164, a launch board 166 constituting a launch circuit (launch apparatus) 600 described later, a power board 162 constituting a power management unit 650 described later, and a device control described later. The payout board 165 constituting the part (payout control part) 550 and the CR interface part 163 connected to the payout board 165 are disposed.

  <Type of design>

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C, the special drawing display device 114, the decorative symbol display device 110, and the special drawing display device 112 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described with reference to the special drawing and the type of the common drawing. To do.

  FIG. 4 (a) shows an example of a special display stop display mode.

  In this example, there are three types of special display stop display modes: “Special Figure 1” which is a jackpot symbol, “Special Figure 2” which is a special jackpot symbol, and “Special Figure 3” which is a missed symbol. .

  When the special figure variation game is started on the condition that a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that a ball has won the first special figure start port 126 or the second special figure start port 128, the special figure display device 114 Performs “variable display of special figure” by repeating all lighting of seven segments and lighting of one central segment. After that, when the variation time determined before the start of the special figure elapses, in order to notify the winning of the special figure variable game, “Special Figure 1” or “Special Figure 2” is stopped and displayed. In the case of notifying the disconnection, “Special Figure 3” is stopped and displayed.

  In addition, the white part in a figure shows the location of the segment which turns off, and the black part shows the location of the segment which lights up.

  FIG. 4B shows an example of a decorative design.

  In this example, there are ten types of decorative designs, “decoration 1” to “decoration 10”.

  The left symbol display area 110a of the decorative symbol display device 110, the middle symbol, on condition that a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that a ball has won the first special symbol start port 126 or the second special diagram start port 128 In the respective symbol display areas of the display area 110b and the right symbol display area 110c, “decoration 1” → “decoration 2” → “decoration 3” →... “Decoration 9” → “decoration 10” → “decoration 1” → Perform “decorative symbol variation display” to switch the display in the order. Thereafter, when notifying the jackpot, a symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot in the symbol display areas 110a to 110c (here, a combination of decorative symbols of the same number (for example, “decoration 2 -decoration 2 -decoration 2”)) When the special jackpot is notified and the special jackpot is notified, the symbol combination corresponding to the special jackpot (in this case, a combination of decorative symbols having the same odd number numbers (for example, “decoration 1-decoration 1-decoration 1”)) To stop display.

  When the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot is stopped and displayed, the jackpot game or the special jackpot game is started, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the special jackpot is stopped and displayed, the special jackpot game is started. In the case of notifying a detachment, if there is a variation display of a decorative symbol that is put on hold after the symbol combination other than the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot is stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 110a to 110c, the variation display is performed. To start.

  FIG. 4C shows an example of a normal stop display mode.

  In the case of this example, there are two types of stop display modes for normal maps, “general map 1” which is a winning symbol and “general map 2” which is an out symbol.

  In the case where a general-purpose display game is started on the condition that a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that a ball has passed through the general-purpose start opening 124, the general-purpose display device 112 displays that all seven segments are turned on. Then, the “variable display of the usual map” is performed by repeatedly turning on one central segment. After that, when notifying the winning of the common figure variable game, the “general figure 1” is stopped and displayed, and when notifying the usual figure variable game being lost, the “normal figure 2” is stopped and displayed.

  <Control unit>

  Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the pachinko machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. 5 shows a circuit block diagram of the main control unit and the device control unit of the control unit, and FIG. 6 shows a circuit block diagram of the sub control unit of the control unit.

  The control unit of the pachinko machine 100 can be broadly classified according to a main control unit 300 that controls the central part of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. A sub-control unit 400 that controls the production, a device control unit 550 that mainly performs control relating to payout of the game ball in response to a command transmitted by the main control unit 300, and a launch circuit 600 that controls the launch of the game ball The power management unit 650 controls the power supplied to the pachinko machine 100.

  <Main control unit>

  First, the main control unit 300 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control programs and various data, and temporary data. RAM 308 for storing data, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, and counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, and the like.

  Note that other storage means may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the sub-control unit 400 described later. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined cycle output from the crystal oscillator 314b as a system clock.

  In addition, the basic circuit 302 includes a counter circuit 316 used as a hardware random number counter that changes a numerical value in a range of 0 to 65535 every time a clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 314a is received (this circuit includes two circuits). And a signal output from various sensors 318 including a ball detecting sensor provided in each of the start openings 124, 126, 128, the entrance of the winning opening 122 and the variable winning opening 130, and the like. A sensor circuit 320 for outputting the amplification result and the comparison result with the reference voltage to the counter circuit 316 and the basic circuit 302, a display circuit 322 for controlling the display of the special figure display device 114, and a universal display device 112, a display circuit 324 for performing display control, and various status display units 326 (a general map hold lamp 116, a special map hold lamp 11) A display circuit 328 for performing display control of the high-accuracy medium lamp 118 and the like, and a solenoid circuit 332 for controlling various solenoids 330 for opening and closing the second special figure starting port 128, the variable winning port 130 and the like. Connected.

  When the ball detection sensor 318 detects that a ball has won the first special figure starting port 126, the sensor circuit 320 outputs a signal indicating that the ball has been detected to the counter circuit 316.

  Upon receiving this signal, the counter circuit 316 latches the value of the counter corresponding to the first special figure starting port 126 at that timing, and stores the latched value in the built-in counter value corresponding to the first special figure starting port 126. Store in the register.

  Similarly, when the counter circuit 316 receives a signal indicating that the ball has won the second special figure starting port 128, the counter circuit 316 latches the value at the timing of the counter corresponding to the second special figure starting port 128. The latched value is stored in a built-in counter value storage register corresponding to the second special figure starting port 128.

  Further, an information output circuit 334 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 is connected to an information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 334. The game information (for example, game state) of the machine 100 is output.

  The main control unit 300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the sub-control unit 400 and an output interface for transmitting a command to the apparatus control unit 550. With this configuration, the sub-control unit 400 In addition, communication with the device control unit 550 is enabled.

  Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication, and information communication between the main control unit 300 and the apparatus control unit 550 is either one-way communication or two-way communication. It doesn't matter. In this configuration, the main control unit 300 can transmit a signal such as a command to the sub control unit 400 and the device control unit 550, but the sub control unit 400 and the device control unit 550 send a command or the like to the main control unit 300. The signal cannot be transmitted.

  For connection between the main control unit 300 and the device control unit 550, in addition to transmitting a command from the main control unit 300 to the device control unit 550, a command is output from the main control unit 300 to the device control unit 550. There is also one that always outputs a signal regarding whether or not it is possible.

  In this embodiment, this output permission signal is a connection confirmation signal indicating the connection state between the main board and the payout board. This connection confirmation signal corresponds to one of the harnesses connecting the main board and the payout board, and is always on when the main board is operating normally. The case of operating normally is, for example, the case where power is supplied to the main board. Here, for example, it is assumed that the connection of the harness is poor, only the strobe signal line and some prize ball signal lines are turned on, and other signals remain off. At this time, even if a game ball enters the winning opening, a payout signal based on the entered ball is not normally communicated, and thus it cannot be said that the main control unit 300 can output the winning ball information to the device control unit 550. In such a case, as will be described later, in the present embodiment, the main control unit 300 determines whether or not normal prize ball information can be output to the device control unit 550 from the state of the connection confirmation signal, and the device based on the determination result. Drive control is performed.

  Note that the output propriety signal is not limited to the signal that is always output. When the output propriety state changes, the main control unit outputs it to the payout control unit, and the payout control unit stores the information in a predetermined storage unit. It may be configured to determine whether output is possible from information in the storage unit in the state confirmation process.

  <Sub control unit>

  Next, the sub control unit 400 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  The sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire sub-control unit 400 mainly based on commands transmitted from the main control unit 300. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404, a control program, ROM 406 for storing various data, RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and counter timer 412 for measuring time and frequency It is equipped with.

  The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock.

  The basic circuit 402 drives a sound source IC 418 for controlling the speaker 416 (and amplifier), a display circuit 422 for controlling various lamps 420, a movable body for rendering of the rendering device 200, and the like. An effect driving device control circuit 426 for controlling various effect driving devices 424 including a solenoid or a motor as a driving device, and a decorative symbol display device (liquid crystal display device) 110 and a shielding means 250 are controlled. The liquid crystal control unit 500 is connected to a chance button detection circuit 380 that detects pressing of the chance button 146 and outputs a signal.

