JP2010022594A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that can reduce designer's job burden as much as possible with respect to the game machine represented by a pinball game machine (Pachinko machine) or a reel-type game machine (slot machine). <P>SOLUTION: The game machine includes: a non-inspection process part that performs a non-inspection process including a game process performed during a game other than an inspection process for inspecting whether specific game parts 2501 and 2502 out of a plurality of game parts are normal or not; and an inspection process part that performs the inspection process based on inspection instruction information (or information not used during a game) that instructs to perform the inspection process. The non-inspection process part acquires one or a plurality of pieces of acquisition information during the non-inspection process performed. The inspection process part determines whether the specific game parts 2501 and 2502 are normal or not by using specific information out of the one or a plurality of pieces of acquisition information that the non-inspection process part has acquired while the inspection process is being performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game table represented by a ball game machine (pachinko machine) and a spinning machine (slot machine).

In a game stand represented by a ball and ball game machine (pachinko machine) or a spinning machine (slot machine), a game is played, and a predetermined game value is given to the player according to the result of the game. A plurality of gaming parts are mounted on this gaming machine, and whether or not these gaming parts are functioning normally even before the gaming machine is shipped from the factory and after the shipment. Inspection is performed. For example, in order to manage the image quality of a liquid crystal display device that displays an image, there is known a game machine that can perform an image quality inspection even after shipment (see Patent Document 1). In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, dedicated processing for image quality inspection is executed using an image quality inspection command.
JP-A-8-266723

  For this reason, a person who designs the game machine described in Patent Document 1 must prepare a process for image quality inspection from scratch, which is a heavy work burden for the designer.

  In view of the circumstances described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine that can reduce a designer's workload as much as possible.

The gaming machine of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned object is a gaming machine in which a plurality of gaming parts are mounted, a game is performed, and a predetermined gaming value is given to the player according to the result of the game.
A non-inspection processing unit for executing non-inspection processing including game processing executed during a game other than the inspection processing for inspecting whether or not a specific gaming part among the plurality of gaming parts is normal;
An inspection processing unit that executes the inspection process based on the inspection instruction information that is information that is not used during the game and instructs the execution of the inspection process;
The non-inspection processing unit acquires one or a plurality of acquisition information during the execution of the non-inspection processing,
The inspection processing unit uses specific information from one or more pieces of acquired information acquired by the non-inspection processing unit to determine whether or not the specific gaming component is normal while executing the inspection processing. It is characterized by being judged.

  The game parts referred to here may be single parts or units or devices composed of a plurality of parts. The inspection may be an inspection before the game machine is shipped from the factory, or may be an inspection performed after the shipment. Specific examples of the non-inspection processing unit and the inspection processing unit include a central processing unit (CPU) that executes a program. The non-inspection processing unit and the inspection processing unit are provided on separate substrates. Different CPUs may be used, or a single CPU provided on the same substrate. The non-inspection process includes all processes other than the inspection process for inspecting whether or not the gaming component is normal. The specific information may be information that allows the non-inspection processing unit to execute the non-inspection process when the non-inspection processing unit executes the non-inspection process. It may be information that cannot be executed.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, based on the acquired information acquired during the execution of the non-inspection process including the game process, the inspection determination of a specific gaming component is performed.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, the non-inspection processing unit executes the non-inspection processing using second specific information different from the specific information from the plurality of acquired information. The non-inspection process may be executed using the specific information.

  Further, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the non-inspection processing unit also executes an initial setting process executed based on power-on in addition to the game process as the non-inspection process, and executes the initial setting process. A plurality of pieces of acquisition information may be acquired.

  Further, the non-inspection processing unit may execute a game execution process (main loop process) that is repeatedly executed after the initial setting process as the non-inspection process.

The gaming machine of the present invention includes a movable object that is one of the plurality of gaming parts and that is movable to a predetermined position, and a movable object detection sensor that detects the movable object that is movable to the predetermined position,
The specific game component is the movable object detection sensor,
The non-inspection processing unit performs, as the non-inspection processing, a predetermined process involving the movement of the movable object, acquires a plurality of acquisition information during the execution of the predetermined process, The predetermined process may be executed using second specific information different from the specific information.

  Examples of the predetermined process include a process of moving the movable object to the predetermined position or a position different from the predetermined position.

  Further, the non-inspection processing unit acquires information on the movable position of the movable object as the acquisition information used as the second specific information, and the movable object as the acquisition information used as the specific information. The aspect which is what acquires the information regarding whether the detection sensor detected the said movable object may be sufficient.

  According to this aspect, two pieces of information, that is, movable position information of the movable object and detection information of the movable object detection sensor are acquired as the acquired information, and the predetermined process is based on the movable position information of the movable object. The inspection process is executed based on detection information of the movable object detection sensor. In contrast to this aspect, the predetermined process may be executed based on detection information of the movable object detection sensor, and the inspection process may be executed based on the movable position information of the movable object.

Further, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, one of the plurality of gaming parts, a notification means for performing a predetermined notification, a movable object movable to a predetermined position, and a movable object movable to the predetermined position are detected. A movable object detection sensor,
The specific game component is the movable object detection sensor,
As the acquisition information used as the specific information, the non-inspection processing unit acquires detection information regarding whether or not the movable object detection sensor detects the movable object, and the movable object based on the acquired detection information When it is determined that the detection sensor has not detected the movable object, the notification means notifies the movable object that it has not been detected.
When the inspection processing unit performs the inspection process and determines that the movable object detection sensor is abnormal based on the detection information, the notification means indicates that the movable object has not been detected. The notification may be performed in a manner that is more emphasized than the notification mode that the non-inspection processing unit causes the notification means to perform.

  The emphasized aspect mentioned here is, for example, a notice by an image such as a character or a design. The notice image that indicates that it has not been detected is enlarged to make it noticeable, or the notice image itself is a conspicuous image. You can replace it with. In the case of sound notification, the loudness of the notification sound indicating that it has not been detected is increased, or more specific notification (when the non-inspection processing unit performs a warning sound such as “bee”, inspection In the case where the processing unit performs, a sound such as “a sensor is broken” or a sound that specifically indicates the inspection result may be used.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present invention, it is provided with a notification means for performing a predetermined notification, which is one of the plurality of gaming parts,
Even if the non-inspection processing unit acquires the acquisition information used as the specific information, it does not determine whether the specific game component is normal using the acquisition information,
When the inspection processing unit determines that the specific game component is abnormal based on the specific information while executing the inspection process, the notification means notifies the specific game component of the specific game component. It may be an embodiment that makes a notification about abnormality.

  According to this aspect, the specific information is ignored during the execution of the non-inspection process including the game process, and it is determined and notified when the inspection process is started.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the movable object that is one of the plurality of gaming parts, the moving object whose movement distance is required in the non-inspection process based on the set reference position, and the movable object are detected. A movable object detection sensor,
The specific game component is the movable object detection sensor,
The non-inspection processing unit includes a first setting unit that sets the reference position based on the detection of the movable object by the movable object detection sensor and the movable object until the movable object comes into contact with another game component. A second setting unit that sets the reference position based on the position of the movable object when the animal is moved, and as the non-inspection process, of the first setting unit and the second setting unit A process for setting the reference position by any one of the setting units may be executed.

  In addition, the other game parts referred to here correspond to game parts serving as so-called mechanical ends (parts for restricting movement of the moving parts).

  In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a gaming area in which gaming media are launched, a game is started by launching the gaming media into the gaming area, and gaming media is paid out according to the gaming result. A gaming platform comprising a plurality of reels provided with a plurality of types of symbols, in which a game is played by inserting a game medium and rotating the plurality of reels, and the game medium is paid out according to the result of the game Can be applied to.

  Here, the former gaming machine is a ball game machine (pachinko machine), and the latter gaming machine is a spinning machine (slot machine).

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the work load on the designer can be reduced as much as possible.

  Hereinafter, a pachinko machine (game table) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention 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 is a game board (board surface), which will be described later, disposed on the back side of the glass frame 156 composed of a transparent plate member 152 made of glass or resin and a transparent member holding frame 154 through the transparent plate member 152. 102. The game board 102 is attached to an inner frame 103 that can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 101. In addition, high-frequency speakers are provided on the left and right of the upper portion of the glass frame 156, and white LEDs (frame-side illumination white LEDs) are provided at various locations on the glass frame 156. These white LEDs are those in which LEDs are mounted on a substrate, and the entire substrate on which frame side illumination white LEDs are mounted may be referred to as frame side illumination substrate white LEDs. Although not shown in the drawings, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with a glass frame opening sensor that detects that the glass frame 156 is opened and an inner frame opening sensor that detects that the inner frame 103 is opened. .

  Below the glass frame 156, a launcher 138 that is rotated by a launcher motor 602, which will be described later, a launcher 140 that is attached to the tip of the launcher 138 and launches a ball toward the game area 104, which will be described later, A launch rail 142 for guiding a ball launched by the heel 140 to an outer rail 106 described later, a storage tray 144 for temporarily storing the ball and supplying the stored ball to the launch rail 142 in sequence, An effect button 146 is provided for changing the effect display by the decorative symbol display device 110, which will be described later, when the player can perform a pressing operation and detects the operation at a predetermined time. The effect button 146 is sometimes called a chance button and has an LED built therein.

  Further, below the launcher 138 and the launcher 140, an operation handle 148 for controlling the launcher 138 and operating 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. In the vicinity of the lower plate in the internal path connecting the storage plate 144 and the lower plate 150, a lower plate full sensor (not shown) is provided. The lower pan full sensor has a switch portion. When the lower pan 150 is full, the switch portion is pushed by a ball, and a lower pan full tank error is output from the lower pan full sensor.

  Furthermore, a sound emitting unit for emitting sound from a low-frequency speaker (not shown) is provided on the left side of the lower plate 150 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2 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 151 for temporarily storing a ball, and a lower part of the ball tank 151 that is formed at the bottom of the ball tank 151. A tank rail 153 for guiding a ball that has passed through the communicating hole and dropped to the dispensing device 552 located on the right side of the back surface is provided.

  The payout device 552 is formed of a cylindrical 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 stays in a ball that has passed through the tank rail 153 and dropped into the dispensing device 552 and is rotated by a predetermined angle by driving the motor. The balls that have stayed temporarily are configured to be sent out one by one downward from the dispensing device 552.

  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. Note that the sphere 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, and the pachinko machine 100 has this configuration. Pay out the ball to the player.

  On the right side of the ball tank 151 shown in FIG. 2, an external terminal plate 155 constituting an interface unit 556 and the like which will be described later is disposed. The external terminal board 155 transmits information to a hall computer (not shown) and receives information transmitted from the hall computer. The external terminal board 155 includes a board external terminal board that relays to the game board 102 and a frame external terminal board that relays to a payout control unit 550 described later.

  On the left side of the dispensing device 552, a main board 161 that constitutes a main control unit 300 described later and a sub board 164 that constitutes a sub control unit 400 described later are disposed. Further, below the main board 161 and the sub board 164, a launch board 166 constituting a launch control section 600 described later, a power board 162 constituting a power management section 650 described later, and a payout control section 550 described later are provided. A payout board 165 to be configured and a CR interface unit 163 connected to the payout board 165 are disposed. The power supply board 162 is provided with a power switch 1621, a reset switch 1622, and a RAM clear switch 1623. A power switch 1621 shown in FIG. 2 is a main power operator of the pachinko machine 100. Further, as will be described later, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 (see FIG. 5). The start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on, and when the reset switch 1622 shown in FIG. 2 is turned on regardless of the power on. Also outputs a start signal (reset signal). When the RAM clear switch 1623 is turned on, the RAM clear signal is turned on, and all storage areas of the RAM 308 provided in the main control unit 300 are initialized, as will be described later. Furthermore, an effect control unit 500 in which an effect control board, an effect expansion board, an LED board, and the like, which will be described later, are incorporated above the main board 161 and the sub board 164 is provided.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the game board 102 as viewed from the front.

  The game board 102 shown in FIG. 3 is illuminated by board illumination LEDs (not shown) provided above and on the left and right. These panel-illuminated LEDs are those in which LEDs are mounted on a substrate. Hereinafter, the entire board on which the panel illumination LED is mounted may be referred to as a panel illumination board LED.

  In addition, an outer rail 106 and an inner rail 108 are disposed on the game board 102, and a game area 104 in which a game ball (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “ball”) can roll is defined. ing.

  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, and a normal symbol display device 112, a special symbol display device 114, a normal symbol hold LED 116, and a special symbol hold LED 118 are provided around the decorative symbol display device 110. The high-precision LED 120 is disposed. Hereinafter, the normal symbol may be referred to as “general symbol” and the special symbol may be referred to as “special symbol”. In addition, each of these LEDs is an LED mounted on a substrate. For example, the entire substrate on which the special figure holding LED 118 is mounted may be referred to as a special figure holding substrate LED.

  The rendering device 200 performs rendering by operating the movable part, and details will be described later.

  The decorative symbol display device 110 is a display device for displaying a decorative symbol (see FIG. 6B) and various images used for production. In this embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 110 is configured by a liquid crystal display device (Liquid Crystal Display). The decorative symbol display device 110 divides the display screen into four display regions, a left symbol display region 110a, a middle symbol display region 110b, a right symbol display region 110c, and an effect display region 110d. The symbol display area 110b and the left symbol display area 110c display 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. The decorative symbol display device 110 employs 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 instead of the liquid crystal display device. May be.

  The general-purpose display device 112 is a display device for displaying a general-purpose image (see FIG. 6C), and is configured by a 7-segment LED in this embodiment. The special figure display device 114 is a display device for displaying a special figure (see FIG. 6A), and is constituted by a 7-segment LED in this embodiment.

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

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of general winning holes 122 are arranged on the game board 102, and when a predetermined ball detection sensor (general winning hole sensor) (not shown) detects a ball entering the general winning holes 122 ( In the case of winning in the general winning opening 122), a payout device 552 described later is driven, and a predetermined number (10 in the present embodiment) of balls is discharged as a prize ball to the storage tray 144 shown in FIG. 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. Further, among the plurality of general winning awards 122, one general award winning port 122 represented by a solid line on the left side of FIG. 3 is a general award winning port (left), and three general winning awards represented by a dotted line on the lower side of FIG. The mouth 122 may be referred to as a general winning opening (lower). In this embodiment, a ball to be paid out to a player as a consideration for winning is sometimes referred to as a “prize ball”, and a ball lent to a player is sometimes referred to as “rental ball”. They are called “balls (game balls)”.

