JP2012115607A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which eliminates the anxiety about whether the state before power failure has been kept or not, capable of dispelling a suspicion that a state before electricity outage is not protected.SOLUTION: A start winning means is provided in a game area to which game balls are shot. When a game ball enters the start winning means, a lottery for a special game state is performed, and a variable display indicating a result of the lottery is performed in a variable display device. A normal game state in which the variable display of the variable display means is performed in addition to the lottery includes a first game mode which ends when the special game state is generated, and a second game mode which ends in certain cases in addition to the case when the special game state is generated. A main control means which controls the lottery or the like can output a period information command including period information for showing the remaining period of the second game mode to the sub-control means which controls the variable display means or the like.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

  One type of gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In a pachinko machine, when a game ball launched by a launching device enters a starting pitching means provided on a game board, whether or not to generate a big hit state is determined and a variable display device determines whether or not Fluctuation display for teaching the lottery result is performed (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In addition, for example, there are a normal mode in which a jackpot state is won with a predetermined probability when a winning / losing lottery is performed, and a high probability mode in which a jackpot state is won with a higher probability than the normal mode. Furthermore, in some cases, the period of the high probability mode is divided by the number of variable displays. In this case, the remaining period of the high probability mode, that is, the number of remaining variable displays performed in the high probability mode is taught by the variable display device. It has come to be.

  Now, the pachinko machine includes a main control device that performs main control and a sub-control device that controls a terminal device for teaching predetermined information to the player. Various information is output from the main control device to the sub-control device, and the sub-control device performs corresponding control based on the various information output from the main control device. More specifically, control such as determining the display mode of the variable display device is performed.

  By the way, some sub-control devices perform only control for production, and since this sub-control device does not perform any control directly related to the player's loss or gain, from the viewpoint of cost reduction, etc., the sub-control device In some cases, the sub-control device itself does not include a non-volatile memory or a backup power source in which data can be written or erased. Therefore, when the power is turned off, the information regarding the gaming situation stored in the sub-control device is lost.

  In this regard, in the main control device, even if the power is cut off, information on the game situation is stored in a memory having a backup function such as a non-volatile memory. For example, when a power failure occurs, a big hit state occurs. There is no such thing as a loss of the right to be played, and there is no risk that the player will suffer a disadvantage.

JP 2003-154110 A

  However, the player often grasps the game situation etc. by confirming the aspect of the terminal device for information teaching controlled by the sub-control device or the like, and there is also information that can be obtained only by the terminal device. . For this reason, even if the player's right is secured internally with a power failure, the player may not be able to grasp that the right is secured unless the terminal device teaches.

  Therefore, by not obtaining the information that should be obtained from the terminal device, the player has a sense of anxiety about whether or not the state has actually returned to the same state as before the power outage, and is now focused on what state it is currently in. There is a risk that you will not be able to enjoy or concentrate on the game.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems and the like, and its purpose is to protect the state before the power failure when the supply of power is cut off during the game. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can prevent a player from causing any doubt.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
A game area in which game balls launched by the launching means are guided;
A starting entrance means capable of entering a game ball moving in the game area;
A starting entrance detecting means for detecting a game ball entering the starting entrance means;
A variable winning device that changes state between an open state in which a game ball moving in the game area can enter and a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter;
Based on the detection of the starting pitch detection means, a lottery for determining whether or not to generate a special game state for opening the variable prize-winning device is performed, and a special game state is generated when winning in the lottery for lottery Control means;
Variable display means for performing variable display for teaching the result of the lottery determination;
Sub-control means for determining a variation display mode in the variable display means based on a command from the main control means,
In the normal gaming state in which the winning / losing lottery is performed based on the detection of the starting entrance detecting means and the variable display means is displayed in a variable manner, the first gaming mode is triggered by the occurrence of the special gaming state And a second game mode in which there is an opportunity to end other than the occurrence of the special game state,
The main control means is configured to output a period information command including period information capable of grasping the remaining period of the second game mode to the sub-control means.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the suspicion that the state before a power failure is protected can be wiped off.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in one Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which open | released the inner frame and the front frame set. It is a front view which shows structures, such as an inner frame and a game board. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which open | released the inner frame, the back pack unit, etc. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the main electrical structures of a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the various counters used for game control. It is a flowchart which shows the main process by the main controller. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process by the main controller. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a NMI interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a start winning process. It is a flowchart which shows a jackpot determination process. (A) is a flowchart which shows an upper classification determination process, (b) is a flowchart which shows a lower classification determination process. It is a flowchart which shows reach determination processing. It is a flowchart which shows a through gate passage process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st display control process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation | variation display setting process. It is a flowchart which shows discrimination | determination information setting processing. It is a flowchart which shows a variable winning apparatus control process. It is a flowchart which shows an end setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd display control process. It is a flowchart which shows an opportunity corresponding unit control process. It is a flowchart which shows a reception interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of the payout control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a command determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process of a sub control apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the various counters used for the determination of a decoration design, etc. It is a flowchart which shows the update process of a counter. It is a flowchart which shows holding information storage processing. It is a flowchart which shows a pending | holding process. It is a flowchart which shows a jackpot display process. It is a model perspective view for demonstrating the book apparatus in another embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st display control process in another embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the discrimination information setting process in another embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as “pachinko machine”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inner frame 12 and the front frame set 14 are opened. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame 12, the game board 30, and the like. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inner frame 12, the back pack unit 203, and the like are opened. However, in FIG. 3, for the sake of convenience, nails and accessories placed on the surface of the game board 30, a glass unit 137 attached to the front frame set 14, and the like are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that constitutes an outline of the pachinko machine 10, and an inner frame 12 is supported at one side of the outer frame 11 so as to be opened and closed. .

  As shown in FIG. 6 and the like, the outer frame 11 has an upper side frame constituting portion 11a and a lower side frame constituting portion 11b made of a wooden plate material, and the left side frame constituting portion 11c and the right side frame constituting portion 11d are made of aluminum alloy. Each of the frame components 11a to 11d is assembled in a rectangular frame shape as a whole by a detachable fastener such as a screw.

  An upper hinge 81 and a lower hinge 82 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the left side frame constituting portion 11c (see FIG. 1). The upper and lower hinges 81 and 82 support the upper and lower portions of the inner frame 12 so that the inner frame 12 can be rotated. As a result, the inner frame 12 can be opened and closed. And the inner frame 12 etc. are accommodated in the space part formed inside the outer frame 11.

  The right side frame constituting portion 11d is formed with an extending wall portion 83 that protrudes from the vicinity of the rear end portion in the width direction toward the inside of the outer frame 11. The extending wall 83 covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to the locking device 600 (see FIG. 6) provided on the back side of the right side of the inner frame 12 from the back side of the inner frame 12 (see FIG. 5). In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of upper and lower receiving portions 84 and 85 to which the locking member of the locking device 600 is locked are provided on the front surface side of the extending wall portion 83. Further, a pressing portion 86 that abuts on an inner frame opening detection switch 92 described later is provided on the lower receiving portion 85 so as to protrude toward the inner side of the outer frame 11.

  Furthermore, a resin curtain decoration 87 is attached to the lower frame constituting portion 11b. A rib 88 projecting upward is integrally formed at the back of the upper surface of the curtain decoration 87. This makes it difficult to form a gap with the inner frame 12.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set up and down on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, so that the inner frame 12 can be opened forward with the opening / closing axis serving as an axis. It has become. The inner frame 12 is mainly composed of a resin base 38 whose outer shape is rectangular, and a substantially elliptical window hole 39 is formed at the center of the resin base 38.

