JP2011147581A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can transmits notification information to a player even if part of a display area in a display device is shielded by a movable member. <P>SOLUTION: A notification-information control means 404 carries out displaying of the prescribed notification information in a prescribed area of the display area when the movable member 224 is located in a prescribed position. Also, in at least either case when the movable member 224 is scheduled to move to the shielded position or when the movable member is located in the shielded position, it carries out at least either one of display of the prescribed notification information or notification of the alternative notification information substituting for the prescribed notification information by other notification means 120 and 138 of the notification means, which are different from the display device 208, in an unshielded area of the display area, which is deviated from the area that the movable member located in the shielded position overlaps. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,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).

  A game table in recent years is provided with a large display device and a movable member that is movable on the player side with respect to the display device, thereby enhancing the effect. For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a game table having a shielding member such as a shutter on the player side with respect to the display device has been proposed.

  Such a movable member that is movable on the player side with respect to the display device can effectively attract the player's attention by a physical operation, and is adopted in many models.

JP 2006-158710 A

  However, when various notification information is displayed on the display device, and the movable member overlaps a part of the display area of the display device and shields the part, the image behind the movable member is difficult to see. Thus, even if the shielded area is a part of the display area, the notification information may not be transmitted to the player.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming table capable of transmitting notification information to a player even when at least a part of a display area in a display device is shielded by a movable member. .

The game stand of the present invention that solves the above-described object is as follows.
In the game stand that draws a game and gives a profit to the player according to the result of the lottery,
One or a plurality of notification means including a display device that notifies various notification information by displaying in the display area;
Notification information control means for notifying the notification means of various notification information;
A movable member that moves from a predetermined position to a predetermined shielding position that overlaps at least a part of the display area of the display device on the player side with respect to the display device and shields a part thereof.
The notification information control means includes
When the movable member is at the predetermined position, executing predetermined notification information in a predetermined area of the display area,
In the case where at least one of the movable member is scheduled to move to the shielding position and the movable member is in the shielding position, the movable member at the shielding position in the display area. Displaying the predetermined notification information in a non-shielding area outside the overlapping area, and informing means other than the display device of the notification means for substituting the predetermined notification information It is characterized in that at least one of reporting alternative notification information is executed.

  The predetermined position may be a position away from the display area, or may be a position overlapping the display area so as not to cause a problem in notification. The movable member may be movable between the predetermined position and the shielding position, or moves within a predetermined movable area that overlaps at least a part of the display area on the player side. It may be a thing.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to accurately notify the notification information without considering the execution pattern of the movable body that blocks the notification information desired to be provided to the player. The content of the predetermined notification information is not particularly limited, and may be information on the lottery, for example.

The game stand of the present invention that solves the above-described object is as follows.
In the game stand that draws a game and gives a profit to the player according to the result of the lottery,
A plurality of reels that are subjected to multiple types of designs and are driven to rotate,
A rotation instruction operation means for instructing rotation start of the reel by an operation by a player;
In accordance with the operation of the rotation instruction operation means, a role lottery means for determining whether or not an internal winning of a plurality of types of winning is made by lottery
A stop operation means provided corresponding to each of the reels, for individually stopping the rotation of the reels;
Reel stop control means for performing stop control related to the stop of rotation of the reel based on the lottery result of the lottery means and the stop operation of the stop operation means;
It is determined whether or not the symbol combination that is stopped and displayed on the reel based on the lottery result of the lottery means on a predetermined active line is a symbol combination that is predetermined for each of the roles. Determination means to perform,
One or a plurality of notification means including a display device that notifies various notification information by displaying in the display area;
Notification information control means for notifying the notification means of various notification information;
A movable member that moves from a predetermined position to a predetermined shielding position that overlaps at least a part of the display area of the display device on the player side with respect to the display device and shields a part thereof.
If the combination lottery means does not match the operation conditions of the stop operation means, the symbol combination corresponding to the combination is determined not to be stopped and displayed by the lottery.
The display device, when a lottery is performed by the combination lottery means and the operation requesting combination is won internally, notifies the operation information of the stop operation unit for stopping and displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the operation requesting combination. Is what
The notification information control means includes
When the movable member is in the predetermined position, the operation information of the stop operation means is displayed in a predetermined area of the display area,
In the case of at least one of the case where the movable member is scheduled to move to the shielding position and the case where the movable member is located at the shielding position, from the region of the display area where the movable member at the shielding position overlaps. Displaying the operation information of the stop operation means in a detached non-shielding area, and replacing the operation information of the stop operation means with another notification means different from the display device among the notification means. It is characterized in that at least one of reporting alternative notification information is executed.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to accurately notify the notification information without considering the execution pattern of the movable body that blocks the notification information desired to be provided to the player.

Here, the game stand of the present invention is:
As the notification means, a sound output means for notifying various notification information by outputting sound, and a light emitting means for notifying various notification information by issuing,
The notification information control means is
When notifying the predetermined notification information on the display device, the sound output means and / or the light emitting means is also notified of the predetermined notification information,
When the alternative notification means is notified of the alternative notification information, the notification by the display device is stopped, and the alternative notification information is notified to the sound output means and / or the light emitting means as the additional notification means. It may be allowed.

  According to this game stand, the notification information can be provided to the player by the notification means other than the display device.

In addition, the gaming table of the present invention is
The notification information control means is
When the alternative notification information is notified to the sound output means, the sound output means may be notified at a higher volume than when the predetermined output information is notified to the sound output means.

  According to this game stand, it is possible to alert the player that the notification is being made by increasing the sound output when notifying.

Furthermore, the game table of the present invention is:
An effect data storage unit storing effect data for moving the movable member;
A movable member control unit for controlling the movement of the movable member according to the effect data;
An operator that receives an operation and outputs a signal instructing the display device to notify predetermined notification information, and outputs the signal to the notification information control means;
The movable member control unit may move the movable member toward the predetermined position when the operation element is operated while controlling the movement of the movable member according to the effect data. Good.

  According to this gaming machine, notification information can be provided to the player by moving the movable member to a predetermined position to enable notification in a predetermined area.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can transmit notification information to the player even if at least a part of the display area of the display device is shielded by the movable member.

It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine 100 from the front side (player side). It is the schematic front view which looked at the game board 200 from the front side (player side). The circuit block diagram of a control part is shown. (A) shows an example of a special symbol stop symbol, (b) shows an example of a decorative symbol, and (c) shows an example of an ordinary stop symbol. It is. 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. (A) is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400, (b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400, and (c) is the first sub-control unit 400. 5 is a flowchart of a timer interrupt process of the control unit 400. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of effect control process S309 of the 1st sub control part 400. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of effect data update process S407 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the chance button control process (step S311) shown to Fig.7 (a). It is the figure which shows the flow which shows the flow of an image control process, and the information (attribute data) transmitted / received between CPU404 and VDP434 with an image control process. (A) is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500, (b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, and (c) is the second sub-control unit 500. 5 is a flowchart of a timer interrupt process of the control unit 500. (A) is a figure which shows the timing of the design variation pattern A and the additional effect A, (b) is a diagram which shows the timing of the design variation pattern A and the additional effect B, (c) is (a). It is a figure which shows the execution timing of three productions of the symbol fluctuation pattern A shown in (b), additional production A, and additional production B. (A) is a figure which shows the initial operation | movement of the production | presentation movable body 224 in an effect production, (b) is a figure which shows the retraction | saving operation | movement of the production movable body 224 in an effect production. (A) is a figure which shows a mode that the image cut-in effect is performed in the state in which the effect movable body 224 does not perform the effect effect, and (b) is the effect effect by the effect movable body 224 and the image. It is a figure which shows a mode that a cut-in production is performed simultaneously. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 1100 as viewed from the front side (player side). The circuit block diagram of the control part of the slot machine 1100 is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part main process. (A) is a flowchart of a main process executed by the CPU 1404 of the first sub control unit 1400, and (b) is a flowchart of a main process executed by the CPU 1504 of the second sub control unit 1500. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an effect setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of AT production reservation setting processing (step S1415). It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process at the time of start operation reception. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of effect data update processing. It is a figure which shows an example of the reservation setting of the production content corresponding to the flow of the received command during a game. It is a figure which shows the scene of the effect performed according to the reservation setting shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, a gaming machine (for example, a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine 100 or a spinning machine such as a slot machine) according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[Embodiment 1]
<Overall configuration>
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 machine that draws a game and gives a profit to the player according to the result of the lottery. The outer frame 102, the main body 104, the front frame door 106, and the door with a ball storage tray 108, the launcher 110, and the game board 200 are provided on the front surface (player side).

  The outer frame 102 is a wooden frame member having a vertical rectangular shape for fixing to an installation location (island facilities or the like) provided in a gaming machine installation sales shop.

  The main body 104 is a door member that is provided inside the outer frame 102, has a locking function, and serves as a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base body that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 102 via a hinge portion 112. . The main body 104 is formed in a frame shape and has a space 114 inside. A store clerk of the store (amusement store) in which the pachinko machine 100 is installed can open and close the main body 104, and a main body opening sensor (not shown) for detecting that the main body 104 is opened is provided. .

  The front frame door 106 has a locking function and is attached to the front surface of the main body 104 on the front side of the pachinko machine 100 via a hinge portion 112 so as to be openable and closable. Is a door member having an opening 116. A shop clerk can also open and close the front frame door 106, and a front frame door sensor (not shown) for detecting that the front frame door 106 is opened is also provided. The front frame door 106 is provided with a transparent plate member 118 made of glass or resin at the opening 116, and a speaker 120 and a frame lamp 122 are attached to the front side. A space in which the game area 124 is provided is defined by the rear surface of the front frame door 106 and the front surface of the game board 200. In the present embodiment, an LED having a light source is also referred to as a lamp.

  The door 108 with a ball storage tray is a door member attached to the lower side of the main body 104 on the front surface of the pachinko machine 100 so as to have a locking function and be openable and closable. The door 108 with a ball storage tray is opened by pressing an opening lever (not shown) that can be operated with the front frame door 106 opened. Further, a door sensor (not shown) with a ball storage tray for detecting that the door 108 with a ball storage tray is opened is also provided. The ball storage tray-equipped door 108 is capable of storing a plurality of game balls (hereinafter simply referred to as “balls”), and an upper plate 126 provided with a passage for guiding the game balls to the launching device 110. A lower plate 128 that stores game balls that cannot be stored in the upper plate 126, a ball removal button 130 that discharges the game balls stored in the upper plate 126 to the lower plate 128 by the player's operation, A ball discharge lever 132 that discharges game balls stored in the lower plate 128 to a game ball collection container (common name, dollar box) by operation, and a game ball guided to the launching device 110 by operation of the player The ball launching handle 134 that launches into the game area 124 of 200, the chance button 136 that changes the presentation mode of various presentation devices 206 (see FIG. 2) by the player's operation, and the chance button 136 The chance button lamp 138 for emitting the chance button 136, the ball lending operation button 140 for instructing ball lending to the card unit (CR unit) installed in the game store, and the player's A return operation button 142 for giving an instruction to return the balance and a ball lending display unit 144 for displaying the player's balance and the state of the card unit are provided. Further, the pachinko machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a lower pan full tank detection sensor (not shown) for detecting that the lower pan 128 is filled with game balls.

  The launching device 110 is attached to the lower side of the main body 104, and a launching rod 146 that rotates when the ball launching handle 134 is operated by the player, and a launching rod 148 that strikes the game ball at the tip of the launching rod 146. . While the ball launching handle 134 is continuously being fired by the player, the launching device 110 sends the game ball to the game area 124 of the game board every time a predetermined firing period (for example, 0.6 seconds) elapses. Fire towards.

  The game board 200 has a game area 124 on the front surface, and is detachably attached to the main body 104 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space 114 of the main body 104. The game area 124 can be observed from the opening 116 after the game board 200 is mounted on the main body 104. In FIG. 1, the specific configuration of the game area 124 is not shown, and the specific configuration is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the game board 200 as viewed from the front.

  In the game board 200, an outer rail 202 and an inner rail 204 are arranged, and a game area 124 in which a game ball can roll is defined.

  An effect device 206 is disposed in the approximate center of the game area 124. In the effect device 206, a decorative symbol display device 208 is disposed substantially at the center, and a normal symbol display device 210, a special symbol display device 212, a normal symbol hold lamp 216, and a special symbol hold lamp 218 are provided around the decorative symbol display device 208. In addition, a high-probability medium lamp 222 is provided. Hereinafter, the normal symbol may be referred to as “general symbol” and the special symbol may be referred to as “special symbol”.

  The effect device 206 performs the effect by operating the effect movable body 224, and details thereof will be described later.

  The decorative symbol display device 208 corresponds to an example of notification means in the present invention. This decorative symbol display device 208 is an image display device for performing various displays used for decorative symbols and effects on its display screen (corresponding to an example of the display area of the present invention). In this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device ( (Liquid Crystal Display). The decorative symbol display device 208 is divided into four display areas, a left symbol display area 208a, a middle symbol display area 208b, a right symbol display area 208c, and an effect display area 208d, and the left symbol display area 208a and the middle symbol display area 208b. The right symbol display area 208c displays different decorative symbols, and the effect display area 208d displays an image used for the effect. Furthermore, the position and size of each display area 208a, 208b, 208c, 208d can be freely changed within the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208. In addition, although the liquid crystal display device is employ | adopted as the decoration symbol display apparatus 208, it is not a liquid crystal display device, What is necessary is just the structure which can display various effects and various game information, for example, a dot matrix display device Other display devices including a 7-segment display device, an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display device, a reel (drum) display device, a leaf display device, a plasma display, and a projector may be adopted.

  The general map display device 210 is a display device for displaying a general map, and is configured by a 7-segment LED in this embodiment. The special figure display device 212 is a display device for displaying a special figure, and is constituted by a 7-segment LED in this embodiment. The decorative symbol displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208 is a symbol that represents the symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 212 in a form that enhances the production.

  The multi-purpose hold lamp 216 is a lamp for indicating the number of general-purpose variable games (details will be described later) that are on hold. In this embodiment, the general-purpose variable games are reserved up to a predetermined number (for example, two). It is possible to do. The special figure hold lamp 218 is a lamp for indicating the number of special figure variable games (details will be described later) that are on hold. In this embodiment, a special figure variable game is held up to a predetermined number (for example, four). It is possible to do. The high-probability medium lamp 222 is a lamp for indicating that the gaming state is a high probability state in which a big hit is likely to occur or a high probability state, and the gaming state is changed from a low probability state in which a big hit is unlikely to occur. Turns on when switching to the probability state, and turns off when switching from the high probability state to the low probability state.

  In addition, a general prize opening 226, a general figure starting opening 228, a first special figure starting opening 230, a second special figure starting opening 232, and a variable winning opening 234 are provided around the effect device 206. ing.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of general winning holes 226 are arranged on the game board 200. When a predetermined ball detection sensor (not shown) detects a ball entering the general winning holes 226 (in the general winning holes 226). In the case of winning), the payout device 152 shown in FIG. 2 is driven, and a predetermined number (for example, 10) of balls are discharged as prize balls to the upper plate 126 shown in FIG. The player can freely take out the balls discharged to the upper plate 126. With these configurations, the player can pay out the winning balls to the player based on winning. The ball that has entered the general winning opening 226 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side. In this embodiment, a ball to be paid out to a player as a consideration for winning may be referred to as a “prize ball”, and a ball lent out to a player may be referred to as “rental ball”. They are called “balls (game balls)”.

  The normal start port 228 is configured by a device called a gate or a through chucker for determining whether or not a ball has passed a predetermined area of the game area 124. In this embodiment, the left side of the game board 200 is used. One is arranged. Unlike the ball that has entered the general winning opening 226, the ball that has passed through the usual starting port 228 is not discharged to the amusement island side. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that a ball has passed through the general map starting port 228, the pachinko machine 100 starts a general map variable game by the general map display device 210.

  In the present embodiment, only one first special figure starting port 230 is disposed at the center of the game board 200. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the first special figure starting port 230, a payout device (not shown) is driven, and a predetermined number (for example, three) of balls is used as a prize ball for the upper plate 126. The special figure display device 212 starts a special figure changing game. The ball that has entered the first special figure starting port 230 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  In the present embodiment, only one second special figure starting port 232 is disposed directly below the first special figure starting port 230. In the vicinity of the second special figure starting port 232, a pair of blade members 2321 that can be opened and closed by a solenoid are provided, which is generally called an electric tulip (electric Chu). While the pair of blade members 2321 is closed, it is impossible to enter a ball, and when the universal figure display game 210 is won and the universal figure display device 210 stops and displays the symbol, the pair of blade members 2321 has a predetermined time. Opening and closing at intervals and a predetermined number of times allows the ball to enter the second special figure starting port 232. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the second special figure starting port 232, the payout device is driven to discharge a predetermined number (for example, four) of balls as prize balls to the upper plate 126. Then, the special figure changing game by the special figure display device 212 is started. The ball that has entered the second special figure starting port 232 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  In the present embodiment, only one variable winning port 234 is disposed below the center of the game board 200. The variable prize opening 234 includes a variable prize opening and a door member 2341 that can be opened and closed by a solenoid. The variable winning opening 234 may be referred to as a big winning opening or an attacker. The variable winning opening 234 is kept closed until a jackpot game to be described later is started, and when the jackpot game is started, the state change is repeated between the open state and the closed state. That is, when the special figure variable game is won and the special figure display device 212 stops and displays the big hit symbol, the door member 2341 opens and closes at a predetermined time interval and a predetermined number of times. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the variable winning opening 234, the payout device 152 is driven to discharge a predetermined number (for example, 15 balls) of balls to the upper plate 126 as prize balls. The ball that entered the variable winning opening 234 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  Further, a plurality of disc-shaped hitting direction changing members 236 called a windmill and a plurality of game nails 238 are arranged in the vicinity of these winning openings and start openings, and at the bottom of the inner rail 204, An out port 240 is provided for guiding a ball that has not won a prize or starting port to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharging it to the game island side.