  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 through a predetermined area of the game area. One 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 a predetermined ball detection sensor (gate sensor) detects that the ball has passed through the general map start port 124, the pachinko machine 100 starts a general map variable game by the general map display device 112.

  In the present embodiment, only one first special figure starting port 126 is disposed at the center of the game board 102. When a predetermined ball detection sensor (first start port sensor) detects a ball entering the first special figure start port 126, a payout device 552 described later is driven, and a predetermined number (three in this embodiment) is driven. 1 is discharged as a prize ball to the storage tray 144 shown in FIG. 1, and a special figure changing 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 (electric chew), and in the present embodiment, only one second special figure starting port 128 is disposed directly below the first special figure starting port 126. This electric tulip is illuminated by a tulip illumination LED (not shown). The tulip illumination LED is an LED mounted on a substrate, and the entire substrate on which the tulip illumination LED is mounted may be referred to as a tulip illumination substrate LED. This second special figure starting port 128 is provided with blades that can be opened and closed by a solenoid, and cannot enter a ball while the blades are closed. When the winning symbol 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 (second start port sensor) detects a ball entering the second special figure start port 128, a payout device 552, which will be described later, is driven, and a predetermined number (5 in this embodiment) is driven. The ball is discharged as a prize ball to the storage tray 144 shown in FIG. 1, and a special figure changing 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 in the present embodiment, 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 opened and closed by a solenoid, and it is impossible to enter a ball while the door member is closed, and the special figure display device 114 displays a jackpot symbol. When the stop display is made, the door member opens and closes at a predetermined time interval (for example, 29 seconds for opening time, 1.5 seconds for closing time) and a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). The variable winning opening 130 is illuminated by an unillustrated attacker illumination LED. The attacker illumination LED is an LED mounted on a substrate, and the entire substrate on which the attacker illumination LED is mounted may be referred to as an attacker illumination substrate LED. When a predetermined ball detection sensor (count sensor) detects a ball entering the variable winning opening 130, a payout device 552, which will be described later, is driven, and a predetermined number (15 balls in this embodiment) of balls is shown as a winning ball. 1 is discharged to the storage tray 144 shown in FIG. 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 disk-shaped hitting direction changing members 132 and game nails 134 called windmills are arranged in the vicinity of these winning openings and starting openings, and 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 game island side.

  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. Then, the ball that has reached the upper part of the game area 104 falls downward while changing the advancing direction by the hitting direction changing member 132, the game nail 134, etc., and a winning opening (general winning opening 122, variable winning opening 130) or starting opening (First special figure start port 126, second special figure start port 128), or the out port 136 without winning any of the winning port and start port, or just passing the normal start port 124 To reach.

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

  A movable doll 211, a warp device 230, and a front stage 234 are disposed on the front side of the effect device 200, and a decorative symbol display device 110 and a movable shutter object 250 serving as shielding means are provided on the rear surface side of the effect device 200. Is arranged. That is, in the rendering device 200, the decorative symbol display device 110 and the movable shutter object 250 are located behind the movable doll 211, the warp device 230, and the front stage 234. The front stage 234 is illuminated by a stage illumination LED (not shown). The stage illumination LED is an LED mounted on a substrate, and the entire substrate on which the stage illumination LED is mounted may be referred to as a stage illumination substrate LED.

  The movable doll 211 is a doll simulating a storehouse with a shade or a towel on the head. In this embodiment, five bodies are arranged horizontally from left to right in the vicinity of the lower part of the decorative symbol display device 110 when viewed from the front. It is arranged. These movable dolls 211 move up and down while rotating between the standby position and the protruding position. That is, the movable doll 211 protrudes while rotating from a standby position where it is not visible to the player to an upper protruding position where it is visible from the player. All of the five movable dolls 211 shown in FIG. 3 are in a state of projecting to their projecting positions. At this protruding position, the movable doll 211 shields a part of the display of the decorative pattern display device 110 behind so that it is difficult for the player to see.

  Here, the movable doll 211 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4A is a side view showing the case where the movable doll 211 is in the standby position, and FIG. 4B is a side view showing the case where the movable doll 211 is in the protruding position. The movable doll 211 shown in FIG. 4 is moved up and down by the solenoid 212 while being rotated by the rotating device 214. As shown in the figure, the movable doll 211 moves to an upper protruding position by exciting the solenoid 212, and returns to the standby position by the spring 213 when the excitation of the solenoid 212 is released. As described above, in this embodiment, five movable dolls 211 are provided, and one solenoid 212 is provided for one movable doll 211. That is, five solenoids 212 are provided, and in the following description, these five solenoids 212 are solenoids that move the movable doll 211 located at the right end from the solenoid that moves the movable doll 211 located at the left end in FIG. In order, the jizo solenoid 1, the jizo solenoid 2,. Each of the jizo solenoids 1 to 5 receives an operation signal and switches between an excited state and a non-excited state. The movable doll 211 may be driven by means other than the solenoid 212. In addition, a transparent cover 206 is provided in front of the movable doll 211, thereby preventing a game ball from entering the operation range of the movable doll 211.

  The warp device 230 shown in FIG. 3 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 to the front stage 234. When the game ball enters the second entrance 236 provided at the rear of the center part of the front stage 234, the game ball is provided in the lower center of the effect device 200 above the first special figure starting port 126. It discharges from the discharge port 238 toward the first special figure starting port 126. The game ball discharged from the discharge port 238 is easy to enter the first special figure starting port 126.

  FIGS. 5A and 5B are a front view and a side sectional view of the movable shutter object 250.

  The movable shutter object 250 includes a grid-like left shutter 250a and right shutter 250b, and is disposed between the decorative symbol display device 110 and the front stage 234 (see FIG. 3). In addition, the rendering device 200 includes a transparent resin bracket 204 fixed to the back surface of the game board 102. Belts 254 wound around two pulleys 252 are fixed to the upper portions of the left shutter 250a and the right shutter 250b, respectively. That is, the left shutter 250a and the right shutter 250b move to the left and right as the belt 254 driven by the stepping motor 256 through the pulley 252 moves. When the left and right shutters 250a and 250b are closed, the inner movable end portions of the shutter movable object 250 are overlapped so as to shield the player from seeing the decorative symbol display device 110. In addition, the bracket 204 is provided with a stopper portion 2041 with which the left end of the left shutter 250a and the right end of the right shutter 250b abut each other as the closed left and right shutters 250a and 250b are opened. When each of the left and right shutters 250a and 250b abuts on each stopper portion 2041, it cannot be opened any further, and each stopper portion 2041 becomes a mechanical end. Further, a left shutter sensor 2501 for detecting the left shutter 250a immediately before contacting the stopper portion 2041, and a right shutter sensor 2502 for detecting the right shutter 250b immediately before contacting the stopper portion 2041 are provided. That is, the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502 detect the left and right shutters 250a and 250b that have reached a predetermined position (hereinafter referred to as an open detection position) immediately before contacting the stopper portion 2041, respectively. Note that the right shutter sensor 2501 and the left shutter sensor 2502 are optical sensors such as a photo interrupter. Accordingly, each of the left and right shutters 250a and 250b corresponds to an example of a movable object according to the present invention, and the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502 correspond to an example of a movable object detection sensor according to the present invention. The stopper portion 2041 corresponds to an example of another game component referred to in the present invention. In a state where the left and right shutters 250a and 250b have reached the open detection position, the inner end portions thereof slightly overlap the outer end portions of the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 110, but the player can display all of the displays on the decorative symbol display device 110. Is visible. Each of the left and right shutters 250a and 250b can be stopped at any position between the closed position and the open detection position capital. For example, the player can determine which decorative symbol the displayed decorative symbol is. Only a part of the decorative design can be shielded to such an extent that it can be identified. Note that the left and right shutters 250a and 250b may make it possible to visually recognize a part of the decorative pattern display device 110 behind the lattice holes, or block the shoji part of the lattice holes 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. .

<Type of design>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6C, the special figure display device 114, the decorative symbol display device 110, and the special figure display device 112 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described with respect to the special drawing and the type of the general drawing. To do.

  FIG. 6A shows an example of a special display stop display mode. There are three types of special display stop display modes according to the present embodiment: “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. Then, 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. 6B shows an example of a decorative design. There are 10 types of decoration patterns of the present embodiment: “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. When notifying the jackpot, a symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot in the symbol display areas 110a to 110c (in this embodiment, a combination of decorative symbols having the same number (for example, “decoration 2—decoration 2—decoration 2”). )) Is stopped and a special jackpot is notified, a combination of symbols corresponding to the special jackpot (in this embodiment, a combination of decorative symbols of the same odd-numbered numbers (for example, “decoration 1-decoration 1-decoration”). 1 ”)) is stopped and displayed. 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.

  In the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, as will be described later, the determination of whether or not a special jackpot game is a big hit is made by a lottery of hardware random numbers. Do by.

  FIG. 6C shows an example of a normal stop display mode. In the present embodiment, there are two types of stoppage display modes of the normal figure, “general figure 1” which is a winning symbol and “general figure 2” which is a missed 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. Then, 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.

  In the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, as will be described later, the determination as to whether or not the game is a win in the general game display game is performed by lottery of software random numbers.

<Control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the pachinko machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

  The pachinko machine 100 is assembled from a plurality of gaming parts at a factory, and after inspection of whether or not a particular gaming part is normal among the plurality of gaming parts, the pachinko machine 100 is shipped. The control unit of the pachinko machine 100 after factory shipment is roughly 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. In response to the command transmitted by the main control unit 300, the sub-control unit 400 that mainly controls the production, the payout control unit 550 that mainly controls the game ball payout, and the game ball launch control. The launch control unit 600 and a power management unit 650 that controls the power supplied to the pachinko machine 100 are configured.

<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 game control ROM 306 for storing control programs and various data, and a temporary control unit. A RAM (RWM) 308 for storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time and the number of times, and monitoring of program processing abnormalities WDT313 is installed. The game control ROM 306 shown in FIG. 7 stores programs and data for non-inspection processing other than pre-shipment inspection processing for inspecting whether or not a specific game component is normal before factory shipment. Non-inspection processing here includes initial setting processing, game processing, and the like. The initial setting process is a process executed when the power is turned on. In the initial setting process, a power-on command indicating that the power is turned on is output. Thus, since the initial setting process is a process that is executed based on power-on, it is also executed before the pre-shipment inspection process. The game process is a process executed during the game, and is executed in a state where the pachinko machine 100 is shipped from the factory and installed in the game store. Note that other storage means may be used for the game control ROM 306 and 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). A counter), and various sensors 318 including ball detection sensors provided inside each start opening, winning opening entrance and variable winning opening (however, left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502 shown in FIG. 5). The display circuit 114 controls the display of the sensor circuit 320 and the special figure display device 114 for outputting the comparison result with the amplification circuit and the reference voltage to the counter circuit 316 and the basic circuit 302. Display circuit 322, a display circuit 324 for performing display control of the universal map display device 112, and various status display units 326 (general map maintenance) LED 116, special figure hold LED 118, high-accuracy LED 118, etc.) display circuit 328 for performing display control, and various solenoids 330 for opening and closing the second special figure starting port 128, variable winning port 130, etc. (however, FIG. 4) A solenoid circuit 332 for controlling a solenoid 212 for moving up and down the movable doll 211 shown in FIG.

  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 game shop computer (not shown) or the like via the information output circuit 334. The game information (for example, game state) of the pachinko machine 100 is output.

  The main control unit 300 is provided with a 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. The voltage monitoring circuit 336 is a voltage value of the power source. Is less than a predetermined value (9v in this embodiment), a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped is output to the basic circuit 302.

  Further, as described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When an activation signal is input from the signal output circuit 338, main processing main processing described later is started.

  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 payout control unit 550. With this configuration, the sub-control unit 400 In addition, communication with the payout control unit 550 is enabled. Information communication between the main control unit 300, the sub control unit 400, and the payout control unit 550 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 can transmit signals such as commands to the sub control unit 400 and the payout control unit 550. However, the sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 550 are configured such that signals such as commands cannot be transmitted to the main control unit 300.

<Discharge control unit, launch control unit, power supply management unit>
Next, the payout control unit 550, the launch control unit 600, and the power supply management unit 650 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  The payout control unit 550 controls the payout device 552 mainly based on a signal such as a command transmitted from the main control unit 300, and the payout of the winning ball or the rental ball is completed based on a control signal output from the payout sensor 554. It is detected whether or not it is performed, and communication with a card unit 654 provided separately from the pachinko machine 100 or a hall computer (not shown) is performed via the interface unit 556.

  The firing control unit 600 determines the amount of operation of the launch handle 148 by the player, which is output from the control signal instructing permission or stop of launch output from the payout control unit 550, or the launch intensity output circuit provided in the operation handle 148. Based on the control signal instructing the corresponding launch intensity, the launch motor 602 that drives the launcher 138 and the launcher 140 is controlled, and the ball feeder 604 that supplies the ball from the storage plate 144 to the launch rail 142 is controlled. .

  The power management unit 650 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the pachinko machine 100 into a DC voltage, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each device such as the main control unit 300 and the payout device 552. As will be described later, power is not directly supplied from the power management unit 650 to the sub-control unit 400 or the effect control unit 700. Further, the power management unit 650 supplies a power storage circuit (for example, a power supply circuit) 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 external power supply is cut off. Capacitor).

<Sub control unit>
Next, the sub control unit 400 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure shows a circuit block diagram of the sub-control unit 400 and the like.

  The sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire sub-control unit 400 based mainly on commands transmitted from the main control unit 300. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404 and a temporary control. A RAM (RWM) 408 for storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, a counter timer 412 for measuring time and frequency, and a WDT 413 for monitoring an abnormality in program processing 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. In addition, a P-ROM (Programmable-Read Only Memory) 406 is connected to the basic circuit 402. The P-ROM 406 stores an inspection program for the pre-shipment inspection process. The inspection program for the pre-shipment inspection process is not used after factory shipment, but the pachinko machine 100 is shipped with the inspection program stored in the P-ROM 406.