  The sub-control unit 400 controls game effects (effect control) using the decorative symbol display device 110, the speaker 416, various effect drive devices 424, and the like.

  <Device control unit, launch control unit, power management unit>

  Next, the device control unit 550, the launch circuit 600, and the power management unit 650 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  The device control unit 550 includes a basic circuit 502 that controls the entire payout control unit 550 based mainly on commands transmitted from the main control unit 300. The basic circuit 502 includes a CPU 504, a control program, ROM 506 for storing various data, RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, I / O 510 for controlling input / output of various devices, and counter timer 512 for measuring time and frequency It is equipped with.

  The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock.

  The basic circuit 502 includes a sensor circuit 520 for receiving signals output from various sensors including a payout sensor 158 provided in the payout device 552, and a motor for rotationally driving a sprocket 157 provided in the payout device 552. A control circuit 524 is connected.

  The device control unit 550 detects whether or not the payout of the winning ball or the rental ball is completed based on the control signal output from the payout sensor 158.

  Furthermore, an interface unit 556 is connected to the device control unit 550, and the device control unit 550 communicates with a card unit 654 provided separately from the pachinko machine 100 via the interface unit 556. .

  The firing circuit 600 corresponds to a control signal output from the device control unit 550 for instructing permission or stop of firing, or an operation amount of the launch handle 148 by the player output from a launch intensity output circuit provided in the operation handle 148. Based on the control signal instructing the launch intensity, the launch motor 602 that drives the launcher 138 and the launcher 140 and the ball feeder 604 that supplies the balls from the storage tray 144 to the launch rail 142 are controlled.

  The power management unit 650 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the pachinko machine 100 into a direct current, converts it into a predetermined voltage, and controls the control units such as the main control unit 300 and the sub control unit 400, and the devices such as the dispensing device 552. To supply. Further, the power management unit 650 is a power storage circuit (for example, for supplying power to a predetermined part (for example, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the power supply from the outside is cut off. Capacitor).

  There are two power supply paths: “power supply board → payout board → main board” and “power supply board → sub board”.

  <Main control unit main processing>

  Next, main control unit main processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit.

  The main controller 300 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) (not shown) that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal has been input starts reset by a reset interrupt and executes processing in accordance with a control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.

  In step S101, initial setting 1 is performed. In this initial setting 1, the stack initial value is set in the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, the interrupt mask is set, the I / O port 310 is initialized, the various variables stored in the RAM 308 are initialized, the WDT (watchdog timer) Set initial value to). In this embodiment, a numerical value corresponding to 32.8 ms is set as the initial value in WDT.

  In step S102, WDT is reset and time measurement by WDT is restarted.

  In step S103, whether or not the low voltage signal is ON, that is, the voltage value of the power source supplied from the power management unit 650 to the main control unit 300 by the voltage monitoring circuit (not shown) is a predetermined value ( In this embodiment, it is monitored whether or not a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has decreased is output when the voltage is less than 9v). If the low voltage signal is on (when the CPU 304 detects that the power supply has been shut off), the process returns to step S102. If the low voltage signal is off (if the CPU 304 has not detected the power supply being cut off), the process proceeds to step S102. The process proceeds to S104.

  In step S104, initial setting 2 is performed. In this initial setting 2, a process for setting a counter timer 312 with a numerical value for determining a period for executing a main control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later, in a regular period, a predetermined port of the I / O 310 (for example, a test output port, a sub port Processing for outputting a clear signal from the output port to the control unit 400, setting for permitting writing to the RAM 308, and the like are performed.

  In step S105, it is determined whether or not to return to the state before the power interruption (before the power interruption), and the state before the power interruption is not restored (when the basic circuit 302 of the main control unit 300 is set to the initial state). ) Proceeds to step S107. Similarly, if the power status information indicates information other than “suspend”, the process proceeds to step S107.

  Specifically, first, a RAM clear signal transmitted when an operation unit provided on the power supply board 162 is operated by a shop clerk or the like is turned on (indicating that there is an operation), That is, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear is necessary. If the RAM clear signal is on (when the RAM clear is necessary), the process proceeds to step S107 to set the basic circuit 302 to the initial state.

  On the other hand, when the RAM clear signal is OFF (when the RAM clear is not necessary), the power status information stored in the power status storage area provided in the RAM 308 is read, and whether the power status information is information indicating suspend. Determine whether or not.

  As a result of the determination, if the power status information is not information indicating suspend, the process proceeds to step S107 to set the basic circuit 302 to the initial state. If the power status information is information indicating suspend, the RAM 308 A checksum is calculated by adding all 1-byte data stored in a predetermined area (for example, all areas) to a 1-byte register whose initial value is 0, and the result of the calculated checksum is It is determined whether or not it is a value (for example, 0) (whether or not the checksum result is normal).

  If the checksum result is a specific value (for example, 0) (if the checksum result is normal), the process proceeds to step S106 to return to the state before the power interruption, and the checksum result is a specific value ( For example, if it is other than 0 (when the result of the checksum is abnormal), the process proceeds to step S107 in order to set the pachinko machine 100 to the initial state. Similarly, if the power status information indicates information other than “suspend”, the process proceeds to step S107.

  In step S106, power recovery processing is performed. In this power recovery process, the stack pointer stored in the stack pointer save area provided in the RAM 308 at the time of power failure is read and reset to the stack pointer. In addition, the value of each register stored in the register save area provided in the RAM 308 at the time of power interruption is read out, reset to each register, and then the interrupt permission is set. Thereafter, as a result of the CPU 304 executing the control program based on the reset stack pointer and registers, the pachinko machine 100 returns to the state when the power is turned off. That is, the processing is restarted from the instruction next to the instruction (predetermined in steps S108 and S109) performed immediately before branching to the main control unit timer interrupt process immediately before the power interruption.

  In step S107, initialization processing is performed. In this initialization processing, interrupt prohibition setting, stack initial value setting to the stack pointer, initialization of all storage areas of the RAM 308, and the like are performed.

  In step S108, after setting for interrupt inhibition, basic random number initial value update processing is performed. In this basic random number initial value update process, two initial value generation random number counters for generating the initial values of the normal figure winning random number counter and the special figure random value counter, the normal figure timer random number value, and the special figure timer random number counter, respectively. Two random number counters for generating numerical values are updated.

  For example, if the range of values that can be taken as normal timer random numbers is 0 to 20, a value is acquired from a random number counter storage area for generating a normal timer random value provided in the RAM 308, and 1 is added to the acquired value. Then, it is stored in the original random number counter storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the acquired value is 21, 0 is stored in the original random number counter storage area. Other initial value generation random number counters and random number counters are similarly updated.

  After this basic random number initial value update process is completed, interrupt permission is set and the process proceeds to step S109.

  In step S109, effect random number update processing is performed. In this effect random number update process, a random number counter for generating an effect random number used by the main control unit 300 is updated.

  The main control unit 300 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S108 and S109 except during the main control unit timer interrupt process starting at predetermined intervals.

  <Main controller timer interrupt processing>

  Next, the main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main controller timer interrupt processing.

  The main control unit 300 includes a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, about once every 2 ms). The timer interrupt signal is used as a trigger to perform main control unit timer interrupt processing. Start with a period of

  In step S201, timer interrupt start processing is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving the value of each register of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed.

  In step S202, the WDT count value exceeds the initial setting value (32.8 ms in the present embodiment) and the WDT interrupt is not generated (a process abnormality is not detected) periodically (in this embodiment). In the example, the restart is performed once in about 2 ms which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step S203, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port state update process, detection signals of various sensors 318 including a glass frame opening sensor, a front frame opening sensor, a lower pan full sensor, a plurality of ball detection sensors, and the like are input via the input port of the I / O 310. The presence / absence of a detection signal is monitored and stored in a signal state storage area provided for each of the various sensors 318 in the RAM 308.

  In this embodiment, the information on the presence or absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor 318 detected in the timer interruption process of the last time (about 4 ms before) is provided in the RAM 308 for each sphere detection sensor. Each sphere detection sensor read out from the storage area, stored in the RAM 308 in a detection signal storage area provided in advance for each sphere detection sensor 318, and detected in the previous timer interrupt process (about 2 ms before) Information on the presence / absence of the detection signal 318 is read from the current detection signal storage area provided in the RAM 308 for each sphere detection sensor 318, and this information is stored in the previous detection signal storage area. Further, the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor 318 detected this time is stored in the above-described current detection signal storage area.