  The sphere accommodated in the upper plate 126 is supplied to the firing position of the firing rail. In this pachinko machine 100, the launch motor is driven with a strength corresponding to the amount of operation of the player's ball launch handle 134, and the outer rail 202 and the inner rail 204 are passed by the launcher 146 and the launcher 148 into the game area 124. Launch. Then, the ball that has reached the upper part of the game area 124 falls downward while changing the advancing direction by the hitting direction changing member 236, the game nail 238, etc., and a winning opening (general winning opening 226, variable winning opening 234) or start opening (Outside the first special figure starting port 230, the second special figure starting port 232), winning out any winning port or starting port, or just passing through the normal start port 228, the out port 240 To reach.

<Directing device 206>
Next, the rendering device 206 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  On the front side of the effect device 206, a warp device 242 and a stage 244 are arranged in an area where the game ball can roll, and an effect movable body 224 is arranged in an area where the game ball cannot roll. . In addition, a decorative symbol display device 208 is disposed on the back side of the effect device 206. That is, in the effect device 206, the decorative symbol display device 208 is positioned behind the warp device 242, the stage 244, and the effect movable body 224.

  The warp device 242 discharges the game balls that have entered the warp inlet 242a provided at the upper left of the effect device 206 to the stage 244 below the front surface of the effect device 206 from the warp outlet 242b.

  The stage 244 can roll a ball discharged from the warp outlet 242b or a ball naild by the game nail 238, etc., and the passed ball enters the first special figure starting port 230 at the center of the stage 244. A special route 244a is provided to facilitate the ball.

  The effect movable body 224 corresponds to an example of a movable member in the present invention. In this embodiment, the effect movable body 224 includes an upper arm portion 224a and a forearm portion 224b simulating the upper arm and forearm of a human right arm, and an upper arm motor and an elbow (not shown) that rotate the upper arm portion 224a to the position of the shoulder. A forearm motor (not shown) that rotates the forearm 224b at a position is provided. The effect movable body 224 moves on the player side with respect to the decorative symbol display device 208 by the upper arm motor and the forearm motor.

<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 control unit of the pachinko machine 100 can be roughly classified into a main control unit 300 that controls the central part of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. A first sub-control unit 400 that controls the second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on a command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400, and a command transmitted by the main control unit 300 A payout control unit 600 that mainly performs control related to payout of game balls, a launch control unit 630 that controls the launch of game balls, and a power management unit 660 that controls the power supplied to the pachinko machine 100. Yes. In the present embodiment, the main control unit 300, the first sub control unit 400, and the second sub control unit 500 are composed of different circuit boards, but these three control units (300, 400, 500) are: The first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 may be composed of one common circuit board different from the circuit board of the main control unit 300. It may be a thing.

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

  The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control programs and various data, and temporary data. RAM 308 for storing data, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, counter timer 312 for measuring time and frequency, and WDT 314 for monitoring abnormalities in program processing are mounted. . Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 and the second control unit 500 described later. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 316b as a system clock.

  The basic circuit 302 includes a counter circuit 318 that is used as a hardware random number counter that changes a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535 each time a clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 316a is received, and various sensors 320 (main body Open sensors, front frame door sensors, door sensors with ball storage trays, bottom plate full tank detection sensors, and ball detection sensors provided inside each prize opening). Sensor circuit 322 for outputting the result of comparison to the counter circuit 318 and the basic circuit 302, a drive circuit 324 for performing display control of the special figure display device 212, and for performing display control of the general map display device 210. Table of the drive circuit 326 and various status display units 328 (for example, the universal map hold lamp 216, the special figure hold lamp 218, the high accuracy medium lamp 222, etc.) A drive circuit 330 for controlling, connects the drive circuit 334 for controlling the solenoids 332 for opening and closing the like second Laid view start hole 232 and the variable winning opening 234.

  When the ball detection sensor among the various sensors 320 detects that a ball has won the first special figure starting port 230, the sensor circuit 322 sends a signal indicating that the ball has been detected to the counter circuit 316. Output. Upon receiving this signal, the counter circuit 316 latches the value of the counter corresponding to the first special figure starting port 230 at that timing, and stores the latched value in the built-in counter value corresponding to the first special figure starting port 230. 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 232, the counter circuit 316 latches the value at the timing of the counter corresponding to the second special figure starting port 232. The latched value is stored in a built-in counter value storage register corresponding to the second special figure starting port 232.

  Further, an information output circuit 336 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 is connected to an information input circuit 350 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 336. The game information of the machine 100 (for example, information indicating the control state) is output.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 is provided with a voltage monitoring circuit 338 that monitors the voltage value of the power source supplied from the power management unit 660 to the main control unit 300. The voltage monitoring circuit 338 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 decreased is output to the basic circuit 302.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 340 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When an activation signal is input, game control is started (main control section main processing described later is started).

  The main control unit 300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub-control unit 400 and an output interface for transmitting a command to the payout control unit 600. With this configuration, the first control unit 300 Communication with the sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600 is enabled. Information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600 is one-way communication. The main control unit 300 sends commands and the like to the first sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600. The first sub control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600 are configured such that signals such as commands cannot be transmitted to the main control unit 300.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 400 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 mainly based on commands transmitted from the main control unit 300. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404 and A RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, the number of times, and the like are mounted. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The CPU 404 corresponds to an example of the notification information control unit according to the present invention. The basic circuit 402 is connected to a ROM 406 that stores a control program, various effects data, and the like. The ROM 406 may store the control program and various effect data in separate ROMs.

  The basic circuit 402 includes a sound source IC 416 for controlling the speaker 120 (and amplifier), a drive circuit 420 for controlling various lamps 418 (for example, the chance button lamp 138), and the configuration shown in FIG. A chance button detection sensor 426 that detects pressing of the chance button 136, a sensor circuit 428 that outputs a detection signal from the chance button detection sensor 426 to the basic circuit 402, and image data stored in the ROM 406 based on a signal from the CPU 404 Are connected to a VDP 434 (video display processor) that generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 436 and displays the image on the decorative symbol display device 208.

  Next, the second sub control unit 500 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. The second sub-control unit 500 includes a basic circuit 502 that receives the control command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400 via the input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on the control command. The basic circuit 502 includes a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer for measuring time and frequency 512 is installed. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. The basic circuit 502 is connected to a ROM 506 in which a control program and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, and the like are stored. The ROM 506 may store the control program and various data in separate ROMs.

  Further, the basic circuit 502 outputs a detection signal from the drive circuit 516 for controlling the drive of the effect movable body 224 and the effect movable body sensor 424 for detecting the current position of the effect movable body 224 to the basic circuit 502. The sensor circuit 518 is connected to a serial communication control circuit 520 described later in detail. The serial communication control circuit 520 includes a game board lamp drive circuit 530 for controlling the game board lamp 532, and a game table frame lamp drive circuit 540 for controlling the game table frame lamp 122. , Is connected. Further, the serial communication control circuit 520 performs lighting control by serial communication between the game board lamp driving circuit 530 and the game board frame lamp driving circuit 540 based on a signal from the CPU 504.

<Discharge control unit, launch control unit, power supply management unit>
Next, the payout control unit 600, the launch control unit 630, and the power management unit 660 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  The payout control unit 600 controls the payout motor 602 of the payout device mainly based on a signal such as a command transmitted from the main control unit 300, and a prize ball or a rental ball based on a control signal output from the payout sensor 604. It is detected whether or not the payout has been completed, and communicates with a card unit 608 provided separately from the pachinko machine 100 via the interface unit 606.

  The launch control unit 630 outputs a control signal output from the payout control unit 600 to permit or stop the launch, or a launch intensity output circuit provided in the ball launch handle 134 to operate the ball launch handle 134 by the player. Based on the control signal instructing the launch intensity according to the amount, the launcher 146 shown in FIG. 1 and the launch motor 632 that drives the launcher 148 are controlled, and the ball is thrown from the upper plate 126 shown in FIG. The supplied ball feeder 634 is controlled.

  The power management unit 660 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the pachinko machine 100 into a direct current, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies the predetermined voltage to the payout control unit 600 and the second sub-control unit 500. The main control unit 300, the first sub control unit 400, and the launch control unit 630 are supplied with a predetermined voltage from the payout control unit 600. The power management unit 660 also stores a power storage circuit (for example, a power supply circuit) for supplying power to a predetermined component (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). In the present embodiment, a predetermined voltage is supplied from the power management unit 660 to the payout control unit 600 and the second sub control unit 500, and the main control unit 300, the first sub control unit 400, and the launch control unit are supplied from the payout control unit 600. Although a predetermined voltage is supplied to 630, the predetermined voltage may be supplied to each control unit and each device through another power supply path.

<Type of design>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C, the types of special maps and ordinary maps that are stopped and displayed by the special symbol display device 212, the decorative symbol display device 208, and the normal symbol display device 210 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. To do.

  Fig.4 (a) shows an example of the stop symbol aspect of a special figure.

  The special figure variable game is started on the condition that the start opening sensor which is a ball detection sensor detects that a ball has entered the first special figure start opening 230 or the second special figure start opening 232. When the special figure variable game is started, the special figure display device 212 displays “variable display of special figure” (special figure variable game) which repeats lighting of all seven segments and lighting of one central segment. Do. When the symbol variation display time determined before the start of the variation of the special figure elapses, the special diagram display device 212 stops and displays the special symbol stop symbol form.

  In FIG. 4 (a), three types of special maps from "Special Figure A" to "Special Figure C" are shown as the special symbol stop symbols. In FIG. 4A, the white portions in the figure indicate the segment locations where the light is turned off, and the black portions indicate the location where the segments are turned on.

  “Special Figure A” is 15 rounds (15R) jackpot symbol 1 (special jackpot symbol), and “Special Figure B” is 15R jackpot symbol 2 (normal jackpot symbol). In the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, as will be described later, whether or not a big hit in a special figure variable game is determined by a lottery of hardware random numbers. This is done by lottery of software random numbers. The difference between the jackpot and the special jackpot is the difference in whether the probability of winning the jackpot is high (special jackpot) or low (jackpot) in the next special figure variation game. Hereinafter, a state having a high probability of winning the jackpot is referred to as a special figure high probability state, and a state having a low probability is referred to as a special figure low probability state. Moreover, after the 15R special jackpot game ends and after the 15R jackpot game ends, both shift to the time-saving state. Here, the time saving means that the pachinko machine 100 is in an advantageous state for the player in order to shorten the time from the end of the jackpot in the special figure variable game to the start of the next jackpot. The state that shifts to the short time state is referred to as a normal high probability state, and the state that does not shift to the short time state is referred to as a general low probability state. “Special figure A”, which is a 15R special jackpot symbol, is a special figure high probability normal figure high probability state, and “Special figure B”, which is a 15R jackpot symbol, is a special figure low probability ordinary figure high probability state. These “special chart A” and “special chart B” are symbols that give a relatively large profit amount to the player.

  Here, the round means the number of chances that a predetermined amount of game value (predetermined number of balls) can be acquired. In the present embodiment, the maximum value of the number of actuations of the variable prize opening 234 shown in FIG. 2 is represented, and 15 rounds means one or more opening / closing operations of the variable prize opening 234 (one operation). ) Means that this operation lasts up to 15 times. Each round is one of a predetermined round end condition (for example, entry of a game ball of a predetermined number of balls (for example, 10 balls), acquisition of a predetermined amount of game value (predetermined number of balls), elapse of a predetermined time from the start of the round, etc. Or the process ends.

  On the other hand, the “special drawing C” is an outlier symbol, which is a symbol in which the profit amount given to the player is relatively small.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, a big hit that increases the player's advantage and a loss that decreases the player's advantage are prepared.

  In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, symbols other than “Special Illustration A” are also prepared as jackpot symbol 1 (special jackpot symbol), and the same applies to jackpot symbol 2 (normal jackpot symbol) and outlier symbols. is there.

  In addition to “Special Figure A” to “Special Figure C”, some jackpot symbols having a short number of rounds (for example, 2R) may be prepared. For example, a jackpot symbol called sudden probability change (special figure high probability normal figure high probability state), a jackpot symbol called sudden shortage (special figure low probability ordinary figure high probability state), and hidden probability change A big hit symbol (a special figure high probability normal figure low probability state) or a big hit symbol called a sudden normal (a special figure low probability normal figure low probability state) may be prepared. Moreover, you may prepare a small hit pattern (per no-out). In addition, a plurality of special illustrations may be prepared.

  Further, in the embodiments described so far, there is one kind of special figure, but a plurality of special figures may be provided such as special figure 1 and special figure 2. In addition, the lottery based on the winning at the second special figure starting port 232 (judgment determination of special figure 2) is prioritized over the lottery based on the winning at the first special figure starting port 230 (judging determination of special figure 1). Alternatively, the lottery result notification in FIG. 2 may be given priority over the lottery result notification in FIG.

  FIG. 4B shows an example of a decorative design. There are 10 types of decoration patterns of the present embodiment: “Decoration 1” to “Decoration 10”. The first start port sensor detects that a ball has won the first special figure start port 230 or the second special view start port 232, that is, the ball has entered the first special view start port 230; or On the condition that the second start port sensor detects that a ball has entered the second special symbol start port 232, the left symbol display area 208a, the middle symbol display area 208b, and the right symbol display of the decorative symbol display device 208 are displayed. Displayed in the order of “decoration 1” → “decoration 2” → “decoration 3” →... “Decoration 9” → “decoration 10” → “decoration 1” →... “Decoration display of decorative pattern” is performed. That is, the decorative symbol display device 208 displays the decorative symbols in a variable manner separately from the special symbol display device 212. When “special drawing A” is notified, “decoration pattern combination 2” (for example, “decoration 3—decoration 3—decoration 3” in which the same odd number of ornamental patterns are arranged in the symbol display areas 208a to 208c. ”,“ Decoration 7-decoration 7-decoration 7 ”, etc.) are stopped and displayed. Further, when “special drawing B” is notified, “decoration pattern combination 1” (for example, “decoration 2—decoration 2—decoration 2”) in which three of the same even number of ornamental symbols are arranged in the symbol display areas 208a to 208c. ”And“ Decoration 4-Decoration 4-Decoration 4 ”) are stopped and displayed. Further, when the special symbol C, which is a missing symbol, is notified, combinations of decorative symbols other than “decorative symbol combination 1” and “decorative symbol combination 2” are displayed in the symbol display areas 208a to 208c (for example, Stop display.

  FIG.4 (c) shows an example of the usual stop display symbol. In this embodiment, there are two types of stoppage display modes of “normal map A”, which is a winning symbol, and “general map B”, which is a missed symbol. Based on the fact that the gate sensor, which is a sphere detection sensor, detects that the sphere has passed through the general start port 228, the general display display device 210 illuminates all seven segments and the central one segment. Repeat the lighting and perform “variable display of ordinary figure” (ordinary figure fluctuation game). Then, when notifying the winning of the common figure variable game, the “normal figure A” is stopped and displayed, and when notifying the deviation of the common figure variable game, the “normal figure B” is stopped and displayed. Also in FIG. 4C, the white portions in the figure indicate the locations of the segments that are turned off, and the black portions indicate the locations of the segments that are turned on.

<Main control unit main processing>
Next, a main control unit main process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the main process of the main control unit.

  As described above, the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 3 includes the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 340 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 performs reset start by a reset interrupt, and executes main control unit main processing shown in FIG. 6 in accordance with a control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.

  In step S101, initial setting 1 is performed. In this initial setting 1, 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 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, to the WDT 314 The operation is permitted and the initial value is set. In the present embodiment, a numerical value corresponding to 32.8 ms is set in WDT 314 as an initial value.

  In step S103, the value of the counter of WDT 314 is cleared, and time measurement by WDT 314 is restarted (hereinafter, this process is referred to as a WDT process).

  In step S105, whether or not the low voltage signal is on, that is, the voltage value of the power supply that the voltage monitoring circuit 338 supplies from the power management unit 660 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. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when the CPU 304 detects that the power supply is cut off), the process returns to step S103, and when the low voltage signal is off (when the CPU 304 does not detect that the power supply is cut off), the step is performed. The process proceeds to S107. Even when the predetermined value (9 V) is not yet reached immediately after the power is turned on, the process returns to step S103, and step S105 is repeatedly executed until the supply voltage becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined value.

  In step S107, 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, in the counter timer 312 and a predetermined port of the I / O 310 (for example, a test output port, A process of outputting a clear signal from the output port to the first sub control unit 400, a setting for permitting writing to the RAM 308, and the like are performed.

  In step S109, it is determined whether or not to return to the state before power interruption (before power interruption), and the state before 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 S113).

  Specifically, first, a RAM clear signal transmitted when a store clerk or the like of an amusement store operates the RWM clear switch 180 provided on the power supply board is turned on (indicates that there has been an operation). That is, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear is necessary. If the RAM clear signal is on (when the RAM clear is necessary), the process proceeds to step S113 to set the basic circuit 302 to the initial state. On the other hand, when the RAM clear signal is OFF (when the RAM clear is not necessary), the power status information stored in the power status storage area provided in the RAM 308 is read, and the power status information is information indicating suspend. It is determined whether or not. If the power status information is not information indicating suspend, the process proceeds to step S113 to set the basic circuit 302 to an 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). When the checksum result is a specific value (eg, 0) (when the checksum result is normal), the process proceeds to step S111 to return to the state before the power interruption, and the checksum result is a specific value. If the value is other than 0 (for example, 0) (if the result of the checksum is abnormal), the process proceeds to step S113 to set the pachinko machine 100 to the initial state. Similarly, when the power status information indicates information other than “suspend”, the process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S111, 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 and reset in 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 step S115) performed immediately before branching to the timer interrupt process (described later) immediately before the power interruption. A RAM 308 mounted on the basic circuit 302 in the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 3 is provided with a transmission information storage area. In step S111, a power recovery command is set 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 first sub-control unit 400 in step S229 in the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300, which will be described later.

  In step S113, initialization processing is performed. In this initialization process, interrupt prohibition setting, stack initial value setting to the stack pointer (this setting), 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 S113) of the main control unit 300 has been performed. Like the power recovery command, in step S229 in the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300, the normal return command 1 is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400.

  In step S115, after setting for prohibition of interruption, a basic random number initial value update process 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 ordinary figure winning random number counter and the special figure random value counter, the ordinary figure timer random number value, and the special figure timer, respectively. Two random number counters for generating each random number value 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. In addition, interrupt permission is set after the basic random number initial value updating process is completed.