  Further, the basic circuit 402 includes a sound source IC 418, a motor control circuit 420, a sensor output circuit 421, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 425, an accessory driving circuit 426, an effect button 146 (see FIG. 1), and an effect button LED 417. Connected. The sound source IC 418 operates using a clock signal of a predetermined cycle output from the crystal oscillator 419 as a system clock, and includes a sound ROM (S-ROM) that stores data such as voice and music. The sound source IC 418 is for controlling a speaker 416 (and an amplifier) such as a high-frequency speaker and a low-frequency speaker. The motor control circuit 420 is for controlling the stepping motor 256 of the movable shutter object 250 shown in FIG. The sensor output circuit 421 is for transmitting the detection results from the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502 shown in FIG. The VDP 425 operates using a clock signal with a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 424 as a system clock, and includes a computer graphic ROM (C-ROM). The VDP 425 is for controlling the decorative symbol display device (liquid crystal display device) 110 shown in FIG. Here, the flow for the CPU 404 to display an image on the decorative symbol display device 110 will be described in detail. When the CPU 404 receives a command from the main control unit 300 and the received command includes an instruction to display an image, the CPU 404 uses a RAM (not shown) provided in the VDP 425 (hereinafter referred to as VRAM). The image data stored in the C-ROM is transferred. The transferred image data is stored in a storage area (hereinafter referred to as a display area) in the VRAM for output to the decorative symbol display device. The VDP 425 outputs the image data stored in the display area to the decorative symbol display device 110 at every predetermined timing, so that the decorative symbol display device 110 can display the image data. The CPU 404 instructs the VDP 425 to transfer the image data scheduled to be displayed stored in the C-ROM to a predetermined area other than the display area of the VRAM in advance, and when the predetermined display timing is reached, the CPU 404 The VDP may be instructed to store image data stored in a predetermined area other than the display area in the display area. The time required to store image data other than the display area of the VRAM in the display area of the VRAM is shorter than the time required to transfer the image data stored in the C-ROM to the V-RAM. By transferring the data, the processing time for the transfer may be distributed. The accessory driving circuit 426 is for performing drive control of the solenoid 212 (jizo solenoids 1 to 5) for driving the center movable object 210 (movable doll 211 shown in FIG. 4). Each of the geological solenoids 1 to 5 receives the operation signal from the accessory driving circuit 426 and switches between the excited state and the non-excited state.

  The sub-control unit 400 controls the effect by the decorative symbol display device 110, the effect by the movable shutter object 250, the effect by the movable doll 211, and the effect by the sound emitted from the speaker 416. The basic circuit 402 of the sub-control unit 400 sends effect image setting information to the VDP 425. In addition, the basic circuit 402 sends information for moving the left and right shutters 250 a and 250 b to the motor control circuit 420. Further, the basic circuit 402 sends information such as how to move the five movable dolls 211 to the accessory driving circuit 426. The basic circuit 402 sends sound output setting information of the speaker 416 to the sound source IC 418.

<Production control unit>
Next, the effect control unit 700 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Information communication between the sub-control unit 400 and the production control unit 700 can be bidirectional (mutual communication). The effect control unit 700 includes a basic circuit 702 that mainly controls an effect related to a lamp such as the LED 423 based on a command transmitted by the sub-control unit 400. An LED board 760 is connected to the basic circuit 702 via an effect expansion board 750. Information is transmitted between the effect control unit 700, the effect expansion board 750, and the LED board 760 by serial communication. Therefore, the production control unit 700 is provided with a serial communication control circuit 701, and the production expansion board 750 and the LED board 760 are provided with serial communication drive circuits 751 and 761, respectively. The effect control unit 700 transmits lighting pattern setting information of various LEDs 423 to the LED board 760 via the effect expansion board 750. The LED board 760 receives this information and controls the lighting of the LED 423.

  Similar to the basic circuit 402 of the sub-control unit 400, the basic circuit 702 of the effect control unit 700 is also a CPU 704, a RAM (RWM) 708 for temporarily storing data, and an I / O for controlling input / output of various devices. O710, a counter timer 712 for measuring time and number of times, and a WDT 713 for monitoring an abnormality in program processing are mounted. The CPU 704 of the basic circuit 702 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 714 as a system clock. Further, the P-ROM 706 is connected to the basic circuit 702 of the effect control unit 700 as well as the basic circuit 402 of the sub-control unit 400. The P-ROM 706 also stores an inspection program for the pre-shipment inspection process. The inspection program for the pre-shipment inspection process is not used after factory shipment, but the pachinko machine 100 is shipped with the inspection program stored in the P-ROM 706.

  In addition, the power management unit 650 supplies DC power to the effect expansion board 750. The effect expansion board 750 supplied with power from the power management unit 650 supplies power to the effect control unit 700, and further, the effect control unit 700 supplies power to the sub-control unit 400.

<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.

  As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs the 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 executes a main control unit main process shown in FIG. 9 in accordance with a control program that is reset-started by a reset interrupt and stored in advance in the game control ROM 306.

  In step S101, initial setting 1 is performed. In this initial setting 1, setting of a stack initial value (temporary setting) to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting of an interrupt mask, initial setting of the I / O port 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, WDT 313 Allow operation and set initial values. In this embodiment, a numerical value corresponding to 32.8 ms is set as an initial value in WDT 313.

  In step S102, the value of the counter of WDT 313 is cleared, and the time measurement by WDT 313 is restarted.

  In step S103, whether or not the low voltage signal is on, that is, the voltage value of the power supply that the voltage monitoring circuit 336 supplies from the power management unit 650 to the main control unit 300 is a predetermined value (in this embodiment, 9v), it is monitored whether or not a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped is output. 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. Even when the predetermined value (9 V) is not yet reached immediately after the power is turned on, the process returns to step S102, and step S103 is repeatedly executed until the supply voltage becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined value.

  In step S104, initial setting 2 is performed. In this initial setting 2, a process for setting a numerical value for determining a cycle for executing a main control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later, to the counter / timer 312, a predetermined port of the I / O 310 (for example, a test output port, Processing for outputting a clear signal from the output port to the sub-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 an initialization process (step S107).

  Specifically, first, a RAM clear signal transmitted when a store clerk or the like of a game store operates the RAM clear switch 1623 provided on the power supply board 162 shown in FIG. 2 (indicating that there has been an operation). If the RAM clear signal is on (RAM clear is necessary), the process goes to step S107 to set the basic circuit 302 to the initial state. move on. 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. 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, a predetermined area of the RAM 308 is set. A checksum is calculated by adding all the 1-byte data stored in (for example, all areas) to a 1-byte register whose initial value is 0, and the calculated checksum results in a specific 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 power interruption, and the checksum result is a specific value. If the value is other than 0 (for example, 0) (if the checksum result 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 value of the stack pointer stored in the stack pointer save area provided in the RAM 308 at the time of power failure is read out and reset to the stack pointer (this setting). 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 resumed from the instruction next to the instruction (predetermined in steps S108 and S109) performed immediately before branching to the timer interrupt processing (described later) immediately before the power interruption. In addition, a transmission information storage area is provided in the RAM 308 mounted on the basic circuit 302 in the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. In step S106, 0EH is set as a power recovery command in the transmission information storage area. This power recovery command is a command indicating that the power has been restored to the state at the time of power-off, and is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 in step S215 in the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300, which will be described later.

  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. Further, here, a normal return command is set in the transmission information storage area provided in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300. This normal return command is a command indicating that the initialization process (step S107) of the main control unit 300 has been performed. Similar to the power recovery command, the sub-control in step S215 of the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300 is performed. Transmitted to unit 400.

  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. Further, after this basic random number initial value update process is completed, an 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 a timer interrupt process that starts every predetermined period.

<Main controller timer interrupt processing>
Next, main control unit timer interrupt 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 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), and the main control unit timer interrupt processing is triggered by this timer interrupt signal. Start with a predetermined period.

  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, WDT is periodically performed (this implementation is performed so that the WDT interrupt does not occur (the processing abnormality is not detected)) because the count value of WDT 313 exceeds the initial setting value (32.8 ms 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, various sensors 318 including a glass frame open sensor, an inner frame open sensor, a lower pan full sensor, and a plurality of ball detection sensors are provided via the input port of the I / O 310 (however, as shown in FIG. 5). The left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502 are not included), and the presence / absence of the detection signal is monitored and stored in a signal state storage area provided for each sensor 318 in the RAM 308. If the detection signal of the sphere detection sensor is described as an example, in this embodiment, information on the presence / absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor detected in the timer interruption process (about 4 ms before) is stored in the RAM 308 in each RAM 308. This is read from the previous detection signal storage area provided for each sphere detection sensor, and this information is stored in the RAM 308 in the previous detection signal storage area provided for each sphere detection sensor. Information about the presence / absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor detected about 2 ms before) is read from the current detection signal storage area provided for each sphere detection sensor in the RAM 308, and this information is detected as described above. Store in the signal storage area. Further, the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor detected this time is stored in the above-described current detection signal storage area.

  In step S203, the information on the presence / absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor stored in each storage area of the 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 / absence of detection signals for the past three times in the sphere detection sensor of the two sphere detection sensors matches. The information on the presence or absence of detection signals for the past three times in each sphere detection sensor is predetermined winning determination pattern information (in this embodiment, no previous detection signal, previous detection signal, this time detection signal) In the case of a match to the winning opening (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), It is determined that the starting port 124 has passed. For example, if the information on the presence / absence of detection signals for the past three matches with the above-described winning determination pattern information in the ball detection sensor that detects the winning at the general winning opening 122, it is assumed that the player has entered the general winning opening 122. After determining and performing the process associated with the subsequent entry to the general winning opening 122, if the information on the presence or absence of the 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 mouth 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 value for a normal winning number is 0 to 100, a value is acquired from a random number counter storage area for generating a normal winning random number 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 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 regular winning random number that fluctuates in a numerical 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 the value is equal to the previously set initial value (for example, 7), the value is acquired as an initial value from the initial value generation random number counter corresponding to the random number counter for generating the random number for winning the normal number, The initial value set this time is stored in the above-described initial value storage area in order to determine that the random number counter for generating the winning random number value has made one round next time, in addition to setting it in the random number counter for generating the 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. As will be described in detail later, in this timer update process, the normal symbol display symbol update device for measuring the time for the symbol to be changed / stopped on the normal symbol display device 112, and 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 for timing the time to perform, a timer for timing a predetermined winning effect time, a predetermined opening time, a predetermined closing time, a predetermined end effect period, etc. 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. In this winning acceptance process, if a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a winning (winning) at the first and second special figure starting ports 126, 128, the ordinary starting port 124, or a variable winning port, In the transmission information to be transmitted to the control unit 400, 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. .

  In step S210, a payout request number transmission process is performed. The output schedule information and the payout request information output to the payout control unit 550 are composed of 1 byte, strobe information in bit 7 (indicating that data is set when on), and power supply in bit 6 Input information (indicating that it is the first command transmission after power-on when turned on), bits 4-5 for the current processing type for encryption (0-3), and bits 0-3 for encryption processing The number of subsequent payout requests is indicated.

  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 (the value of the above-mentioned general map display symbol update timer is 1 or more), the 7 segment LED constituting the general map display device 112 is repeatedly turned on / off. Take control.

  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 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.

  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 is changed from 1 to 0), the blade member has a predetermined closing period (for example, 500 milliseconds). 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. When 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 the above-mentioned special figure display symbol update timer is 1 or more), lighting / extinguishing drive that repeatedly turns on and off the 7-segment LED constituting the special figure display device 114 Take control.

  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. 6A 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 114 is controlled to be turned on / off so that the special figure display device 114 shown in FIG. In order to maintain the display period (for example, 500 milliseconds), 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. In addition, 4H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) in the transmission information storage area described above in order to execute the general command rotation stop setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step S215).

  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 waiting 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, 5H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) in the above-described transmission information storage area 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 (the timing when the special figure standby time management timer value 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 (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, 7H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) 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).

  In the special figure state update process that 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, 8H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the general command big prize opening closing setting transmission processing in the command setting transmission processing (step S215).

  Further, in the special figure state update processing which is repeated at predetermined timing (for example, 15 rounds) and this door member opening / closing control 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, 6H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) in the transmission information storage area described above 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 described above, the jackpot determination is first performed among various lotteries using the jackpot determination table, the high probability state transition determination table, the timer number determination table, and the like. 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, if the gaming state is a low probability state and the special figure winning random number obtained 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 value 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 value 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 value stored in the random value storage area in step S209 is within the numerical range of the transition determination random number, and when the special figure random value is within the numerical range of the lottery data. Sets information indicating the start of a special jackpot game in the storage area of the probability variation (probability variation) flag provided in the RAM 308. (Here, setting the special jackpot game start information in the RAM 308 is referred to as turning on the probability variation flag). 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 set). 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, when the acquired special figure random 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 value of the jackpot flag and the timer random number range including 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 purpose, 1H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) 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, and therefore 1 corresponding to those conditions of 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. Further, when the value of the variable time storage area is subtracted every time (for example, five times) the timer interrupt process is executed (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 (details will be described later). 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 ( 0H is a basic command, 1H is a symbol change start command, 4H is a symbol change stop command, 5H is a winning effect start command, 6H is an end effect start command, and 7H is a jackpot round Designated command, information for specifying the type of command such as a power recovery command for EH and a RAM clear command for FH, 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 1H, 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, 4H is set as the command type, and information indicating the value of the jackpot flag, the value of the probability variation flag stored in the RAM 308 is set as the command data. In the above-mentioned general command winning effect setting transmission process, the command type is 5H, the command data is stored in the RAM 308, and the effect control information output to the decorative symbol display device 110, various LEDs 423, and the speaker 416 during the winning effect period, Information indicating the value of the probability variation flag, the number of special figure variation games that are held, and the like are set. In the above-described general command end effect setting transmission process, command control information 6H, command data, stored in the RAM 308, effect control information to be output to the decorative symbol display device 110, various LEDs 423, and the speaker 416 during the effect standby period, Information indicating the value of the probability variation flag, the number of special figure variation games that are held, and the like are set. In the general command big prize opening release setting transmission process described above, information indicating the command type 7H, 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 variation games held, etc. Set. In the above-described general command big prize closing setting transmission process, information indicating 8H as the command type, the number of big hits stored in the RAM 308 as the command data, the value of the probability change 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.

  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 various sensors stored in the signal state storage area in step 203 are read to monitor whether there is a glass frame opening error, an inner frame opening error, or a lower pan full error. When a glass frame opening error, an inner frame opening error, or a lower plate full error is detected, the transmission information to be transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 includes a glass frame opening error, an inner frame opening error, a lower plate Set device information that indicates whether a full error has occurred. In addition, the 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 general diagram display device 112 and the special figure display device 114 are provided 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 winning acceptance information set in the winning acceptance process (step S209) 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. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power supply shutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S220. When the low voltage signal is off (power supply shutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S219.

  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, and then the process returns to the main process in the main control unit shown in FIG. To do.

  On the other hand, in step S220, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 as return data, and power-off processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed. Then, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

  Next, the pachinko machine 100 before factory shipment will be described. In the pachinko machine 100 described here, a plurality of gaming parts are mounted, and an inspection ROM is attached to the basic circuit 302 of the main control unit 300.