  Further, in step S203, the information on the presence / absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor 318 stored in each storage area of the previous detection signal storage area, the previous detection signal storage area, and the current detection signal storage area is compared. It is determined whether or not the information on the presence or absence of detection signals for the past three times in each sphere detection sensor 318 matches.

  The information on the presence / absence of detection signals for the past three times in each sphere detection sensor 318 includes predetermined winning determination pattern information (in this embodiment, no detection signal before, detection signal last time, detection signal this time). In the case of a match to the winning entry (the general winning opening 122, the variable winning opening 130) or the starting opening (the first special figure starting opening 126, the second special drawing starting opening 128), or It is determined that the normal start port 124 has passed.

  For example, in the ball detection sensor 318 that detects the entrance to the general winning opening 122, when the information on the presence / absence of detection signals for the past three matches the winning determination pattern information described above, the player has entered the general winning opening 122. In the case where the information regarding the presence / absence of detection signals for the past three times does not match the above-described winning determination pattern information, The process branches to the subsequent process without performing the process associated with entering the winning opening 122.

  In step S204 and step S205, basic random number initial value update processing and basic random number update processing are performed.

  In these basic random number initial value update processing and basic random number update processing, the value of the initial value generation random number counter performed in step S108 is updated, and then the normal winning random number value and special value used in the main control unit 300 are updated. The two random number counters for generating the figure random number values are updated.

  For example, if the range of values that can be taken as a random number for winning a normal figure is 0 to 100, a value is acquired from a random number counter storage area for generating a random number for winning a normal figure provided in the RAM 308, and 1 is added to the acquired value. Then, it is stored in the original random number counter storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the acquired value is 101, 0 is stored in the original random number counter storage area.

  If it is determined that the random number counter has made one round as a result of adding 1 to the acquired value, the value of the initial value generating random number counter corresponding to each random number counter is acquired and stored in the storage area of the random number counter. set.

  For example, a value is acquired from a random number counter for generating a random number for winning a customary prize that varies in a numerical value range of 0 to 100, and a result obtained by adding 1 to the acquired value is stored in a predetermined initial value storage area provided in the RAM 308. If it is a value equal to the previously set initial value (for example, 7), a value is acquired as an initial value from a random number counter for initial value generation corresponding to a random number counter for generating a random number for winning a common figure. The initial value set this time is stored in the above-mentioned initial value storage area in order to determine that the random number counter for generating a normal winning random value has made one round next, in addition to setting the random number counter for generating a winning random value Keep it.

  In addition to the above-described initial value storage area for determining that the random number counter for generating the regular-winning random number next makes one round, it is determined that the random number counter for generating the special figure random number has made one round. An initial value storage area is provided in the RAM 308.

  In step S206, effect random number update processing is performed. In this effect random number update process, a random number counter for generating an effect random number used by the main control unit 300 is updated.

  In step S207, timer update processing is performed. In this timer update process, a normal symbol display symbol update timer for timing the time for the symbol to be changed / stopped on the normal symbol display device 112, and a time for the symbol to be changed / stopped to be displayed on the special symbol display device 114. Various timers including a special figure display symbol update timer, a timer for measuring a predetermined winning effect time, a predetermined opening time, a predetermined closing time, a predetermined end effect period, and the like are updated.

  In step S208, winning prize counter updating processing is performed. In this winning opening counter updating process, when there is a winning (winning) in the winning opening (the general winning opening 122, the first and second special figure starting openings 126, 128, and the variable winning opening 130), The value of the winning ball number storage area provided for each winning opening is read, and 1 is added to set the original winning ball number storage area.

  In step S209, a winning acceptance process is performed. In this winning acceptance process, if there is a prize at the first and second special figure starting ports 126 and 128 and the number of special figure variable games held is less than four, it corresponds to the winning starting port. The value is acquired from the counter value storage register of the counter circuit 316 to be a special figure winning random number value.

  In addition, a value is acquired as a special figure random value from the random number counter for generating the special figure random value described above, and stored in a random value storage area provided in the RAM 308 together with the special figure winning random number value.

  In addition, when it is detected that the ball has passed through the general figure starting port 124, and the number of the general figure variable games held is less than two, the random number counter for generating the normal figure winning random number value at that timing Is obtained as a random number value for normal winning, and is stored in a random number value storage area provided in the RAM 308 different from that for the above special figure.

  Further, in this winning acceptance process, when a predetermined ball detection sensor 318 detects a winning (winning) of the first and second special figure starting ports 126 and 128, the ordinary drawing starting port 124, or the variable winning port, In the transmission information to be transmitted to the sub-control unit 350, winning acceptance information indicating presence / absence of winning (winning) of the first and second special figure starting ports 126 and 128, the universal drawing starting port 124, and the variable winning port is set. To do.

  In step S210, a payout request number transmission process is performed. Note that the output schedule information and the payout request information output to the device control unit 550 are composed of 1 byte, strobe information (indicating that data is set, indicating that data is set) in bit 7, and main information in bit 6. Control connection confirmation signal (when ON, indicates that the main control unit 300 and the device control unit 550 are normally connected), bits 4 to 5 indicate the current processing type (0 to 3), and bits 0 to 3 Shows the number of payout requests after processing.

  In step S211, a normal state update process is performed. This normal state update process performs one of a plurality of processes corresponding to the normal state. For example, in a general diagram state update process during a normal map change (a general-purpose general-purpose timer value to be described later is 1 or more), on / off drive control that repeatedly turns on and off the 7-segment LED constituting the general map display device 112 is performed. Do.

  Further, in the general chart state update process at the timing when the normal map change display time has elapsed (the timing when the value of the general map display symbol update timer has changed from 1 to 0), when the hit flag is on, FIG. When the 7-segment LED constituting the universal display device 112 is controlled to be turned on / off so as to be in the form shown in FIG. 1 and the hit flag is off, the normal figure shown in FIG. In the RAM 308, in order to maintain the display for a predetermined stop display period (for example, 500 msec), the 7 segment LED constituting the ordinary display device 112 is controlled to be turned on / off so as to be in the second mode. In addition, information indicating the stop period is set in the storage area of the normal stop time management timer. With this setting, the usual figure is stopped and the result of the usual figure variable game is notified to the player.

  Further, in the normal state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (when the value of the normal stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), if the hit flag is on, the predetermined state is displayed. During the opening period (for example, 2 seconds), a signal for holding the blade member in an open state is output to the solenoid 330 for opening and closing the blade member of the second special figure starting port 128, and the blade opening time management provided in the RAM 308 is controlled. Information indicating the release period is set in the storage area of the timer.

  Further, in the usual state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined opening period ends (the timing when the value of the blade opening time management timer changes from 1 to 0), the blade member has a predetermined closing period (for example, 500 msec). A signal for holding the blade member in a closed state is output to the opening / closing drive solenoid 330, and information indicating the closing period is set in the storage area of the blade closing time management timer provided in the RAM 308.

  In the normal state update process that starts at the timing when a predetermined closing period has elapsed (the timing when the value of the blade closing time management timer changes from 1 to 0), the normal state is set to inactive. In the normal state update process when the normal state is inactive, the process proceeds to the next step S212 without doing anything.

  In step S212, a general drawing related lottery process is performed. In this general map-related lottery process, the open / close control of the general map variable game and the second special map start port 128 is not performed (the state of the general map is not in operation), and the pending general map variable game is not held. When the number is 1 or more, it is decided whether to win or not to win the result of the variable figure game by random lottery based on the random number value stored in the random number value storage area. If the winning judgment is made and the winning is made, the winning flag provided in the RAM 308 is set to ON. If unsuccessful, turn off the winning flag.

  Regardless of the result of the hit determination, next, the value of the random number counter for generating the normal figure timer random value is acquired as the normal figure timer random number value, and a plurality of fluctuation times are obtained based on the acquired general figure timer random number value. One time for displaying the variable map on the general map display device 112 is selected from among them, and this variable display time is stored in the general map variable time storage area provided in the RAM 308 as the normal map variable display time.

  In addition, the number of pending general figure variable games is stored in the usual figure pending number storage area provided in the RAM 308, and from the number of pending custom figure variable games each time a hit determination is made. The value obtained by subtracting 1 is re-stored in the usual figure number-of-holds storage area. Also, the random number value used for the hit determination is deleted.