  Thereafter, the main control unit 300 repeatedly executes the process of step S115 except during a timer interrupt process that starts every predetermined period.

<Main control unit timer interrupt processing>
Next, a main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process.

  As described above, the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 3 includes the counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms). The main control unit timer interrupt process is started at a predetermined cycle.

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

  In step S203, the WDT is periodically updated (so that the count value of the WDT 314 exceeds the initial setting value (32.8 ms in the present embodiment) and no WDT interruption occurs (so as not to detect a processing abnormality). In the embodiment, the restart is performed once every about 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step S205, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port state update process, the detection signals of various sensors 320 shown in FIG. 3 including various sphere detection sensors are input via the input port of the I / O 310 to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signals, and various kinds of data are stored in the RAM 308. The data is stored in a signal state storage area provided for each sensor 320. If the detection signal of the sphere detection sensor is described as an example, 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 for each sphere detection sensor. This information is read out from the previous detection signal storage area partitioned and stored in the RAM 308 in the previous detection signal storage area partitioned for each sphere detection sensor, and the previous timer interrupt processing (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 read out from the previous detection signal storage area described above. To remember. Further, the detection signals of the respective sphere detection sensors detected this time are stored in the above-described current detection signal storage area.

  Further, in this step S205, the information on the presence or absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor stored in each storage area of the above-mentioned detection signal storage area, the previous detection signal storage area, and the current detection signal storage area is compared. It is determined whether or not the information on the presence or absence of detection signals for the past three times in each sphere detection sensor matches the winning determination pattern information. This main control unit timer interrupt process that is repeatedly started at a very short interval of about 2 ms while one game ball passes one ball detection sensor is started several times. For this reason, every time the main control unit timer interrupt process is activated, in step S205 described above, a detection signal indicating that the same game ball has passed the same ball detection sensor is confirmed. As a result, a detection signal indicating that the same game ball has passed the same ball detection sensor is stored in each of the detection signal storage area, the previous detection signal storage area, and the current detection signal storage area. That is, when the game ball starts to pass through the ball detection sensor, there is no detection signal before, a previous detection signal, and a current detection signal. In the present embodiment, in consideration of erroneous detection of the sphere detection sensor and noise, it is determined that there is a prize when the detection signal is stored twice continuously after no detection signal. The ROM 306 of the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 3 stores winning determination pattern information (in this embodiment, information indicating that there is no previous detection signal, that there is a previous detection signal, and that there is a current detection signal). In this step S205, 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, current detection signal present). In the case of the general winning port 226, the variable winning port 234, the first special figure starting port 230, and the second special figure starting port 232, or the ordinary drawing starting port 228. Is determined to have passed. In other words, it is determined that a prize has been awarded to the winning ports 226 and 234 and the starting ports 230, 232, and 228. For example, when the information on the presence / absence of the detection signals for the past three matches with the above-described winning determination pattern information in the general winning opening sensor for detecting the winning at the general winning opening 226, there is a winning at the general winning opening 226. If the information on the presence / absence of detection signals for the past three times does not match the above-described winning determination pattern information, the subsequent general winnings are performed. The process branches to the subsequent process without performing the process associated with winning the prize to the mouth 226. Note that the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300 stores winning determination clear pattern information (in this embodiment, information indicating that there is a detection signal before the previous time, no previous detection signal, and no current detection signal). After it is determined that there has been a single win, it is not determined that there has been a win until the information on the presence or absence of detection signals for the past three times matches the winning determination clear pattern information in each ball detection sensor, and the winning determination is cleared. If it matches the pattern information, it is next determined whether or not it matches the winning determination pattern information.

  In step S207 and step S209, 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 S115 is updated, and then the normal winning random number value used in the main control unit 300, Two random number counters for generating special figure winning random values are updated. For example, assuming that the range of values that can be taken as a random number value for winning a normal figure is 0 to 99, a value is acquired from a random number counter storage area for generating a random number value for a normal winning figure provided in the RAM 308, and 1 is added to the acquired value. Then, it is stored in the original random number counter storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the acquired value is 100, 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 99, 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. Further, apart from the above-described initial value storage area for determining that the random number counter for generating the random number for winning the normal signal has made one round next, 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 S211, 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 RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 is provided with a notice lottery random number counter that generates a special figure notice lottery random number value that can take a value ranging from 0 to 127. In step S211, the values of these counters are updated.

  In step S213, timer update processing is performed. In this timer update process, the normal symbol display design update timer for timing the time for the symbol to be changed / stopped on the normal symbol display device 210, and the time for the symbol to be changed / stopped to be displayed on the special symbol display device 212 are counted. Various timers including a special figure display symbol update timer, a timer for measuring a predetermined winning effect time, a predetermined opening time, a predetermined closing time, a predetermined end effect period, and the like are updated.

  In step S215, a winning opening counter determination process is performed. In this process, when the winning holes 226, 234 and the starting holes 230, 232, 228 are won, the value of the winning ball number storage area provided for each winning hole or each starting hole is read into the RAM 308, 1 is added to the original prize ball number storage area.

  In step S217, a winning acceptance process is performed. In this winning acceptance process, the first special figure starting port 230 or the second special figure starting port 232 has won a prize, and the number of special figure variable games that are on hold is less than a predetermined number (4 in this embodiment). In some cases, predetermined start-up information is stored. That is, if the number of holdings is less than the predetermined number, the jackpot determination random number value and the jackpot special figure determination random number value are stored. The jackpot determination random number value is a value obtained by processing the hardware random number acquired from the counter circuit 318 shown in FIG. 3 (hardware random number value + R register value + 1). On the other hand, the jackpot special figure determination random number value is a value obtained by processing the software random number acquired from the big hit special figure determination random number counter provided in the RAM 308 (software random number value + R register value + 1). Various random values (starting information) are stored as a set of starting information in a vacant area corresponding to a winning order (holding order) in a special-purpose holding storage unit provided in the RAM 308. In addition, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 adds 1 to the value of the number of reserved special figures stored in the RAM 308, and the number of special figure held increases by one.

  In addition, when it is detected that the ball has passed through the general map start opening 228 and the number of the general map variable games held is less than a predetermined number (2 in the present embodiment), the general map at that timing is used. The value of the random number counter for generating the winning random number value is stored in the random value storage area different from that for the special chart provided in the RAM 308 as the normal winning random number value as start information. In this winning determination process, a predetermined ball detection sensor is used to receive a prize (win ball) at the first special figure starting port 230, the second special figure starting port 232, the ordinary drawing starting port 228, or the variable winning port 234. When detected, the transmission information to be transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 includes winnings in the first special figure starting port 230, the second special figure starting port 232, the ordinary drawing starting port 228, and the variable winning port 234 ( Set the winning acceptance information indicating the presence or absence of (entering).

  Whether the start information of the special figure or the start information of the usual figure, if the number of holds is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S219 without storing the start information.

  In step S219, a payout request number transmission process is performed. The output schedule information and the payout request information output to the payout control unit 600 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 S221, a normal state update process is performed. In this normal state update process, one of a plurality of processes corresponding to the normal state is performed. Hereinafter, seven processes will be described in detail as a plurality of processes.

  The first process is a general chart state update process in the middle of a general map change display (the value of the above-described general map display symbol update timer is 1 or more). In this process, lighting / extinguishing drive control is performed to repeatedly turn on and off the 7-segment LED constituting the normal symbol display device 210. By performing this control, the normal symbol display device 210 performs a usual fluctuation display (ordinary figure fluctuation game).

  The second process is a normal state update process at the timing when the normal map change display time has elapsed (the timing when the value of the normal map display symbol update timer has changed from 1 to 0). In this process, when the hit flag is on, the 7-segment LED constituting the normal symbol display device 210 is turned on / off to control the hit symbol display mode. When the hit flag is off, The 7-segment LED constituting the normal symbol display device 210 is controlled to be turned on / off so as to be in the display mode of the off symbol. The RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 is provided with a setting area for performing various settings in various processes, not limited to the normal state update process described here. Here, the above-described lighting / extinguishing drive control is performed, and the setting area is set to indicate that the normal stop display is being performed. By performing this control, the normal symbol display device 210 determines the symbol of either the winning symbol (general symbol A shown in FIG. 4C) or the off symbol (general symbol B shown in FIG. 4C). Display. Thereafter, information indicating the stop period is set in a storage area of a normal stop time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to maintain the display for a predetermined stop display period (for example, 500 msec). With this setting, the symbol that has been confirmed and displayed is stopped and displayed for a predetermined period, and the player is notified of the result of the normal game.

  Further, if the result of the usual figure variable game is a hit, the usual figure hit flag is turned on as will be described later. The third processing is the normal state at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (the time when the value of the normal stop time management timer is changed from 1 to 0) when the per-normal flag is on. Update process. In this processing, the normal operation is set in the setting area of the RAM 308, and the solenoid for opening / closing driving (332) of the blade member 2321 of the second special figure starting port 232 for a predetermined opening period (for example, 2 seconds), A signal for holding the blade member 2321 in the open state is output, and information indicating the open period is set in the storage area of the blade open time management timer provided in the RAM 308.

  The fourth process is a normal state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined opening period ends (the timing when the value of the blade opening time management timer changes from 1 to 0). In this process, a signal for holding the blade member 2321 in the closed state is output to the solenoid (332) for opening and closing the blade member 2321 for a predetermined closing period (for example, 500 msec), and the blade closing time provided in the RAM 308 Information indicating the closing period is set in the storage area of the management timer.

  The fifth process is a normal state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined closing period ends (the timing when the value of the blade closing time management timer changes from 1 to 0). In this process, the normal operation inactive is set in the setting area of the RAM 308. Further, if the result of the usual figure variable game is out of play, the usual figure out flag is turned on as will be described later.

  The sixth process is a process in which the above-described stoppage display period ends when the above-described usual-off flag is on (a timing when the value of the stoppage management timer is changed from 1 to 0). It is a diagram state update process. Even in this process, the normal operation inactive is set in the setting area of the RAM 308.

  In the normal state update process in the case where the normal state is not in operation, which is the seventh process, nothing is done and the process proceeds to the next step S223.

  In step S223, 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 232 is not performed (the state of the general map is not in operation), and the pending general map variable game is not held. When the number is 1 or more, it is decided whether to win or not to win the result of the variable figure game by random lottery based on the random number value stored in the random number value storage area. If the winning judgment is made and the winning is made, the winning flag provided in the RAM 308 is set to ON. If unsuccessful, turn off the winning flag. Regardless of the result of the hit determination, next, the value of the random number counter for generating the normal figure timer random value is acquired as the normal figure timer random number value, and a plurality of fluctuation times are obtained based on the acquired general figure timer random number value. One time is selected for variably displaying the normal map on the general map display device 210, and this variable display time is stored as a normal map variable display time in a general map variable time storage area provided in the RAM 308. 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.

  When the general drawing related lottery process at step S223 is completed, a special figure state update process (step S225) is performed. This special figure state update process performs one of a plurality of processes in accordance with the state of the special figure. Hereinafter, the eight processes will be described in detail as a plurality of processes.

  The first process is a special figure state update process in the middle of special figure fluctuation display (the value of the above-mentioned special figure display symbol update timer is 1 or more). In this process, lighting / extinguishing drive control for repeatedly turning on and off the 7-segment LED constituting the special figure display device 212 is performed. By performing this control, the special figure display device 212 performs a special figure fluctuation display (special figure fluctuation game).

  The second process is a special figure state update process that starts at the timing when the special symbol display time of the special symbol has elapsed (the timing when the value of the special symbol display symbol update timer changes from 1 to 0). In the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300, a big hit flag and a probability change flag are prepared. In the second process, when the big hit flag is on and the probability change flag is also on, FIG. The special figure display device 212 is configured so that the special figure A, the big hit flag is turned on, the special variation flag is turned off, the special figure B when the big hit flag is turned off, and the special figure C when the big hit flag is turned off. 7 segment LED lighting / extinguishing drive control is performed, and setting indicating that the special figure stop display is being performed is performed in the setting area of the RAM 308. By performing this control, the special symbol display device 212 displays a confirmed display of any one of the big hit symbol 1 (special symbol A), the big hit symbol 2 (special symbol B), and the off symbol (special symbol C). Do. Thereafter, information indicating the stop period is set in a storage area of a special figure stop time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to maintain the display for a predetermined stop display period (for example, 500 msec). With this setting, the special figure that has been confirmed is stopped and displayed for a predetermined period, and the result of the special figure variable game is notified to the player. The RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 is provided with a transmission information storage area. In order to execute a symbol variation start command in a command setting transmission process (step S215) described later, 4H is transmitted in the transmission information storage area (general information) Information) is additionally stored and the process is terminated.

  When the result of the special figure variable game is a big hit, the big hit flag is turned on at the start of the special figure variable game. The third process is a special figure state update process at a timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (a timing when the value of the special figure stop time management timer changes from 1 to 0) when the jackpot flag is on. It is. In this process, a special drawing operation is set in the setting area of the RAM 308, and an image for notifying the player that a predetermined winning effect period (for example, 3 seconds), that is, a big hit by the decorative symbol display device 208 starts, is displayed. The information indicating the winning effect period is set in the storage area of the special figure waiting time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to wait for the waiting period. Further, 5H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute a winning effect start command in the command setting transmission process (step S215).

  The fourth process is a special figure state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined winning effect period ends (when the value of the special figure standby time management timer changes from 1 to 0). In this process, the door member 2341 of the variable winning opening 234 shown in FIG. 2 has a predetermined opening period (for example, 29 seconds or until a winning of a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10 balls) is detected in the variable winning opening 234). A signal for holding the door member 2341 in the open state is output to the open / close drive solenoid (332), and information indicating the open period is set in the storage area of the door open time management timer provided in the RAM 308. In addition, 7H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the special winning opening release command in the command setting transmission process (step S215).

  The fifth process is a special figure state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined opening period ends (the timing at which the door opening time management timer value changes from 1 to 0). In this process, a signal for holding the door member 2341 in the closed state is output to the solenoid (332) for opening and closing the door member 2341 of the variable prize opening 234 for a predetermined closing period (for example, 1.5 seconds), and the RAM 308 The information indicating the closing period is set in the storage area of the door closing time management timer provided in. In addition, 8H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the big prize closing command in the command setting transmission process (step S215).

  The sixth process is a special figure state update process that starts and closes when the opening / closing control of the door member 2341 shown in FIG. 2 is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds or 2 rounds). In this process, the RAM 308 is provided to set to wait for a predetermined end effect period (for example, 3 seconds), that is, a period during which an image for notifying the player that the jackpot by the decorative symbol display device 208 is to be ended is displayed. The information indicating the production standby period is set in the storage area of the production standby time management timer.

At the same time as the end of the jackpot game, the time reduction number 100 is set in the time reduction number storage unit provided in the RAM 308, and the time reduction flag provided in the RAM 308 is turned on. As described above, the time saving means that the pachinko machine is in an advantageous state for the player in order to shorten the time from the end of the big hit in the special figure variable game to the start of the next big hit. If the short time flag is set to ON at this time, it is a normal high probability state. In the ordinary high probability state, compared to the ordinary low probability state, if the common figure variable game is hit, there is a high possibility that the variation time will be shortened. Also, the fluctuation time of the normal figure variable game is shorter in the normal figure high probability state than in the normal figure low probability state. Further, in the normal high-probability state, the opening time in one opening of the pair of blade members of the second special start port 232 tends to be longer than in the normal low-probability state. In addition, the pair of blade members are more likely to be opened in the normal high probability state than in the normal low probability state. Further, the hourly flag is set to off during the big hit game (in the special game state). Therefore, the normal low probability state is maintained during the jackpot game. This is because, if the game is in a high probability state during a jackpot game, a large number of games will be placed in the second special figure start port 232 until a predetermined number of game balls are entered during the jackpot game. There is a problem that a ball enters and the number of game balls that can be acquired during the jackpot increases, resulting in an increase in euphoria. This is to solve this problem.
Further, 6H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the end effect start command in the command setting transmission process (step S215).

  The seventh process is a special figure state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined end effect period ends (when the value of the effect standby time management timer changes from 1 to 0). In this process, special figure inactive is set in the setting area of the RAM 308. Furthermore, if the result of the special figure variation game is out of order, the out-of-game flag is turned on. When this error flag is ON, the special processing at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (the timing when the value of the special figure stop time management timer is changed from 1 to 0), which is the second process described above. Also in the figure state update process, special figure inactive is set in the setting area of the RAM 308.

  In the special figure state update process in the case of special figure inactive, which is the final eighth process, nothing is done and the process proceeds to the next special figure related lottery process (step S227).

  When the special figure state update process in step S225 is completed, the special figure related lottery process in step S227 is performed. In this special figure related lottery process, a lottery (whether or not is determined) is executed, a special figure to be stopped and a timer number is determined when a predetermined special figure variation start condition is established. The special figure fluctuation start condition is that the previous special figure fluctuation display has ended and a predetermined special figure stop period (for example, 0.7 seconds) has elapsed. If this special figure variation start condition is satisfied, the most recently stored starting information, that is, one set of random values (a big hit determination random number value and a big hit time special figure determination) are stored from the holding storage unit provided in the RAM 308. The random number is taken out, and the starting information (a set of random values) still stored in the reserved storage unit is transferred from the area currently stored to the next area. That is, the start information stored in the past is taken out from the hold storage unit, and if the start information is stored in the hold storage unit, the Nth oldest start information is set as the (N-1) oldest start information in the hold storage unit. It will be set. Also, 1 is subtracted from the pending number stored in the RAM 308.

  When the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 takes out the starting information, ie, one set of random values (random number for jackpot determination and random number for jackpot special figure determination) from the reserved storage unit of the RAM 308, first the jackpot determination A predetermined first lottery is performed based on the random number value for use, and “big hit” or “out of game” is derived as a result of the determination.

  If the determination result is “big hit”, then a predetermined second lottery based on the random number value for determining the special figure at the big hit (possible numerical range is 0 to 99) is performed, and the special figure determination result is “ The jackpot symbol 1 or the jackpot symbol 2 is derived. Note that when the result of the determination is “missing”, the special drawing for losing is one type, so the second lottery is not performed. The special figure determination result is information representing a symbol to be stopped and displayed by the special figure display device 212.