  FIG. 11 is a circuit block diagram of a main control unit having a basic circuit on which an inspection ROM is mounted.

  The basic circuit 302 of the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 11 is the same as that of the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 7 except that an inspection ROM 307 is attached instead of the game control ROM 306 of the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. Since the configuration is the same as the configuration, a duplicate description is omitted. The inspection ROM 307 shown in FIG. 11 stores a pre-shipment inspection processing program for inspecting whether or not a specific game component is normal among a plurality of game components mounted on the pachinko machine 100. When the power to the pachinko machine 100 is turned on, the main control unit 300 sequentially transmits 16-bit inspection commands (FE01 to FE14) to the sub-control unit 400 according to the pre-shipment inspection processing program. These inspection commands are not output depending on the program stored in the game control ROM 306 shown in FIG. That is, the inspection command is information that is not used during the game, and is information that instructs execution of the inspection process, and corresponds to an example of inspection instruction information according to the present invention.

  When the pachinko machine 100 passes the pre-shipment inspection, the inspection ROM 307 is removed from the basic circuit 302, and the game control ROM 306 shown in FIG. Although the inspection ROM 307 is used here, an inspection circuit or an external inspection device may be used instead of the basic circuit 302. The inspection circuit described here is mounted with a CPU, RAM, inspection ROM 307 and the like, and is attached in place of the basic circuit 302 shown in FIG. 7, and is replaced with the basic circuit 302 after the inspection is passed. The When an external inspection device is used, the game control ROM 306 is attached from the beginning, and the configuration of the main control unit 300 may be the configuration shown in FIG. The external inspection device is a personal computer or the like provided with an inspection ROM 307, is connected to the external terminal board 155 shown in FIG. 2, and transmits an inspection command to the sub-control unit 400.

  Next, the software structure in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment will be described. Before explaining this, let us touch on the circumstances unique to the gaming machine industry such as pachinko machines.

  It is necessary for a gaming machine to be inspected for ROM contents, mechanism, production information, etc. by a predetermined inspection organization so that it cannot illegally acquire gaming media with monetary value for illegal purposes. As a general rule, there is a restriction that changes cannot be made after approval.

  For this reason, products for other industries (such as household electrical appliances) generally need to create a program for inspection after the product is completed and actually start production at the factory. Therefore, there is a restriction that an inspection program must be created before applying for a marketing authorization to an inspection organization.

  On the other hand, the inspection program is created just before the end of the development process of the gaming machine due to the property of inspecting gaming parts in the gaming machine.

  Therefore, inspection programs must be created within a short period of time (generally around three months) from the end of the development process to before application to the inspection organization, and if possible, collaborate with other program creators. There is a desire to install it independently without taking it.

  In view of these unique circumstances, the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment adopts an entry format based on the framework to reduce the effort of the software developer when adding new processing to the application side. is doing. By adopting the entry format, it will not interfere with other programs as much as possible, so there is no need to cooperate with other program creators.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic image diagram showing a software structure on the framework side and the application side in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment.

The software on the application side is stored in the P-ROM 406 of the sub control unit 400 shown in FIG. In this software, programs for executing each of the seven types of processing are prepared. That is, the process related to the shutter movable object shown in FIG. 5, the process related to the center movable object such as the movable doll 211 shown in FIG. 4, the process related to the sound of the speaker 416, the process related to the display device such as the decorative symbol display device 110, and the process related to the effect. A program for executing each of the processes related to the input / output interface and the processes related to the inspection before factory shipment is prepared. The processing executed by each program includes function entry processing and the like as finer processing. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, if the process is related to the movable shutter object 250, a function entry process described later in detail, a movable object initialization process for initializing the movable shutter object 250, and an operation mode of the movable shutter object 250. A plurality of processes such as a movable object movable setting process for receiving the above command and a movable object movable process for controlling the shutter movable object 250 are included. A plurality of function tables are prepared in advance in a memory such as the RAM 408 of the sub control unit 400. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the function table for processing related to the movable shutter object 250 is divided for each function, and includes an initial setting function table, an effect control function table, a 0.3 ms timer interrupt function table, a command reception function table, A display device control function table and the like are prepared. These function tables are used in common for seven types of processing such as processing relating to a movable shutter object and processing relating to a center movable object.
<Sub control section main processing>
Next, the main process of the sub-control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart of the main process executed by the sub-control unit 400. The sub-control unit 400 repeatedly executes this main process after the power is turned on unless the power is shut off. The sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. 13 is a case where the pachinko machine 100 is installed in the amusement shop and the power is turned on after the shipment even when the power is turned on to perform the inspection process before the shipment. Is also executed.

  In step S301, a predetermined function entry required for control of the pachinko machine 100 (hereinafter, “entry” means registering the start address of the function in a memory or the like, which may be simply referred to as registration) is performed. . Specifically, whether or not a specific gaming component is normal for performing non-inspection processing including initial setting processing executed upon power-on and gaming processing executed during the game, or before factory shipment In order to perform an inspection process for inspecting these, it is necessary to execute a plurality of functions (hereinafter also referred to as processes or programs) at a predetermined timing. For example, in this embodiment, function entry processing relating to a movable shutter object, function entry processing relating to a center movable object, function entry processing relating to sound, function entry processing relating to a display device such as the decorative symbol display device 110, function entry processing relating to effects, There are function entry processing related to the output interface and function entry processing related to inspection before shipment from the factory.

  In the function entry processing in step S301, the top addresses of the functions corresponding to the function tables are registered in the plurality of function tables described above. That is, each start address of the initialization process related to the initialization of each process is registered in the initial setting function table, and each start address of the setting process related to the operation mode of each process is registered in the command reception function table, and each process display is related to The start address of the control process is registered in the display device control function table, and the control process related to the operation control of each process is registered in the effect control function table. Note that some of the above seven types of processing do not require registration, and in that case, registration is not performed. For example, in the process related to sound, since the process related to display is not necessary, the start address of the process related to sound is not registered in the display device control function table. Note that the function entry process, various processes, and the function table described in the present embodiment are a part of the process related to the game and the inspection, and are not limited to those exemplified in the present embodiment. For example, when a sound is desired to be sounded in accordance with the display of a display device such as the decorative symbol display device 110, the start address of the sound processing may be registered in the display device control function table.

  In step S302, an argument for calling a predetermined function table from the function table is set on the framework side (see FIG. 12). In this embodiment, first, an initial setting function table is set as an argument.

  In step SS303, a function table (initial setting function table) corresponding to the argument set in step S302 is called from a plurality of function tables, and the start address of the function registered in the function table is called and executed. As will be described later, in step S303, it is determined whether or not the top addresses of all functions (programs) registered in the function table have been called, and the top address call processing is performed until the top addresses of all functions are called. Run repeatedly.

  By the processes in steps S301 to S303 described above, first, the function start address is registered in the function table for the process related to the game of the pachinko machine 100 and the process related to the inspection of the pachinko machine 100 before factory shipment. After that, the function table set as an argument is called, and the head addresses of all functions registered in the function table are called and executed successively. In this embodiment, the functions registered in the function table are executed continuously for each function table. However, the functions to be executed can be arbitrarily assigned a priority. It is also preferable to execute in this order.

  In step S304, it is determined whether it is an update timing. The update timing is determined by the number of interruptions (execution count) of the drawing completion interrupt process in the decorative symbol display device (liquid crystal display device) 110, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the drawing completion interrupt process is performed twice. When it comes to update timing. The process of step S304 is repeatedly executed until the update timing arrives, and when it is determined that the update timing is reached, the process proceeds to step S305.

  In steps S305 to S310, processing similar to that in steps S302 to S303 is executed for each function table set as an argument. Hereinafter, the processing of steps S305 to S310 will be briefly described.

  In step S305, the command reception function table is set as an argument, and the process proceeds to step S306.

  In step S306, the command reception function table is called, and the top addresses of all functions registered in the command reception function table are called and executed.

  In step S307, a display device control function table for controlling the decorative symbol display device 110 is set as an argument, and the process proceeds to step S308.

  In step S308, the display device control function table is called, and the start addresses of all functions registered in the display device control function table are called and executed.

  In step S309, an effect control function table is set as an argument, and the process proceeds to step S310.

  In step S310, an effect control function table is called, and the head addresses of all functions registered in the effect control function table are called and executed. Then, the process returns to step S304, and the processes of steps S304 to S310 are performed. Executes repeatedly until the power supply is turned off. If any interrupt processing is received, the corresponding interrupt function table is called and executed. For example, when the effect button 146 is pressed, the CPU 404 of the sub-control unit 400 receives an interrupt command and starts an effect button interrupt process to be described later. This interrupt process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the function table described above is an example, and it is needless to say that the necessary function table is different for each function of the pachinko machine 100. For example, the display control function table is a table necessary for processing relating to the display device, and is unnecessary in other processing and is not called.

  Next, FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the function entry process. The function entry process in step S301 in the above-described sub control unit main process will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the function entry processing includes the seven types of function entry processing shown in FIG. 14, and a plurality of function tables prepared in the RAM 408 are commonly used in these seven types of function entry processing. In each function entry process, the sub-control unit 400 registers a necessary function start address in each of a plurality of function tables prepared in the RAM 408.

  In step S401, function entry processing relating to the movable shutter object 250 shown in FIG. 5 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S402.

  In step S402, function entry processing relating to a center movable object such as the movable doll 211 shown in FIG. 4 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S403.

  In step S403, function entry processing relating to sound from the speaker 416 or the like is performed, and the process proceeds to step S404.

  In step S404, function entry processing relating to a display device such as the decorative symbol display device 110 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S405.

  In step S405, function entry processing relating to performance is performed, and the process proceeds to step S406.

  In step S406, function entry processing relating to the input / output interface is performed, and the process proceeds to step S407.

  In step S407, function entry processing relating to inspection before factory shipment is performed, and the function entry processing is terminated.

  Needless to say, in addition to the function entry processing described above, function entry processing necessary for the non-inspection processing including game processing executed during the game may be added or deleted as appropriate.

  Next, the function entry process related to the movable shutter object 250 among the seven types of function entry processes will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart of a function entry process related to the movable shutter object 250 executed by the CPU 404 of the sub-control unit 400.

  In step S501, an argument is set in each of the function start address and the function table. That is, in this step S501, the head address of the function performed in the initial setting process is set as an argument, and the argument is set in the initial setting function table prepared in the RAM 408.

  In step S502, function common entry processing is performed using the arguments set in step S501. The function common entry process will be described later. Hereinafter, after setting the argument, the function common entry process is performed using the set argument (an even number of steps from step S504 to S528).

  As shown in FIG. 15, as a step for setting an argument, 13 steps are prepared in addition to step S501 (an odd number of steps from step S503 to S527). Briefly describing the steps for setting these arguments, command reception processing in step S503, display device control processing in step S505, presentation control processing in step S507, drawing completion interrupt processing in step S509, and data transfer completion interrupt in step S511 Processing, drawing event interrupt processing in step S513, main control strobe interrupt processing in step S515, effect button interrupt processing in step S517, 0.3ms timer interrupt processing in step S519, 1ms timer interrupt processing in step S521, input / output in step S523 Interface error interrupt processing, input / output interface reception interrupt processing at step S525, and input / output interface transmission interrupt processing at step S527 Registration of the starting address of the function for sets arguments each function table.

  As described above, the registration of the start address of the function described here is merely an example, and it is not necessary to register the start address of all functions, and interrupt processing is performed only when each interrupt is received. Register the start address of the required function in the corresponding function table and set the argument.

  Next, each function common entry process shown in FIG. 15 will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the function common entry process.

  First, the head address of the argument set in the immediately preceding step is registered in the function table of the argument set in the same step (step S601). Here, an upper limit value (for example, 10) of functions that can be registered is provided in each of a plurality of function tables that are commonly used in seven types of function entry processing. Here, the number of functions that can be registered is the number of start addresses. In step S602, registration of a function in the function table in which the start address is registered because the start address is registered in step S601. It is determined whether the number exceeds the upper limit value. If the number of registrations exceeds the upper limit value, error processing for displaying an error (step S603) is executed. If not, the process returns to function entry processing. In the present embodiment, error display is performed as a specific example of the error processing in step S603. However, the processing may be such that registration is not performed.

  Next, the function entry processing relating to the inspection before factory shipment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart of the function entry processing relating to the inspection. Note that the function entry process other than the function entry process related to the movable shutter object 250 described with reference to FIG. 15 and the function entry process related to the inspection described below is basically the same. However, since the necessary functions are different for each function entry process, it goes without saying that the start addresses of the functions registered in the function table are different.

  In step S <b> 701, the start address of the function performed in the effect control process is set as an argument, and an argument is set in the effect control function table prepared in the RAM 408.

  In step S702, the function common entry process shown in FIG. 16 is performed using the arguments set in step S701.

  In step S703, the start address of the function to be performed in the effect button interrupt process is set as an argument, and an argument is set in the effect button function table prepared in the RAM 408.

  In step S704, the function common entry process shown in FIG. 16 is performed using the arguments set in step S703, and the process returns to the function entry process shown in FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the function call process in step S303 in the sub-control unit main process described above. The function call process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  First, step S801 refers to a function table (for example, an initial setting function table) set as an argument in the sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. 13, and proceeds to step S802.

  In step S802, the head address of the function registered in the referenced function table is called, and the process proceeds to step S803. When the start address of a function is called, that function is executed.

  In step S803, it is determined whether all the top addresses of the functions registered in the function table have been called. If all the top addresses have not been called, the process proceeds to step S804 to start the next address of the next function in the function table. Refer to When the head addresses of all functions are called, the function call process is terminated and the process returns to the sub-control unit main process shown in FIG.

  In step S804, the head address of the next function in the function table is referred to, and the process returns to step S802 to call the head address. The processes in steps S802 to S804 are repeatedly executed until the top addresses of all functions are called. In this embodiment, up to 10 function start addresses are registered in each function table.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a configuration is used in which the top addresses of all functions registered in the function table are called by referring to the function table once. Note that the configuration is not limited to calling the start addresses of all functions, and for example, the start addresses registered in the function table may be called when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, a predetermined process may be called once every two times.