  A front frame set 14 is attached to the front side of the inner frame 12 so that it can be opened and closed. As with the inner frame 12, the front frame set 14 can be opened forward with an opening / closing axis set along the top and bottom on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

  The front frame set 14 has a rectangular outer shape like the inner frame 12, and covers almost the entire front side of the inner frame 12 in the closed state. A substantially elliptical window 101 is formed at the center of the front frame set 14. Thereby, the game board 30 (game area) attached to the rear surface of the inner frame 12 can be visually recognized from the outside through the window portion 101 of the front frame set 14 and the window hole 39 of the inner frame 12. The detailed configuration of the game board 30 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, on the front side of the front frame set 14, a lower tray 15 as a ball tray is provided at the lower center, and game balls discharged from the discharge port 16 are stored in the lower tray 15. It is possible. In addition, on the front side of the lower plate 15, a ball removal lever 25 for discharging the game ball from the lower plate 15 is provided. In addition, an effect button 125 with a built-in LED is provided on the left side of the lower plate 15, and by pressing the effect button 125, a corresponding effect is performed on a decorative symbol display device 42 described later. Or the production content is changed.

  On the right side of the lower plate 15, a game ball launching handle (hereinafter simply referred to as a handle) 18 protruding toward the front side is provided. The handle 18 is provided with a touch sensor (not shown) and an operation amount detection means (variable resistor) (not shown) for detecting the operation amount of the operation unit of the handle 18. When the handle 18 is rotated clockwise, a game ball is launched by a launching device 60 serving as launching means described later with a strength corresponding to the amount of pivoting operation. Further, the handle 18 is provided with a firing prohibiting button 18 a that can be pressed with the thumb of the right hand that holds the handle 18. In the state where the firing prohibition button 18a is pressed, even if the handle 18 is held, the launching device 60 is prohibited from launching the game ball. Therefore, the rotation of the handle 18 can be performed while prohibiting the launch of the game ball, or the launch of the game ball can be temporarily stopped while the handle 18 is held.

  An upper plate 19 is provided above the lower plate 15. The upper plate 19 is a ball tray that temporarily stores the game balls and guides them toward a launching device 60 described later while aligning them in a row. When the upper plate 19 is full of game balls, the game balls to be paid out are guided to the lower plate 15 via the lower plate communication passage 71 and the discharge port 16 described later.

  The upper plate 19 is provided with a ball lending button 121 and a return button 122. Thereby, in the game hall or the like, when the ball lending button 121 is operated with a bill or a card inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, depending on the operation Rental balls are supplied to the upper plate 19. On the other hand, the return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit. However, the ball lending button 121 and the return button 122 are not necessary for a pachinko machine in which game balls are directly lending to the upper plate 19 from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit, so-called cash machine.

  Further, the upper plate 19 is provided with a ball removal button 123. When the ball removal button 123 is pressed, a communication hole (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the ball guide path of the upper plate 19 and communicating with the lower plate 15 is opened and stored in the upper plate 19. The game ball is guided (dropped) to the lower plate 15. That is, the player can move the game ball on the upper plate 19 to the lower plate 15 at any time by operating the ball removal button 123.

  In addition, light emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the front surface of the front frame set 14. These light emitting means play a role of enhancing the effect of the game during the game by changing and controlling the light emission mode such as lighting and blinking according to the change of the game state at the time of big hit or predetermined reach. For example, at the periphery of the window portion 101, an annular illumination portion 102 incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED is provided. In addition, error display lamps 104 that are turned on when a predetermined error occurs are provided on both sides of the annular illumination portion 102. In addition, a large number of small through holes are formed in the annular illumination portion 102 above the error display lamps 104 corresponding to the speakers SP (see FIG. 3) provided on the back surface of the front frame set 14. .

  A glass unit 137 is attached to the back side of the front frame set 14. The glass unit 137 is not attached to a pair of conventional front and rear rectangular glass plates separately in front and rear pairs, but is formed into a round shape as a whole and attached after being assembled.

  Next, the inner frame 12 (resin base 38) will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the game board 30 is mounted on the inner frame 12 (resin base 38) on the rear side of the window hole 39. The game board 30 is attached in a state in which the peripheral edge thereof is in contact with the back side of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38). Therefore, a substantially central portion of the front surface portion of the game board 30 is exposed to the front surface side of the inner frame 12 through the window hole 39 of the resin base 38.

  Further, at the lower part of the front surface of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38), that is, below the window hole 39 (game board 30), a launch rail for guiding the launch device 60 and the game ball immediately after being launched from the launch device 60. 61 is attached. In the present embodiment, a solenoid-type firing device is employed as the firing device 60. In addition, above the launching device 60, a ball feeding device that guides the game balls guided from the upper plate 19 one by one to the launching position of the launching device 60 by driving a built-in driving means (for example, a solenoid). 63 is provided.

  Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 30 includes a general winning port 31, a variable winning device 32, a starting winning unit (starting port) 33, a through gate 34, a variable display device unit 35, a first special display device 43L and a second special display device 43R. A specific lamp 40 or the like is disposed in a through hole formed by router processing, and is attached from the front side of the game board 30 with a wood screw or the like. As is well known, when a game ball enters (wins) various winning ports such as the general winning port 31, the variable winning device 32, the start winning unit 33, etc., it is detected by various detection switches, and is sent to the upper plate 19 (or the lower plate 15). A predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. For example, when there is a ball entering the start winning unit 33, there are three balls when there is a ball entering the general winning slot 31, and when there is a ball entering the variable winning device 32. Fifteen game balls are paid out to the upper plate 19 (lower plate 15). In addition, the game board 30 is provided with an out port 36, and the game balls that have not won the various winning ports such as the general winning port 31 are discharged out of the game area through the out port 36. . In addition, the game board 30 is provided with a large number of nails for appropriately dispersing and adjusting the falling direction of the game balls, and various members such as windmills (servants).

  The variable winning device 32 is normally in a closed state in which no game ball can be won, and is in an open state in which a game ball can be won in a big hit state (occurrence of a special game state). Although not shown in the drawings, the variable prize winning device 32 has a large winning opening (winning opening) leading to the rear of the game board 30, a shutter (movable part) for opening and closing the large winning opening, and a shutter for operating the shutter. A prize winning solenoid (driving means) and a count switch 223 for detecting a game ball that has entered the prize winning opening are provided, and the variable prize winning device 32 ( The big prize opening) is switched between the closed state and the open state.

  The start winning unit 33 includes an upper winning port 33a and a lower winning port 33b as starting ball entering means, and a pair of opening / closing members 33c provided on both sides of the lower winning port 33b. When the opening / closing member 33c opens and closes in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition, the game ball flowing down the side of the lower prize opening 33b is guided between an open state where the game ball is guided to the lower prize opening 33b and a closed state where the game ball is not guided. The state can be changed. As will be described in detail later, the start winning unit 33 includes a first start winning switch 224a and a second start as a start entering detecting means for detecting game balls that have entered the upper winning opening 33a and the lower winning opening 33b, respectively. A winning switch 224b is provided, and when a game ball is detected by the start winning switches 224a and 224b, a winning lottery for determining whether or not to generate a big hit state is performed, and special display devices 43L and 43R ( In addition, in the decorative symbol display device 42), which will be described later, a variable display for teaching the result of the success / failure lottery is performed. Then, when a big win is won in the winning / losing lottery, a big win state is given as a special gaming state in which the variable winning device 32 is opened.