  Next, the command setting transmission process (step S229) will be described. In this command setting transmission process, various commands are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. Note that the output schedule information transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 is composed of 16 bits in the present embodiment, bit 15 is strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bit 11 -14 are command types (in this embodiment, information that can specify the type of command such as basic command, symbol variation start command, symbol variation stop command, winning effect start command, end effect start command, power recovery command, RAM clear command, etc. Bits 0 to 10 are composed of command data (predetermined information corresponding to the command type).

  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 big hit flag, the value of the special symbol probability variation flag, the timer number selected in the special symbol related lottery process, etc. In the case of a stop command, the value of the jackpot flag, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, etc. are included. In the case of the winning effect command and the end effect start command, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, etc., are included. In the case of the winning opening opening command and the large winning opening closing command, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, the current number of rounds, and the like 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 230, presence / absence of winning at the second special figure starting port 232, winning of the variable winning port 234 Includes presence or absence.

  In the first sub-control unit 400, it is possible to determine the production 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 it is included in the output schedule information. Based on the information of the command data, the contents of effect control can be determined.

  In step S231, 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 350 separate from the pachinko machine 100 via the information output circuit 334.

  In step S233, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, the signal statuses of various sensors stored in the signal status storage area in the above-described input port status update process (step S205) are read, and whether there is a front frame door open error or a lower pan full error, etc. A device indicating whether there is a front frame door open error or a lower plate full error in transmission information to be transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 when monitoring and detecting a front frame door open error or a lower plate full error Set the information. The device information set here is included in the basic command and transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. Also, the various solenoids 332 shown in FIG. 3 are driven to control the opening / closing of the second special figure starting port 232 and the variable prize opening 234, and the normal symbol display device 210, the special symbol display device 210, through the driving circuits 324, 326, 330. Display data to be output to the diagram display device 212, various status display units 328, and the like is set in the output port of the I / O 310. Further, the output schedule information set in the payout request number transmission process (step S219) is output to the first sub-control unit 400 via the output port (I / O 310).

  In step S235, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power supply cutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S239, and when the low voltage signal is off (when power supply cutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S237.

  In step S237, a timer interrupt end process is performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the values of the registers temporarily saved in step S201 are set in the original registers, the interrupt permission is set, and the like. Thereafter, the main control unit main process shown in FIG. Return to.

  On the other hand, in step S239, 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. After that, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

<Processing of First Sub-Control Unit 400>
The processing of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400.

  First, in step S301 in FIG. 9A, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, the initial setting in step S301 is executed. In this initial setting, initial setting of the I / O port 410 shown in FIG. 3, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 408, and the like are performed.

  In step S303, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10, and when the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S305. This timer variable is stored in the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408.

  In step S305, 0 is substituted into the timer variable.

  In step S307, command processing is performed. The CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 determines whether a command has been received from the main control unit 300.

  In step S309, effect control processing is performed. For example, when there is a new command in S307, processing such as reading the effect data corresponding to this command from the ROM 406 is performed, and when the effect data needs to be updated, the effect data is updated. Details of the effect process will be described later.

  In step S311, when the pressing of the chance button 136 shown in FIG. 1 is detected, the effect data updated in step S309 is changed to effect data corresponding to the pressing of the chance button 136. Details of the chance button control process will be described later.

  In step S313, image control processing using the VDP 434 and the VRAM 436 shown in FIG. 3 is executed. Details of this image control process will be described later.

  In step S315, if there is a command to the sound source IC 416 in the updated effect data, this command is output to the sound source IC 416.

  In step S317, if there is a command to the drive circuit 420 for the various lamps 418 in the updated effect data, this command is output to the drive circuit 420.

  In step S319, if there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the updated effect data, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to S303.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the first sub control unit 400. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output from the main control unit 300. In step S321 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in the command storage area provided in the RAM 408, and the command reception interrupt process is terminated.

  Next, the first sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a counter timer 412 that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms) based on a clock signal of a predetermined cycle output from the crystal oscillator 414. Using this timer interrupt as a trigger, timer interrupt processing is executed at a predetermined cycle.

  In step S331 of the first sub control unit timer interrupt process, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step S303 in the first sub control unit main process shown in FIG. Is stored in the timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S303, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

  In step S333 following step S331, it is determined whether or not a return timer variable is set. Details of the return timer will be described later. If this return timer is set, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S335, and if not set, the process proceeds to various update processes (step S341).

  In step S335, the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value of the return timer variable is stored as the original return timer variable. Then, in the next step S337, it is determined whether or not this return timer variable is zero. If the return timer variable is 0, the process proceeds to step S339. If the return timer variable is not 0, the process proceeds to various update processes in step S341.

  In step S339, the return flag is turned on, and the process proceeds to various update processes in step S341.

  In step S341, transmission of a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 set in step S319, an effect random number update process, and the like are performed, and this timer interrupt process ends.

  Next, details of the effect control process S309 of the first sub-control unit 400 shown in FIG. 7A will be described using FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing details of the effect control process S309 of the first sub-control unit 400.

  First, in the first step S401, it is determined whether or not the first sub-control unit 400 has received a symbol variation start command from the main control unit 300. If the symbol variation start command has been received, the process proceeds to the next symbol variation pattern determination process (step S403). If the symbol variation start command has not been received, the process proceeds to an effect data update process (step S407). .

  In the symbol variation pattern determination process (step S403), a symbol variation effect pattern executed by the decorative symbol display device 208 shown in FIG. 2 is determined, and the determined symbol variation pattern information is stored in an area in the RAM 408. Here, the symbol variation pattern refers to a change mode from the symbol variation start to the symbol stop in the decorative symbol display device 208. When the symbol variation pattern determination process is completed, the process proceeds to the effect content determination process which is the subsequent step S405.

  In the effect content determination process (step S405), stop symbol, reach line, etc. are determined according to each of the symbol variation pattern information, hit, miss, and probability change, and whether or not the additional effect can be executed and when the additional effect is executed. Determine the details of the production. Additional effects include an accessory effect, a cut-in effect that becomes a chance button effect, and the like. Here, the effect effect is an effect in which the effect movable body 224 moves, and for example, there is an effect of moving the player side of the decorative symbol display image 208 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a shielding effect). The chance button effect is an effect that is executed by pressing the chance button 136 within a predetermined period (operation valid period), and is displayed on the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208 shown in FIG. 2, for example. For example, there are an image cut-in effect that interrupts another image into a part of the generated image, an audio cut-in effect that increases the volume output from the speaker 120, and the like. In the following description, it is assumed that an image cut-in effect is adopted as the chance button effect unless otherwise specified.

  In the effect data update process (step S407), the effect data is updated when the effect data needs to be updated. Details of the effect data update process will be described later. When this effect data update process ends, the process proceeds to the next step S409.

  In step S409, processing corresponding to a command transmitted from the control unit 300 other than the symbol variation command is performed.

  Next, details of the effect data update process (step S407) shown in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing details of the effect data update process (step S407) shown in FIG.

  First, in first step S501, it is determined whether or not a chance button effect is being executed. If the chance button effect is being executed, the process proceeds to the next step S503, and if the chance button effect is not being executed, the process proceeds to step S509.

  In step S503, which proceeds when the chance button effect is executed in the first step S501, it is determined whether or not the return flag is turned on. Details of the return flag will be described later. If the return flag is turned on, the process proceeds to step S505. If the return flag is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S509.

  In step S505, which proceeds when the return flag is turned on in step S503, the coordinates for arranging the image cut-in effect are specially arranged on the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208 (corresponding to an example of the display area of the present invention). Switch from the coordinates to the normal placement coordinates. The special arrangement coordinates and the normal arrangement coordinates are coordinates that define the display range of the image cut-in effect in the display screen. Here, in the special arrangement coordinates, when an effect effect (details will be described later) by the effect movable body 224 shown in FIG. 2 is executed, a portion that can be visually recognized by the player is partially blocked by the effect effect. It is a coordinate for performing an image cut-in effect outside the shielded range in the display screen. On the other hand, the normal arrangement coordinates are coordinates for executing an image cut-in effect at the center of the display screen when the player can visually recognize the display screen. After the coordinates are switched in step S503, the process proceeds to step S507.

  In step S507, the return flag is turned off, and the process proceeds to step S509.

  In step S509, a process for updating data other than the special arrangement coordinates and the normal arrangement coordinates in the effect data is performed, and the effect data update process is terminated.

  Next, details of the chance button control process (step S311) shown in FIG. 7A will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing details of the chance button control process (step S311) shown in FIG.

  First, in the first step S601, it is determined whether or not the operation of the chance button 136 shown in FIG. This operation valid period is set when it is determined to execute the chance button effect in the effect content determination process (step S405) shown in FIG. If the process in step S601 is within the valid period, the process proceeds to the next step S603, and if not within the valid period, the chance button control process is terminated.

  In step S603, it is determined whether an operation of the chance button 136 is accepted. When the operation of the chance button 136 is accepted, that is, when the chance button 136 is pressed, the process proceeds to the next step S605, and when the chance button 136 is not pressed, the chance button control process is ended.

  In step S605, the chance button effect set in the effect content determination process (step S405) shown in FIG. 8 is set to be executed. Here, setting is performed so as to execute an image cut-in effect that is a chance button effect.

  In step S607 following step S605, it is determined whether or not an effect effect by the effect movable body 224 shown in FIG. 2 is being executed. If this accessory effect is being executed, the process proceeds to the next step S609, and if the accessory effect is not being executed, this chance button control process is terminated.

  In step S609, the coordinates defining the display range of the image cut-in effect in the decorative symbol display device 208 are set by switching from the normal arrangement coordinates to the special arrangement coordinates. In this embodiment, the normal arrangement coordinates are coordinates at which an image cut-in effect is executed at the center of the decorative image display device 208, and the special arrangement coordinates are image cut-in at the upper left in the display screen of the decorative image display device 208. The coordinates at which the performance is executed. By switching to the special arrangement coordinates and setting, the image cut-in effect is executed in a range not blocked by the effect movable body 224. When this setting is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S611.

  In step S611, 1000 is substituted for the return timer variable stored in the RAM 408, and the chance button control process is terminated. Note that the value assigned to the return timer variable is the time required for the effect movable body 224 executing the effect effect to retreat to the position where the decorative symbol display device 208 is not shielded (in this embodiment, 2 seconds). Is divided by the interrupt processing cycle (2 ms in this embodiment) (2 s / 2 ms = 1000).

<VDP control processing>
Next, the image control process in step S313 in the main process of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing, and information (attribute data) transmitted and received between the CPU 404 and the VDP 434 along with the image control processing.

  In step S701, an instruction to transfer data such as a character image and a background image displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208 is issued. Here, the CPU 404 stores the transfer source address indicating the address of the image data stored in the ROM 406, the transfer destination address indicating the address where the image data is stored in the VRAM 436, and the ROM 406 based on these addresses. A command for transferring the image data to the VRAM 436 is transmitted to the VDP 434. The VDP 434 transfers image data from the ROM 406 to the VRAM 436 based on the transmitted command, and then outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 404.

  In step S703, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal from the VDP 434 is input. If a transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step S705. Otherwise, a transfer end interrupt signal is input. The determination process in step S703 is repeated until

  In step S705, an attribute instruction is given. In this attribute instruction, the CPU 404 instructs the decorative symbol display device 208 to display the image data transferred to the VRAM 436 in step S701. In accordance with this instruction, the VDP 434 makes settings in the VRAM 436. More specifically, information such as the address where the data of the display target image is stored, the coordinates and size at which the image is arranged, and the order in which the images are overlaid are set in the VRAM 436.

  In step S707, an image generation instruction is issued. In this image generation instruction, the CPU 404 instructs the VDP 434 to start generating an image. The VDP 434 starts image generation in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404.

  In step S709, it is determined whether or not the generation end interrupt signal from VDP 434 is input. If the generation end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step S711. Otherwise, the generation end interrupt signal is input. Wait for it. In step S711, it is determined whether or not the VSYNC interrupt signal from the VDP 434 has been input. If the VSYNC interrupt signal has been input, the process ends. If not, the process waits for the VSYNC interrupt signal to be input.

<Processing of second sub-control unit 500>
The process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 7B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 8C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500.

  First, in step S801 in FIG. 9A, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, an initialization process is executed in step S801. In this initialization processing, initial setting of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 508, and the like are performed.

  In step S803, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S805.

  In step S805, 0 is assigned to the timer variable.

  In step S807, command processing is performed. The CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 determines whether a command has been received from the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400.

  In step S809, effect control processing is performed. For example, if there is a new command in step S807, the effect data corresponding to this command is read from the ROM 506, and if the effect data needs to be updated, the effect data is updated.

  In step S 811, if there is a command from the first sub-control unit 400 to the game board lamp 532 or the game table frame lamp 122, this command is output to the serial communication control circuit 520.

  In step S813, if there is a command from the first sub control unit 400 to the effect movable body 224, this command is output to the drive circuit 516, and the process returns to step S803.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the second sub control unit 500 detects the strobe signal output from the first sub control unit 400. In step S821 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the first sub-control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in the command storage area provided in the RAM 508, and then the command reception interrupt process is terminated.

  Next, the second sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. The second sub-control unit 500 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and a timer interrupt process is performed in response to this timer interrupt. Execute in the cycle.

  In step S831 of the second sub control unit timer interrupt process, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 508 described in step S803 in the second sub control unit main process shown in FIG. Is stored in the timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S803, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

  In step S833 of the second sub-control unit timer interrupt process, an effect random number update process is performed, and then this timer interrupt process is terminated.

  Next, the timing of the symbol variation effect and the additional effect executed by the decorative symbol display device 208 shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, during the production by the symbol variation pattern A determined in the symbol variation pattern determination process (step S403) of FIG. 8 (the effect of shifting from symbol variation to reach variation) as the effect content, the effect content determination processing (step A case where the additional effect determined in S405) is executed will be described.

  Here, “reach” means that the result of the lottery (win / fail judgment) in the special drawing related lottery process (step S227) becomes a specific win / fail judgment result (predetermined result with high player advantage). This is a notice effect that is notified to the player in advance before the result of the determination of the success / failure, and whether or not the reach is performed is determined after the determination of the success / failure.

  A normal reach, which is a type of reach, generally displays a decorative symbol in which two symbol display areas (for example, the left and right symbol display areas 208a and 208c shown in FIG. 2) are equal, and displays the remaining one symbol display area (for example, a middle symbol). If the display area 208b) is in a variably displayed state, that is, if the variably displayed symbol display area stops displaying a specific symbol (a symbol equal to the symbol display area that is stopped), a predetermined jackpot symbol This is a state in which the combination of is stopped and displayed. In addition, the super reach is obtained by adding a special variation display to the normal reach to improve the production effect (long reach, normal reverse reach, etc.). In addition, the reach also has special variations such as special multi-line reach, full rotation reach, special full rotation reach, etc., when simply reaching, it means a variation pattern of decorative design including normal reach, super reach and special variation. To do.

  FIG. 13A is a diagram showing the timing of the symbol variation pattern A and the additional effect A. Here, the additional effect A is an effect effect (shielding effect) by the effect movable body 224. FIG. 13A shows that the symbol variation by the symbol variation pattern A and the additional effect A start at the same time, and that the effect effect has ended before the symbol variation changes to reach variation.

  FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the timing of the symbol variation pattern A and the additional effect B. Here, the additional effect B is an image cut-in effect that is one aspect of the above-described chance button effect, and is an effect that is executed by operating the chance button 136 shown in FIG. 1 within the operation effective period. In addition, in FIG.13 (b), this operation effective period is shown by the arrow. When this effect is executed, another image is displayed on a part of the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208 shown in FIG. FIG. 13B shows that the chance button effect is executed during the period from the middle of the symbol variation until the reach variation is started.

  FIG. 13C is a diagram showing execution timings of the three effects of the symbol variation pattern A, the additional effect A, and the additional effect B shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B. In this figure, the period in which the additional effect A and the additional effect B are performed simultaneously is indicated by the left-down hatching. As described above, when the chance button 136 is pressed within the operation effective period, an image cut-in effect that is a chance button effect is executed. In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, an effect in which a character image is displayed on a part of the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208 is executed. If the shielding effect is executed at this time, the effect movable body 224 shields a part of the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208, so that the player cannot visually recognize the image cut-in effect. Or, it becomes difficult to see. However, in order to avoid this state, if the effect movable body 224 is moved to a position where the display screen is not shielded by, for example, stopping the shielding effect before the operation effective period, the chance button effect is generated. May be predicted by the player. Furthermore, when the image cut-in effect is executed when the pachinko machine 100 is in a state advantageous to the player, there is a possibility that the game state of the pachinko machine 100 may be inferred by the player. If the gaming state is inferred, it may result in killing the game preferences. Therefore, when the shielding effect is being executed and the chance button 136 is pressed within the operation effective period, that is, when the image cut-in effect is started during the shielding effect, the effect is movable so as to end the shielding effect halfway. A process of moving the body 224 to the standby position (hereinafter, moving to the standby position may be referred to as retraction) is performed. However, in the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, it takes up to 2 seconds to retract the effect movable body 224. Therefore, the position of the image displayed by the image cut-in effect is changed to a position where the player can visually recognize until the evacuation is completed. Hereinafter, the details of this state will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

  FIG. 14A is a diagram showing an initial operation of the effect movable body 224 in the effect production. In this figure, a decorative symbol display device 208 and an effect movable body 224 (corresponding to an example of a movable member of the present invention) provided in the effect device 206 are shown. The effect movable body 224 is controlled by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 via the drive circuit 516. FIG. 14A shows in order from the top how this effect movable body 224 shields the display screen (corresponding to an example of the display area of the present invention) of the decorative symbol display device 208 from the standby state.