Next, other interrupt processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4A is a flowchart of the drawing completion interrupt process, FIG. 4B is a flowchart of the data transfer completion interrupt process, and FIG. 4C is a flowchart of the drawing event interrupt process. FIG. 4D is a flowchart of the main control strobe interrupt process, FIG. 5E is a flowchart of the effect button interrupt process, and FIG. 5F is a flowchart of the 0.3 ms timer interrupt process. FIG. 4G is a flowchart of 1 ms timer interrupt processing, FIG. 4H is a flowchart of input / output interface error interrupt processing, and FIG. 1I is a flowchart of input / output interface reception interrupt processing. FIG. 6J is a flowchart of the input / output interface transmission interrupt process. Each of these interrupt processes is a process executed when the CPU 404 of the sub control unit 400 receives an interrupt process command generated under each condition.

  The drawing completion interrupt process shown in FIG. 19A is a process interrupted when the VDP 425 shown in FIG. 8 outputs a drawing to a VRAM (Video-RAM) (not shown), and the update timing of step S304 described in FIG. Interrupt processing that is a factor in determining Specifically, the update timing comes when the drawing completion interrupt occurs twice. In this drawing completion interrupt process, a drawing completion function table is set as an argument (step S901). In the function call process in step S902, this function table is referred to and all the head addresses of functions registered in the function table are called. And execute.

  The data transfer completion interrupt process shown in FIG. 5B is an interrupt process performed when the transfer of image data to the VRAM of the VDP 425 is completed. The VDP 425 generates image data, and the image data is transferred to a VRAM (not shown). An image based on the image data stored in the VRAM is displayed on the decorative symbol display device (liquid crystal display device) 110. While the VDP 425 is transferring the image to the VRAM, the CPU 404 of the sub control unit 400 waits until the processing is completed. In this data transfer completion interrupt process, a data transfer completion function table is set as an argument (step S911), and in the function call process in step S912, the top addresses of all functions registered with reference to this function table are called. And execute.

  The drawing event interrupt process shown in FIG. 6C is an interrupt signal output from the VDP 425 to the CPU 404 when the transfer of image data is stopped due to a transfer or a drawing error. The drawing event interrupt process is executed by setting a drawing event function table as an argument (step S921), and invoking the start addresses of all functions registered with reference to the function table in the function call process in step S922. To do.

The main control strobe interrupt process shown in FIG. 4D is a process that is interrupted when the sub-control unit 400 receives information (strobe signal) transmitted from the main control unit 300. This is a process of storing a command in a command storage unit (not shown) provided in the RAM 408 of the sub-control unit 400. In the main control strobe interrupt processing, the main control strobe function table is set as an argument (step S931), and in the function call processing in step S932, the start addresses of all functions registered with reference to this function table are called. And execute. The inspection command is stored in the main control strobe function table.

The effect button interruption process shown in FIG. 5E is an interrupted process when the effect button 146 shown in FIG. 1 is pressed, and an effect when the effect button 146 is pressed is set at the timing of this interruption. This effect button interrupt process is executed by setting the effect button function table as an argument (step S941), and calling the start addresses of all functions registered with reference to this function table in the function call process in step S942. To do.

  The 0.3 ms timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 5F is a process for interrupting every 0.3 ms. In this 0.3 ms timer interrupt process, a 0.3 ms timer function table is set as an argument (step S951), and in the function call process in step S952, the start addresses of all functions registered with reference to this function table Call and execute.

  The 1 ms timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 4G is a process for interrupting every 1 ms. This 1 ms timer interrupt process is executed by setting a 1 ms timer function table as an argument (step S961), and calling the start addresses of all functions registered with reference to this function table in the function call process in step S962. To do.

  The input / output interface error interrupt processing shown in FIG. 11H is determined to be an error because data is input / output to / from the effect control unit 700 by the input / output interface 410 of the sub-control unit 400. In such a case, a process for discarding the data determined as an error is performed. In this input / output interface error interrupt processing, an input / output interface error function table is set as an argument (step S971), and in the function call processing in step S972, the start addresses of all functions registered with reference to this function table Call and execute.

  The input / output interface reception interrupt process shown in FIG. 5I is an interrupt process that occurs when data is input from the effect control unit 700 to the input / output interface 410. In this input / output interface reception interrupt process, an input / output interface reception function table is set as an argument (step S981), and in the function call process in step S982, the start addresses of all functions registered with reference to this function table Call and execute.

  In the RAM 408 of the sub-control unit 400 shown in FIG. 8, a transmission information storage area for temporarily storing information to be transmitted to the effect control unit 700 is prepared. The input / output interface transmission interrupt process shown in FIG. 6J is an interrupt process that occurs when information is stored in the transmission information storage area. In this input / output interface transmission interrupt process, an input / output interface transmission function table is set as an argument (step S991), and in the function call process in step S992, the start addresses of all functions registered with reference to this function table Call and execute.

  Note that each of the above interrupt processes is an example. Needless to say, for example, when a process or effect during a game is added or deleted, necessary interrupts are added or deleted as appropriate.

  Therefore, even when processing is added on the application side, it is not necessary to modify the framework program, so that the framework can be developed efficiently.

  In addition, when a new rendering device (for example, a movable object) is added, the framework side only needs to add a function entry process call process for the newly added movable object to the function entry process. Since it is not necessary to change the design, the development process can be made more efficient and reduced.

  Next, processing related to the movable shutter object 250 will be described.

  FIG. 20A is a flowchart of the movable object initialization process related to the movable shutter object 250 executed by the CPU 404 of the sub-control unit 400, and FIG. 20B relates to the movable shutter object 250 executed by the CPU 404. It is a flowchart of a movable object movable setting process. Both the movable object initialization process shown in FIG. 20A and the movable object movable setting process shown in FIG. 20B are installed in the amusement shop even when the inspection process before factory shipment is performed. This is a process that is executed even if it is performed.

If the start address of the movable object initialization function (process) is registered in the initial setting function table shown in FIG. 12, the start address of the function is called in step S303 in the sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. Thus, the movable object initialization process related to the movable shutter object 250 shown in FIG. A RAM 408 of the sub-control unit 400 shown in FIG. 8 has a 2-bit shutter detection result storage area. In this movable object initialization process, first, “00” is set in the shutter detection result storage area (step S1011). In addition, the RAM 408 is provided with a setting area for performing various settings in various processes as well as the movable object initialization process. In step S1012, which is executed subsequent to step S1011, the left and right shutters 250a and 250b are fully opened in the setting area until they abut against the stopper portion 2041 shown in FIG. 5 (initial setting shutter fully open movable operation). To do. The RAM 408 of the sub control unit 400 is also provided with a full open determination timer. In the movable object initialization process, when step S1012 is executed, next, a predetermined value is set in this fully open determination timer (step S1013), and the process returns to the function call process (step S303). Calls a function (hereinafter the same when returning to function call processing)
If the start address of the movable object movable setting function (process) is registered in the effect control function table shown in FIG. 12, the start address of the function is set in step S310 in the sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. By being called, the movable object movable setting process regarding the movable shutter object 250 shown in FIG. 20B is executed. In the movable object movable setting process of the shutter movable effect, first, it is determined whether or not the shutter movable effect is set in the setting area of the RAM 408 (step S1021). In the function call processing (step S306) from the command reception function table in the sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. 13, the command for instructing the movable effect of the shutter movable object 250 among the commands sent from the main control unit 300. Is included, the sub-control unit 400 determines the contents of the effect control based on the data information of the command, and sets the shutter movable effect in the setting area prepared in the RAM 408. In step S1021, if the shutter movable effect is set, the process proceeds to step S1022, and if the shutter movable effect is not set, the process returns to the function call process (step S310). The movement distances (movable amounts) of the left and right shutters 250a and 250b shown in FIG. 5 are calculated based on the relative position information representing the respective positions. The RAM 408 of the sub-control unit 400 is provided with a relative position information storage area for storing relative position information. In the initial setting process to be described later, in the relative position information storage area, the opening detection position immediately before contacting the stopper portion 2041, which is a predetermined position detected by the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502, is set as a reference position. (See steps S1038 and S1041 shown in FIG. 21 described later). Or the contact position which contact | abutted to the stopper part 2041 is set as a reference | standard position (refer step S1045, S1047 shown in FIG. 21 mentioned later). In this way, in the initial setting process, the sub control unit 400 acquires relative position information, which is information regarding the movable positions of the left and right shutters 250a and 250b, in the RAM 408. This relative position information corresponds to an example of acquired information according to the present invention. When the left and right shutters 250a and 250b are moved after the initial setting process is completed, the sub-control unit 400 calculates how many pulses the stepping motor 256 is rotated based on the reference position thus set. That is, the sub-control unit 400 calculates the movable operation of the left and right shutters 250a and 250b using the relative position information (acquired information) thus obtained. The relative position information corresponds to an example of the second specific information referred to in the present invention. While the left and right shutters 250a and 250b are moving, the relative position information storage area is rewritten with the current relative position information of the left and right shutters 250a and 250b calculated from the rotation amount of the stepping motor 256. In step S1022, the movable operation of the left and right shutters 250a and 250b is set based on the current relative position information. The setting of the movable operation here means that the movable amount of each of the left and right shutters 250a and 250b corresponding to the content of the effect control determined by the sub-control unit 400 is the current relative position information stored in the relative position information storage area. A value representing the position of each of the left and right shutters 250a and 250b moved by the calculated movable amount is stored in the RAM 408 as a movement end value, and a movable operation is set in a setting area prepared in the RAM 408. When the execution of step S1022 ends, the process returns to the function call process (step S310).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the movable object moving process related to the movable shutter object 250 executed by the CPU 404 of the sub-control unit 400. This movable object movable process is a process that is executed even when the inspection process before factory shipment is performed or when the pachinko machine 100 is installed in the amusement store.

  If the start address of the movable object movable function (process) is registered in the 0.3 ms timer interrupt function table shown in FIG. 12, in step S952 in the 0.3 ms timer interrupt process shown in FIG. By calling the head address of the function, the movable object movable process related to the movable shutter object 250 shown in FIG. 21 is executed. The sub-control unit 400 that executes the movable object movable process and the movable object movable setting process shown in FIG. 20B described above corresponds to an example of a non-inspection processing unit according to the present invention.

  In the movable object movable process shown in FIG. 21, it is first determined whether or not the initial setting shutter fully open movable operation is set in the setting area of the RAM 408 (step S1031). The setting of the initial setting shutter fully open movable operation is executed in step S1012 in the movable object initialization process shown in FIG. If it is determined in step S1031 that it is not set, the movable object movable process shown in FIG. 21 is executed during the game process executed during the game in the non-inspection process. It will be. In this case, it is determined whether or not the movable operation is set in the setting area of the RAM 408 (step S1032). If it is determined that it is not set in this determination, the process proceeds to step S1048 described later. On the contrary, if it is determined that the movable operation is set, the following process is performed as the effect control process during the game process. First, the motor control circuit 420 shown in FIG. 8 is instructed to rotate the stepping motor 256, and the left and right shutters 250a and 250b are moved (step S1033). Next, it is determined whether or not the relative position information stored in the relative position information storage area prepared in the RAM 408 has reached the movable end value (step S1034). As described above, while the left and right shutters 250a and 250b are movable, the relative position information storage area is rewritten with the current relative position information of the left and right shutters 250a and 250b calculated from the rotation amount of the stepping motor 256. The movable end value is a value stored in the RAM 408 in step S1022 in the movable object movable setting process shown in FIG. If it is determined in step S1034 that the relative position information has not reached the movable end value, the process proceeds to step S1048 described later. If it is determined that the relative position information has reached, setting of the movable operation of the setting area prepared in the RAM 408 is performed. Is cleared (step S1035), and then the process proceeds to step S1048.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1031 that the initial setting shutter fully open movable operation is set in the setting area of the RAM 408, the initial setting process executed based on power-on among the above-described non-inspection processes. During this time, the movable object moving process shown in FIG. 21 is executed. First, in step S1036, the motor control circuit 420 (see FIG. 8) is instructed to rotate the stepping motor 256, and the left and right shutters 250a and 250b are moved to the fully opened position. Next, it is determined whether the left shutter sensor 2501 shown in FIG. 5 has detected the left shutter 250a (step S1037). As described above, the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502 detect the left and right shutters 250a and 250b that have reached the open detection position, which is a predetermined position immediately before contacting the stopper portion 2041, respectively. If the left shutter sensor 2501 determines that the left shutter 250a has been detected, the detection position is set to the reference position of the left shutter 250a, and the motor control circuit 420 is instructed to stop the rotation of the stepping motor 256 and the left shutter 250a. Is stopped (step S1038). The detection position here corresponds to the opening detection position, and the opening detection position is set in the relative position information storage area prepared in the RAM 408 as the current relative position information. Subsequently, the second bit of the shutter detection result storage area prepared in the RAM 408 is set to 1 (step S1039), and the process proceeds to step S1048 described later. In the shutter detection result storage area, “00” is set in step S1011 in the movable object initialization process shown in FIG. 20A. By executing this step S1039, the value of the shutter detection result storage area is set. Becomes “10” or “11”.

  If it is determined in step S1037 that the left shutter sensor 2501 has not detected the left shutter 250a, this time, it is determined whether or not the right shutter sensor 2502 shown in FIG. 5 has detected the right shutter 250b (step S1040). If it is determined that it has been detected, the detection position is set to the reference position of the right shutter 250b, and the motor control circuit 420 is instructed to stop the rotation of the stepping motor 256, as in step S1038. Is stopped (step S1041). Next, the first bit of the shutter detection result storage area prepared in the RAM 408 is set to 1 (step S1042), and the process proceeds to step S1048. Steps S1038 and S1041 are steps for setting a reference position based on the fact that the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502 detect the left and right shutters 250a and 250b, and the sub-control unit 400 that executes these steps is included in the present invention. This corresponds to an example of the first setting unit. Further, the sub-control unit 400 executes step S1039 and step S1042, and thereby, in the RAM 408, information on shutter detection results (information on whether the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502 have detected the left and right shutters 250a and 250b) ( Value stored in the shutter detection result storage area). The information on the shutter detection result corresponds to an example of acquired information referred to in the present invention.

  If step S1037 immediately before step S1038 or step S1040 immediately before step S1041 is executed, there is no problem in the movable object moving process, and information on the shutter detection result is acquired. It can be said that step S1041 is a step that is subsequently executed for steps S1412, S1414, and 1416 shown in FIG. 29 described later.