  Further, in the present embodiment, there are a low probability state in which a jackpot is won with a predetermined probability in the success / failure lottery and a high probability state in which the jackpot is won with a higher probability than the low probability state in the success / failure lottery. Further, the opening / closing member 33c is opened relatively frequently, and it is easy to allow the game ball to enter the lower winning opening 33c, and the opening / closing member 33c is hardly opened, and the game ball is moved to the lower winning opening 33b. There is a low entry state that is difficult to enter. Hereinafter, the low probability state and the low entry state are referred to as “normal mode”, and the low probability state and the high entry state are referred to as “time reduction mode”. A certain state is referred to as a “probability change mode”. In the present embodiment, the normal mode is continued until the jackpot state occurs, whereas the time reduction mode and the probability change mode are the special display devices 43L and 43R and the decorative symbol display even if the jackpot state does not occur. It is configured to end when the variable display in the device 42 is performed 100 times. In the present embodiment, the normal mode corresponds to the first game mode, and the time reduction mode and the probability change mode correspond to the second game mode.

  The jackpot type of this embodiment is 15 round normal bonus (hereinafter referred to as “15RN”), 15 round super bonus (hereinafter referred to as “15RS”), and 7 round super bonus (hereinafter referred to as “7RS”). There are three types. Then, when the variable winning device 32 is opened for 30 seconds or when eight game balls enter the variable winning device 32 after the variable winning device 32 is opened, “15RN”, “ For “15RS”, it is repeated 15 times, while for “7RS” it is repeated 7 times before the jackpot state ends. Further, “probability change mode” is given after the big hit state of “15RS” and “7RS”, and “time reduction mode” is given after the big hit state of “15RN”.

  In addition, although mentioned later in detail, in this embodiment, when winning a big hit based on the game ball entering the top winning opening 33a and winning the big win based on the game ball entering the lower winning opening 33b In the case of winning, the ratio of “15RN” is the same, but the ratio of “15RS” (in other words, the ratio of “7RN”) is different.

  The first and second special display devices 43L and 43R are each constituted by a 7-segment display device of a type capable of displaying two characters (and dots), and are installed on the right side of the variable winning device 32. Then, when the game ball enters the top winning port 33a of the start winning unit 33, the first special display device 43L performs switching display (variable display), and the game ball enters the lower winning port 33b. As a trigger, switching display (variation display) is performed on the second special display device 43R. Note that the display contents of the special display devices 43L and 43R are directly controlled by a main control device 261 as main control means described later.

  In addition, after the variable display is performed on the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, the result of the lottery determination, that is, “big hit” or “off”, depending on the display mode when the variable display stops. It is definitely displayed that there is. For example, when a game ball wins the top winning opening 33a, the lighting mode (combination of segments to be lit) is switched and displayed (variable display, for example, every 4 msec) on the corresponding first special display device 43L. When a predetermined time has elapsed, one of the lighting modes is stopped and displayed (for example, stopped for several seconds). Then, when “big hit” is won in the winning / losing lottery, the corresponding lighting mode is displayed when the fluctuation is stopped, and a big hit state occurs.

  Furthermore, in the special display devices 43L and 43R, not only is it taught that the “big hit” has been won, but the type of the big hit state, ie, “15RN”, “15RS”, or “7RS”. Is also taught. For example, when “7.7.” Is finally displayed (stopped) on the first special display device 43L (or the second special display device 43R), “15RS” is assigned, and “n. When “0.” is displayed, “15RN” is assigned. In addition, there are a plurality of stop modes of the special display devices 43L and 43R that teach one jackpot type instead of one. For example, when “15RS” occurs, the first special display device 43L (or the second special display device) 43R), any one of “7.7.”, “P.b”, “5.L.”, “A.3”... Is selected and stopped. In addition, when either the first special display device 43L or the second special display device 43R is performing variable display or determination display, the other is turned off ("-" is displayed). However, if neither the change display nor the determination display is performed in either case, “-” is displayed in both cases.

  In addition, when a game ball newly wins the start winning unit 33 during the variation display of the first or second special display device 43L, 43R, the corresponding variation display is performed at that time. It is the structure performed after the end of. That is, the variable display is on standby (held). The maximum number of the variable display to be held is determined for each model of the pachinko machine, but in the present embodiment, it corresponds to the game ball won in the top winning port 33a and the game ball won in the lower winning port 33b. Then, the variation display up to four times (total eight variation display) is put on hold.

  In addition, the number of holdings of the variation display (hereinafter referred to as “first variation display”) based on the game ball entering the top winning opening 33a is lit and displayed by the first holding lamp 46a that can emit blue light. The number of holdings of the variation display (hereinafter referred to as “second variation display”) based on the game ball entering the lower prize opening 33b is lit and displayed by the second holding lamp 46b that can emit red light. It has become. Four hold lamps 46a and 46b are provided in the same number as the maximum number of hold of each of the first change display and the second change display, and the same number as the number of the first change display or the second change display held. Light. The display contents of the hold lamps 46a and 46b are controlled by a sub-control device 262 as sub-control means described later. If a new game ball wins the start winning unit 33 during the big hit state, the corresponding change display is also suspended.

  Note that the suspended variation display is basically digested in the suspended sequence, but both the first variation display and the second variation display are suspended (hold lamp 46a, When one or more of 46b is lit, the second variation display is preferentially digested. In other words, unless all the second variation display triggered by winning at the lower winning opening 33b is digested, the first variation display triggered by entering the upper winning opening 33a is not performed. ing. For example, in the state where one first holding lamp 46a is lit, when a game ball enters the lower prize opening 33b and one second holding lamp 46b lights, the first variation display is postponed, First, the second variation display is performed.

  The fluctuation specifying lamp 40 is provided on the side of the first holding lamp 46a, and the fluctuation display performed on the decorative symbol display device 42 is displayed on any of the top winning opening 33a and the lower winning opening 33b. It is for indicating whether it corresponds (whether it is the first variation display or the second variation display). The variation specifying lamp 40 includes an LED whose emission color is blue and an LED whose emission color is red. When the first variation display is performed on the decorative symbol display device 42, the variation specifying lamp 40 emits blue light, and the second variation. It emits red light when it is being displayed.

  The through gate 34 is configured such that game balls flowing down the game area can pass one by one. As will be described in detail later, the through gate 34 includes a through gate switch 225 that can detect a game ball passing through the through gate 34. When the game ball is detected by the through gate switch 225, the through gate 34 is started. A pitch assist lottery for determining whether or not the winning unit 33 is in an open state is performed, and a variation display for teaching the result of the pitch assist lottery is performed on the normal symbol display device 41. Then, when winning in the winning assist lottery, the lower winning opening 33b (opening / closing member 33c) of the start winning unit 33 is opened for a specified time after the end of the variation display.

  The variable display device unit 35 includes a normal symbol display device 41 that variably displays triggered by the passage of the through gate 34, and a decorative symbol display device that variably displays in accordance with the variable display by the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R. 42 is provided. Further, the variable display device unit 35 is provided with the first holding lamp 46a, the second holding lamp 46b, and the holding lamp 44.

  The normal symbol display device 41 is configured so that “○” or “×” can be lit as a normal symbol. For example, each time a game ball passes through the through gate 34, the normal symbol is displayed as “O” → “×” → “○” →... Is displayed at high speed (change display). Then, when the change display is stopped for several seconds with the “◯” symbol (winning symbol), the start winning unit 33 (opening / closing member 33c) is opened for a predetermined time. The display contents of the normal symbol display device 41 are directly controlled by a main control device 261 described later.

  In addition, when a game ball newly passes through the through gate 34 during the fluctuation display of the normal symbol display device 41, the corresponding fluctuation display is performed after the end of the fluctuation display at that time. It has become. That is, the variable display is on standby (held). The maximum number of the variable display to be held is determined for each model of the pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, it is held up to 4 times, and the hold number is lit and displayed by the hold lamp 44. Yes.