  First, in the uppermost figure, the standby state of the effect movable body 224 with respect to the decorative symbol display device 208 is shown. The effect movable body 224 stands by at this standby position (corresponding to a predetermined position in the movable member of the present invention) when the accessory effect is not performed. This effect movable body 224 performs a two-stage operation roughly. Specifically, first, the first movement shown in the uppermost figure to the middle figure, and the upper arm shown in the middle figure to the lowermost figure. A second operation of lifting the part 224a is performed. In order to avoid this, if the upper arm 224a is lifted without lifting the forearm 224b, the forearm 224b collides with the frame of the effect device 206 (see the portion indicated by a circle in the figure). The above two-stage operation is performed. By this operation, the movable member 224 is on the player side of the decorative symbol display device 208 and moves to a shielding position where a part of the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208 is shielded. In the middle figure, a part of the forearm part 224b shields a part of the display screen, and in the bottom figure, the whole forearm part 224b and a part of the upper arm part 224a are displayed on the display. A part of the screen is shielded. That is, the position of the effect movable body 224 shown in these drawings corresponds to an example of the shielding position of the present invention. Note that after the two-stage operation, the forearm 224b repeatedly moves up and down on the player side of the display area.

  FIG. 14B is a diagram illustrating the retraction operation of the effect movable body 224 in the effect effect. In the figure, contrary to FIG. 14 (a), the effect movable body 224 shielding the decorative symbol display device 208 is retracted to the standby position in order from the top. The uppermost figure is a scene during the repeated movement of the forearm portion 224b described in FIG. 14A, and the effect movable body 224 is in the shielding position. As shown in this figure, when the upper arm 224a is moved down with the upper arm 224a and the forearm 224b extended, the forearm 224b collides with the frame of the effect device 206. For this reason, when retracting the effect movable body 224, a two-stage operation is performed. In FIG. 14 (b), the first operation for lifting the forearm portion 224b is shown from the top view to the middle view, and the second operation for lowering the forearm portion 224b from the middle view to the bottom view. It is shown. By these two operations, the effect movable body 224 can be retracted to a position where the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208 is not blocked. Although the effect movable body 224 is not retracted to the standby position in the lowermost drawing, it is subsequently retracted to the standby position.

  When a large apparatus such as the effect movable body 224 shown in FIG. 14 is used, a more powerful effect can be performed, but there is a problem that the above-described operation is restricted.

  FIG. 15A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the image cut-in effect is executed in a state where the effect movable body 224 does not perform the accessory effect. As described above, this image cut-in effect is an effect in which an image is displayed on a part of the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208 by operating the chance button 136 within the operation valid period of the chance button 136. In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15A, three images from step 1 to step 3 are displayed in order. When the accessory effect is not executed, the image cut-in effect is displayed at the center of the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208 (corresponding to an example of the predetermined area of the present invention).

  FIG. 15B is a diagram showing a state in which the effect effect by the effect movable body 224 and the image cut-in effect are simultaneously executed.

  In the same figure, the effect movable body 224 blocks the part of the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208 by performing the effect effect, and the image displayed by the image cut-in effect is the effect movable body. A state of being displayed on the upper left of the display screen (corresponding to an example of the non-shielding region of the present invention) that is not shielded by 224 is shown.

  As described in FIG. 13, when the accessory effect shown in FIG. 14 and the image cut-in effect shown in FIG. 15A are executed simultaneously, the image cut-in effect is shielded by the effect movable body 224. Therefore, the effect movable body 224 is retracted to the standby position. However, as described with reference to FIG. 14, the effect movable body 224 has a limited operation due to its size, and it takes a retreat time (2 seconds in this embodiment) to retreat to the standby position. Therefore, during this evacuation time, the display position and size of the image cut-in effect can be changed as shown in FIG. This will be described in detail below.

  As described above, when the effect effect is executed at the time of the image cut-in effect in which the operation valid period of the chance button 136 is operated, the image cut-in is performed while retracting the effect effect by the effect movable body 224 shown in FIG. The display position and size of the effect are changed, and this period is controlled by a return timer and a return flag. 1000 is assigned to the return timer when the image cut-in effect is generated during the effect production, and at the same time, the coordinates representing the area where the image cut-in effect is executed are changed from the normal arrangement coordinates to the special arrangement coordinates ( Step S609 and step S611 shown in FIG. By changing to the special arrangement coordinates, the image cut-in effect is displayed at the upper left of the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208. The value of the return timer is calculated from the fact that it takes 2 seconds at the maximum to retract the effect movable body 224 and that the interruption process has a cycle of 2 milliseconds. The value of the return timer variable is decreased by 1 in step S335 shown in FIG. 6C, and when the return timer becomes 0, the return flag is turned on in step S339 shown in FIG. When this return flag is turned on, the coordinates representing the area where the image cut-in effect is executed are changed from the special arrangement coordinates to the normal arrangement coordinates in step S505 shown in FIG. 9, and the image cut-in effect is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208. It will be displayed in the center of the screen. Here, since the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 6C is performed every 2 ms, it takes 2 seconds until the return flag is turned on. In other words, the image cut-in effect is displayed in the special arrangement coordinates for 2 seconds necessary for the effect movable body 224 to retreat, so that the notification can be made without being blocked by the effect movable body 224. . Note that the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment executes an image cut-in effect based on the special arrangement coordinates only until the effect movable body 224 moves (withdraws) to the standby position (for 2 seconds). However, for example, the image cut-in effect based on the special arrangement coordinates may be continuously executed without retracting the effect movable body 224.

  Here, the part which concerns on this invention among what was demonstrated so far is demonstrated. First, the decorative symbol display device 208 shown in FIG. 2 displays various notification information by displaying it in its display area, and corresponds to an example of the display device of the present invention. Further, a speaker 120 and various lamps (chance button lamp 138, game table frame lamp 122, and game board lamp 532) added to the decorative symbol display device 208 correspond to an example of the notification means referred to in the present invention. To do. Then, in the first sub-control unit 400 shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 404 that controls these notification means by executing a program in the ROM 406 causes the notification means to notify various notification information. This corresponds to an example of the notification information control means in the invention. Further, the effect movable body 224 overlaps at least a part of the display area of the display device on the player side from the standby position (corresponding to an example of the predetermined position) and shields a part thereof from the decorative symbol display device 208. And corresponds to an example of the movable member of the present invention.

  As described above, the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 corresponds to an example of the notification unit control unit of the present invention. The CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 performs the chance button effect without executing the accessory effect according to the chance button control process shown in FIG. 7 (more specifically, the process from step S601 to step S611 in FIG. 10). When it is decided to execute (when the effect movable body 224 is at a predetermined position), an image cut-in effect (corresponding to an example of display of predetermined notification information) is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208 based on the normal arrangement coordinates. When the chance button effect is executed during the role effect display (when the effect movable body 224 is at the shielding position), the image is cut-in effect when displayed at the center of the display screen (corresponding to an example of the predetermined area of the present invention). Is displayed on the upper left of the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208 (corresponding to an example of the non-shielding region of the present invention) based on the special arrangement coordinates.

  In this embodiment, the case where the image cut-in effect is executed based on the special arrangement coordinates when the effect movable body 224 that is executing the shield effect is in the shield position has been described. When the effect movable body 224 is determined to start the shielding effect, that is, when the effect movable body 224 is scheduled to move to the shielding position, the image cut-in effect is executed in advance based on the special arrangement coordinates. You may do.

  According to the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the player with the notification information accurately without carefully examining the notification mode according to the execution pattern of the effect movable body 224.

  In this embodiment, the notification is executed by changing the position and size of the image displayed in the image cut-in effect, but in addition to this, notification by voice output from the speaker 120 or various lamps is performed. You may perform the alerting | reporting by making it light-emit. Further, for example, when the movable member 224 is not in the shielding position, an image cut-in effect based on the normal arrangement coordinates and notification by the speaker 120 are executed, and the movable member 224 is shielded. If it is in the position, the image cut-in effect may be stopped and only the notification by the speaker 120 may be executed. Furthermore, when performing the notification only by the speaker 120, there may be one that makes the volume larger than usual. In this way, even when notification by the decorative symbol display device 208 is blocked by the effect movable body 224, the notification information can be accurately notified by the speaker 120 or the lamp 138. Further, the notification information can be provided more accurately by changing the volume of the speaker 120 and directing the player's attention to the voice.

  Further, not only the effect during the game, but also when the error occurs in the pachinko machine 100 in the state where the effect movable body 224 shields the decorative symbol display device 208, the notification mode of the error may be changed. Good. For example, when a display screen that outputs an error message is shielded by the effect movable body 224, it is displayed in an area that is not shielded by the effect movable body 224, or a specific sound is output. It may emit light of a specific pattern.

In this embodiment, the maximum time required for the effect movable body 224 to move to the standby position is set, and the image cut-in effect is displayed in the non-shielding area during that time. For example, the effect movable body sensor 424 is used for standby. The time may not be set such that an image cut-in effect is displayed in a predetermined area when it is detected that the position has been reached.
[Embodiment 2]
<Overall configuration>
Next, the overall configuration of the slot machine 1100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is an external perspective view of the slot machine 1100 as seen from the front side (player side).

  A slot machine 1100 shown in FIG. 16 is a game machine that draws a game and gives profits to the player according to the result of the lottery. The slot machine 1100 is attached to the front of the main body 1101 and the main body 1101, And a front door 1102 that can be opened and closed. Inside the center of the main body 1101 (not shown), three reels (left reel 1110, middle reel 1111 and right reel 1112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are stored and rotated inside the slot machine 1100. It is configured to be able to. These reels 1110 to 1112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

  In the present embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed on the belt-like member at equal intervals, and the reels 1110 to 1112 are configured by attaching the belt-like member to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 1110 to 1112 are generally displayed in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 1113 so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. Then, by rotating the reels 1110 to 1112, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies. That is, each of the reels 1110 to 1112 functions as a display device that displays a plurality of combinations of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to the reel, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be used as such a display device. In this embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 1100. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  Backlights 1187 to 1189 for illuminating individual symbols displayed on the symbol display window 1113 are arranged on the rear surfaces of the respective reels 1110 to 1112. It is desirable that the backlights 1187 to 1189 be shielded for each symbol so that the individual symbols can be illuminated evenly. By turning on the backlights 1187 to 1189, the operation order of the corresponding stop buttons 1137 to 1139 can be notified. These backlights 1187 to 1189 correspond to an example of notification means of the present invention.

  In the slot machine 1100, an optical sensor (not shown) including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit is provided in the vicinity of each reel 1110 to 1112. The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of this optical sensor are provided. A light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the two. Based on the detection result of this sensor, the position of the symbol on the reel in the rotation direction is determined, and the reels 1110 to 1112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

  The winning line display lamp 1120 is a lamp indicating a winning line 1114 that is valid. The effective pay line is determined in advance by the number of medals bet as a game medium. There are 5 winning lines 1114. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line is valid, and when two medals are betted, the upper horizontal winning line and the lower horizontal winning line are added. If three are valid and three medals are bet, five lines including a right-down winning line and an upper-right winning line are valid as winning lines. Note that the number of winning lines 1114 is not limited to five. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line, the upper horizontal winning line, the lower horizontal winning line, the right Five lines, the down line and the upper right line, may be valid as the winning lines.

  The notification lamp 1123 is, for example, a lamp that informs the player that a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus) has been won internally in an internal lottery to be described later, or that a bonus game is in progress. The game medal insertable lamp 1124 is a lamp for notifying that the player can insert a game medal. The replay lamp 1122 informs the player that the current game can be replayed (the medal insertion is unnecessary) when winning a replay that is one of the winning combinations in the previous game. It is a lamp. The reel panel lamp 1128 is an effect lamp.

  The bet buttons 1130 to 1132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) stored electronically in the slot machine 1100. In this embodiment, every time the bet button 1130 is pressed, a maximum of three cards are inserted, two are inserted when the bet button 1131 is pressed, and three are inserted when the bet button 1132 is pressed. It has become so. Hereinafter, the bet button 1132 is also referred to as a MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamp 1129 lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when a specified number of medals are inserted, a game start is informed that a game start operation is possible. The lamp 1121 is turned on.

  The medal slot 1141 is an slot for a player to insert a medal when starting a game. In other words, the insertion of medals can be performed electronically by using the bet buttons 1130 to 1132, or an actual medal can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 1141, and the insertion includes both. is there. The stored number display 1125 is a display for displaying the number of medals stored electronically in the slot machine 1100. The game information display 1126 is a display for displaying various types of internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) as numerical values. The payout number display 1127 is a display for displaying the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a result of winning a winning combination. The stored number display 1125, the game information display 1126, and the payout number display 1127 are 7-segment (SEG) displays.

  The start lever 1135 corresponds to an example of a rotation instruction operation unit of the present invention, and is a lever type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 1110 to 1112. That is, when a desired medal number is inserted into the medal insertion slot 1141 or when the bet buttons 1130 to 1132 are operated and the start lever 1135 is operated, the reels 1110 to 1112 start to rotate. The operation on the start lever 1135 is referred to as a game start operation.

  The stop button unit 1136 is provided with stop buttons 1137 to 1139. The stop buttons 1137 to 1139 correspond to an example of the stop operation means of the present invention, and are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 1110 to 1112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 1135. To 1112. Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 1137 to 1139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation.

  The medal return button 1133 is a button for pressing and removing a medal when the inserted medal is clogged. The payment button 1134 is a button for adjusting the medals stored electronically in the slot machine 1100 and the bet medals and discharging them from the medal payout exit 1155. Door key hole 1140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking front door 1102 of slot machine 1100 is inserted.

  Below the stop button unit 1136, a title panel 1162 for displaying a model name and pasting various types of certificate stamps is provided. At the bottom of the title panel 1162, a medal payout opening 1155 and a medal tray 1161 are provided.

  The sound hole 1180 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker (see 1272 shown in FIG. 17, which corresponds to an example of the notification means of the present invention) provided in the slot machine 1100 to the outside. Side lamps 1144 provided at the left and right portions of the front door 1102 are decorative lamps for exciting games. An effect device 1160 is disposed above the front door 1102, and a speaker (see 1277 shown in FIG. 17, an example of notification means of the present invention) provided in the slot machine 1100 is provided above the effect device 1160. Sound hole 1143 which is a hole for outputting the sound to the outside. This rendering device 1160 is disposed on the back side of a shutter 1163 (corresponding to an example of a movable member of the present invention) including two right shutters 1163a and 1163b that can be opened and closed in the horizontal direction. A liquid crystal display device 1157 (corresponding to an example of the notification means of the present invention) is provided. When the right shutter 1163a and the left shutter 1163b are opened outward in the horizontal direction in front of the liquid crystal display device 1157, the liquid crystal display device 1157 (not shown) is provided. A display screen (corresponding to an example of a display area of the present invention) appears in front of the slot machine 1100 (player side). In addition, even if it is not a liquid crystal display device, it should just be comprised so that various effect images and various game information can be displayed, for example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display , A reel (drum), or a display device including a projector and a screen. Further, the display screen has a rectangular shape and is configured so that the player can visually recognize the entire display screen. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but may be square. In addition, a decorative object (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, and a part of the peripheral edge of the display screen may be hidden by the decorative object, so that the display screen looks irregular. In the present embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but may be a curved surface.

  FIG. 17 describes in detail the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 1100. This figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

  The control unit of the slot machine 1100 can be broadly divided into main effects according to a main control unit 1300 that controls the progress of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 1300. The first sub-control unit 1400 that performs the above control, and the second sub-control unit 1500 that controls various devices based on the command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 1400.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 1300 of the slot machine 1100 will be described. The main control unit 1300 includes a basic circuit 1302 that controls the entire main control unit 1300. The basic circuit 1302 includes a CPU 1304, control program data, lottery data used during an internal lottery for a winning combination, and reel stop. ROM 1306 for storing position, RAM 1308 for temporarily storing data, I / O 1310 for controlling input / output of various devices, counter timer 1312 for measuring time, frequency, etc. The WDT 1314 for monitoring the abnormality of the program is installed. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 1306 and the RAM 1308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 1400 and the second sub-control unit 1500 described later. The CPU 1304 of the basic circuit 1302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 1314b as a system clock. Further, when the power is turned on, the CPU 1304 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 1306 to the counter timer 1312. The counter timer 1312 sets the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data. An interrupt request is transmitted to the CPU 1304 at every interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU 1304 executes monitoring of each sensor and transmission of drive pulses. For example, when the clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 1314b is set to 8 MHz, the division value of the counter timer 1312 is set to 1/256, and the division data of the ROM 1306 is set to 47, the interrupt reference time is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz. = 1.504 ms.

  The basic circuit 1302 includes a random number generation circuit 1316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that fluctuates a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535, and a start signal output circuit 1338 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the activation signal is input from the activation signal output circuit 1338, the CPU 1304 starts the game control (starts main processing main processing described later).

  Further, the basic circuit 1302 is provided with a sensor circuit 1320, and the CPU 1304 is input from various sensors 1318 (a bet button 1130 sensor, a bet button 1131 sensor, a bet button 1132 sensor, and a medal slot 1141 at every interruption time). Medal medal acceptance sensor, start lever 1135 sensor, stop button 1137 sensor, stop button 1138 sensor, stop button 1139 sensor, checkout button 1134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from medal payout device 1180, index sensor for reel 1110, The status of the index sensor of the reel 1111, the index sensor of the reel 1112, etc.) is monitored.

  When the sensor circuit 1320 detects the H level of the start lever 135 sensor, a signal indicating this detection is output to the random number generation circuit 1316. Receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit 1316 latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random value used for the lottery.

  Two medal acceptance sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion slot 1134 and detect whether or not a medal has passed. Two start lever 1135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 1135 and detect a start operation by the player. A stop button 1137 sensor, a stop button 1138 sensor, and a stop button 1139 are provided on each of the stop buttons 1137 to 1139, and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

  The bet button 1130 sensor, the bet button 1131 sensor, and the bet button 1132 sensor are installed in each of the medal insertion buttons 1130 to 1132, and the medal electronically stored in the RAM 1308 is inserted as an inserted medal into the game. Detecting the input operation when The settlement button 1134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 1134. When the settlement button 1134 is pressed once, medals stored electronically are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting a medal paid out by the medal payout device 1180. Each of the above sensors may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

  The index sensor of the reel 1110, the index sensor of the reel 1111, and the index sensor of the reel 1112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the reels 1110 to 1112, and each time a light shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes. Becomes L level. When detecting this signal, the CPU 1304 determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the reel rotation position information to zero.