  In step S213, special figure state update processing is performed. In the special figure state update process, one of the following eight processes is performed according to the state of the special figure. For example, in special figure state update processing during special figure fluctuation (the value of a special figure general-purpose timer to be described later is 1 or more), on / off drive control for repeatedly turning on and off the 7-segment LED constituting the special figure display device 112 is performed. Do.

  Also, in the special figure state update process that starts at the timing when the special figure change display time has elapsed (when the special figure display symbol update timer value changes from 1 to 0), the jackpot flag is on and the probability change flag is off When the special figure display device 114 has the special figure 1 shown in FIG. 4A and the jackpot flag is on and the probability variation flag is on, the special figure display device 114 has the special figure 2 shown in FIG. When the flag is off, the 7-segment LED constituting the special figure display device 112 is controlled to be turned on / off so that the special figure display device 112 shown in FIG. In order to maintain the display period (for example, 500 msec), information indicating the stop period is set in the storage area of the special figure stop time management timer provided in the RAM 308.

  With this setting, the special figure is stopped and displayed, and the result of the special figure variable game is notified to the player. Further, 02H is additionally stored as transmission information (general information) in the transmission information storage area in order to execute a general command rotation stop setting transmission process in a command setting transmission process (step S215) described later.

  Further, in the special figure state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (the timing at which the special figure stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), if the jackpot flag is on, a predetermined value is displayed. A special figure standby time management timer provided in the RAM 308 for waiting for a period during which an image for notifying the player that a big hit by the decorative symbol display device 110 is started, that is, a bonus winning period (for example, 3 seconds) is displayed. Information indicating the winning effect period is set in the storage area.

  Further, 04H is additionally stored as transmission information (general information) in the transmission information storage area described above in order to execute the general command winning effect setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step S215).

  Also, in the special figure state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined winning effect period ends (when the value of the special figure standby time management timer changes from 1 to 0), a predetermined release period (for example, 29 seconds or A signal for holding the door member in an open state is output to the solenoid 330 for opening and closing the door member of the variable prize opening 130 (until a winning of a game ball of a predetermined number of balls (for example, 10 balls) is detected in the variable prize opening 130). At the same time, information indicating the opening period is set in the storage area of the door opening time management timer provided in the RAM 308.

  Further, 10H is additionally stored as transmission information (general information) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the general command big prize opening release setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step S215).

  Further, in the special figure state update process which starts at the timing when the predetermined opening period ends (the timing when the door opening time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the predetermined closing period (for example, 1.5 seconds) is variable. A signal for holding the door member in the closed state is output to the solenoid 330 for opening and closing the door member of the winning opening 130, and information indicating the closing period is set in the storage area of the door closing time management timer provided in the RAM 308. To do.

  Further, 20H is additionally stored as transmission information (general information) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the general command big prize opening closing setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step S215).

  Further, in the special figure state update processing which is repeated at predetermined timing (for example, 15 rounds) and the opening / closing control of the door member is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds), a predetermined end effect period (for example, 3 seconds), that is, by the decorative symbol display device 110 Information indicating the effect standby period is set in the storage area of the effect standby time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to set to wait for a period during which an image for informing the player that the jackpot is to be ended is displayed.

  Further, 08H is additionally stored as transmission information (general information) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the general command end effect setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step S215).

  Further, in the special figure state update process which starts at the timing when the predetermined end production period ends (the timing when the production standby time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the special figure state is set to inactive. . In the special figure state update process when the special figure is in a non-operating state, nothing is done and the process proceeds to the next step S214.

  In step S214, special drawing related lottery processing is performed. In this special drawing-related lottery process, the opening / closing control of the special drawing variable game and the variable winning opening 130 is not performed (the state of the special drawing is inactive), and the number of the special drawing variable games held is 1 In the case of the above, in the lottery using a table defining a numerical range of random numbers such as a jackpot determination table (not shown), a high probability state transition determination table (not shown), a timer number determination table (not shown), the jackpot determination is first performed. Do.

  Specifically, it is determined whether or not the special figure winning random number value stored in the random value storage area in step S203 is within the numerical range of the lottery data for the first special figure starting port in the jackpot determination table. When the random number value is within the numerical range of the lottery data for the first special figure start opening, information indicating that the special figure variable game is won and the jackpot flag storage area provided in the RAM 308 is a big hit is set. (Here, setting the jackpot information in the RAM 308 is referred to as setting the jackpot flag to ON).

  On the other hand, when the special figure winning random number value is outside the numerical range of the lottery data for the first special figure starting port, it is determined that the special figure variable game is out of the game, and the jackpot flag storage area provided in the RAM 308 is out of the storage area. (In this case, setting outlier information in the RAM 308 is setting the jackpot flag off).

  Note that the number of special figure variable games held is stored in the special figure hold number storage area provided in the RAM 308. Each time a hit determination is made, the number of special figure variable games held is determined. The value obtained by subtracting 1 is stored again in this special figure reservation number storage area. In addition, the random number value used for the hit determination is deleted.

  As a specific example, when the gaming state is a low probability state, and the special figure winning random number value acquired based on the detection of the ball winning to the first special figure starting port 126 is 10100, the jackpot flag is set to ON, When the special figure winning random number is 10200, the jackpot flag is set to OFF.

  In addition, when the special figure winning random number acquired based on the detection of the ball winning at the second special figure starting port 128 is 20100, the jackpot flag is set to ON, and when the special figure winning random number is 20200, the jackpot flag is set. Set to off.

  If the jackpot flag is set to ON, then the probability variation transition determination is performed.

  Specifically, it is determined whether or not the special figure random number value stored in the random value storage area in step S209 is within the numerical range of the transfer determination random number in the high probability state transfer determination table, and the special figure random number value is the lottery data. Is set in the storage area of the probability variation (probability variation) flag provided in the RAM 308, information indicating that the special jackpot game is started (here, the information on the start of the special jackpot game is stored in the RAM 308). Setting is called setting the probability variation flag on).

  On the other hand, if the special figure random number value is outside the numerical range of the lottery data, information indicating that the jackpot game is started is set in the storage area of the probability variation flag (here, the information on the start of the jackpot game is Setting in the RAM 308 is referred to as setting the probability variation flag off).

  For example, when the acquired special figure random number value is 20, the probability variation flag is set to OFF.

  On the other hand, if the acquired special figure random number value is 80, the probability variation flag is set to ON.

  Regardless of the result of the jackpot determination, the process for determining the timer number is performed next.

  Specifically, the value of the random counter for generating the special figure timer random value described above is acquired as the special figure timer random value. A timer number corresponding to the numerical value range of the timer random number in the timer number determination table including the value of the jackpot flag and the acquired special figure timer random number value is selected and stored in a predetermined timer number storage area provided in the RAM 308.

  Further, the fluctuation time corresponding to the timer number is stored as the special figure fluctuation display time in the special figure display symbol update timer, and the general command rotation start setting transmission process is executed in the command setting transmission process (step S215). For this reason, 01H is additionally stored as transmission information (general information) in the transmission information storage area described above, and the process ends.

  For example, when the jackpot flag is off and the acquired special figure timer random number value is 50000, the special figure timer random number value is in the range of 0 to 60235, so 1 corresponding to those conditions in the timer number determination table. The timer 1 indicating the timer number stored in the line and 5 indicating the variation time are selected and stored in the respective storage areas provided in the RAM 308.

  On the other hand, when the jackpot flag is on and the acquired special figure timer random number value is 64000, the special figure timer random number value is not in the range of 0 to 15535, so the timer 2 is not selected and is not 15536 to 24535. Timer 3 is not selected, and timer 4 is not selected because it is not 24536 to 62535. However, since it is within the range of 62536 to 65535, it is stored in the eighth line corresponding to those conditions in the timer number determination table. The timer 5 indicating the timer number and the variable time 50 are selected and stored in the respective storage areas provided in the RAM 308. In consideration of 2 ms which is the start cycle of the interrupt processing, a value obtained by multiplying the selected variation time value by 500 (1000 ms / 2 ms) is set in the variation time storage area.

  For example, when the variation time is 5 seconds, a value of 2500 is set as an initial value in the variation time storage area, and the value of the variation time storage area is set to 1 each time the timer update process in step S207 is executed. By subtracting, the passage of time can be measured by the number of execution times of interrupt processing. In addition, when the value of the variable time storage area is subtracted every time (for example, five times) of the timer interrupt processing (for example, 2 ms cycle), if the variable time is 10 seconds, 10 seconds is required. Since it is 10000 ms, dividing by the period (2 ms × 5) sets 1000 to the variable time storage area.