  The decorative symbol display device 42 is configured as a liquid crystal display device, and display contents are controlled by a sub-control device 262 and a display control device 45 described later. That is, in the decorative symbol display device 42, the sub-control device 262 supports the auxiliary design based on the command from the main control device 261 so as to correspond to the results displayed on the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R. Display content is determined, and display control is performed by the display control device 45 based on the determination. In this embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 42 constitutes variable display means.

  The decorative symbol display device 42 is provided with, for example, three symbol display areas, upper, middle, and lower, and a plurality of types of symbols (for example, symbols numbered 1 to 9) are sequentially displayed in each symbol display area. After that, the symbols are stopped and displayed in order for each symbol display area (for example, in the order of the upper symbol display area → the lower symbol display area → the middle symbol display area). For example, when the jackpot is determined by the main control device 261, a display corresponding to the jackpot is made on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R, and the symbol corresponding to the jackpot is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42. In combination, the symbols are stopped and displayed (for example, the symbols that are stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display region, the middle symbol display region, and the lower symbol display region are the same), and the big hit state is started.

  Further, when symbols are stopped and displayed in combinations corresponding to jackpots, the same symbol is stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area, for example, as a preceding stage. In this way, the state where the same symbol is stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area and the variable display is still being performed in the middle symbol display area is the reach state.

  In the present embodiment, after the reach state occurs, in the middle symbol display area, when the same symbol as the symbol (reach symbol) that is stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area is stopped and displayed (Zero eyes The jackpot state is given to the display when the display is stopped. Further, in the case of an odd number of eyes, “15RS” or “7RS” to which a probability variation mode is given after the end of the jackpot state is given, and in the case of an even number of eyes, “15RN”, “15RS”, Either “7RS” is given. In addition, the combination of symbols other than the doublet basically teaches “displacement”.

  In addition, in the case of the variable display, if even-numbered double eyes are aligned and a big hit state of all 15 rounds is reached, the player can determine either “15RN” or “15RS” by simply viewing the decorative symbol display device 42. It may not be possible to determine whether or not it is a big hit. That is, if the state when the special display devices 43L and 43R are stopped and displayed is visually recognized, the type of the big hit state can be determined, but it is not visually recognized, or the special display devices 43L and 43R are stopped. A player who does not know the correspondence between the type of the jackpot state and the jackpot state cannot be distinguished. In the present embodiment, the mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 in the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode is common, and if it is not possible to determine which of the big hits “15RN” or “15RS”, the probability variation mode Alternatively, it cannot be determined whether the time reduction mode is selected. Further, in the present embodiment, the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode are both terminated when the variable display is performed 100 times, so that even if the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode is terminated, it is possible to determine which mode has been selected. Sometimes it doesn't connect. In addition, since the jackpot state of all seven rounds is only “7RS”, it is possible to reliably grasp that the probability change mode is set after the jackpot state ends.

  The variable display device unit 35 is provided with a center frame 47 so as to surround the decorative symbol display device 42. A ball entrance 151 is provided in the upper portion of the center frame 47, and a game ball that has entered the ball entrance 151 is formed inside the center frame 47 along the side of the decorative symbol display device 42. It is guided on a stage 153 formed below the decorative symbol display device 42 via a warp channel 152 extending vertically. The game ball guided on the stage 153 falls from the stage 153 to the front game area, or rolls on the stage 153 and then enters the pocket 154 formed at the center back side of the stage 153. . The pocket 154 communicates with a guide passage 155 that leads to a game area directly above the start winning unit 33 (upward winning opening 33a), and a game ball that has entered the pocket 154 has a relatively high probability. The start winning unit 33 (upward winning opening 33a) is entered.

  The game board 30 includes an inner rail component 51 and an outer rail component 52, and a rail 50 that guides a game ball launched from the launch device 60 to the upper part of the game board 30 is attached. As a result, the game balls fired in accordance with the turning operation of the handle 18 are guided through the launch rail 61 and the rail 50 into a game area formed between the game board 30 and the glass unit 137.

  A return ball preventing member 53 is attached to the tip portion of the inner rail constituting portion 51 (the upper left portion in FIG. 4). This prevents a situation in which the game ball once guided from the rail 50 to the game area returns to the rail 50 again. Further, a return rubber 54 is attached to a substantially distal end portion (upper right portion in FIG. 4) of the outer rail constituting portion 52. The game ball fired at a predetermined momentum or more hits the return rubber 54 and is returned to, for example, the substantially central portion of the game board 30.

  In the present embodiment, the outer rail component 52 is interrupted at the upper right portion of the game board 30, and the inner rail component 51 is interrupted at the lower right portion of the game board 30. For this reason, the game area is defined by the inner peripheral surface of the rail 50 and the window hole 39 of the resin base 38. However, since the game ball launched by the launching device 60 may flow backward through the rail 50 until it passes through the return ball prevention member 53, the parallel portions of the inner and outer rail constituting portions 51 and 52 are excluded from the game area. It is burned.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a ball passage unit 70 is provided on the back side of the front frame set 14 below the window portion 101. The ball passage unit 70 includes a lower plate communication passage 71 connected from a payout mechanism portion 352 described later to the discharge port 16 of the lower plate 15, and an upper plate communication passage 73 connected from the payout mechanism portion 352 to the upper plate 19. In addition, there is a predetermined gap between the firing rail 61 provided on the front side of the inner frame 12 and the rail unit 50 (outer rail constituting portion 52), and the ball path unit 70 of the front frame set 14 includes A foul ball passage 72 is formed to guide the game ball dropped from the gap to the lower plate 15. Thereby, if the game ball launched from the launching device 60 does not reach the return ball prevention member 53 and returns to the rail 50 as a foul ball, the foul ball is returned to the lower plate 15 via the foul ball passage 72. Discharged.

  3 and 4 is a payout passage for guiding a game ball paid out by a payout mechanism portion 352, which will be described later, to the front of the inner frame 12, and an upper plate communication passage 73 (upper plate 19). And a passage leading to the lower plate communication passage 71 (lower plate 15). A shutter 68 is provided below the payout passage 67. When the front frame set 14 is opened, the shutter 68 protrudes forward by an urging force of a spring or the like so that the outlet of the payout passage 67 is almost closed. ing. When the front frame set 14 is closed, the shutter 68 is pushed open by the inlet side rear end of the lower plate communication path 71. In addition, the inlets (sphere inflow portions) of the lower plate communication passage 71 and the upper plate communication passage 73 are adjacent to each other, and in the closed state of the front frame set 14, each of the inlets and the discharge passage 67 are separated by a predetermined distance. A game ball can pass through the gap between the two. For this reason, when the upper plate 19 and the upper plate communication passage 73 are filled with game balls, the game balls to be dispensed flow to the lower plate communication passage 71 side (overflow to the inlet side of the lower plate communication passage 71), and the lower plate connection It will be paid out to the lower plate 15 through the passage 71.

  In addition, the ball path unit 70 is provided with a full detection switch (not shown) that detects a game ball located in the lower dish communication path 71. Due to the presence of the full detection switch, it is grasped that the lower plate 15 is full of game balls (the lower plate 15 is full of game balls and the game balls are retained in the lower plate communication path 71). be able to. In the present embodiment, based on the fact that a game ball is continuously detected for a predetermined time by the full detection switch, an error notification that teaches that the lower plate 15 is full using a display or sound on the decorative symbol display device 42 is used. Is controlled. When the game ball stays in the lower tray communication path 71 and the game ball is not detected by the full detection switch (when it is not detected continuously for a predetermined time), the error notification state is canceled.