  The main control unit 1300 is provided with a drive circuit 1322 for driving a stepping motor provided in the reel devices 1110 to 1112, and a drive circuit 1324 for driving a solenoid provided in a medal selector 1170 for selecting inserted medals. In addition, a drive circuit 1326 for driving a motor provided in the medal payout device 1180 is provided, and various lamps 1338 (a winning line display lamp 1120, a notification lamp 1123, a game medal insertion possible lamp 1124, a re-game lamp 1122, and a game medal insertion). The lamp 1129 is provided with a drive circuit 1328 for driving a game start lamp 1121, a stored number display 1125, a game information display 1126, and a payout number display 1127).

  In addition, an information output circuit 1334 (external concentration terminal board 1248) is connected to the basic circuit 1302, and the main controller 1300 is connected to an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via the information output circuit 1334. The gaming information (for example, gaming state) of the slot machine 1100 is output to the information input circuit 1652 provided.

  The main control unit 1300 is provided with a voltage monitoring circuit 1330 for monitoring the voltage value of the power supplied to the main control unit 1300. The voltage monitoring circuit 1330 has a voltage value of the power supply of a predetermined value (this In the embodiment, when the voltage is less than 9v), a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has decreased is output to the basic circuit 1302.

  The main control unit 1300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub control unit 1400 and enables communication with the first sub control unit 1400. Information communication between the main control unit 1300 and the first sub control unit 1400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 1300 is configured to transmit a signal such as a command to the first sub control unit 1400. However, the first sub-control unit 1400 is configured not to transmit a signal such as a command to the main control unit 1300.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 1400 of the slot machine 1100 will be described. The first sub control unit 1400 includes a basic circuit 1402 that receives a control command transmitted from the main control unit 1300 via an input interface and controls the entire first sub control unit 1400 based on the control command. The basic circuit 1402 includes a CPU 1404, a RAM 1408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 1410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 1412 for measuring time and frequency. It is installed. The CPU 1404 of the basic circuit 1402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 1414 as a system clock, and controls the control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 1400, the backlights 1187 to A ROM 1406 is provided which stores 1189 lighting patterns, data for controlling various displays, and the like.

  The CPU 1404 transmits the frequency dividing data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 1406 to the counter timer 1412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 1412 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 1404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 1404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  The first sub-control unit 1400 is provided with a sound source IC 1418, and the sound source IC 1418 is provided with speakers 1272 and 1277 via an output interface. The sound source IC 1418 controls sound output from the amplifiers and speakers 1272 and 1277 in accordance with a command from the CPU 1404. The sound source IC 1418 is connected to an S-ROM (sound ROM) in which sound data is stored. The sound data acquired from the ROM is amplified by an amplifier and output from the speakers 1272 and 1277.

  The first sub-control unit 1400 is provided with a drive circuit 1422, and various kinds of lamps 1420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 1144, title panel 1162 lamp, backlight 1187) are connected to the drive circuit 1422 through an input / output interface. Thru 1189).

  The CPU 1404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub control unit 1500 via the output interface. The second sub control unit 1500 of the slot machine 1100 controls the effect image display device 1157 and various effect drive devices 1160. The second sub-control unit 1500 may be configured by a plurality of control units, such as a control unit that controls the liquid crystal display device 1157 and a control unit that controls the various effect drive devices 1160.

  Next, the second sub control unit 1500 of the slot machine 1100 will be described. The second sub control unit 1500 includes a basic circuit 1502 that receives the control command transmitted from the first sub control unit 1400 via the input interface and controls the entire second sub control unit 1500 based on the control command. The basic circuit 1502 includes a CPU 1504 (corresponding to an example of the movable member control unit of the present invention), a RAM 1508 for temporarily storing data, and an I / O 1510 for controlling input / output of various devices. And a counter timer 1512 for measuring the time and the number of times. The CPU 1504 of the basic circuit 1502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 1514 as a system clock, and controls a program and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 1500, and an image display A ROM 1506 (corresponding to an example of the effect data storage unit of the present invention) storing data and the like is provided.

  The CPU 1504 transmits the frequency dividing data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 1506 to the counter timer 1512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 1512 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 1404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 1504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

The second sub control unit 1500 is provided with a drive circuit 1530 for driving the shutter 1163, and the drive circuit 1530 is provided with a shutter 1163 via an output interface. The drive circuit 1530 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 1163 in response to a command from the CPU 1504.
The second sub-control unit 1500 is provided with a sensor circuit 1532, and the sensor circuit 1532 is provided with a shutter sensor 1538 through an input interface. The CPU 1504 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 1538 every interruption time.

  The second sub control unit 1500 is provided with a VDP 1534 (video display processor), and a ROM 1506 and a VRAM 1536 are connected to the VDP 1534 through a bus. The VDP 1534 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 1306 based on a signal from the CPU 1504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 1536, and displays the image on the effect image display device 1157.

<Pattern arrangement>
Each reel 1110 to 1112 has a plurality of types (in this embodiment, two types of big bonuses (BB1, BB2), regular bonus (RB), watermelon, bell, replay, cherry, blank, 8 types in total)). A predetermined number of frames (21 frames in this embodiment) are arranged.

<Type of winning prize>
Among the winning combinations in this embodiment, the big bonuses (BB1, BB2) and the regular bonus (RB) are used as a combination for shifting to the bonus game, and the replay (replay) is a replay without newly inserting a medal. Each winning combination is sometimes distinguished from a winning combination and sometimes called an “acting combination”. However, in the “winning combination” in this embodiment, a big bonus, a regular bonus, and a replay that are operating combinations are included. included. In addition, “winning” in the present embodiment includes a case where a symbol combination of an actuator not accompanied by a medal payout (without medal payout) is displayed on an active line, for example, a big bonus, regular Includes bonuses and replay wins.

  The winning combination of the slot machine 1100 includes a big bonus (BB1, BB2), a regular bonus (RB), a small combination (cherry, watermelon, bell), and replay (replay). Needless to say, the type of winning combination is not limited to this and can be arbitrarily adopted.

  “Big Bonus (BB1, BB2)” (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “BB”) is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning a prize. .

  The “regular bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a regular bonus game (RB game) is started by winning.

  The “small role (cherry, watermelon, bell)” (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “cherry”, “watermelon”, “bell”) is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning.

  “Replay” is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be performed without inserting a medal (game medium) in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out.

<Push order small role>
The “bell” is also referred to as a push order small combination, and in order to win this combination, it is necessary to operate the stop buttons 1137 to 1139 according to a predetermined order (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a push order). For example, when “BELL” which needs to operate the stop buttons 1137 to 1139 in the order of left, middle, and right is internally won, the left stop button 1137, the middle stop button 1138, and the right stop button 1139 are operated in this order. Thus, the stop control of each of the reels 1110 to 1112 is performed by the CPU 1304 so as to win the “bell”. In the slot machine 1100 of the present embodiment, a plurality of types of “bells” having different pressing orders are set. This “bell” corresponds to an example of the operation requesting combination in the present invention.

<Type of gaming state>
Next, the types of gaming state of the slot machine 1100 will be described. In this embodiment, the gaming state of the slot machine 1100 is roughly divided into normal games, BB games, RB games, big bonus (BB) and regular bonus (RB) internal winning games, and AT games. . However, it may be divided into general games, BB games, RB games, and AT games.

<Normal game>
The winning combinations that are internally won for normal games include a big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay), and small roles (cherry, watermelon, bell).
“Big Bonus (BB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning. “Regular Bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) that starts a regular bonus game (RB game) upon winning. The “replay” (replay) is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be performed without a medal being inserted in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The “small role” is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning. In addition, the internal winning probability of each combination is a range of random values obtained at the time of internal lottery from numerical data corresponding to the range of lottery data associated with each combination from lottery data prepared for normal games. It is calculated by the value divided by the numerical data (for example, 65535). The lottery data prepared for the normal game is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each combination and lose is associated with each numerical range. It is determined whether the random number value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is a value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to which combination, and the internal lottery combination is determined. This lottery data is provided with settings 1 to 6 in which the winning probabilities of at least one combination are different, and a game shop clerk can arbitrarily select and set any set value.

  In normal games, the result of the internal lottery is set to be largely lost (big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay) and small role won), and the medal to be won The total number is less than the total number of medals inserted. Therefore, it is a gaming state that is disadvantageous for the player.

<BB game>
The BB game is set to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the BB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the BB game is started by winning a big bonus (BB), and an RB game (described later) can be continuously executed repeatedly, and a predetermined number (for example, during the game) The process ends when more than 465 medals are obtained.

<RB game>
The RB game is set so as to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the RB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the RB game is started by winning a regular bonus (RB), and one predetermined role is set to a variation that increases the probability of internal winning (for example, “setting 1” “normal game”). Increase the internal winning probability 1/15 of “small role 1” to an internal winning probability 1 / 1.2 which is a predetermined value) and win a predetermined number (for example, 8 times) It ends when there is.

<Big winning (BB) and regular bonus (RB) internal winning games>
The winning combination that is internally won for the internal winning game of the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) includes a replay and a small role. The big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) are not won internally, and are game states in which a symbol combination corresponding to the big bonus (BB) or the regular bonus (RB) can be won.

<AT game>
The AT game is referred to as an assist time, and is a gaming state in which an effect of notifying the pressing order of the stop button or notifying the operation timing of the stop button is executed. In this embodiment, when the above-mentioned push order small combination is won internally, a push order effect for notifying the player of the push order of the stop buttons 1137 to 1139 for winning this combination is executed. This push order effect is executed a predetermined number of times when “watermelon” or “cherry” is internally won and the AT grant lottery is won. More specifically, when the pressing order is notified by the liquid crystal display device 1157 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as an image pressing order effect), when the pressing order is notified by the speakers 1272, 1277 (hereinafter, the voice pressing order effect). In some cases, the pressing order is notified by the backlights 1187 to 1189 (sometimes referred to as a backlight pressing order effect), and these effects may be combined. Note that the notification of the pressing order corresponds to an example of the notification of the operation information of the present invention. As a result, it is possible to increase the opportunities for the player to reliably acquire medals.

<Main control unit main processing>
A main control unit main process executed by the CPU 1304 of the main control unit 1300 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 1300 is provided with the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 1338 that outputs the start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 1304 of the basic circuit 1302 to which this activation signal has been input starts reset by a reset interrupt, and executes main control unit main processing shown in FIG. 18 in accordance with a control program stored in advance in the ROM 1306.

  When the power is turned on, first, various initial settings are made in step S1101. In this initial setting, setting of the stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 1304, setting of interrupt inhibition, initial setting of the I / O 1310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 1308, operation permission to the WDT 1314, and initial setting Set the value.

  In step S1103, medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing is executed. Here, it is checked whether or not a medal has been inserted, and the winning line display lamp 1120 is turned on in response to the insertion of the medal. Note that when a re-win is won in the previous game, a process of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game is performed, so that it is not necessary for the player to insert medals. Further, it is checked whether or not the start lever 1135 has been operated. If there is an operation of the start lever 1135, the process proceeds to step S1105.

  In step S1105, the number of inserted medals is determined, and an effective winning line is determined.

  In step S1107, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 1316 is acquired.

  In step S1109, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 1306 is read according to the current gaming state, and an internal lottery is performed using this and the random value acquired in step S1107. As a result of the internal lottery, when any winning combination (including an operating combination) is won internally, the flag of the winning combination is turned ON.

  In step S1111, reel stop data is selected based on the internal lottery result.

  In step S1113, rotation of all reels 1110 to 1112 is started.

  In step S1115, the stop buttons 1137 to 1139 can be received. When any stop button is pressed, the reel stop data selected in step S1111 is one of the reels 1110 to 1112 corresponding to the pressed stop button. Stop based on. When all the reels 1110 to 1112 are stopped, the process proceeds to step S1117.

  In step S1117, a winning determination is performed. In this case, when a picture combination corresponding to some winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 1114, it is determined that the winning combination is won. For example, if “bell-bell-bell” is aligned on the activated winning line, it is determined that the player has won the bell.

  In step S1119, if any winning combination with payout is won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out according to the number of winning lines.

  In step S1121, a game state control process is performed. Thus, one game is completed. Thereafter, returning to step S1103 and repeating the above-described processing, the game proceeds.

<Main control unit 1300 timer interrupt processing>
The main control unit 1300 includes a counter timer 1312 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 is triggered by this timer interrupt signal. The process is started at a predetermined cycle.

  In this main control unit timer interrupt process, the WDT 1314 is periodically updated (in this embodiment, the main control unit timer interrupt period with the values of the registers of the CPU 1304 temporarily saved in the stack area. Processing to restart (once every 2 ms), processing based on signals input from the sensor circuit 1320 of the various sensors 1318, processing to update various timers for each time unit, details of command setting transmission processing to be described later, game information Is output to the information input circuit 1652. Thereafter, the value of each temporarily saved register is reset in each register of the CPU 1304, and the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

  In the command setting transmission process in the main control unit timer interrupt process, various commands are transmitted to the first sub control unit 1400. The output schedule information transmitted to the first sub-control unit 1400 is composed of 16 bits in the present embodiment, bit 15 is strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bit 11 ˜14 is a command type, and bits 0 to 10 are constituted by command data (predetermined information corresponding to the command type).

  The first sub-control unit 1400 can determine the effect control according to the change in the game control in the main control unit 1300 by the command type included in the received output schedule information, and is included in the output schedule information. Based on the information of the command data, the contents of effect control can be determined.

  In the present embodiment, the commands include a start operation acceptance command, an internal winning command, a spinning cylinder rotation start command, a stop operation acceptance command, a display determination command, a game state update command, and the like.

  The start operation reception command is a command that is transmitted to the first sub control unit 1400 when the main control unit 1300 receives a start operation.

  The internal winning command is a command transmitted to the first sub-control unit 1400 when the main control unit 1300 finishes the winning combination internal lottery. This command includes information (internal winning information) indicating which role has been won internally.

  The rotation rotation start command is a command transmitted to the first sub control unit 1400 when the rotation of the reels 1110 to 1112 is started.

  The stop operation acceptance command is a command transmitted to the first sub control unit 1400 when the stop buttons 1137 to 1139 are operated. More specifically, when the first stop operation is performed, the first stop operation reception command is received, when the second stop operation is performed, the second stop operation reception command is received, and when the third stop operation is performed, the third stop operation reception command is received. The commands are transmitted to the first sub control unit 1400, respectively.

  The display determination command is a command that is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 1400 when the CPU 1304 determines that a winning combination has been established due to the fact that the winning combination has been established on the effective winning line.

  The game state update command is a command transmitted to the first sub control unit 1400 when the main control unit 1300 updates the game state.

<First sub-control unit main process>
The process of the first sub control unit 1400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19A is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 1404 of the first sub control unit 1400.

  First, in step S1201, various initial settings are performed. When power is turned on, initialization processing is first executed in step S1201. In this initialization process, initial setting of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 1408, and the like are performed.

  In step S1203, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10, and when the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S1205.

  In step S1205, 0 is substituted for the timer variable.

  In step S1207, command processing is performed. The CPU 1404 of the first sub control unit 1400 analyzes an unprocessed command received from the main control unit 1300 and performs a process according to the command. Specifically, when a start operation acceptance command is received, a start operation acceptance process described later is performed. When an internal winning command is received, an effect setting process is performed, and a stop operation acceptance command is received. The process at the time of stop acceptance described later is performed. When the display determination command is received, the process at the time of display determination described later is performed.

  In step S1209, an effect control process is performed. For example, when there is a new command in step S1207, processing such as reading effect data corresponding to the command from the ROM 1406 is performed, and when updating of the effect data is necessary, effect data update processing is performed.

  In step S1211, if there is a command to the sound source IC 1418 in the effect data read in step S1207, this command is output to the sound source IC 1418.

  In step S <b> 1213, if there is a command to various lamps 1420 in the effect data read in step S <b> 1207, this command is output to the drive circuit 1422.

  In step S1215, if there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub control unit 1500 in the effect data read in step S1207, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to step S1203.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the first sub control unit 1400 will be described. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub control unit 1400 detects the strobe signal output from the main control unit 1300. In this command reception interrupt process, the command output from the main control unit 1300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 1408.

  Next, the first sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 1404 of the first sub control unit 1400 will be described. The first sub-control unit 1400 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this example, once every 2 ms). Execute in the cycle.

  In the timer interrupt process of the first sub control unit 1400, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 1408 described in step S1203 in the first sub control unit main process shown in FIG. Store in the timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S1203, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

  The RAM 1408 is provided with an area for storing a return timer and a return flag. As in the case of the pachinko machine 100 of the first embodiment described above, the return timer and the return flag are also processed in this timer interrupt process. Specifically, when the return timer is set, a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value of the return timer variable is stored in the RAM 1408 as the original return timer variable. At this time, if the return timer variable is 0, the return flag is turned on.

  Furthermore, transmission of a control command to the second sub-control unit 1500 set in step S1219 in the first sub-control unit main process, an effect random number value update process, and the like are performed.

  Next, processing of the second sub control unit 1500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19B is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 1504 of the second sub control unit 1500.

  First, in the first step S1301, various initial settings are performed. When power is turned on, initialization processing is first executed in step S1301. In this initialization process, input / output port initialization, storage area initialization in the RAM 1508, and the like are performed.

  In step S1303, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10, and when the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S1305.

  In step S1305, 0 is assigned to the timer variable.

  In step S1207, command processing is performed. The CPU 1504 of the second sub control unit 1500 determines whether a command is received from the CPU 1404 of the first sub control unit 1400.

  In step S1309, effect control processing is performed. For example, if there is a new command in step S1307, processing such as reading out the presentation data corresponding to this command from the ROM 1506 is performed, and if the presentation data needs to be updated, the presentation data is updated.

  In step S1311, if there is a shutter control command in the effect data read in step S1309, shutter control corresponding to this command is performed.

  In step S1313, if there is an image control command in the effect data read in step S1309, image control corresponding to this command is performed (details will be described later), and the flow returns to step S1303.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the second sub control unit 1500 will be described. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the second sub control unit 1500 detects a strobe signal output from the first sub control unit 1400. In the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the first sub control unit 1400 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 1508.

  Next, the second sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 1504 of the second sub control unit 1500 will be described. The second sub-control unit 1500 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and the timer interrupt process is predetermined by using the timer interrupt as a trigger. Execute in the cycle.