  In step S215, command setting transmission processing is performed. The output schedule information transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 is composed of 16 bits, bit 15 is strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bits 11 to 14 are command types ( 00H is the basic command, 01H is the symbol variation start command, 04H is the symbol variation stop command, 05H is the winning effect start command, 06H is the end effect start command, and 07H is the number of jackpot rounds Designated command, information that can specify the type of command such as a power recovery command in the case of 0EH and a RAM clear command in the case of 0FH), and bits 0 to 10 are command data (predetermined information corresponding to the command type) It is composed.

  Specifically, the strobe information is turned on and off in the command transmission process described above. If the command type is a symbol variation start command, the command data includes information indicating the value of the jackpot flag, the probability variation flag, the timer number selected in the special symbol related lottery process, etc. If it is a case, it includes the value of the jackpot flag, the probability variation flag, etc. If it is a winning effect command and an end effect start command, it includes the value of the probability variation flag, etc. If it is a jackpot round number designation command The value of the probability variation flag, the number of jackpot rounds, etc. are included. When the command type indicates a basic command, device information in the command data, presence / absence of winning at the first special figure starting port 126, presence / absence of winning at the second special figure starting port 128, winning of the variable winning port 130 Includes presence or absence.

  In the general command rotation start setting transmission process described above, the command type is 01H, the jackpot flag value stored in the RAM 308 as the command data, the probability variation flag value, the timer number selected in the special drawing related lottery process, the pending Information indicating the number of special figure variable games being set is set.

  In the general command rotation stop setting transmission process described above, 04H is set as the command type, and information indicating the value of the jackpot flag, the value of the probability variation flag, etc. stored in the RAM 308 is set as the command data.

  In the general command winning effect setting transmission process described above, the effect control information to be output to the decorative symbol display device 110, the various lamps 370, and the speaker 366 during the winning effect period stored in the RAM 308 as the command type and 05H as the command type, the probability change Information indicating the value of the flag, the number of special figure variable games that are held, and the like are set.

  In the above-described general command end effect setting transmission process, the effect control information to be output to the decorative symbol display device 110, various lamps 370, and the speaker 366 during the effect waiting period stored in the RAM 308 as the command type is stored in the command type 06H. Information indicating the value of the flag, the number of special figure variable games that are held, and the like are set.

  In the general command big prize opening release transmission process described above, the information indicating the command type is 07H, the number of big hits stored in the RAM 308 as the command data, the value of the probability variation flag, the number of the special figure variable games held, etc. Set.

  In the above-described general command big prize closing setting transmission process, the information indicating the command type is 08H, the number of jackpot rounds stored in the RAM 308 as the command data, the value of the probability variation flag, the number of the special figure variable games held, etc. Set.

  In the sub-control unit 400, it is possible to determine the effect control according to the change of the game control in the main control unit 300 by the command type included in the received output schedule information, and the command data included in the output schedule information Based on this information, the contents of the effect control can be determined.

  Further, in the command setting transmission process in step S215, after waiting for the information transmitted in the payout request number transmission process in step S210 to be stabilized, a strobe signal is output to the apparatus control unit 550. In response to the reception of the strobe signal, the device control unit 550 performs device control unit command reception interrupt processing (device control unit strobe interrupt processing) described later.

  In step S216, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to the information input circuit 652 that is separate from the pachinko machine 100 via the information output circuit 334.

  In step S217, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area in step 203 are read to monitor whether there is a glass frame opening error, a front frame opening error, or a lower pan full error. When the glass frame opening error, the front frame opening error, or the lower plate full error is detected, the transmission information to be transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 includes the glass frame opening error, the front frame opening error, Set device information that indicates the presence or absence of a full dish error.

  Further, various solenoids 330 are driven to control the opening and closing of the second special figure starting port 128 and the variable prize opening 130, and the special figure display device 114 and the universal diagram display device 112 are connected via the display circuits 322, 324 and 328. The display data to be output to the various status display units 326 and the like is set in the output port of the I / O 310.

  Further, the output schedule information set in the payout request number transmission process (step S210) is output to the sub-control unit 400 via the output port 310.

  In step S218, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. If the low voltage signal is on (when power supply shutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S219. If the low voltage signal is off (power supply shutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S220.

  In step S219, timer interrupt end processing is performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step S201 is set in each original register, or interrupt permission is set.

  In step S220, the voltage monitoring circuit 336 that monitors the voltage value of the power source supplied from the power management unit 650 to the main control unit 300 outputs a voltage decrease signal indicating that the voltage has decreased when the voltage value is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. Monitors whether or not output is detected, that is, whether or not power-off is detected. If power-off is detected, a specific variable or stack pointer is used to return to the power-off state when power is restored. Is saved as a return data in a predetermined area of the RAM 308, and power interruption processing such as initialization of the input / output port is performed.

  <Device control unit main processing>

  Next, the apparatus control unit main process executed by the CPU 504 of the apparatus control unit 550 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main process of the apparatus control unit.

  The device controller 550 is provided with a reset signal output circuit that outputs a reset signal when the power is turned on. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 of the device control unit 550 to which the reset signal is input starts resetting by a reset interrupt and executes processing according to a control program stored in advance in the ROM 506.

  In step S301, initial setting 1 is performed. In this initial setting 1, a stack initial value is set in the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 504.

  In step S302, whether or not the low voltage signal is ON, that is, the voltage value of the power supplied from the power management unit 650 to the device control unit 550 by a voltage monitoring circuit (not shown) provided in the device control unit 550. Is less than a predetermined value (9v in this embodiment), it is monitored whether or not a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped is output. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power-off is detected), the process of step S301 is repeatedly executed. When the low voltage signal is off (when power-off is not detected), step S301 is performed. The process proceeds to S303.

  In step S303, initial setting 2 is performed. In this initial setting 2, a process for setting a numerical value for determining a cycle for executing a device control unit timer interrupt process to be described later every time in the counter timer 512, a setting for permitting writing to the RAM 508, and a setting for the I / O port 510 Make initial settings.

  It should be noted that the maximum value of the timer interrupt period for executing the device control unit timer interrupt processing must be within 6 ms in order to normally detect the entry of a game ball (generally distributed games) In order to perform the drive control of the payout device 552 normally, when detecting a ball, the sensor may not be able to catch up with the passing speed of the game ball when using an optical sensor having a diameter less than that of the game ball. Is ideally within 4 ms. Further, it is desirable that the minimum value of the timer interrupt cycle is 0.5 ms or more.

  In step S304, initial setting 3 is performed. In the initial setting 3, information other than the illegal payout error and the payout excess error among the error statuses stored in the error status storage area provided in the RAM 508 is cleared, and interrupt permission is set.

  In step S305, it is determined whether or not there is unanalyzed data in the data input from the main control unit 300. If there is unanalyzed data, command analysis processing (details will be described later) is performed in step S306. If there is no unanalyzed data, the process proceeds to step S307.

  In step S307, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is off. If the low voltage signal is off (when power-off is not detected), the process returns to step S305, and the low voltage signal is on. In the case of detecting a power shutdown, the process proceeds to step S308.

  In step S308, a power interruption process is performed. In this power interruption process, the current stack pointer value is stored in a stack pointer save area provided in the RAM 508, and information indicating suspend is set in the power status storage area. Further, all 1-byte data stored in a predetermined area (for example, all areas) of the RAM 508 is added to a 1-byte register having an initial value of 0 and stored in a checksum calculation numerical storage area. A value obtained by subtracting the addition result from the value is calculated as a checksum (checksum at power interruption), the calculated checksum at power interruption is stored in the above-described numerical storage area for checksum calculation, and writing to the RAM 508 is performed. Perform prohibited settings.

  In step S309, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. When the low voltage signal is on (when power-off is detected), the process of step S308 is repeatedly executed to turn off the low voltage signal. When the low-voltage signal is off (when power-off is not detected), the process returns to step S301 to start the apparatus control unit main process from the beginning.

  That is, in this step S309, when it is detected that the output of the low voltage signal has stopped after the low voltage signal is input in step S309 (after the power supply has been shut off) (when the power supply is detected to be restored). ) Performs initialization processing for initializing the device control unit 550.