  Next, the back configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. Various control boards are arranged on the back of the pachinko machine 10 so as to be lined up, down, left and right, and partially overlapped in the front and back, and further, a game ball supply device (payout mechanism) for supplying game balls And a protective cover made of resin. The dispensing mechanism and the protective cover are integrated as one unit, and the resin portion is generally sometimes referred to as a back pack. Therefore, this unit is referred to as a “back pack unit 203”.

  First, the back configuration of the game board 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, on the back side of the variable display device unit 35 (see FIG. 4) arranged corresponding to the through hole in the center of the game board 30, a resin frame cover that covers the center frame 47 from the back side. 213 is provided to protrude rearward. Further, on the back side of the frame cover 213, a decorative symbol display device 42, a display control device 45, and a sub control device 262, which are liquid crystal display devices facing forward from the opening of the frame cover 213, can be attached and detached in a state where they are stacked in front and back. Is attached.

  The decorative symbol display device 42 is housed in a housing box 42 a in which an opening for exposing the display unit (liquid crystal screen) of the decorative symbol display device 42 to the front side of the pachinko machine 10 is formed, and the rear surface of the frame cover 213. It is fixed on the side. The display control device 45 is accommodated in the substrate box 45a and fixed to the back side of the decorative symbol display device 42 (accommodation box 42a). The sub-control device 262 is accommodated in the substrate box 262a and fixed to the back side of the display control device 45 (substrate box 45a). In the frame cover 213, an LED control board for driving LEDs and the like built in the center frame 47 is disposed. The storage box 42a and the substrate boxes 45a and 262a are made of a transparent resin material or the like so that the inside can be visually recognized.

  Under the frame cover 213, a back frame set 215 is attached to the game board 30 so as to cover the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the start winning unit 33 and the like from behind. The back frame set 215 includes a ball collection mechanism (not shown) for collecting game balls that have won prizes in various winning ports. The game balls collected by the ball collection mechanism are guided to a discharge passage portion 217 described later, and discharged from the discharge chute of the discharge passage portion 217 to the outside of the pachinko machine 10.

  In the present embodiment, the back frame set 215 functions as a mounting base for the main controller 261. More specifically, the board box 263 on which the main controller 261 is mounted is pivotally supported with respect to the back frame set 215 and can be opened rearward.

  The main controller 261 is accommodated in a substrate box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The substrate box 263 includes a box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base, and the box base and the box cover are connected by a sealing member. The board | substrate box 263 connected with the sealing member becomes a structure which cannot be opened unless a predetermined trace is left. As a result, it is possible to easily find out that the board box 263 has been illegally opened.

  In addition, the game board 30 is provided with a ball entry detection switch for detecting game balls that have entered the various winning ports corresponding to various winning ports such as the general winning port 31. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, a winning opening switch 221 is provided at a position corresponding to the general winning opening 31, and a count switch 223 is provided in the variable winning device 32. The start winning unit 33 is provided with a first start winning switch 224a and a second starting winning switch 224b corresponding to the upper winning port 33a and the lower winning port 33b, respectively. Further, a through gate switch 225 is provided at a position corresponding to the through gate 34.

  Although not shown, the back frame set 215 is provided with a first board relay board that is electrically connected to the prize opening switch 221, the count switch 223, and the through gate switch 225 via a cable connector. . This first board surface relay board relays the prize opening switch 221 and the like and the main control device 261 as main control means, and is electrically connected to the main control device 261 via a cable connector. On the other hand, the start winning switches 224a and 224b are directly connected to the main controller 261 via a connector cable without passing through a relay board.

The detection results detected by the various entrance detection switches are taken into the main controller 261. Then, a payout command (the number of game balls to be paid out) corresponding to the winning situation at each time is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the payout control device 311, and a predetermined number of game balls are based on the output signal from the payout control device 311. Is dispensed (except when detected by the through gate switch 225).
In addition, although not shown in the drawings, the back of the game board 30 is provided with a large winning opening solenoid that opens the large winning opening by the variable winning apparatus 32, and the start winning unit 33 has a pair of opening / closing members 33c. A winning opening solenoid that opens and closes is provided. The back frame set 215 is also provided with a second board surface relay board (not shown) that relays between the solenoid and the main controller 261.

  Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the back pack unit 203 is a unit in which a back pack 351 formed of resin and a payout mechanism portion 352 for a game ball are integrated. Further, the back pack unit 203 is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the left side portion (right side in FIG. 5) of the inner frame 12, and can be opened rearward with an open / close axis extending along the vertical direction as an axis. ing. In addition, an external terminal board 240 is provided on the upper left part of the back pack unit 203 (upper right part in FIG. 5).

  The external terminal board 240 is for relaying various information transmissions to a hall computer or the like in a game hall, and is provided with a plurality of external connection terminals. For convenience, no reference numerals are given, but for example, a terminal for outputting information relating to the current gaming state (such as jackpot state or probability variation mode), front frame set 14 or inner frame detected by opening detection switches 91 and 92 described later. Terminals for outputting information related to the opening of 12, terminals for outputting information on various error states such as a ball entry error, a lower tray full tank error, a tank ball no error, a payout error, and a prize paid out from the payout control device 311 Terminals for outputting information on the number of balls are provided.

  The back pack 351 is integrally formed of, for example, ABS resin, and includes a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover 354 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to cover at least the frame cover 213. However, in the present embodiment, the protective cover portion 354 covers the upper portion and the right portion of the substrate box 263 (the left portion in FIG. 5). Thereby, in the closed state of the back pack unit 203, the sealing member provided at the right part of the board box 263 and the terminal part (board side connector) provided along the upper edge part of the main controller 261 are covered. It will be.

  The payout mechanism 352 is arranged so as to bypass the protective cover 354. That is, a tank 355 opened upward is provided above the protective cover portion 354, and game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially supplied to the tank 355. Below the tank 355, for example, a tank rail 356 that has two rows of ball passages in the horizontal direction and that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected. Further, a case rail 357 is formed vertically on the downstream side of the tank rail 356. It is connected. The payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 357, and a required number of game balls are paid out appropriately according to a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor. Then, the game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are supplied to the upper plate 19 and the like.

  The payout mechanism 352 is provided with a payout relay board 381 for relaying a payout command signal from the payout control device 311 to the payout device 358, and a power switch board 382 for taking in the main power from the outside. Yes. The power switch board 382 is supplied with, for example, an AC 24V main power supply via a voltage converter, and the power switch 382a is switched on or off by a switching operation of the power switch 382a.

  Below the back pack unit 203 (substrate box 263), there is provided a lower frame set 251 that is pivotally supported at the left side of the inner frame 12 (right side in FIG. 5) and can be opened rearward. As shown in FIG. 6, the lower frame set 251 is formed with a discharge passage portion 217 into which the game balls collected by the ball collection mechanism described above flow, and a game ball is placed in the most downstream portion of the discharge passage portion 217. A discharge chute (not shown) for discharging to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 is formed. In other words, the game balls that have won the respective winning openings such as the general winning opening 31 are gathered through the ball collecting mechanism of the back frame set 215 and further discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute of the discharge passage portion 217. In addition, the out port 36 leads to the discharge passage portion 217 in the same manner, and the game balls that have not won any winning port are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute. In this embodiment, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 are configured separately and can be opened and closed independently. However, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 are integrally formed. It is also good to do.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the payout control device 311, the firing control device 312, the power supply device 313, and the card unit connection board 314 are detachably attached to the back side of the lower frame set 251 in a state where they are overlapped in the front-rear direction. It has been.