  Conversely, if it is determined in step S1040 that no detection has been made, it is determined whether or not the full-open determination timer set to a predetermined value in step S1013 in the movable object initialization process shown in FIG. Is performed (step S1043). If the fully open determination timer is 0 in this determination, it is determined whether or not the reference position of the left shutter 250a is set (step S1044). That is, it is determined whether or not the reference position set by executing step S1038 described above is stored in the relative position information storage area prepared in the RAM 408. If the reference position of the left shutter 250a is set, the process proceeds to step S1046. If the reference position is not set (in this case, there is an abnormality in the left shutter sensor 2501), the left shutter On the assumption that 250a is movable, the fully open position is set as the reference position of the left shutter 250a (step S1045), and then the process proceeds to step S1046. By executing step S1045, the reference position is set in the relative position information storage area prepared in the RAM 408 as a reference position where the left shutter 250a is opened until it abuts against the stopper portion 2041 shown in FIG. The reference position is treated as the current relative position information of the left shutter 250a.

  In step S1046, it is determined whether the reference position of the right shutter 250b is set. That is, it is determined whether or not the reference position set by executing step S1041 described above is stored in the relative position information storage area prepared in the RAM 408. If the reference position of the right shutter 250b is set, the process proceeds to step S1048. If the reference position is not set, the fully opened position is set to the right shutter 250a on the assumption that the right shutter 250b is movable. The reference position is set (step S1047), and then the process proceeds to step S1048. By executing step S1047, the relative position information storage area prepared in the RAM 408 is opened until the right shutter 250b comes into contact with the stopper portion 2041 shown in FIG. 5, as in the case of the left shutter 250a. (Fully open position) is set as the reference position, and the reference position is handled as the current relative position information of the right shutter 250b. In steps S1045 and S1047, a reference position is set based on the positions of the left and right shutters 250a and 250b when the left and right shutters 250a and 250b are moved until the left and right shutters 250a and 250b contact the stopper portion 2041. The sub-control unit 400 that executes these steps corresponds to an example of a second setting unit according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 100 with no defects is shipped at the time of shipment, but even if the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502 fail after shipment, the reference position is set by providing the steps S1045 and S1047, and the game A situation in which processing cannot be performed can be avoided.

In step S1048, it is determined whether or not the fully open determination timer is 0. If it is 0, the process returns to the function call processing (step S952) shown in FIG. The value is decremented by 1 (step S1049), and the process returns to the function call process (step S952).

  Note that the left shutter sensor detection determination in S1037 performs the processing of S1038 following the detection from the state in which the left shutter is not detected (edge detection). If the left shutter is detected once, the transition is the processing of S1038. Is not to do. The same applies to S1040.

  Next, the inspection of the pachinko machine 100 before shipment from the factory will be described. A gaming machine such as a pachinko machine has an extremely limited input from the outside so that a gaming medium having a monetary value cannot be illegally acquired for an illegal purpose.

  Therefore, the inspection from the outside cannot be performed substantially in the case of the main control unit 300, and in the case of the sub control unit 400, the connector from the main control unit 300 (in this embodiment, the main-sub relay shown in FIG. 7). This is usually done via the substrate 335).

  In the inspection before factory shipment, it is inspected whether or not a specific game part is normal among a plurality of game parts mounted on the pachinko machine 100. The specific game component to be inspected here is not a component that plays a fundamental role in the game process, but is, for example, a component that is necessary when performing an effect. In the pachinko machine 100 in which the inspection before factory shipment is performed, the inspection ROM 307 shown in FIG. 11 is attached to the basic circuit 302 of the main control unit 300.

  22 to 25 are diagrams showing inspections before shipment from the factory for each inspection item. Each inspection item is assigned a process number, FIG. 22 shows details of inspection items of process numbers 1 to 5, and FIG. 23 shows details of inspection items of process numbers 6 to 9. In FIG. 24, details of inspection items of process numbers 10 to 15 are described, and in FIG. 25, details of inspection items of process numbers 16 to 19 are described. The RAM 408 of the sub-control unit 400 is provided with a process number counter that counts this process number.

  In FIG. 22 to FIG. 25, the “operation” column shows the operation when the gaming component is normal, and the “result” column shows the result when normal and abnormal The results for each are shown. In the “judgment” column at the right end, the judgment result made by the inspector is written.

  The progress process of the inspection process will be described later in detail using a flowchart, but here, the progress of the inspection from process numbers 1 to 19 will be briefly described. When the power is turned on, the FE01 inspection command is transmitted from the main control unit 300 to which the inspection ROM 307 shown in FIG. In the inspection of the process number 1, the inspection process is started when the FE01 inspection command is received. In the inspection process of the process number 1, the model name of the pachinko machine 100 and the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502 shown in FIG. 5 are inspected.

  On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, when the effect button 146 is operated once or a plurality of times within a predetermined time, an effect button sensor that detects the operation is provided. Then, when the production button 146 shown in FIG. 1 is pressed once, the inspection process for the next process number is started, and when it is pressed a plurality of times within a predetermined time, the inspection process for the previous process number is performed. Return. In the inspection process of process number 2, the P-ROM 406 (sub control ROM) of the sub-control unit 400 shown in FIG. 8 is inspected. In the inspection process of process number 3, the VDP 425 of the sub-control unit 400 shown in FIG. The C-ROM (image data ROM) included in is inspected, and in the inspection process of process number 4, the P-ROM 706 (effect control ROM) of the effect control unit 700 shown in FIG. 8 is inspected.

  In the inspection of the sub control ROM, the image data ROM, and the effect control ROM, the check sum of each ROM is not displayed at a time but is displayed for each process. Further, the checksum value of the effect control ROM is received as answer information (answer command) at the time of disconnection check, which will be described later.

  It should be noted that whether or not the data intended by the producer is contained in the image data ROM is not a checksum method in which information of all addresses of the ROM is acquired and compared with values stored in advance. Only one signal line among a plurality of address bus signal lines connected to the CPU is in an ON state (voltage is higher than a predetermined threshold value), and the other signal lines are in an OFF state (voltage is lower than a predetermined threshold value). It is also possible to obtain the information stored at the address) and perform it for all signal lines. More specifically, if there are 8 address bus signal lines connecting the CPU and ROM, information from each address such as “00000001”, “00000010”, “00000100”, “00001000”,... The total value may be acquired and compared with a previously stored value. By doing so, it is possible to perform a disconnection check of the data bus signal line or the address bus signal line in a short time and to check whether a correct ROM is connected. Note that only one signal line is turned on, the other signal lines are turned off, and after the disconnection of the address bus signal line or the data bus signal line is confirmed, only one signal line is turned off and the other signal lines are turned off. May be turned on, and the disconnection of the address bus signal line or the data bus signal line may be confirmed. By doing in this way, a disconnection determination can be performed more correctly.

  When the inner frame 103 shown in FIG. 1 is opened, the FE02 inspection command is transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the sub control unit 400. In the inspection of the process number 5, the inspection process is started when the FE02 inspection command is received. On the other hand, when the inner frame 103 is closed, the FE03 inspection command is transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the sub-control unit 400, the inspection process of process number 5 is continued, and further, when the glass frame 156 shown in FIG. When opened, an FE04 inspection command is transmitted, and when closed, an FE05 inspection command is transmitted. In the inspection process of process number 5, an inspection is performed for an inner frame opening sensor and a glass frame opening sensor (not shown).

  When the RAM clear switch 1623 shown in FIG. 2 is pressed, an FE06 inspection command is transmitted, and the inspection process of process number 6 is started. In the inspection process of the process number 6, the board external terminal board and the frame external terminal board included in the external terminal board 155 and the dispensing device 552 shown in FIG. 2 are inspected.

  When the glass frame 156 shown in FIG. 1 is opened again, the FE07 inspection command is transmitted, and the inspection process of process number 7 is started. In the inspection process of process number 7, the symbol display substrate LED of the general-purpose display device 112, the symbol display substrate LED of the special symbol display device 114, and the left panel illumination substrate LED shown in FIG. 3 are inspected.

  When the inspector puts a ball into the general-purpose opening 124 shown in FIG. 3, the FE08 inspection command is transmitted, and the inspection process of process number 8 is started. In the inspection process of process number 8, an inspection is performed on the gate sensor that detects that the sphere has passed through the normal drawing start opening 124, the special figure hold LED 118 (special figure hold board LED) shown in FIG. Is called. In the inspection of the movable doll 211, the inspection of the solenoid 212 (jizo solenoids 1 to 5) shown in FIG. 4 is performed.

  When the inspector puts a ball into the first special figure starting port 126 shown in FIG. 3, the FE09 inspection command is transmitted, and the inspection process of process number 9 is started. In the inspection process of process number 9, a first start port sensor that detects that a ball has passed through the first special figure start port 126, a second special figure start port 128 called an electric tulip (in FIG. Although described here, the description of the ordinary electric accessory does not represent a program for driving the electric tulip), the stage illumination board LED, and the tulip illumination board LED are inspected. In the inspection of the second special figure starting port 128, which is an electric tulip having left and right blades, an inspection is performed on a solenoid (normal electric accessory solenoid) that drives the blades.

  When the inspector puts a ball into the second special figure starting port 128 shown in FIG. 3, the FE10 inspection command is transmitted, and the inspection process of the process number 10 is started. In the inspection process of the process number 10, the second start port sensor that detects that the sphere has passed the second special figure start port 128, the variable winning port 130 called a big winning port or an attacker, and the inspection lighting board LED are inspected. Is done. In the inspection of the variable winning opening 130 that is an attacker having a door member, the inspection of the solenoid (large winning opening solenoid) that drives the door member is performed.

  When the inspector puts a ball into the variable winning opening 130 shown in FIG. 3, the FE11 inspection command is transmitted, and the inspection process of process number 11 is started. In the inspection process of process number 11, an inspection is performed on the count sensor that detects that the ball has passed through the variable winning opening 130 and the right panel illumination board LED.

  When the inspector puts a ball into one general winning opening (left) 122 represented by a solid line on the left side of FIG. 3, an FE12 inspection command is transmitted and the inspection process of process number 12 is started. In the inspection process of the process number 12, the inspection for the general winning opening (left) corresponding sensor for detecting that the ball has won the general winning opening (left) 122 and the upper panel illumination board LED are performed.

  When the inspector puts a ball into any one of the three general winning holes (bottom) 122 indicated by dotted lines on the lower side of FIG. 3, an FE13 inspection command is transmitted, and the inspection process of process number 13 is performed. Is started. In the inspection process of the process number 13, the inspection for the general winning opening (lower) correspondence sensor for detecting that the ball has won the general winning opening (lower) 122 and the right panel illumination board LED are performed.

  When the inspector presses the switch portion of the lower pan full sensor that detects full filling of the lower pan 150 shown in FIG. 1, an FE14 inspection command is transmitted, and the inspection process of process number 14 is started. In the inspection process of process number 14, inspection is performed for the lower pan full sensor, the treble speakers provided on the left and right above the glass frame 156, and the production button 146. In the effect button 146 inspection, the effect button LED 417 shown in FIG. 8 is inspected.

  Moreover, in each inspection of the process numbers 15-19, when the production button 146 shown in FIG. 1 is pressed once, the inspection process of the next process number is started, and when it is pressed a plurality of times, the previous process number 146 is started. Return to the process number inspection process. In the inspection process of process number 15, an inspection is performed on the effect button sensor that detects the operation of the effect button 146, and in the inspection process of process number 16, an inspection is performed on the shutter movable unit 250 shown in FIG. In the inspection process of No. 17, inspection is performed on the frame side illumination board white LEDs provided at various places of the glass frame 156. Further, in the inspection process of process number 18, the decorative symbol display device (liquid crystal display device) 110 shown in FIG. 3 is inspected. In this inspection of process number 18, a color bar is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the decorative design display device 110, which is a liquid crystal display device, and the liquid crystal screen is displayed in RGB gradation. At the last process number 19, the end of the inspection is notified, and the inspector recognizes that the inspection of all the processes has been completed.

  Next, the process regarding the inspection before the factory shipment of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart of command determination processing executed by the CPU 404 of the sub control unit 400. When the head address of the command reception function (process) is registered in the command reception function table prepared in the RAM 408, the head address of the function is called in step S306 in the sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. Thus, the command determination process shown in FIG. 26 is executed. As described above, 16-bit inspection commands (FE01 to FE14) that are information that is not used during the game and instruct the execution of the inspection process are sequentially transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the sub-control unit 400. In the command determination process, it is determined whether or not the received command is a check command (step S1101). If the command is not a check command, other processes corresponding to the received command are executed (step S1102), and a function call process is performed. The process returns to (Step S306). On the contrary, if it is an inspection command, the inspection mode is set in the setting area prepared in the RAM 408 (step S1103). Subsequently, an inspection setting process described later is performed (step S1104), and the process proceeds to step S1105. In step S1105, the value of the process number counter prepared in the RAM 408 of the sub control unit 400 is set to a value corresponding to the received inspection command. The initial value of the process number counter is 1, and when the FE01 inspection command is received, the value of the process number counter is set to 2. The value of the process number counter is 5 when the FE02 inspection command is received. When the FE02 to FE04 inspection commands are received, the value remains at 5. However, when the FE05 inspection commands are received, the value is set to 6. Thereafter, when the FE06 to FE14 inspection commands are received, the value of the process number counter is sequentially incremented by one. By doing so, the value of the process number counter represents the process number inspection process to be executed next. When the execution of step S1105 ends, the process returns to the function call process (step S306).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart of the inspection effect setting process executed by the CPU 404 of the sub-control unit 400. If the start address of the inspection effect setting function (process) is registered in the effect control function table shown in FIG. 12, the start address of the function is called in step S310 in the sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. Thus, the inspection effect setting process shown in FIG. 27 is executed. In this inspection effect setting process, first, it is determined whether or not the inspection mode is in effect (step S1201). As described above, the inspection mode is set in the setting area prepared in the RAM 408 in step S1103 shown in FIG. 27 by receiving the inspection command. Subsequently, with reference to a process number counter prepared in the RAM 408, it is determined whether or not the process number of the inspection process to be executed next is 2 to 4 or 15 to 19 (step S1202). As will be described later, in the inspection process in which the process numbers are 2 to 4 and 15 to 19, the value of the process number counter is incremented by one by pressing the effect button 146 shown in FIG. If it is determined in step S1202 that the process numbers are not those numbers, the process returns to the function call process (step S310). If it is determined that these numbers are present, it is determined whether or not the effect button 146 has been operated. (Step S1203). When the production button 146 is operated once or a plurality of times within a predetermined time, the sub-control unit 400 detects these operations based on the detection result of the production button sensor. If it is determined that the effect button 146 is not operated, the process returns to the function call process (step S310). If it is determined that the effect button 146 is operated, whether or not the operation of the effect button 146 is detected a plurality of times within a predetermined time. Is determined (step S1204). If a plurality of operations of the effect button 146 have not been detected, the process proceeds to an inspection setting process (step S1205), which will be described later, and the process number of the inspection process is 4 or 19 by referring to a process number counter prepared in the RAM 408. It is determined whether or not (step S1206). If the process number of the inspection process is 4 or 19, the process returns to the function call process (step S310). Otherwise, the value of the process number counter is incremented by 1 (step S1207) and then the function call process (step S310). Return to).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that a plurality of operations of the effect button 146 has been detected in step S1204, the process number counter is referred to and it is determined whether the process number of the inspection process is 2 or 15 (step S1208). . If the process number of the inspection process is 2 or 15, the process returns to the function call process (step S310). If not, the value of the process number counter is decremented by 1 as opposed to step S1207 (step S1209). When the execution of step S1209 ends, the process returns to the function call process (step S310).