  The image control process in step S1313 in the main process of the second sub control unit 1500 is the same as the process between the CPU and VDP described with reference to FIG. However, the point that the image control processing here is performed by the second sub-control unit 1500 is different from the description using FIG.

  Here, the effect setting process, which is one process of the command process (step S1207) in the first sub control unit main process shown in FIG. 19A, will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the effect setting process. As described above, this effect setting process is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 1400 receives an internal winning command.

  First, in the first step S1401, the internal winning information is updated based on the internal winning command received from the main control unit 300.

  Next, in step S1403, it is determined whether the internal winning information updated in step S1401 is “watermelon” or “cherry”. If the internal winning information is “watermelon” or “cherry”, the process proceeds to the next step S1405, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1407.

  In step S1405, an AT grant lottery is executed. When this AT grant lottery is won, the AT game flag stored in the RAM 1408 is turned on, and the next game mode shifts to the AT game mode (details will be described later). When this AT grant lottery ends, the process proceeds to step S1407.

  In the processing from step S1407 to step S1415, which will be described below, the first sub-control unit 1400 performs processing for reserving effect contents according to the mode indicating the gaming state of the slot machine 1100. Here, a mode indicating the gaming state will be described.

  First, the first sub-control unit 1400 has three modes, ie, a normal game mode, a bonus game mode, and an AT game mode, as modes indicating the game state. On the other hand, the main control unit 1300 switches between two game states, a normal game and a bonus game. In step S <b> 1121 shown in FIG. 18, the main control unit 1300 transmits a gaming state update command including information on the gaming state of the main control unit 1300 to the first sub-control unit 1400. The first sub control unit 1400 sets the mode indicating the gaming state to the normal gaming mode or the bonus gaming mode in accordance with the gaming state information included in the received gaming state update command. However, when a gaming state update command is received while the AT gaming flag is on, the mode indicating the gaming state is set to the AT gaming mode regardless of the gaming state information.

  In step S1407, it is determined whether or not the mode indicating the game state is the normal game mode. If the mode is the normal game mode, a normal game effect reservation setting process (step S1409) is performed. This process is to execute the lottery of the contents of the effect during the normal game. Depending on the result of the lottery, reservation settings are made for the contents to be generated at each event such as when an internal winning command is received, when the first to third stop operation commands are received, or when a display determination command is received. After the reservation setting, the process proceeds to step S1417. If it is not the normal game mode, the process proceeds to step S1411.

  In step S1411, it is determined whether or not the mode indicating the gaming state is the bonus game mode. If the mode is the bonus game mode, bonus game effect reservation setting processing (step S1413) is performed. In this process, the reservation setting for the production contents during the bonus game is executed. After the reservation setting, the process proceeds to step S1417. If it is not the bonus game mode, the process proceeds to step S1415.

  Step S1415 is a step executed when the AT game mode is set, and here, an AT effect reservation setting process (details will be described later) is executed. After this process, the process proceeds to step S1417.

  In step S1417, among the contents of effects reserved and set in the above-described normal game effect reservation setting process (step S1409), bonus game effect reservation setting process (step S1413), and AT effect reservation setting process (step S1415), internal winning is performed. It is determined whether there is a corresponding production at the time of command reception. If this effect is reserved, the next effect information corresponding to the reception of the internal winning command is fully set in the next step S1419. After this setting, the process proceeds to subsequent step S1421. If there is no effect corresponding to the reception of the internal winning command, the process proceeds to step S1421 without setting the effect information.

  In the last step S1421, other processes are executed, and this effect setting process is terminated.

  Here, the details of the AT effect reservation setting process (step S1415) of FIG. 20 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of AT effect reservation setting processing (step S1415). This flowchart is executed when the mode indicating the gaming state of the first sub-control unit 1400 is the AT gaming mode.

  First, in step S1501, it is determined whether internal winning information is a push order small combination. If the internal winning information is a push order small combination, the process proceeds to the next step S1503, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1513.

  In step S1503, the contents of the effect are reserved and set so that the push order effect (in this embodiment, the image push order effect and the voice press order effect) is executed when the internal winning command is received, and the process proceeds to the next step S1505. .

  In step S1505, it is determined whether or not the effect rendering by the shutter 1163 has been canceled (details will be described later). Here, the effect effect by the shutter 1163 is an effect in which the shutter 1163 moves on the player side of the liquid crystal display device 157. Also, the cancellation of the effect effect means that when the start lever 1135 is operated in a state where the effect effect has not ended, the effect effect is canceled in order to start the next game. If there is a cancellation of the effect effect, the process proceeds to the next step S1507, and if there is no cancellation, the process proceeds to step S1513.

  In step S1507, the coordinates defining the range for displaying the image of the image push order effect are switched from the normal arrangement coordinates to the special arrangement coordinates and set. In the information output process (step S1215) in FIG. 19A, a command indicating this setting content is transmitted to the second sub-control unit. In the present embodiment, the special arrangement coordinates and the normal arrangement coordinates are coordinates that define the display range of the image of the image push order effect in the display screen. Here, the special arrangement coordinates are the above-mentioned display in which a portion visible to the player is partially shielded by the accessory effect when the accessory effect (details will be described later) by the shutter 1163 shown in FIG. 16 is executed. This is a coordinate for displaying an image push order effect outside the screened area of the screen (details will be described later). On the other hand, the normal arrangement coordinates are coordinates for displaying an image of the image push order effect at the center of the display screen when the player can visually recognize the display screen.

  In the following step S1511, the volume level of the voice press order effect is changed from 75 to 100, and the process proceeds to step S1513. In this embodiment, the volume level is set in five stages of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100, and the normal volume level is set to 75 in the voice press order effect.

  In subsequent step S1509, the return timer variable is set to 1000.

  In step S1513, it is determined whether the internal winning information is “watermelon” or “cherry”. If the internal winning information is “watermelon” or “cherry”, the process proceeds to step S1515; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1517.

  In step S1515, the effect contents are reserved and set so that the effect effect by the shutter 163 is executed when the first sub-control unit 1400 receives the display determination command. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1517.

  In step S1517, if there is contents of effects of other events, the contents of effects are reserved and set, and this AT effect reservation setting process is terminated.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 22, a start operation reception process, which is one process of the command process (step S1207) in the first sub control unit main process shown in FIG. 19A, will be described. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of processing at the time of accepting a start operation. As described above, the start operation acceptance process is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 400 receives a start operation acceptance command.

  In the first step S1601, it is determined whether or not there is a change in the production effect (for example, a change in the background image or BGM, etc.) when the next start operation acceptance command is received. Here, when the mode indicating the gaming state of the first sub-control unit 1400 is scheduled to be changed in the next game (for example, the AT game is executed a predetermined number of times and the next game is scheduled to be changed to the normal mode). It is determined that there is a change in the production effect.

  If it is determined in step S1601 that there is a change in the generated effect, the corresponding generated effect effect information is reserved in step S1603, and the process proceeds to step S1605. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1601 that there is no change in the generated effect, the process directly proceeds to step S1605.

  In step S1605, other processes are executed, and the start operation acceptance process is terminated.

  Next, details of the effect data update process (step S1209) in the first sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. 19A will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of effect data update processing.

  First, in step S1701, it is determined whether or not a push order effect is being executed. If the push order effect is being executed, the process proceeds to the next step S1703, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1711.

  In the next step S1703, it is determined whether or not the return flag is on. If this return flag is on, the process proceeds to the next step S1705, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1711.

  In step S1705, the coordinates defining the display range of the image push order effect image on the liquid crystal display device 1157 are set by switching from the special arrangement coordinates to the normal arrangement coordinates. In the information output process (step S1215) in FIG. 19A, a command indicating this setting content is transmitted to the second sub-control unit. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1707.

  In step S1707, the volume level of the voice press order effect is changed from 100 to 75. That is, the volume level of the voice press order effect is set to 75, which is a normal volume level. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1709.

  In step S1709, the return flag is set to OFF, and the process proceeds to step S1711.

  In step S1711, other effect data is updated, and the effect data update process shown in FIG.

  Here, an example of the operation representing the features of the present invention will be described with reference to the above-described content.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the effect content reservation setting corresponding to the received command flow during the game. The figure (a) is a figure which shows the effect content of this game, and the figure (b) is a figure which shows the effect content of the next game. In this figure, commands received by the first sub-control unit 1400 during the game are shown in order. This figure shows from the reception of the internal winning command to the reception of the next internal winning command as one game. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing one scene of effects executed according to the reservation setting shown in FIG. Hereinafter, FIG. 24 will be described with reference to FIG. 25 as appropriate.

  First, the flow of FIG. 24A will be described.

  FIG. 24 (a) shows an example of reservation for the contents of the game this time. Note that the slot machine 1100 is in the normal gaming state, and the mode of the first sub-control unit 1400 is the normal gaming mode.

  First, the internal winning command, which is the command shown first, indicates the winning combination as a result of the internal lottery of the combination executed by the main control unit 1300 shown in FIG. It is transmitted to the 1 sub-control unit 1400. In FIG. 24, the description will be continued assuming that an internal winning command indicating that “watermelon” has been won is transmitted in the current game in the normal gaming state.

  When receiving the internal winning command, the first sub-control unit 1400 executes the effect setting process shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the AT game flag is turned on by winning the AT grant lottery in step S1405, which is executed when “watermelon” is internally won. When this AT game flag is on, the first sub-control unit 1400 enters the AT game mode when the first sub-control unit 1400 receives a game state update command, and the order of the pushes in the next and subsequent games. The production will be executed. At the time of this AT grant lottery, only the AT grant lottery is won and the mode is not changed. Therefore, the first sub-control unit 1400 remains in the normal game mode, and proceeds to the normal game effect reservation setting process (step S1409).

  In this normal game effect reservation setting process, it is assumed that the following three effects are reserved and set. The first effect is an effect (occurrence effect) executed in response to the reception of the internal winning command, and it is expected that the character will interrupt the display area of the liquid crystal display device 1157 and enter a game state advantageous to the player. Effect (chance image cut-in effect, see A1 in FIG. 24). The second effect is an effect that is scheduled to be executed when the display determination command is received, and is an effect that uses the shutter 1163 to indicate that the AT grant lottery is won (winning shutter effect, see A2 in FIG. 24). The third effect is an effect that is scheduled to be executed when the next start operation acceptance command is received, and an effect that displays a background indicating that an AT game is being played (default effect during an AT game, see A3 in FIG. 24). ). In step S1417, which is executed immediately after the reservation setting, since the first effect (occurrence effect) is an effect corresponding to the internal winning command, the process proceeds to the next step S1421 to set the contents of this effect. .

  Thereafter, all the reels 1110 to 1112 start to rotate, and each reel is stopped by the stop buttons 1137 to 1138. At this time, a first rotation control start command and a stop operation acceptance command are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 1400, but effects corresponding to these commands are not reserved. Therefore, the first effect (chance image cut-in effect, see A1 in FIG. 24) is executed by the first sub-control unit 1400 and the second sub-control unit 1500 as it is.

  When all the reels 1110 to 1112 are stopped, the main control unit 1300 determines whether or not a winning combination has been established. At this time, a display determination command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 1400. In the first sub-control unit 1400 that has received the display determination command and the second sub-control unit 1500 that has received the command from the first sub-control unit 1400, the second effect reserved when receiving the internal winning command (Hit shutter effect, see A2 in FIG. 24) is executed. FIG. 25A is a diagram showing the contents of effects when the display determination command shown in FIG. 24A is received. In this figure, the character displayed on the display screen seems to push the right shutter 1163a back as far as the right shutter 1163a on the right side of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 1157 moves to the left. A state where the visible production is being executed is shown. In this effect, not only the movement of the character and the movement of the right shutter 1163a are combined, but also the right shutter 1163a is operated in a rattling manner to express how the character is putting more power. In this effect, the character finally pushes over the right shutter 1163a to open the shutter 1163, and an effect indicating that the AT grant lottery is won is executed on the display screen. If the AT grant lottery has not been won, not the winning shutter effect but the extra shutter effect is reserved. In the off shutter effect, the character is pushed and defeated by the right shutter 1163a, and an effect indicating that the character is out of the AT grant lottery is executed on the display screen. In FIG. 25A, the position of the shutter 1163 is a position where a part of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 1157 is shielded, and this position corresponds to an example of the shielding position of the present invention.

  Following the display determination command, commands that match the progress of the game, such as a payout command, a game state update command, a game start command, and a next medal insertion command, are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 1400. In FIG. Since the production information corresponding to the command is not reserved, the production is not changed. Since the AT game flag is on, the mode of the first sub-control unit 1400 is updated to the AT game mode when a game state update command is received.

  Subsequent to the next medal insertion command, when the start lever 1135 is operated, a next start operation acceptance command is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 1400. At this time, the third effect (the default effect during the AT game, see A3 in FIG. 24) that has been reserved is executed by the first sub-control unit 1400 and the second sub-control unit 1500. In response to this start operation acceptance command, the start operation acceptance process shown in FIG. 22 is executed. However, the mode of the first sub-control unit 1400 at this time point and the mode at the next start operation are both AT game modes, and the next time to take over the AT game default effect during the current AT game, There is no change in the production effect that is reserved when the start operation is accepted. Note that the next internal winning effect is shown in FIG. 24A that no reservation is set.

  This is the flow of FIG. Next, the flow of FIG. 24B will be described.

  First, when the start lever 1135 is pressed at the end of FIG. 24A, the main control unit 1300 transmits a start operation acceptance command to the first sub control unit 1400. Immediately after that, the main control unit 1300 plays a role. The internal lottery is executed, and an internal winning command indicating the result is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 1400. Here, the explanation will be continued assuming that “Bell”, who is a small player in push order, has been won.

  The first sub-control unit 1400 that has received the internal winning command executes the effect setting process shown in FIG. Here, since the game mode of the first sub-control unit is the AT game mode, the AT effect reservation setting process (step S1415) is executed. To explain with reference to the flowchart of the AT effect reservation setting process shown in FIG. 21, since the internal winning information is the push order small role, the push order effect is reserved and set in step S1503 (see A4 in FIG. 24).

  Here, the description will be continued for the case where the effect by the shutter 1163a is executed without being interrupted. The description of FIG. 25B will be described later, and will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 25 (c) shows that the image of the image push order effect is superimposed on the background image of the festival, which is the default effect during the AT game, and the sound push order effect by the speaker is being executed. It is shown. FIG. 25C shows that the stop button may be operated in the order of right, left, and middle in order to win a winning combination. In FIG. 25C, the position of the shutter 1163 is a standby position when there is no effect by the shutter 1163, and this position corresponds to an example of a predetermined position of the present invention.

  The above two commands (start operation acceptance command and internal winning command) are transmitted with a short period (for example, 25 ms). Therefore, for the player, the effect when the start operation acceptance command is received (default effect during AT game) and the effect when the internal winning command is received (push order effect) are executed almost simultaneously. Can make you feel. Thereafter, in FIG. 24B, it is shown that the production information corresponding to the command is not reserved. The process so far is the flow of FIG.

  Here, a case where the next game start operation is performed even though the hit shutter effect in FIG. 24A (see A2 in FIG. 24) is still being executed will be described.

  In the slot machine 1100 of this embodiment, the hit shutter effect is executed for a predetermined time, but the next game can be started even if this effect has not ended. More specifically, when a start operation acceptance command is received during execution of the hit shutter effect, the first sub-control unit 1400 executes a process of stopping the hit shutter effect being executed and opening the shutter 1163. .

  However, as described above, the hit shutter effect is an effect in which the shutter 1163 not only slides left and right but also operates rattlingly. If the shutter 1163 is suddenly opened while the rattling operation is performed, a load may be applied to the driving mechanism of the shutter 1163 to cause a problem. In order to prevent this, the shutter 1163 is once stopped and then the opening operation is performed. However, the opening operation always requires a maximum of 2 seconds. During the opening operation, the shutter 1163 is in a shielding position that shields a part of the liquid crystal display device 1157, and thus the player cannot visually recognize the image push order effect or is difficult to visually recognize. Therefore, until the opening operation is completed, the position and size of the image displayed by the image push order effect are changed so that the player can visually recognize them. Details of this operation will be described below.

  When the first sub-control unit 1400 receives a start operation acceptance command for the next game while the hit shutter effect (see A2 in FIG. 24) in FIG. 24 (a) is being executed, first, a default effect during an AT game is executed. The festival background image is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 1157. At this time, since a part of the display screen is shielded by the shutter 1163, a part of the background image of the festival cannot be visually recognized by the player.

  In the main control unit 1300, an internal lottery of a combination is executed when a start operation is performed, and here, an internal winning command indicating that a pressing small combination has been won is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 1400. In response to this internal winning command, the first sub-control unit 1400 executes the effect setting process shown in FIG. 20, and the AT effect reservation setting process (step S1415) is executed during this process. In this AT effect reservation setting process shown in FIG. 21, it is determined in the determination process in step S1505 that the hit shutter effect is stopped (the effect effect is canceled), and the processes in steps S1507, S1509, and S1511 are executed. Is done.

  First, by changing the setting in the process of step S1507, an image of the image push order effect is displayed in an area not covered by the shutter 1163 in the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 1157. FIG. 25B shows a state in which an image of the image push order effect is displayed over a part of the background image of the festival that is the default effect during AT gaming. The area where the image of the image push order effect is displayed corresponds to an example of the non-shielding area of the present invention. In addition, the area | region where the image of an image pushing order effect is displayed in FIG.25 (c) is corresponded to an example of the predetermined area | region of this invention. In this way, by changing the display position and the size of the image of the image push order effect, the player can be notified of the push order without the image push order effect being shielded.

  By changing the volume setting in the processing of the next step S1509, the volume is increased and the voice press order effect is executed. FIG. 25B shows that the volume of the push order effect output from the speakers 1272 and 1277 has increased to 100, which is higher than the normal 75. In FIG. 25 (c), it is shown that the volume is normal 75. By increasing the volume in this way, the pressing order can be notified in a state in which the player's attention is attracted to the voice.