  The launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are accommodated in the substrate box 313a and fixed to the back side of the lower frame set 251. Although the launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are described as independent control devices for convenience, they are actually configured by a single board (printed board).

  The payout control device 311 is housed in the substrate box 311a and is fixed to the back side of the substrate box 313a (the launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313). The substrate box 311a in which the dispensing control device 311 is accommodated is provided with a sealing member in the same manner as the substrate box 263 in which the main control device 261 is accommodated, so that an unsealed trace of the substrate box 311a remains. It has become.

  In addition, the card unit connection board 314 is accommodated in the board box 314a and fixed to the back side of the board box 313a (the firing control device 312 and the power supply device 313). Each of the board boxes 311a, 313a, and 314a is made of a transparent resin material or the like so that the inside can be visually recognized.

  Further, the dispensing control device 311 is provided with a state return switch 321 that protrudes outward from the substrate box 311a. For example, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball clogged in the payout motor unit, the payout motor is rotated forward and reverse to eliminate the ball clogging (return to a normal state).

  Further, the power supply device 313 is provided with a RAM erase switch 323 that protrudes outward from the substrate box 313a. This pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, so that even if a power failure occurs, the pachinko machine 10 retains the state at the time of the power failure and can be restored to the state at the time of the power failure when returning from the power failure (power recovery) it can. Therefore, if the power is turned off in a normal procedure (for example, when the game hall is closed), the state before the power is turned off is stored. If you want to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, hold down the RAM erase switch 323 and hold the power Is input.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a locking device 600 is provided on the back side of the right side of the inner frame 12. The locking device 600 includes a cylinder lock 700 (see FIG. 1 and the like) exposed on the front surface side of the front frame set 14, and a key is inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 700, and the inside is operated by rotating to one side. The frame 12 can be unlocked, and the front frame set 14 can be unlocked by rotating to the other side. In the present embodiment, the inner frame 12 is locked to the outer frame 11, and the front frame set 14 is locked to the inner frame 12.

  In addition, as described above, the extending wall portion 83 that covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to the locking device 600 from the back side of the inner frame 12 is formed in the right side frame constituting portion 11d of the outer frame 11 (FIG. 5). reference). Thereby, it becomes difficult to make a wire etc. approach from the back side of outer frame 11, and to operate locking device 600 with the wire etc. As a result, the defense performance can be improved. Further, the extending wall portion 83 is configured to cover the right end portion (the left end portion in FIG. 5) of the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 from the back side, and in the closed state of the inner frame 12, The back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 cannot be opened.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a front frame open detection switch 91 for detecting the opening of the front frame set 14 is provided on the lower right side of the front side of the inner frame 12 (on the right side of the launching device 60). As shown in FIG. 5, an inner frame opening detection switch 92 for detecting the opening of the inner frame 12 is provided on the lower right side on the back side of the inner frame 12 (lower left in FIG. 5). Each of the front frame opening detection switch 91 and the inner frame opening detection switch 92 includes a detection unit that can move in and out of the switch main body, and the front frame opening detection switch 91 is provided so that the detection unit faces forward. The inner frame opening detection switch 92 is provided so that the detection unit faces rearward. When the detection unit is in a state of protruding from the switch main body, an ON signal is output to the main controller 261, and when the detection unit is pressed toward the switch main body and is immersed in the switch main body, an OFF signal is output. It is configured to output to the main controller 261. That is, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the front frame opening detection switch 91 is turned off when the detection unit is pressed on the back surface of the front frame set 14, and when the front frame set 14 is opened, the detection unit returns to the protruding state. Turns on. Similarly, when the inner frame 12 is closed, the inner frame opening detection switch 92 is turned off by the pressing portion 86 integrally formed with the receiving portion 85 of the outer frame 11 and is detected when the inner frame 12 is opened. The part returns to the protruding state and is turned on.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. A main controller 261 (main board) as main control means is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer as an arithmetic unit. The CPU 501 includes a ROM 502 that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 501 and fixed value data, and a RAM 503 that is a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 502 is executed. Various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are incorporated. However, the CPU, the ROM, and the RAM may not be integrated into one chip but may be configured as a chip for each function.

  The RAM 503 is a stack area that stores the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 501, the return address of a control program executed by the CPU 501, and a work area (work area) that stores various flags, counters, I / O values, and the like. ) And a backup area 503a.

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

  In the backup area 503a, when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the power of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned on again. (Similarly) is an area for storing stack pointers, values of registers, I / O, and the like. Writing to the backup area 503a is executed when the power is turned off by the main process. Conversely, the return of each value written to the backup area 503a is the main process at the time of power-on (including power-on due to power failure cancellation, and so on). Executed in Note that a power failure signal SK1 output from a power failure monitoring circuit 542, which will be described later, is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 when a power failure occurs due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. Due to the occurrence, the power failure process (NMI interrupt process) is immediately executed.

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

  An input / output port 505 is connected to the CPU 501 incorporating the ROM 502 and RAM 503 via a bus line 504 including an address bus and a data bus. A RAM erase switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a sub control device 262, first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, a normal symbol display device 41, and the like are connected to the input / output port 505. With this configuration, the special display devices 43L and 43R and the normal symbol display device 41 described above are directly controlled by the main control device 261. On the other hand, the decorative symbol display device 42 is controlled via the sub-control device 262.

  In addition, for convenience, illustration of various relay boards and the like is omitted, but the input / output port 505 includes a winning port switch 221, a count switch 223, start winning unit switches 224a and 224b, a through gate switch 225, various switches of the handle 18, and the like. And various electrical components such as a large winning opening solenoid for operating a shutter for opening and closing the large winning opening of the variable winning apparatus 32 are connected. That is, the main controller 261 is provided with a plurality of terminal portions (board side connectors) for connecting connectors of various cable connectors, and the input / output port 505 is configured by these terminal portions.

  A sub-control device 262 (sub-control board) as a sub-control means includes a CPU 551 that is an arithmetic device, various control programs executed by the CPU 551, a ROM 552 that stores fixed value data, and a control program that is stored in the ROM 552. RAM 553, which is a memory for temporarily storing various data during execution, input / output port 554, bus line 555, and other various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit (not shown) It has. The RAM 553 is a memory that temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 551 executes various programs.

  A CPU 551, ROM 552, and RAM 553 are connected to the input / output port 554 via a bus line 555 and a display control device 45 is connected. Furthermore, the speaker SP, the effect button 125, various illumination parts, a lamp, and the like are connected to the input / output port 554.

  The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 causes the display control device 45 to execute display control based on, for example, a command signal (for example, a variation pattern command) transmitted from the main control device 261 and causes the decorative symbol display device 42 to display the display control device. As described above, in the present embodiment, it is displayed that the jackpot is won by the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R controlled by the main control device 261, and the sub control device 262 is displayed. In the decorative symbol display device 42 controlled by, display corresponding to the display of the special display devices 43L and 43R (incident effect display) is performed.

  The payout control device 311 controls payout of prize balls and rental balls by the payout device 358. The CPU 511 that is an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 512 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 511, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory or the like.

  The RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261, has a stack area for storing the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 511 and the return address of the control program executed by the CPU 511, various flags and counters, A work area (work area) in which values such as I / O are stored, and a backup area 513a are provided.

  The RAM 513 is configured to hold (backup) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and all stored in the stack area, work area, and backup area 513a. Data is backed up. Note that if data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 513a is backed up, it is not always necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, the data stored in the stack area and the backup area 513a may be backed up, and the data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

  The backup area 513a has a stack pointer, each register at the time of power off, each register, so that the power of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned off. This is an area for storing values such as I / O. The writing to the backup area 513a is executed when the power is turned off by the main process, and the restoration of each value written to the backup area 513a is executed in the main process when the power is turned on. As with the CPU 501 of the main controller 261, the power failure signal SK1 is input to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 when the power is interrupted due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. When input to the CPU 511, NMI interrupt processing as power failure processing is immediately executed.