  Next, the inspection setting process in step S1104 in FIG. 26 and step S1205 in FIG. 27 will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart of the examination setting process executed by the CPU 404 of the sub control unit 400.

  In the inspection setting process shown in FIG. 28, first, the process number counter is referred to determine whether or not the process number of the inspection process is 1 (step S1301), and if 1, the inspection process 1 shown in FIG. Inspection processing is set (step S1302). As shown in FIG. 22, in the inspection process 1, the project title and the version number are output by voice. The setting of the inspection process of the inspection process 1 in step S1302 is to set the audio output timing and the instruction information for outputting the audio indicating the plan title and the version number in the setting area of the sub-control unit 400. . The information set in the setting area is a sound source IC 418 (see FIG. 8) having a sound ROM (S-ROM) storing data such as voice and music in the 0.3 ms timer interruption process shown in FIG. ) Is output. The speaker 416 shown in FIG. 8 outputs a voice that tells the planned title and version number at the timing set here. This audio output is output if the speaker 416 is normal regardless of the inspection result in the process number 1. Therefore, as described in the determination column in process number 1 in FIG. 22, the inspector determines that the speaker 416 is normal (OK) if the sound is output, and the speaker 416 is abnormal if the sound is not output. It is determined that there is (NG). When the execution of step S1302 ends, the process returns to the command determination process shown in FIG. 26 and the inspection effect setting process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the process number is not 1, other inspection processes corresponding to the process number are set (step S1303), and the process returns to the command determination process shown in FIG. 26 and the inspection effect setting process shown in FIG.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart of the inspection display execution process executed by the CPU 404 of the sub control unit 400. If the start address of the inspection display execution function (process) is registered in the display device control function table prepared in the RAM 408, the start address of the function is set in step S308 in the sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. By being called, the examination display execution process shown in FIG. 29 is executed. The sub-control unit 400 that executes the inspection display execution process corresponds to an example of the inspection processing unit according to the present invention.

  In the inspection display execution process shown in FIG. 29, first, a setting area prepared in the RAM 408 is referred to and it is determined whether or not the inspection mode is in effect (step S1401). If not in the inspection mode, the process returns to the function call process (step S308). If in the inspection mode, the process number counter is referenced to determine whether the process number of the inspection process is 1 (step S1402).

  If the process number is not 1, other inspection display processes are performed (step S1403). If the process number is 1, the inspection process of process number 1 is started. That is, as described above, the inspection mode is set in step S1103 shown in FIG. 26 by the reception of the inspection command for instructing the execution of inspection processing, which is information that is not used during the game, and the inspection command instructs The inspection process of process number 1 is executed. In the inspection process of process number 1, it is first determined whether or not a communication confirmation command has been transmitted to the effect control unit 700 shown in FIG. 8 (step S1404). If the communication confirmation command has not been transmitted, the communication confirmation command is transmitted to the effect control unit 700 (step S1405), and information indicating the communication disconnection is then displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110 (step S1406). In step S1406, the VDP 425 shown in FIG. 8 is instructed to display information indicating communication disconnection, and the display of “serial communication disconnection” is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110 (see the result column of process number 1 in FIG. 22). Is made. Note that the execution timings of step S1405 and step S1406 may be reversed, and step S1405 may be executed after step S1406 is executed first.

  On the other hand, if the communication confirmation command has been transmitted, it is determined whether an answer command has been received from the effect control unit 700 (step S1407), and if not received, the process returns to the function call process (step S308). The answer command is received in the input / output interface reception interrupt process shown in FIG. 19 (i), and whether or not the received command is the answer command is executed by calling the command reception function table, step S306 shown in FIG. Is determined. This inspection display execution process is a process executed every 33.3 ms, and “serial communication disconnection” is continuously displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110 until an answer command is received. If an answer command has been received, it is determined whether or not the value of the received answer command is a predetermined value (step S1408). The predetermined value here is, for example, whether or not the sub-control unit 400 and the effect control unit 700 are a correct combination (whether another model of the effect control unit 700 is attached to the sub-control unit 400). ) And the like, and in this embodiment, the answer command is a command representing the version information of the P-POM 706 of the effect control unit 700 shown in FIG. If the value of the answer command is not the predetermined value, information indicating communication data abnormality is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110 (step S1409). As a case where the value of the answer command is not a predetermined value, it is conceivable that an effect control unit 700 of another model is attached to the sub control unit 400 or the effect control unit 700 is broken. Uniformly display that the communication data is garbled. By executing step S1406, “decorative serial communication disconnection” is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110. By executing step S1409, the decorative symbol display device 110 displays “serial” instead of the display. “Communication data garbled” (see result column of process number 1 in FIG. 22) is displayed. When the execution of step S1409 ends, the process returns to the function call process (step S308).

  If it is determined in step S1408 that the value of the answer command is a predetermined value, it is determined whether or not the inspection results of the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502 are displayed (step S1410), and the inspection results are displayed. If so, the value of the process number counter prepared in the RAM 408 is set to 2 (step S1411), and the process returns to the function call process (step S308). On the other hand, if the inspection result is not displayed, the 2-bit shutter detection result storage area prepared in the RAM 408 is referred to determine whether the shutter inspection result is abnormal for both the left and right shutters 250a and 250b ( Step S1412). In the shutter detection result storage area set to “00” in step S1011 shown in FIG. 20A, “1” is set when step S1039 or step S1042 shown in FIG. If it remains “”, it is determined that both the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502 are abnormal, and information indicating the shutter sensor left and right abnormality is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110 (step S1413). In this step S1413, the VDP 425 is instructed, and the decorative symbol display device 110 displays “left and right shutter sensor not detected” (see the result column of process number 1 in FIG. 22) instead of displaying “serial communication disconnection”. The When the execution of step S1413 ends, the process returns to the function call process (step S308).

  On the other hand, if the shutter detection result storage area is not “00”, it is determined whether or not the shutter inspection result is abnormal for the left shutter 250a (step S1414). Here, if the second bit of the shutter detection result storage area is “0”, it is determined that the left shutter sensor 2501 is abnormal, and information indicating the shutter sensor left abnormality is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110 (step S110). S1415). In step S1415, the VDP 425 is instructed, and the decorative symbol display device 110 displays “left shutter sensor not detected” (see the result column of process number 1 in FIG. 22) instead of displaying “serial communication disconnection”. The When the execution of step S1415 ends, the process returns to the function call process (step S308).

  On the other hand, if the second bit of the shutter detection result storage area is “1”, it is determined whether or not the shutter inspection result is abnormal for the right shutter 250b (step S1416). In step S1416, if the first bit of the shutter detection result storage area is “0”, it is determined that the right shutter sensor 2502 is abnormal, and information indicating the shutter sensor right abnormality is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110 ( Step S1417). That is, the decorative symbol display device 110 displays “no right shutter sensor detected” (see the result column of process number 1 in FIG. 22) instead of “serial communication disconnection”. When the execution of step S1417 ends, the process returns to the function call process (step S308).

  If the first bit of the shutter detection result storage area is “1”, information indicating that the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502 can be normally detected is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110 (step S1418). Here, the project title and the version number are displayed as information indicating that the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502 can detect normally. In other words, the design symbol and the version number (see the result column of process number 1 in FIG. 22) are displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110 instead of displaying “serial communication disconnection”. When the execution of step S1418 ends, the process returns to the function call process (step S308).

  As described above, in this examination display execution process, it is determined whether or not the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502 are normal using information on shutter detection results corresponding to an example of acquired information according to the present invention (step S1412). , S1414, S1416). Therefore, the information on the shutter detection result corresponds to an example of specific information referred to in the present invention.

  In the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, in order to obtain information on the shutter detection result necessary for the inspection process in the movable object moving process shown in FIG. 21 executed during the initial setting process, the inspection time of the inspection process is reduced. It can be shortened and the burden on the production side (the burden at the time of design) can be reduced. That is, in the movable object moving process of FIG. 21 that acquires the relative position information that is originally necessary in step S1022 shown in FIG. 20B, information on the shutter detection result necessary for the inspection determination is also acquired at the same time. At this time, it is not necessary to add a process for acquiring information necessary for the inspection determination at the time of designing the program, and the burden on the production on the creator side can be reduced. Also, since the relative position information necessary for the non-inspection processing and the information necessary for the inspection processing (information of the shutter detection result) are obtained by a common processing (movable object movable processing shown in FIG. 21), these pieces of information are obtained. For this purpose, the left and right shutters 250a and 250b need only be moved once, and the processing time for acquiring information can be shortened. In particular, since it takes some time to move a movable object such as the left and right shutters 250a and 250b, it is preferable that the number of movements is one.

Furthermore, in the initial setting process that is the first process after the power is turned on, the information necessary for the inspection determination (information on the shutter detection result) is acquired, so that the information necessary for the inspection determination does not have to be obtained many times. In addition, it is possible to prevent the inspection process from being started without acquiring the information.
<Production control unit main processing>
Next, the main process of the effect control unit 700 shown in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is a flowchart of the effect control main process executed by the CPU 704 of the effect control unit 700. The CPU 704 repeatedly executes this main process after the power is turned on unless the power is turned off.

  In step S1611, initialization processing is performed (step S1611). In this initialization process, initialization of a TPU (Tread Processing Unit) provided in the CPU 704, initialization of the WDT 713 shown in FIG. 8, initialization of ramp processing, and the like are performed. Further, an update timing determination counter is prepared in the RAM 708 of the effect control unit 700, and the value of the update timing determination counter is set to zero.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not it is an update timing (step S1612). Here, the update timing comes every time 10 ms elapses. When the value of the update timing determination counter prepared in the RAM 708 reaches 10, the CPU 704 determines that the update timing has arrived and returns the value of the update timing determination counter to 0. This step S1612 is repeatedly executed until the update timing comes. When the update timing comes, the process proceeds to a command determination process (S1613) described later. Next, a lamp lighting process (step S1614) is performed, and the process returns to step S1612.

  FIG. 30B is a flowchart of 1 ms timer interrupt processing. The production control unit 700 includes a counter timer 712 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, about once every 1 ms), and starts this 1 ms timer interrupt process using this timer interrupt signal as a trigger. . In step S1621, the value of the update timing determination counter prepared in the RAM 708 is incremented by one.

  FIG. 30C is a flowchart of the lamp interruption process. When the interrupt control signal is transmitted from the effect expansion board 750 shown in FIG. 8 (the LED board 760 has been changed to the effect extension board 750 in FIG. 8), the effect control unit 700 performs the lamp interrupt processing. Start. In step S1631, a lamp lighting effect control process is performed.

  FIG. 30D is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing. When the command is transmitted from the sub-control unit 400, the effect control unit 700 starts this command reception interrupt process. In step S1641, the command output from the sub-control unit 400 is stored in a buffer area provided in the RAM 408.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart of the command determination process in step S1613 of the effect control main process shown in FIG.

  This command determination process is executed by the CPU 704 of the effect control unit 700. First, in step S1641 of the command reception interrupt process shown in FIG. 30D, it is determined whether or not the command stored in the buffer area of the RAM 408 is a communication confirmation command (step S1701). This communication confirmation command is a command transmitted from the sub-control unit 400 during the inspection process 1 (S1405) in the inspection display execution process shown in FIG. If it is not a communication confirmation command, other command determination processing is performed (step S1702), and the process returns to the effect control main processing shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the command is a communication confirmation command, an answer command representing the version information of the P-POM 706 of the effect control unit 700 shown in FIG. 8 and the calculated checksum value in the RAM 708 is transmitted to the sub control unit 400 (step S1703). ). In step S1407 in the examination display execution process shown in FIG. 29, it is determined whether or not the answer command transmitted in this way is received. In step S1408, the version information of the P-POM 706 and the calculated checksum value in the RAM 708 are It is determined whether or not the value is a predetermined value. When the execution of step S1703 ends, the process returns to the effect control main process shown in FIG.

  In the processing of S1102 of this embodiment, other processing according to the received command is executed. However, when the inspection mode is set, commands other than the inspection command may not be executed. . By doing in this way, it can prevent that the process based on the command performed during a game with a communication bucket etc. during a test | inspection will be performed.

  In S1103 of this embodiment, the inspection mode is set when any inspection command is received. However, the inspection mode is set only when the FE01 command corresponding to the process number 1 is received. Otherwise, when a command other than process number 1 is received, the command may be discarded. By doing in this way, it can prevent that a test | inspection command is received and a test | inspection is performed during a game.

  Subsequently, a modification of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 32A is a flowchart showing a modification of the movable object movable setting process related to the movable shutter object 250 shown in FIG. If the start address of the movable object movable setting function (process) is registered in the effect control function table shown in FIG. 12, the start address of the function is called in step S310 in the sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. Thus, similarly to the movable object movable setting process shown in FIG. 20B, the movable object movable setting process in this modification is also executed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the shutter movable effect is set in the setting area of the RAM 408 (step S2021). If the shutter movable effect is not set, the process returns to the function call process (step S310). The process proceeds to step S2022. When the shutter movable effect is set, the movable object movable process of this modified example is executed during the game process executed during the game among the non-inspection processes. In this case, before that, the movable object moving process shown in FIG. 21 executed during the initial setting process is executed.