  <Command analysis processing>

  Next, the command analysis process (step S306) in the above apparatus control unit main process will be described.

  In this command analysis processing, first, the number of winning balls (number of payout requests) stored as unanalyzed data in the award ball number storage area provided in the RAM 508 and the unprocessed data stored in the current processing type storage area provided in the RAM 508 are stored. Get the processing type. These unanalyzed data are commands stored in step (S404) of FIG. 10 described later.

  Next, both the current machining type acquired as described above and the previous machining type used in the previous command analysis process acquired from the previous machining type storage area provided in the RAM 508 are compared. Then, it is determined whether or not the current machining type and the previous machining type are the same. If both are the same, the process is terminated, and if both are different, the following process is performed.

  Subsequently, the value of the current machining type is stored in the previous machining type storage area as the previous machining type.

  Next, with reference to the restoration data table, the restoration data is selected based on the current machining type, and then the processing of the number of winning balls is canceled using the restoration data.

  In this embodiment, the exclusive OR (EXOR) of the processed prize ball number and the restored data is calculated, and the lower 4 bits of the calculation result are stored in the prize ball number storage area as the prize ball number.

  For example, if the processed number of prize balls is 3 (00000011B) and the restoration data is 00H (00000000B), the calculation result of the exclusive OR is 03H (00000011B), so the number of prize balls is 3 in the lower 4 bits. It is. Further, when the processed number of prize balls is 10H (00010000B) and the restoration data is 03H (00000011B), the calculation result of the exclusive OR is 13H (00010011B), so the number of prize balls is 3 in the lower 4 bits. When the number of processed prize balls is 2DH (00101100B) and the restoration data is 0EH (000011110B), the calculation result of the exclusive OR is 23H (00100011B), so the number of prize balls is the lower 4 bits. 3. When the processed number of prize balls is 3AH (00111010B) and the restoration data is 09H (00000101B), the calculation result of the exclusive OR is 33H (00110011B), so the number of prize balls is the lower 4 bits. Of 3.

  Next, the number of prize balls obtained as described above is added to the number of next prize ball requests stored in the next prize ball demand number storage area provided in the RAM 508, and the process is terminated.

  <Device control unit command reception interrupt processing>

  Next, device control unit command reception interrupt processing executed by the CPU 504 of the device control unit 550 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of device control unit command reception interrupt processing.

  When the device control unit 550 detects a falling edge of the strobe signal output from the main control unit 300, the device control unit 550 executes this device control unit command reception interrupt process. When the main control unit 300 outputs a payout request signal including the strobe information, the circuit configuration is such that the strobe signal of the device control unit 550 that has held the high level until then falls to the low level.

  In step S401, it is determined whether or not the output enable / disable signal is in an output enable state. If there is strobe information (if the output enable / disable signal is in an output enable state), the process proceeds to step S402. If the signal is not ready to be output), the process proceeds to step S403.

  In step S402, a payout device drive permission signal is output to the payout device 552, and in step S403, a payout device drive stop signal is output to the payout device 552.

  In step S404, the command of the number of payout requests included in the payout request signal from the main control unit 300 is stored in the RAM 508 as unanalyzed data.

  <Device controller timer interrupt processing>

  Next, device control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 504 of the device control unit 550 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the device controller timer interrupt process.

  The device control unit 550 includes a counter timer 512 that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 1 ms), and the device control unit timer interrupt processing is performed at a predetermined cycle triggered by this timer interrupt. Start.

  In step S501, it is determined whether or not the output enable / disable signal is in an output enable state. If strobe information is present (if the output enable / disable signal is in an output enable state), the process proceeds to step S502. If the signal is not ready to be output), the process proceeds to step S503.

  In step S502, a launcher drive permission signal is output to launching circuit 600.

  On the other hand, in step S503, a launcher drive stop signal is output to the launch circuit 600, and then an error is notified in step S504.

  That is, here, the output permission signal is confirmed, and based on the confirmation result, it is determined whether or not to notify the abnormal state. The abnormal state indicates that the output enable / disable signal is in an output disabled state, and the notification indicates that the output disabled state is notified by, for example, an image display or an LED.

  In step S505, it is determined whether or not the payout device 552 is currently stopped. If it is stopped, the process is terminated after other processes are executed in step S509.

  If the payout device 552 is not stopped in step S505, the number of next prize ball requests (stored in step S306), that is, the number of payout requests is stored in the next prize ball request number storage area of the RAM 508 in step S506. If it is not stored, the process is terminated after executing other processes in step S509.

  If the payout request number is stored in step S506, a payout device drive permission signal is output to the payout device 552 in step S507, and in the subsequent step S508, the next prize ball request number storage area in the RAM 508 is stored. The number of game balls paid out is subtracted from the value of the number of prize balls requested, that is, the number of payout requests, and overwritten. After that, after executing other processes in step S509, the process is terminated.

  FIG. 12 is a time chart showing an example of changes in each signal of the pachinko machine 100.

  The output enable / disable signal shown in FIG. 12 corresponds to the output enable / disable signal in step S401 in FIG. 10 and step S501 in FIG. 11 described above, and ON indicates that the output is enabled, and OFF indicates that the output is disabled. Indicates.

  The timer interrupt signal shown in FIG. 12 is a signal indicating an interrupt by the counter timer 512, and triggers the execution of the device control unit timer interrupt processing of FIG. 11 described above. Control unit timer interrupt processing is executed.

  The launch permission signal shown in FIG. 12 corresponds to the launch device drive permission signal in step S502 of FIG. 11 and the launch device drive stop signal in step S503 of FIG. 11, and ON corresponds to the launch device drive permission signal, and OFF. Corresponds to a launcher drive stop signal.

  The command reception interrupt signal shown in FIG. 12 is a signal that is turned on when the falling edge of the strobe signal output from the main control unit 300 is detected, and the device control unit command reception interrupt process of FIG. 10 described above is executed. The device control unit command reception interrupt process is executed when it is turned on.

  The payout permission signal shown in FIG. 12 corresponds to the payout device drive permission signal in step S402 of FIG. 10 and the payout device drive stop signal in step S403 of FIG. 10, and ON corresponds to the payout device drive permission signal, and OFF. Corresponds to a dispenser drive stop signal.

  The operation from the left end of FIG. 12 to the right will be described. First, the firing permission signal is turned on at the rising edge of the first timer interrupt signal after the output permission signal is turned on, and then the output permission signal is turned on. The payout permission signal is turned ON at the rising edge of the first command reception interrupt signal.

  When the output enable / disable signal is turned OFF, the firing permission signal is turned OFF at the first rising edge of the timer interrupt signal thereafter, and then the payout enable signal is turned OFF at the rising edge of the first command reception interrupt signal after the output enable / disable signal is turned OFF. Is done.

  In the first embodiment described above, the apparatus control unit timer interrupt process of FIG. 11 is executed every time the counter timer 512 interrupts. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in the second embodiment, the counter timer In the interrupt processing by 512, only the interrupt counter is incremented, and when this interrupt counter reaches a predetermined value (10 in the second embodiment), processing corresponding to the processing in FIG. 11 is executed.

  Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart.

  <Device control unit main processing>

  First, the apparatus control unit main process executed by the CPU 504 of the apparatus control unit 550 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the figure is a flowchart which shows the flow of the apparatus control part main process of Example 2. FIG.

  The device controller 550 is provided with a reset signal output circuit that outputs a reset signal when the power is turned on. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 of the device control unit 550 to which the reset signal is input starts resetting by a reset interrupt and executes processing according to a control program stored in advance in the ROM 506.

  In step S601, initial setting 1 is performed. In the initial setting 1, a stack initial value is set in the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU.

  In step S602, whether or not the low voltage signal is ON, that is, the voltage value of the power supplied from the power management unit 650 to the device control unit 550 by a voltage monitoring circuit (not shown) provided in the device control unit 550. Is less than a predetermined value (9v in this embodiment), it is monitored whether or not a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped is output. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power-off is detected), the process of step S601 is repeated, and when the low voltage signal is off (when power-off is not detected), step S601 is performed. The process proceeds to S603.

  In step S603, initial setting 2 is performed. In this initial setting 2, a process for setting a numerical value for determining a cycle for executing a device control unit timer interrupt process to be described later every time in the counter timer 512, a setting for permitting writing to the RAM 508, and a setting for the I / O port 510 Make initial settings.