  In the work area, a payout permission flag for which the payout control device 311 is set to allow the payout of prize balls, a command reception flag set when a command transmitted from the main control device 261 is received, and the main control device 261 And a command buffer for storing a command transmitted from.

  The payout permission flag is a flag for setting a prize ball payout permission, and is turned on when a specific command for permitting the payout of the prize ball is transmitted from the main control device 261 and received, and is initially set. It is turned off when it is restored before the process or power shutdown. In the present embodiment, the specific commands are: a payout initialization command for instructing the initial processing of the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311; There are three payout return commands to be transmitted in this case.

  The command reception flag is a flag for confirming whether or not the payout control device 311 has received a command, and is turned on when any command is received. Similar to the payout permission flag, an initial setting process or power-off is performed. It is turned off when returning to the front, and turned off when the command received by the command determination process is determined.

  The command buffer is configured by a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands transmitted from the main control device 261. The ring buffer has a predetermined storage area, and commands are stored with regularity from the beginning to the end of the storage area. When commands are stored in all storage areas, the ring buffer is at the start of the storage area. The return command is configured to be updated. Therefore, when the command is stored and when the command is read, the storage pointer and the read pointer in the command buffer are updated, and the command is stored and read based on each pointer.

  An input / output port 515 is connected to the CPU 511 incorporating the ROM 512 and the RAM 513 through a bus line 514 including an address bus and a data bus. A RAM erase switch circuit 543, a main controller 261, a launch controller 312 and a payout device 358 are connected to the input / output port 515, respectively.

  The card unit connection board 314 includes a ball rental operation unit (a ball rental button 121 and a return button 122) on the front surface of the pachinko machine 10, and a card unit (a ball rental unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10 in a game hall or the like. Are electrically connected to each other, and receive a ball lending operation command from the player and output it to the card unit. In a cash machine in which game balls are lent directly to the upper plate 19 from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit, the card unit connection board 314 can be omitted.

  The launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of the game ball by the launch device 60, and the launch device 60 is permitted to drive when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, a firing permission signal is output from the payout control device 311, a sensor signal is detected that the player is touching the handle 18, and a firing prohibit button 18 a ( 1 is not operated, the launching device 60 is driven, and a game ball is launched with an intensity corresponding to the amount of operation of the handle 18.

  The display control device 45 executes the variable display of the decorative symbols on the decorative symbol display device 42 in accordance with an instruction from the sub-control device 262. The display control device 45 includes a CPU 521, a program ROM 522, a work RAM 523, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, a video display processor (VDP) 526, an input port 527, an output port 529, and bus lines 530 and 531. And. An input / output port 554 of the sub control device 262 is connected to the input port 527. Further, a CPU 521, a program ROM 522, a work RAM 523, and a VDP 526 are connected to the input port 527 through a bus line 530. An output port 529 is connected to the VDP 526 via a bus line 531, and a decorative symbol display device 42 as a liquid crystal display device is connected to the output port 529.

  The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 receives the display command transmitted from the sub-control device 262 via the input port 527, analyzes the received command, or performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on the received command to control the VDP 526. (Specifically, generation of an internal command for the VDP 526) is performed. Thereby, display control in the decorative symbol display device 42 is performed.

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

  The video RAM 524 is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42, and the display content of the decorative symbol display device 42 is changed by rewriting the contents of the video RAM 524. The character ROM 525 is a memory that stores character data such as symbols displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42.

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

  The power supply device 313 includes a power supply unit 541 that supplies power to each unit of the pachinko machine 10, a power failure monitoring circuit 542 that monitors power interruption due to a power failure, and a RAM erase switch circuit 543 connected to the RAM erase switch 323. And.

  The power supply unit 541 supplies necessary operation power to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like through a power supply path (not shown). As its outline, the power supply unit 541 takes in AC 24 volt power supplied from the outside, generates + 12V power for driving various switches and motors, + 5V power for logic, backup power for RAM backup, etc. These + 12V power supply, + 5V power supply and backup power supply are supplied to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like. Note that operation power (+12 V power, +5 V power, etc.) is supplied to the launch control device 312 via the payout control device 311. Similarly, operating power is supplied to various switches, motors and the like via a control device to which these are connected.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit that outputs a power failure signal SK1 to each NMI terminal of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541, and determines that a power failure (power failure) has occurred when this voltage is less than 22 volts. The power failure signal SK1 is output to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. Based on the output of the power failure signal SK1, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 recognize the occurrence of a power failure and execute a power failure process (NMI interrupt processing).

  The power supply unit 541 normally outputs an output of 5 volts, which is a drive voltage of the control system, for a time sufficient to execute the process at the time of a power failure even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Configured to maintain the value. Therefore, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 can normally execute and complete the power failure process.

  The RAM erase switch circuit 543 is a circuit that takes in the switch signal of the RAM erase switch 323 and clears backup data in the RAM 503 of the main controller 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout controller 311 in accordance with the state of the switch 323. When the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed, the RAM erase switch circuit 543 outputs a RAM erase signal SK2 to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on with the RAM erase switch 323 pressed (including power-on due to power failure cancellation), the data in the respective RAMs 503 and 513 are cleared in the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. The

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described. In this embodiment, the CPU 501 provided in the main control device 261 as the main control means performs lottery using various counter information in the game. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, a jackpot random number counter C1 used for determining whether or not to generate a jackpot state, a jackpot random number counter C1 used for determining a jackpot type (type lottery), and a decoration The variable selection counter C3 used for determining whether or not the reach state is generated in the symbol display device 42, the initial value random number counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R (decorative symbol display device 42) variation type counters CS1 and CS2 used for determining the variation display time, etc., and normal symbol random number counter C4 used for normal symbol display device 41 lottery (entrance ballot assist lottery) Is going to be used. Note that the variation selection counter C3 is also used for reach type lottery when the decorative symbol display device 42 is deviated and varied. The variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are also used for variation pattern selection (effect pattern selection) of the decorative symbol display device 42. Specifically, the variation time of the special display devices 43L and 43R is determined according to the determined variation pattern, and the variation mode and variation time in the decorative symbol display device 42, that is, the effect pattern, are determined.

  Each of the counters C1, C2, C3, CINI, CS1, CS2, and C4 is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value every time it is updated and returns to the lower limit value of 0 after reaching the upper limit value. Each counter is periodically updated, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 (except for the random number initial value counter CINI).

  The RAM 503 stores a special variable hold area as a hold storage area for storing the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the type determination counter C2, and the change selection counter C3, and the normal symbol random number counter C4. A variable holding area is provided. The normal variation holding area includes one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to holding fourth areas). In each holding area of the normal variation holding area, the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 is stored in time series in accordance with the passing history of the game ball to the through gate 34. By adopting this configuration, the variable display on the normal symbol display device 41 can be suspended up to four times.

  The special variable reserved area includes a first special variable reserved area and a second special variable storage area each having four reserved areas (first to fourth reserved areas), and one execution area. In each holding area of the first special variable holding area, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the type determination counter C2, and the fluctuation selection counter C3 are time-sequentially matched to the winning history of the game balls to the top winning opening 33a. Stored in In each holding area of the second special variable holding area, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the type determination counter C2, and the fluctuation selection counter C3 are time-sequentially matched to the winning history of the game balls to the lower winning opening 33b. Stored in By adopting this configuration, the variable display on the special display devices 43L and 43R can be suspended up to four times.