  In the next step S1511, the return timer variable is set to 1000. The value of the return timer variable is decreased by 1 in the timer interrupt process executed every 2 ms by the first sub-control unit 1400, and when this timer variable becomes 0 (after 2 seconds), the return flag Is turned on. When the return flag is turned on, the change is returned to the normal state by the processing of step S1705 and step S1707 of the effect data update processing shown in FIG. That is, until the shutter 1163 moves to the standby position, the image push order effect image is displayed in the non-shielding region, and the sound push order effect effect increases the volume. Heretofore, the example of executing the image push order effect in the non-shielding area when the image push order effect is executed later during execution of the shutter effect has been described. When the shutter effect is executed later during the execution of the image, that is, when the shutter 1163 is scheduled to move to the shielded region, the image push order effect may be executed in the non-shielded region. For example, an image push order effect is executed when an internal winning command is received, and a shutter effect is executed when a second stop operation command (one of the stop operation commands) immediately after is received. If the first stop command is received, the image push order effect may be executed with special arrangement coordinates. Furthermore, in addition to or instead of executing the image push order effect in the non-shielding region, a voice press order effect or the like may be executed.

  Here, the part which concerns on this invention among what was demonstrated so far is demonstrated.

  First, reels 1110 to 1112 shown in FIG. 16 are provided with a plurality of types of symbols (eight types in the present embodiment), and correspond to an example of the reel of the present invention. The start lever 1135 instructs the start of rotation of the reels 1110 to 1112 by an operation by the player, and corresponds to an example of a rotation instruction operation unit of the present invention. Further, stop buttons 1137 to 1139 are provided corresponding to the reels 1110 to 1112, respectively, for individually stopping the rotation of the reels 1110 to 1112, and correspond to an example of stop operation means of the present invention. In addition, the CPU 1304 of the main control unit 1300 shown in FIG. 17 determines whether or not the internal winning of a plurality of types of combinations has been made by a lottery program stored in the ROM 1306 in response to the operation of the start lever 1135. It corresponds to an example of a role lottery means of the present invention. Further, the CPU 1304 of the main control unit 1300 stores in the ROM 1306 stop control related to stopping the rotation of the reels 1110 to 1112 based on the lottery result of the CPU 1304 by the lottery program and the stop operation of the stop buttons 1137 to 1139. And corresponds to an example of the reel stop control means of the present invention. In addition, the CPU 1304 of the main control unit 1300 displays on the winning line 1114 the symbol combinations that are stopped and displayed on the reels 1110 to 1112 based on the lottery result of the CPU 1304 according to the lottery program corresponding to the respective roles. Whether or not the symbol combination is determined in advance is determined by a program stored in the ROM 1306, and corresponds to an example of a determination unit of the present invention. In addition, the liquid crystal display device 1157 displays the display screen (corresponding to an example of the display area of the present invention) to notify the pressing order (corresponding to an example of various notification information of the present invention). This corresponds to an example of the display device of the invention. The speakers 1272 and 1277 and the backlights 1187 to 1189 including the liquid crystal display device 1157 correspond to an example of notification means of the present invention. The CPU 1404 of the first sub-control unit 1400 causes the notification unit to notify various notification information based on a command from the main control unit 1300, and corresponds to an example of the notification information control unit of the present invention. Further, the shutter 1163 is closer to the player than the liquid crystal display device 1157 from the standby position (corresponding to an example of the predetermined position of the present invention), and the display screen (corresponding to an example of the display area of the present invention) in the liquid crystal display device. ) And moves to a predetermined shielding position that shields a part thereof, and corresponds to an example of a movable member of the present invention.

  In the main control unit 1300, the CPU 1304 that draws a combination by a lottery program stored in the ROM 1306 does not conform to the pressing order of the stop buttons 1137 to 1139 (corresponding to an example of the operation condition of the present invention), and the symbol corresponding to the combination It is determined by lottery whether or not the internal winning of the push order small combination (corresponding to an example of the operation requesting combination of the present invention) whose combination is not stopped is displayed.

  Further, when the liquid crystal display device 1157 internally wins the push order small combination, the liquid crystal display device 1157 presses the stop buttons 1137 to 1139 for stopping and displaying the symbol combinations corresponding to the push order small combination (the stop operation of the present invention). Corresponding to an example of operation information of the means).

  When the shutter 1163 is in the standby position, the CPU 1404 of the first sub control unit 1400 sets the pressing order of the stop buttons 1137 to 1139 to a predetermined area (FIG. 25C) in the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 1157. In this case, a command for controlling the liquid crystal display device 1157 is transmitted to the second sub-control unit 1500.

  Further, the CPU 1404 of the first sub-control unit 1400 displays the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 1157 in at least one of the case where the shutter 1163 is scheduled to move to the shielding position and the position where the shutter 1163 is located. The push order of the stop buttons 1137 to 1139 is displayed in the non-shielding area outside the area where the shutter 1163 at the shield position overlaps (see the display position of the image push order effect image shown in FIG. 25B). ), And a voice push order effect (in accordance with the present invention) that informs the push order of the stop buttons 1137 to 1139 by voice to the speakers 1272 and 1277 (corresponding to an example of another notification means different from the display device in the present invention). At least one of the notifications of the alternative notification information).

  According to the slot machine 1100 of the present embodiment, the details of the execution pattern of the shutter 1163 are examined, and the notification information can be accurately notified to the player without considering the effect by the liquid crystal display device in accordance with the details. it can. Furthermore, since the player's attention can be directed to the voice by changing the volume of the speakers 1272 and 1277, the notification information can be provided more accurately.

  In the above-described embodiment, both the image push order effect image is displayed in the non-shielding region and the sound push order effect volume is increased. However, only one of them is executed. May be executed. Further, instead of or in addition to displaying the image of the image push order effect in the non-shielding area, the backlight push order effect for notifying the push order is executed by turning on the backlights 1187 to 1189. There may be. Further, for example, when the shutter 1163 is at the shielding position, the backlight push order effect is executed, and when the shutter 1163 moves to the standby position, the image push order effect is additionally executed. May be combined. Thus, even when notification by the liquid crystal display device 1157 is blocked by the shutter 1163, notification information can be accurately provided using the speakers 1272 and 1277 and the backlights 1187 to 1189.

  In this embodiment, the maximum time required for the shutter 1163 to move to the standby position is set, and during that time the image of the image push order effect is displayed in the non-shielding area. For example, a sensor is provided in the shutter 1163, The time may not be set such that an image of the image push order effect is displayed in a predetermined area when it is detected that the standby position is reached using this sensor.

  Here, the ROM 1506 of the second sub-control unit 1500 stores effect data for moving the shutter 1163, and corresponds to an example of the effect data storage unit of the present invention. The CPU 1504 of the second sub-control unit 1500 controls the movement of the shutter 1163 according to the effect data stored in the ROM 1506, and corresponds to an example of the movable member control unit of the present invention. Further, the start lever 1135 and the stop buttons 1137 to 1139 are operated to output a signal for instructing the liquid crystal display device 1157 to notify predetermined notification information to the first sub-control unit 1400 in response to an operation. This corresponds to an example of the operation element of the invention.

  The CPU 1504 of the second sub control unit 1500 operates the start lever 1135 and the stop buttons 1137 to 1139 while controlling the movement of the shutter 1163 according to the command from the first sub control unit 1400 and the effect data in the ROM 1506. Then, the shutter 1163 is moved toward the standby position.

  When a movable member is provided for production, the display of game information may be verified so as not to be hidden by the movable pattern of the movable member. In particular, when various effects are attempted by increasing the movable pattern of the movable member, the number of verifications increases accordingly. Although this verification has conventionally required a lot of man-hours, according to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the notification information can be obtained only by grasping the area shielded by the movable member in the display area. Even if the effect to be displayed is blocked, the notification information can be notified to the player, so that a lot of man-hours for the verification are not required.

  Note that the gaming table of the present embodiment described above includes a display area that includes a display area that is shielded by an accessory by the shielding effect during execution of the shielding effect that shields at least a part of the display area of the display device by the accessory. When the execution condition of the normal notification effect for notifying the predetermined information is established, the predetermined information is notified in a display area that is not shielded by the accessory by the shielding effect, or the predetermined information is different from the display device. A special notification effect for informing the user is executed.

  Here, the timing at which the execution condition is satisfied includes a player's operation, a start winning prize (direct hit effect), and the like. The predetermined information includes winning combination, operation navigation, confirmation display (bonus confirmation, jackpot confirmation), production cut-in, final stop symbol, chance button suggestion, warning, error location notification, and the like. By doing in this way, even if there is a player operation for notifying the predetermined information during the shielding effect, it becomes the notification effect for accurately and quickly performing the predetermined information to be provided to the player.

  Moreover, cancellation of the shielding effect and the execution condition may be established by the player operation. The cancel operation includes operations such as a production button, a start lever, and a BET button. By doing in this way, a separate operation part becomes unnecessary. It is suitable for a game machine in which cancellation and conditions are established (switched) by player operation.

  The predetermined information may be information related to a lottery result. By doing in this way, the information regarding the lottery result which a player wants to know can be provided quickly and accurately.

  Further, the player operation may be a start operation, and the predetermined information may be information related to a lottery result drawn by the start operation. Information regarding the lottery result includes winning combination, operation navigation, confirmation display, and the like. By doing so, information that the player wants to know can be provided promptly and accurately, and it is possible to prevent the player from giving profits.

  Further, the information related to the lottery result may be an operation navigation capable of advantageously acquiring the winning combination. By doing in this way, it is possible to move to the operation system instructed promptly. This operation navigation is more suitable because the player can easily obtain a role.

  In addition, when the execution condition is satisfied, a special notification effect for notifying the predetermined information in a display area that is not shielded is executed, and when the display area that is not shielded is enlarged, The display mode may be enlarged. By doing in this way, it can make it easier to confirm predetermined information.

  Further, the normal notification effect may include a sound notification indicating the predetermined information, and the special notification effect may include a sound notification indicating the predetermined information at a sound level higher than the sound level of the normal notification effect. According to this, the notification of the predetermined information becomes clearer by supplementing the display mode smaller than usual by voice notification. Furthermore, it can be realized with a simple configuration.

  The game table described above can be applied to a game table in which an image cut-in occurs when the effect button is pressed at an arbitrary timing during execution of the shielding effect. Further, the shielding effect being executed can be canceled by a start operation and applied to a game machine in which navigation notification of a lottery result is generated. Further, the present invention can also be applied to a game machine that performs error image notification or error location image notification when an error occurs during execution of a shielding effect.

  In the following, notes related to what has been described so far are added.

(Appendix 1)
A game lottery means for performing a lottery process on a game;
Based on the processing of the game lottery means, notification information control means for displaying predetermined notification information on the display device;
A shielding member that shields by moving at least part of the front side of the display area in the display device;
Shielding member movement control means for controlling the movement of the shielding member,
The notification control means includes
When the shielding member does not move to the front side of the display area and displays the predetermined notification information, the display is displayed on the predetermined display area of the display device,
When the shielding member is scheduled to move to the near side of the display area, or when moving to the near side to shield at least a part of the display area, the predetermined area is not shielded. A gaming table that displays notification information or notifies alternative notification information for substituting the predetermined notification information in another notification device different from the display device.

  According to the gaming table of Supplementary Note 1, it can be accurately performed without considering the execution pattern of the movable body that shields the notification information desired to be provided to the player.

(Appendix 2)
In a game stand that draws a game and gives a profit to a player according to the result of the lottery,
One or a plurality of notification means including a display device that notifies various notification information by displaying in the display area;
A notification information control means for notifying the notification means of various notification information;
A movable member that moves from a predetermined position to a predetermined shielding position that overlaps at least a part of the display area of the display device and shields the part on the player side of the display device;
A movable member control unit that controls movement of the movable member;
The notification information control means includes
When the movable member control unit does not control the movement of the movable member, executing predetermined notification information in a predetermined area of the display area,
When the movable member control unit controls the movement of the movable member, the predetermined notification is performed in a non-shielding area outside the area where the movable member at the shielding position overlaps in the display area. Executing at least one of displaying information and informing another notification means different from the display device of the notification means of alternative notification information for substituting the predetermined notification information A game table characterized by being a thing.

(Appendix 3)
In a game stand that draws a game and gives a profit to a player according to the result of the lottery,
One or a plurality of notification means including a display device that notifies various notification information by displaying in the display area;
One or a plurality of effect means including a movable member that moves from a predetermined position to a predetermined shielding position that overlaps at least a part of the display area of the display device and shields the part on the player side of the display device. With
An effect data storage unit storing effect data for driving the effect means;
An effect control unit that controls the drive of the effect means according to the effect data;
When the notification information is scheduled to be displayed on the display device and at least one of the notification information is displayed on the display device, the effect means control unit is configured to move the movable member according to the effect data. Even if there is a plan to move the camera to the shielding position, the game machine is characterized in that the movable member is placed on standby at a position outside the display area (for example, a predetermined position).

  The rendering means control unit may drive the movable member at a position outside the display area. That is, the movable member is not limited to waiting in a state where it is stationary at a position outside the display area.

Here, the effect means includes sound output means and / or light emission means in addition to the movable member,
The effect data storage unit stores an effect data group that summarizes effect data for each effect means,
The production means control unit may move the production data group to the production data group in at least one of a case where the notification information is scheduled to be displayed on the display device and a case where the notification information is displayed on the display device. Even if the effect data for the movable member for moving the member to the shielding position is included, the movable member is put on standby at a position outside the display area, and the effect data for the movable member in the effect data group is stored. The drive of the effect means excluding the movable member may be controlled according to the effect data to be excluded.

  For example, when an effect data group in which three effect data including effect data for driving a lamp, effect data for driving a speaker, and effect data for driving a shutter is selected, an effect for driving a shutter is selected. The data is masked, the lamp and the speaker are driven, and the shutter is kept waiting at the standby position. By doing so, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device is not shielded by the shutter, and notification information can be transmitted to the player.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Pachinko machine 120 Speaker 122 Game body frame lamp 138 Chance button lamp 208 Decoration pattern display device 224 Production movable body 300 Main control part 304 CPU
306 ROM
308 RAM
400 First sub-control unit 404 CPU
406 ROM
408 RAM
500 Second sub-control section 532 Game board lamp 600 Dispensing control section 1100 Slot machine 1110, 1111, 1112 Reel 1114 Winning line 1135 Start lever 1137, 1138, 1139 Stop button 1157 Liquid crystal display 1163 Shutter 1187, 1188, 1189 Backlight 1272, 1277 Speaker 1300 Main control unit 1304 CPU
1306 ROM
1400 1st sub control part 1404 CPU
1406 ROM
1500 Second sub-control unit

Claims (5)

In a game stand that draws a game and gives a profit to a player according to the result of the lottery,
One or a plurality of notification means including a display device that notifies various notification information by displaying in the display area;
A notification information control means for notifying the notification means of various notification information;
A movable member that moves from a predetermined position to a predetermined shielding position that overlaps at least a part of the display area of the display device and shields the part on the player side of the display device;
The notification information control means includes
When the movable member is in the predetermined position, executing predetermined notification information in a predetermined area of the display area,
In at least one of the case where the movable member is scheduled to move to the shielding position and the case where the movable member is located at the shielding position, the movable member located at the shielding position in the display area. Displaying the predetermined notification information in a non-shielding area outside of the overlapping area, and informing means other than the display device of the notification means for substituting the predetermined notification information A gaming machine that performs at least one of reporting alternative notification information. In a game stand that draws a game and gives a profit to a player according to the result of the lottery,
A plurality of reels that are subjected to multiple types of designs and are driven to rotate,
Rotation instruction operation means for instructing the start of rotation of the reel by an operation by a player;
In accordance with the operation of the rotation instruction operation means, a role lottery means for determining whether or not an internal winning of a plurality of types of winning is made by lottery
Stop operation means provided corresponding to each of the reels, for individually stopping the rotation of the reels;
Reel stop control means for performing stop control related to the stop of rotation of the reel based on the lottery result of the lottery means and the stop operation of the stop operation means;
Determining whether or not the symbol combination that is stopped and displayed on the reel based on the lottery result of the lottery means on the predetermined active line is a symbol combination predetermined corresponding to each of the roles Determination means to perform,
One or a plurality of notification means including a display device that notifies various notification information by displaying in the display area;
A notification information control means for notifying the notification means of various notification information;
A movable member that moves from a predetermined position to a predetermined shielding position that overlaps at least a part of the display area of the display device and shields the part on the player side of the display device;
If the combination lottery means does not conform to the operation conditions of the stop operation means, it is determined by lottery whether or not the internal winning of the operation request combination that does not stop display the symbol combination corresponding to the combination,
The display device notifies operation information of the stop operation means for stopping and displaying a symbol combination corresponding to the operation request combination when the operation request combination is internally won by the lottery means. Is what
The notification information control means includes
When the movable member is at the predetermined position, the operation information of the stop operation means is displayed in a predetermined area of the display area,
In at least one of the case where the movable member is scheduled to move to the shielding position and the case where the movable member is located at the shielding position, the movable member from the area where the movable member at the shielding position overlaps in the display area. The operation information of the stop operation means is displayed in a non-shielding area that has been removed, and the notification means that is different from the display device of the notification means is used for substituting the operation information of the stop operation means. A gaming machine that performs at least one of reporting alternative notification information. As the notification means, a sound output means for notifying various notification information by outputting sound, and a light emitting means for notifying various notification information by issuing,
The notification information control means includes
When notifying the predetermined notification information on the display device, the sound output means and / or the light emitting means is also notified of the predetermined notification information,
When the alternative notification means is notified of the alternative notification information, the notification by the display device is stopped, and the alternative notification information is notified to the sound output means and / or the light emitting means as the other notification means. The game table according to claim 1, wherein the game table is a game machine. The notification information control means includes
In the case where the sound output means is notified of the alternative notification information, the sound output means is notified at a higher volume than in the case where the sound output means is notified of the predetermined notification information. The game table according to claim 3. An effect data storage unit storing effect data for moving the movable member;
A movable member control unit for controlling movement of the movable member according to the effect data;
An operation element that receives an operation and outputs a signal instructing the display device to notify predetermined notification information, and outputs the signal to the notification information control means;
The movable member control unit is configured to move the movable member toward the predetermined position when the operation element is operated while controlling the movement of the movable member according to the effect data. The game table according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the game table is characterized in that