  In step S604, initial setting 3 is performed. In the initial setting 3, information other than the illegal payout error and the payout excess error among the error statuses stored in the error status storage area provided in the RAM 508 is cleared, and interrupt permission is set.

  In step S605, it is determined whether or not there is unanalyzed data in the data input from the main control unit 300. If there is unanalyzed data, the command analysis process in step S606 is the same as in the first embodiment. Detailed description is omitted), and if there is no unanalyzed data, the process proceeds to step S607.

  In step S607, it is determined whether or not the interrupt counter has reached a predetermined value (10 in this embodiment), and if it has reached, a periodic execution process is executed in step S608. This periodic execution process corresponds to the apparatus control unit timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 11 of the first embodiment, and will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

  In step S609, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is off. When the low voltage signal is off (when power-off is not detected), the process returns to step S605, and the low voltage signal is on. In the case of detecting a power shutdown, the process proceeds to step S610.

  In step S610, a power interruption process is performed. In this power interruption process, the current stack pointer value is stored in a stack pointer save area provided in the RAM 508, and information indicating suspend is set in the power status storage area. Further, all 1-byte data stored in a predetermined area (for example, all areas) of the RAM 508 is added to a 1-byte register having an initial value of 0 and stored in a checksum calculation numerical storage area. A value obtained by subtracting the addition result from the value is calculated as a checksum (checksum at power interruption), the calculated checksum at power interruption is stored in the above-described numerical storage area for checksum calculation, and writing to the RAM 508 is performed. Perform prohibited settings.

  In step S611, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. If the low voltage signal is on (when power-off is detected), the process of step S610 is repeatedly executed to turn off the low voltage signal. When the low-voltage signal is off (when power-off is not detected), the process returns to step S601 to start the apparatus control unit main process from the beginning.

  That is, in this step S611, when it is detected that the output of the low voltage signal has stopped after the low voltage signal is input in step S611 (after the power supply is detected to be cut off) (when the power supply is detected to be restored). ) Performs initialization processing for initializing the device control unit 550.

  <Periodic execution processing>

  Next, the periodic execution process executed in step S608 of FIG. 13 will be described using FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the periodic execution process.

  In step S701, first, the interrupt counter referred to in step S607 in FIG. 13 is cleared to zero.

  Next, in step S702, it is determined whether or not the output enable / disable signal is in an output enable state. If there is strobe information (if the output enable / disable signal is in an output enable state), the process proceeds to step S703, and there is no strobe information. If the output enable / disable signal is not in the output enable state, the process proceeds to step S704.

  In step S <b> 703, a launcher drive permission signal is output to the launch circuit 600.

  On the other hand, in step S704, a launcher drive stop signal is output to the launch circuit 600, and then an error is notified in step S705.

  That is, here, the output permission signal is confirmed, and based on the confirmation result, it is determined whether or not to notify the abnormal state. The abnormal state indicates that the output enable / disable signal is in an output disabled state, and the notification indicates that the output disabled state is notified by, for example, an image display or an LED.

  In step S706, it is determined whether or not the payout device 552 is currently stopped. If it is stopped, the process ends after other processes are executed in step S710.

  If the payout device 552 is not stopped in step S706, the number of next prize ball requests (stored in step S606), that is, the number of payout requests is stored in the next prize ball request number storage area of the RAM 508 in step S707. If it is not stored, the process is terminated after other processes are executed in step S710.

  When the number of payout requests is stored in step S707, a payout device drive permission signal is output to the payout device 552 in step S708, and in the subsequent step S709, the next prize ball request number storage area in the RAM 508 is stored. The number of game balls dispensed is subtracted from the value of the number of prize balls requested, that is, the number of withdrawal requests, and overwritten. After that, after executing other processes in step S710, the process ends.

  <Device controller timer interrupt processing>

  Next, device control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 504 of the device control unit 550 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the device controller timer interrupt process.

  The device control unit 550 includes a counter timer 512 that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 1 ms), and the device control unit timer interrupt processing is performed at a predetermined cycle triggered by this timer interrupt. Start.

  In the second embodiment, in step S801, the interrupt counter referred to in step S607 in FIG. 13 is incremented, and the process ends.

  According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the load of frequently occurring timer interrupt processing, and arbitrarily set a predetermined value (10 in this embodiment) to be compared with the interrupt counter in step S607 of FIG. By adjusting the frequency, it is possible to arbitrarily adjust the execution frequency of the process of switching the drive permission / stop of the launching device.

  As described above, according to the first and second embodiments, according to the present invention, the device control is performed based on the output permission signal regarding whether or not the main control unit can output the detection information of the game ball to the device control unit. The control unit controls the launching device and the dispensing device, and the launching device performs confirmation by a process executed at a predetermined cycle represented by a timer interrupt so that the number of times of confirmation of the output permission signal is larger than that of the dispensing device.

  For example, when there is an abnormality in the connection state between the main board and the payout board, or when the power of the main control section is turned off, the main control section cannot output game ball detection information or game ball payout information to the apparatus control section. In the situation, the launcher needs to stop more quickly than the dispensing device. This is because even if the launching device fires a game ball, the main control unit cannot detect the entrance of the winning opening, and the player cannot enjoy the profits from winning.

  On the other hand, in the case of a payout device, it can be said that it is less disadvantageous for the player than in the case of a launch device, but if the game ball is paid out in a state where the detection information of the game ball cannot be output, Since it may be misunderstood that it can continue, it is preferable to stop sequentially.

  Therefore, in a state where the main control unit cannot output game ball detection information, it is necessary to preferentially stop the launching device over the payout device. In the present invention, detection availability information (output availability information) is determined by a timer interrupt for a launch device, and detection availability information (output availability information) is determined by a strobe interrupt (command reception interrupt) for a payout device. Thus, it is possible to quickly control the launching device while reducing the processing load of the device control unit.

  In this embodiment, the launching device and the dispensing device are determined to be permitted to drive / stop driving based on the output enable / disable signal. However, as described above, the dispensing device is required to stop more quickly than the launching device. The payout device is not a direct device stop for stopping the payout device, but does not receive a command or discards the received command and does not store a new payout winning ball number. Thus, the configuration may be such that the apparatus is indirectly stopped. In this case, if it is determined to be no in S401 of FIG. 10, the process returns as it is.

  In this case, the device control unit 550 may determine whether to permit driving of the dispensing device 552 based on its own power supply information. Thus, a payout device according to the situation is provided by providing a method of indirectly stopping the payout device 552 depending on the output state of the output permission signal and a method of directly stopping the payout device 552 based on its own power supply state. 552 can be stopped.

  Note that the processing load on the device control unit can be reduced by checking power supply information (output availability information) in timer interrupt processing that occurs more frequently than strobe interrupts, (E.g., setting a stop signal or outputting a stop signal), that is, by making the confirmation process different (independent), saving about one line of the program and executing the process at a predetermined cycle (for example, This is because the period of one timer interruption or the like can be reduced.

  In the pachinko machine 100, for the purpose of reducing euphoria, it is desirable to limit the number of times that can be fired per hour (for example, 100 shots per minute). For this reason, the strobe interrupt signal is more preferable than the timer interrupt signal. Even the number of outputs per hour is small.

  By the way, in the present invention, in order to prevent noise, in the confirmation process for determining permission / non-permission of the emission, the output permission signal is turned off without proceeding with the control only once the output permission signal is detected ON / OFF. It may be determined that the firing is not permitted when the state continues for a plurality of times (for example, twice), and it is determined that the firing is permitted when the ON state of the output permission signal continues for a plurality of times (for example, twice).

  According to the present invention described above, the confirmation processing of the output permission signal for controlling the launching device can be performed more frequently than the confirmation processing for the dispensing device, and the processing load on the device control unit is reduced. Make it possible.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to give superiority or inferiority to the frequency of processing based on the output permission signals of the launching device and the dispensing device only by making the confirmation processing different.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, by using existing processes such as strobe interrupts and timer interrupts, it is possible to give superiority or inferiority to the frequency of processes without providing new processes.

  In addition, according to the present invention, by setting permission / non-permission of launching, it is possible to quickly stop or resume launching, and avoid the player from being disadvantaged.

  Further, according to the present invention, by paying out a game ball that is already scheduled to be paid out, for example, the player quits the game without knowing that the payout of the game ball is stopped. It can be prevented.