  In step S2022 executed during the game process, whether or not the value of the shutter detection result storage area to which “1” is set remains “00” when step S1039 or step S1042 shown in FIG. 21 is executed. If it remains “00”, it is determined that both the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502 are abnormal, and information indicating the shutter sensor left and right abnormality is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110 (step S2023). . In other words, the sub-control unit 400 in this modified example acquires information on the shutter detection result regarding whether or not the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502 have detected the left and right shutters 250a and 250b in steps S1039 and S1042 shown in FIG. Whether the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502 are abnormal is determined based on the information of the shutter detection result, and the left and right shutters 250a and 250b are provided on the decorative symbol display device 110 according to the determination result. Notifying that it has not been detected is performed during the game process. Steps S2022 to S2023 are features of this modification. The decorative symbol display device 110 displays an image shown in FIG. FIG. 32B is a diagram showing an error notification mode at the time of game processing regarding the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502. In the image shown in FIG. 32B, the letter E surrounded by ◯ is shown small on the upper left of the screen. On the other hand, FIG. 32 (c) is a diagram showing an error notification mode at the time of the inspection process of process number 1 regarding the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502. The image shown in FIG. 32C is an image displayed by executing step S1413 of FIG. In this image, “ERROR” indicating an abnormality and details that the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502 have not been detected are largely shown in the center of the screen, and the image shown in FIG. It is displayed in more detail and conspicuously than the mode. That is, the notification is performed in an emphasized manner during the inspection process than during the game process. In the above-described embodiment, during the non-inspection process such as the initial setting process or the game process, the determination is not performed using the information even if the information of the shutter detection result is acquired. This is preferable because it eliminates the trouble of creating a program for executing the determination process and the notification process in accordance with the determination and can reduce the burden on the production on the producer side. By doing so, the player is less likely to notice the notification and is less surprised, and the inspector can easily notice the notification and can respond quickly.

  The error notification mode regarding the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502 is not limited to the mode described here, and the error notification mode at the time of the inspection process may be more conspicuous than the error notification mode at the time of the game process. Further, the notification means may be different, for example, the error notification mode during game processing may be performed by the LED 423 shown in FIG. 8, and the error notification mode during inspection processing may be performed by the decorative symbol display device 110. In addition, the error notification mode during game processing may only be output from the external terminal board 155.

  When the execution of step S2023 ends, the process returns to the function call process (step S310). If the value in the shutter detection result storage area remains “00” in the determination in step S2022, the left and right shutters 250a and 250b are based on the current relative position information as in step S1022 in FIG. Is set (step S2023), and the process returns to the function call process (step S310).

  In this modification, information on the shutter detection result (an example of specific information in the present invention) is used for the inspection of the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502 in step S2022, but the relative position information (in the present invention) used in step S2023. An example of the second specific information) may be used. By doing so, step S2023, which is a non-inspection process, is executed using the same information as that used in step S2022, which is an inspection process, and the data capacity is reduced in order to share the information storage area. In addition, since the information acquisition process is shared, the program capacity can be reduced.

  Next, a second modification of the present embodiment will be described. In the modification described with reference to FIG. 32, there is a feature in error notification regarding the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502. In this second modification, communication between the sub-control unit 400 and the effect control unit 700 illustrated in FIG. There is a feature in the error notification regarding. This will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart of communication initial setting processing executed by the CPU 404 of the sub-control unit 400. If the initial address of the communication initial setting function (process) is registered in the initial setting function table shown in FIG. 12, the start address of the function is called in step S303 in the sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. Thus, the communication initial setting process shown in FIG. In this communication initial setting process, a communication confirmation command is transmitted to the effect control unit 700 shown in FIG. 8 (step S2111), and the process returns to the function call process (step S303). In the second modified example, since the communication confirmation command is transmitted to the effect control unit 700 corresponding to S1404 in FIG. 29 in the communication initial setting process, S1404, S1405, S1046 of Example 1 and Instead of the process of S1407, it is determined whether an answer command has been received (S1407). If no answer command has been received, information indicating a communication disconnection is displayed on the display device (S1406) and the process is terminated. If an answer command is received, the process of S1408 is performed. Here, “acquired information” in the claims corresponds to “answer command”.

  FIG. 34A is a flowchart of communication information display execution processing executed by the CPU 404 of the sub control unit 400. If the start address of the communication information display execution function (process) is registered in the display device control function table prepared in the RAM 408, the start address of the function is obtained in step S308 in the sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. Is called, the communication information display execution process shown in FIG. 34A is executed. This communication information display execution process may be executed during a game process executed during a game.

  First, it is determined whether or not a communication confirmation command has been transmitted to the effect control unit 700 (step S2201). If it has not been transmitted, the process returns to the function call process (step S308), and if it has been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S2202. In step S2022, it is determined whether an answer command is received. A command storage unit is prepared in the RAM 408 of the sub-control unit 400. When a command is transmitted, the command is stored in the command storage unit. In the determination in step S2022, the command storage unit is referred to, and if the answer command is stored, it is determined that the answer command is received, and the process returns to the function call processing (step S308). And information indicating communication abnormality is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 110 (step S2203). In other words, the sub-control unit 400 in the second modification example stores the answer command in the command storage unit prepared in the RAM 408 to acquire information related to reception of the answer command, and even during the game process. Based on this information, it is determined whether or not the communication with the effect control unit 700 is abnormal, and in accordance with the determination result, the decorative symbol display device 110 is notified of an abnormality in communication with the effect control unit 700. To do. This second embodiment is characterized by steps S2202 to S2203. The decorative symbol display device 110 displays the image shown in FIG. FIG. 34 (b) is a diagram showing an error notification mode during game processing related to communication with the effect control unit 700. In the image shown in FIG. 34 (b), the characters “not yet” are shown small in the upper left of the screen. On the other hand, FIG. 34 (c) is a diagram showing an error notification mode at the time of the inspection process of process number 1 regarding communication with the effect control unit 700. The image shown in FIG. 34C is an image displayed instead of the display of “serial communication disconnection” displayed in step S1406 of FIG. In this image, the details that the character “ERROR” indicating abnormality and the effect control board are not communicated are shown in the center of the screen, and the image mode shown in FIG. It is displayed in detail and prominently. That is, also in the second modified example, the notification is performed in an emphasized manner at the time of the inspection process than at the time of the game process.

When the execution of step S2203 ends, the process returns to the function call process (step S308).

As described above, the embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine (bullet ball game machine) has been described in detail. However, the game table of the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a medal or a game ball (pachinko ball) The present invention can also be applied to a spinning machine (slot machine) using. Further, the present invention may be applied to an arrange ball game machine, a ball ball game machine, and a pinball machine. In addition, the present invention is a gaming machine (for example, a casino machine, a video game machine, an encapsulated pachinko gaming machine) that can be played with the input of gaming media, and a gaming machine that uses the gaming media itself for gaming (for example, It may be applied to a medal dropping game machine). Here, “inserting game media” means “betting”, and “bet” is also agreed. “Input of game media” includes “input of currency” and “input of electronic money”. A casino machine is a casino in which a game can be started by inserting a currency, and when a lottery result is won, a symbol set in association with the corresponding selection result is stopped, and a payout as a bonus to a player is performed. Machine.

It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine 100 from the front side (player side). It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine 100 from the back side. 1 is a schematic front view of a game board 102 as viewed from the front. (A) is a side view which shows the case where the movable doll 211 exists in a standby position, (b) is a side view which shows the case where the movable doll 211 exists in a protrusion position. (A) is a front view of the movable shutter object 250, and (b) is a side sectional view of the movable shutter object 250. (A) shows an example of a special display stop display mode, (b) shows an example of a decorative design, and (c) shows an example of a normal stop display mode. It is. The circuit block diagram of a control part is shown. A circuit block diagram of the sub-control unit 400 and the like is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part main process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part timer interruption process. It is a circuit block diagram of the main control part which has a basic circuit with which inspection ROM was mounted. It is a schematic image figure showing the software structure of the framework side and application side in the pachinko machine 100 of a present Example. 5 is a flowchart of main processing executed by a sub-control unit 400. It is a flowchart of a function entry process. 10 is a flowchart of a function entry process related to a movable shutter object 250, which is executed by a CPU 404 of the sub-control unit 400. It is a flowchart of a function common entry process. It is a flowchart of the function entry process regarding a test | inspection. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the function call process of step S303 in a sub control part main process. (A) A flowchart of a drawing completion interrupt process, (b) a flowchart of a data transfer completion interrupt process, (c) a flowchart of a drawing event interrupt process, and (d) a flowchart of a main control strobe interrupt process, (E) Flow chart of effect button interrupt process, (f) Flow chart of 0.3 ms timer interrupt process, (g) Flow chart of 1 ms timer interrupt process, (h) Flow chart of input / output interface error interrupt process Yes, (i) is a flowchart of input / output interface reception interrupt processing, and (j) is a flowchart of input / output interface transmission interrupt processing. (A) is a flowchart of a movable object initialization process related to the movable shutter object 250 executed by the CPU 404 of the sub-control unit 400, and (b) is a movable object movable setting related to the movable shutter object 250 executed by the CPU 404. It is a flowchart of a process. 10 is a flowchart of a movable object movable process related to a shutter movable object 250, which is executed by the CPU 404 of the sub-control unit 400. It is the figure where the detail of the inspection item of process numbers 1-5 was described. It is the figure where the detail of the inspection item of process numbers 6-9 was described. It is the figure where the detail of the inspection item of process numbers 10-15 was described. It is the figure where the detail of the inspection item of process numbers 16-19 was described. 4 is a flowchart of command determination processing executed by a CPU 404 of a sub control unit 400. It is a flowchart of the inspection effect setting process executed by the CPU 404 of the sub-control unit 400. 5 is a flowchart of inspection setting processing executed by a CPU 404 of a sub control unit 400. 10 is a flowchart of examination display execution processing executed by a CPU 404 of the sub-control unit 400. (A) is a flowchart of an effect control main process executed by the CPU 704 of the effect control unit 700, (b) is a flowchart of a 1 ms timer interrupt process, and (c) is a flowchart of a lamp interrupt process. , (D) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of the command determination process in step S1613 of the production control main process shown in FIG. 20A is a flowchart showing a modification of the movable object movable setting process related to the movable shutter object 250 shown in FIG. 20B, and FIG. 20B is an error during game processing related to the left and right shutter sensors 2501 and 2502. It is a figure which shows an alerting | reporting aspect, (c) is a figure which shows the error alerting | reporting aspect at the time of the test | inspection process of the process number 1 regarding the left-right shutter sensor 2501,502. 4 is a flowchart of communication initial setting processing executed by a CPU 404 of a sub-control unit 400. (A) is a flowchart of the communication information display execution process performed by CPU404 of the sub-control part 400, (b) is a figure which shows the error alerting | reporting aspect at the time of a game process regarding communication with the production | presentation control part 700. Yes, (c) is a diagram showing an error notification mode at the time of the inspection process of process number 1 regarding the communication with the production control unit 700.

Explanation of symbols

100 Pachinko machine 300 Main control unit 304 CPU
306 ROM for game control
307 ROM for inspection
308 RAM
400 Sub-control unit 404 CPU
406 P-ROM
408 RAM
416 Speaker 250 Shutter movable object 250a Left shutter 250b Right shutter 2501 Left shutter sensor 2502 Right shutter sensor 2041 Stopper unit 146 Effect button 110 Decoration symbol display device 211 Movable doll 700 Effect control unit 704 CPU
706 P-ROM
708 RAM
420 LED
650 power management device

Claims (9)

In a gaming machine on which a plurality of gaming parts are mounted, a game is performed, and a predetermined game value is given to the player according to the result of the game,
A non-inspection processing unit for executing non-inspection processing including game processing executed during a game, other than inspection processing for inspecting whether or not a specific gaming part among the plurality of gaming parts is normal;
An inspection processing unit for executing the inspection process based on inspection instruction information for instructing the execution of the inspection process, which is information that is not used during the game,
The non-inspection processing unit acquires one or a plurality of acquisition information during the execution of the non-inspection processing,
The inspection processing unit uses specific information from one or more pieces of acquired information acquired by the non-inspection processing unit to determine whether or not the specific gaming component is normal while executing the inspection processing. A game table characterized by being determined by   The non-inspection processing unit is configured to execute the non-inspection processing using second specific information different from the specific information among a plurality of acquired information acquired. Item 1. A gaming table according to item 1.   The non-inspection processing unit executes, as the non-inspection processing, an initial setting process executed based on power-on in addition to the gaming process, and acquires a plurality of pieces of acquisition information during the execution of the initial setting process. The game table according to claim 1, wherein the game table is a thing. A movable object that is one of the plurality of gaming parts, movable to a predetermined position, and a movable object detection sensor that detects the movable object that has moved to the predetermined position;
The specific game component is the movable object detection sensor;
The non-inspection processing unit executes, as the non-inspection process, a predetermined process involving the movement of the movable object, acquires a plurality of acquisition information during the execution of the predetermined process, The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined process is executed using second specific information different from the specific information. .   The non-inspection processing unit acquires information about the movable position of the movable object as acquisition information used as the second specific information, and the movable object detection sensor as acquisition information used as the specific information. 5. The game table according to claim 4, wherein information regarding whether or not the movable object is detected is acquired.   The game machine according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the non-inspection processing unit executes the non-inspection processing using the specific information. One of the plurality of gaming parts, comprising a notification means for performing a predetermined notification, a movable object movable to a predetermined position, and a movable object detection sensor for detecting the movable object movable to the predetermined position,
The specific game component is the movable object detection sensor;
As the acquisition information used as the specific information, the non-inspection processing unit acquires detection information regarding whether or not the movable object detection sensor has detected the movable object, and based on the acquired detection information, the movable object When it is determined that the detection sensor has not detected the movable object, the notification unit is configured to notify that the movable object has not been detected.
When the inspection processing unit determines that the movable object detection sensor is abnormal based on the detection information while executing the inspection process, the notification means indicates that the movable object has not been detected. 5. The game table according to claim 1, wherein the notification is performed in a manner that is more emphasized than a notification mode in which the non-inspection processing unit causes the notification means to perform. . One of the plurality of gaming parts, comprising a notification means for performing a predetermined notification,
Even if the non-inspection processing unit acquires the acquisition information used as the specific information, it is not determined whether the specific game component is normal using the acquisition information,
When the inspection processing unit determines that the specific game component is abnormal based on the specific information during the execution of the inspection process, the notifying unit notifies the specific game component of the specific game component. The game table according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a notification regarding an abnormality is provided. One of the plurality of gaming parts, comprising a movable object whose movement distance is determined in the non-inspection process with reference to a set reference position, and a movable object detection sensor for detecting the movable object,
The specific game component is the movable object detection sensor;
The non-inspection processing unit includes a first setting unit that sets the reference position based on the fact that the movable object detection sensor has detected the movable object, and the non-inspection processing unit until the movable object contacts another game component. A second setting unit that sets the reference position based on the position of the movable object when the animal is moved, and the non-inspection process includes the first setting unit and the second setting unit. The game table according to claim 1 or 8, wherein a process for setting the reference position is executed by any one of the setting units.

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