  Further, according to the present invention, the launching device determines permission / non-permission of launching with the power information of the main control unit, and the dispensing device determines permission / non-permission of paying with the power supply information of the payout control unit, Drive control according to the characteristics of each device can be performed.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the player from receiving a significant disadvantage by notifying the error only with respect to the launching device having a high disadvantage.

  The various storage areas in the present invention are not necessarily provided in the RAM. For example, when it is sufficient to temporarily store information, the storage areas may be stored in a register of a CPU of each control unit.

  In this embodiment, the connection confirmation information for determining whether or not the connection between the main board and the payout board is normal is used as an output permission signal. Any information may be used as long as it is information regarding whether or not game ball detection information can be output.

  For example, a sensor is provided for detecting a ball hanging in a game area (a game ball is sandwiched between nails and the entrance path to the winning opening is closed, effectively making it impossible to enter the ball). The state may be an output availability signal. In this case, even if the player launches the gaming machine, there is virtually no possibility that the game ball will enter the winning opening. Therefore, even if the game ball is fired, the main control unit sends the game ball to the payout control unit. It cannot be said that detection information can be output. It should be noted that the state where the ball catch is detected is the OFF state of the output propriety signal, and the case where it is not detected is the ON state of the output propriety signal.

  Further, a signal relating to the power state of the main board may be used as the output permission signal. In this embodiment, power is supplied from the payout board to the main board. However, if the main board is turned off for some reason, the main control unit controls even if a game ball enters the winning opening. Since the incoming ball detection sensor does not work, it is impossible to detect the incoming ball at the winning opening. For this reason, even if a game ball is fired, the payout control unit cannot pay out based on the incoming ball. In addition, information that the program of the main control unit has caused an error for some reason may be used as the output permission signal.

  Further, the gaming state storage area may be configured not only to be able to store single information but also to be able to store information related to a plurality of gaming states in parallel. In other words, it may be configured by a plurality of storage areas.

  The processing indicates one instruction, a plurality of series of instructions, a plurality of non-series instructions, and the like, and is not limited to the whole subroutine or a series of instructions from branch to return.

  Further, in the winning in this embodiment, in addition to the case where a ball enters the winning opening and the start opening provided in the game board 102, the case where the ball passes through a passing area provided in the game board 102 (for example, a normal figure) (When a ball passes through the start port 124). In addition, the start port does not necessarily have to be provided at the position shown in the present embodiment. For example, a specific region in a specific winning port may be made to function as the start port.

  Further, the variable winning opening 130 is not limited to two types of open / closed states, that is, a closed state in which a ball cannot be won and an open state in which a prize can be won, and a first open state in which a ball can win, What changes into two types of open states of the 2nd open state in which a winning is easier than a 1st open state is also contained.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot (the jackpot symbol combination) is stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110, the jackpot game is started. However, the condition for starting the jackpot game is limited to this. is not. Therefore, for example, if a game ball passes through a specific gate on the board after stopping the jackpot symbol combination, or if a game ball passes through a specific winning hole on the board after stopping the jackpot symbol combination After the jackpot symbol combination is stopped and displayed, if the game ball passes through a specific area in the winning opening other than the big winning opening (variable winning opening), it is released on condition that the gaming ball has won the specific winning opening. When the game ball passes through a specific area in the big winning opening (variable winning opening), the starting condition for the big hit game may be used.

  In addition, the special symbol in the present embodiment shows all the symbols that the special symbol display device 114 displays in a variable manner and stops, and does not show only the symbols that are fluctuated in display or only the symbols that are displayed in a stop manner. Furthermore, the common symbols and decorative symbols in the present embodiment similarly show all symbols that the variable symbol display device 112 and the decorative symbol display device 110 display in a variable manner and stop display. It does not show only the design to do.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the game table includes: a launching device that launches a ball into a predetermined game area, a winning opening configured to be able to enter a ball launched from the launching device, and a winning opening. A pachinko machine comprising a detecting means for detecting a ball that has been balled, and a payout means for paying out a ball when the detecting means detects a ball, wherein the game ball enters the winning opening and provides a player with a profit based on the winning However, the gaming table according to the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to, for example, a pachislot machine (slot machine) using a medal (coin) as a gaming medium.

  Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described actual machines such as pachislot machines and pachinko machines, but also to game programs that execute the operation of actual machines such as pachislot machines for home game machines in a pseudo manner. Can be applied to run the game. In that case, a DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, FD (flexible disk), or any other recording medium can be used as a recording medium for recording the game program.

  As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, the effect | action and effect which were described in embodiment of this invention only enumerated the most suitable effect | action and effect which arise from this invention, The effect | action and effect by this invention Is not limited to those described in the embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention can be applied to a gaming machine represented by a slot machine or a pachinko machine.

It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine 100 from the front side (player side). 1 is a schematic front view of a game board 102 as viewed from the front. It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine 100 from the back side. (A) is an example of a special figure stop display mode, (b) is an example of a decorative design, and (c) is an example of a normal stop display mode. 3 is a circuit block diagram of a main control unit and a device control unit of a control unit of the pachinko machine 100. FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram of a sub control unit of a control unit of the pachinko machine 100. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of main processing of a main control unit executed by a CPU 304 of the main control unit 300. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of main control unit timer interrupt processing executed by a CPU 304 of the main control unit 300. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of a device control unit main process executed by a CPU of the device control unit 550. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of a device control unit command reception interrupt process executed by a CPU of the device control unit 550. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of a device control unit timer interrupt process executed by a CPU of the device control unit 550. 3 is a time chart showing an example of changes in each signal of the pachinko machine 100. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a device control unit main process executed by a CPU of the device control unit 550 in the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a periodic execution process executed by a CPU of an apparatus control unit 550 in Embodiment 2. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a device control unit timer interrupt process executed by a CPU of the device control unit 550 in the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Pachinko machine 102 Game board 104 Game area 110 Ornamental symbol display device 112 General figure display device 114 Special figure display device 122 General winning opening 124 General drawing starting point 126 First special figure starting port 128 Second special drawing starting port 130 Variable winning Mouth 148 Operation handle 161 Main board 162 Power supply board 163 CR interface section 164 Sub board 165 Discharge board 166 Launch board 300 Main control section 302 Basic circuit 304 CPU
306 ROM
308 RAM
310 I / O
312 Counter timer 500 Liquid crystal control unit 550 Device control unit 502 Basic circuit 504 CPU
506 ROM
508 RAM
510 I / O
512 Counter timer 552 Dispensing device 600 Launching circuit 604 Ball feeding device 650 Power management unit

Claims (7)

A launcher for launching a game ball;
A payout device for paying out game balls;
A device control unit for controlling the driving of the launching device and the dispensing device;
A main control unit that detects that a game ball has passed a predetermined game area and outputs a detection result signal to the device control unit based on the detection;
With
The main control unit
For the device control unit, output an output propriety signal regarding whether or not it is possible to output game ball detection information to the device control unit,
The device controller is
When there is an input of the detection result signal, for the drive control of the payout device, confirm the output permission signal,
A game machine characterized in that the output propriety signal is checked for drive control of the launcher in a process executed at a predetermined cycle. In the game stand of Claim 1,
The device controller is
A game table characterized in that an output propriety signal confirmation process for driving control of the payout apparatus and an output propriety signal confirmation process for driving control of the launching apparatus are made independent of each other. In the game stand in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 2,
The device controller is
The output permission signal confirmation process for driving control of the dispensing device is performed by a strobe interrupt process executed based on the input of the detection result signal,
The gaming machine characterized in that the output permission signal confirmation process for driving control of the launcher is performed by a timer interrupt process executed at a predetermined cycle. In the game stand in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
The device controller is
In the process executed at a predetermined cycle, for the drive control of the launching device, the output permission signal is confirmed, and based on the confirmation result, it is determined whether or not the launching device is permitted to fire. A game table that features In the game stand in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
The device controller is
Whether the output permission signal is confirmed for driving control of the payout device when the detection result signal is input, and whether to perform processing based on the detection result signal based on the confirmation result A game stand characterized by determining In the game stand of Claim 5,
The device controller is
A game machine that determines whether or not to permit driving of the payout device based on its power supply information. In the game stand in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6,
The device controller is
In the process executed at a predetermined cycle, for the drive control of the launching device, the output permission signal is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not to notify the abnormal state based on the confirmation result. A characteristic game stand.

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