  In detail, each jackpot random number counter C1 is incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 599, for example, and after reaching an upper limit value (ie, 599) as a closing price, 0 is a lower limit value as a starting price. It is the composition which returns to. Normally, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the initial value random number counter CINI at that time is read as the next initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The initial value random number counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the big hit random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599), and is updated once for each timer interruption and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of normal processing. On the other hand, the jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is stored in the jackpot random number counter buffer. The value of the big hit random number counter C1 stored in the big win random number counter buffer is stored in the special variation holding area at the timing when the game ball wins the upper winning hole 33a or the lower winning hole 33b of the start winning unit 33. .

In the present embodiment, the number of values of the jackpot random number counter C1 that is a jackpot in the low probability state (normal mode, time reduction mode) is two, and the value is “7, 307”. In the state (probability change mode, latent probability mode), the number of values of the jackpot random number counter C1 which is a jackpot is 20, and the values are “7 to 16, 307 to 316”. In other words, in the low probability state, winning the jackpot in the winning lottery with a probability of 1/300 (a jackpot state occurs), and in the high probability state winning the jackpot in the winning lottery with a probability of 1/30; Become.
In the present embodiment, the ROM 502 is provided with a success / failure determination table that is referred to when determining whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 corresponds to the jackpot. In the present embodiment, there are three hit determination tables, a first win determination table storing “7, 307” as a jackpot value, and a second win determination storing “8-16, 308-316” as a jackpot value. There is a judgment table.

  In the normal mode, the jackpot probability (winning probability in the jackpot state) is 1/300, the variation time in the normal symbol display device 41 is 6 seconds, and the game ball passes through the through gate 34 (through). In the case of winning in the ball entry assist lottery based on the detection of the gate switch 225, the lower winning opening 33b (opening / closing member 33c) is opened for 0.6 seconds.

  In the probability variation mode, the jackpot probability is 1/30, which is easier to hit than in the normal mode. Further, in the probability variation mode, the fluctuation time in the normal symbol display device 41 based on the entrance assist lottery is 2 seconds, which is shorter than in the normal mode, and when winning in the entrance assist lottery, the lower winning opening 33b Is opened three times and each opening time is 2 seconds. That is, in the probability variation mode, the variation time in the normal symbol display device 41 is shorter than in the normal mode, and the opening time of the bottom winning opening 33b per winning of the winning ball assist lottery is increased and the number of times of opening is large. Become. As a result, the time period during which the lower winning opening 33b is in an open state becomes longer, so that game balls frequently enter the lower winning opening 33b (becomes a high winning state), and the lottery is determined. It will be done continuously and will be in good condition. In this embodiment, after the jackpot state of “15RS” and “7RS” is finished, the probability variation mode is set over a total of 100 variation displays performed on the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R. In addition, the probability variation mode ends when a total of 100 variations are displayed on the special display devices 43L and 43R even if a big hit state does not occur, and then shifts to the normal mode. In the high pitching state, the probability that the symbol “◯” is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 41 (the winning probability of the pitching assist lottery) may be higher than that in the normal mode.

  In the time reduction mode, the jackpot probability is 1/300. Further, in the time shortening mode, the variation time in the normal symbol display device 41 based on the pitching assist lottery is 2 seconds, and when winning in the pitching assist lottery, the lower winning opening 33b is opened three times, Each opening time is 2 seconds. In other words, the time reduction mode has the same low probability as the jackpot probability in the normal mode, but is the same as the probability variation mode when only the operation of the start winning unit 33 is viewed. In the present embodiment, after the big hit state of “15RN” ends, the time reduction mode is set over a total of 100 variable displays performed on the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R. Further, the time reduction mode ends when a total of 100 variations are displayed on the special display devices 43L and 43R even if no big hit state occurs, and then shifts to the normal mode.

  For example, the type determination counter C2 is incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 19, for example, and after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 19), the type determination counter C2 returns to 0 that is the lower limit value. The ROM 502 also includes a first type that is referred to when determining which jackpot type corresponds to the value of the type determination counter C2 acquired when the game ball enters the top winning opening 33a. A determination table and a second type determination table that is referred to when determining which jackpot type corresponds to the value of the type determination counter C2 acquired when the game ball enters the top winning opening 33a. And are provided. Then, when winning in the winning / losing lottery, the type of the jackpot state type given based on the value of the type determination counter C2 is determined (type lottery is performed), and the jackpot state of the determined type is given The Rukoto.

  In the present embodiment, the first type determination table is referred to in the case of winning the big hit in the winning / losing lottery performed when the player enters the top winning hole 33a. In the first type determination table, the type determination is performed. The values “0, 1” of counter C2 correspond to “15RN”, the values “2-15” of type determination counter C2 correspond to “15RS”, and the values “16-19” of type determination counter C2 "7RS" corresponds.

  On the other hand, when the big win is won in the winning lottery that is triggered by entering the lower winning hole 33b, the second type determination table is referred to. In the second type determination table, the type determination counter C2 The values “0, 1” correspond to “15RN”, the values “2-13” of the type determination counter C2 correspond to “15RS”, and the values “14-19” and “7RS” of the type determination counter C2 And correspond. In other words, the probability of becoming a big hit (probable big hit) to which the probability variation mode is given after the end of the big hit state is the same as compared to the case where the big hit is triggered by entering the top winning hole 33a, but the big hit that becomes all 15 rounds Those who have a chance of becoming a (15-round jackpot) are favored when they enter into the lower prize opening 33b.

  However, as described above, in the case of “15RN” and “15RS”, it may be difficult to determine whether “15RN” or “15RS” is won. For the player who wants to be there, the feeling of security can be obtained by becoming “7RS”.

  The type determination counter C2 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and the value of the type determination counter C2 is stored in the type determination counter buffer. The value of the type determination counter C2 stored in the type determination counter buffer at the timing when the game ball wins the top winning port 33a or the lower winning port 33b of the start winning unit 33 is set to the special change reservation area (first area) of the RAM 503. Stored in the special fluctuation holding area or the second special fluctuation holding area).

  The variation selection counter C3 is configured so that, for example, one by one is added in order within a range of 0 to 238, for example, and after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 238), it returns to the lower limit value of 0. In this embodiment, the reach selection state is generated by the variation selection counter C3, and after the reach state is generated with respect to the decorative symbol, the final stop symbol is shifted by one before and after the reach symbol and stopped. The final stop symbol after the stop is to draw lots of “reach other than front / rear off” that stops before and after the reach symbol and “complete out” that does not cause reach. In the present embodiment, the ROM 502 is provided with a reach determination table that stores the correspondence between the value of the variation selection counter C3 and the reach type. The reach determination table stores a value of “0 to 238”, C3 = 0, 1 corresponds to the back and forth reach, C3 = 2 to 21 corresponds to the reach other than back and forth, and C3 = 22 to 238 is complete. It has a configuration corresponding to the detachment.

  The fluctuation selection counter C3 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 is stored in the fluctuation selection counter buffer. The value of the variation selection counter C3 stored in the variation selection counter buffer is stored in the special variation holding area (first area) of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball is won in the upper winning opening 33a or the lower winning opening 33b of the start winning unit 33. Stored in the special fluctuation holding area or the second special fluctuation holding area).

  In addition, one of the two variation type counters CS1 and CS2 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 59, for example, and reaches the upper limit value (that is, 59), and then reaches the lower limit value. The other variation type counter CS2 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 37, for example, and reaches the upper limit value (that is, 37), and then returns to the lower limit value of 0. It has become. In the following description, CS1 is also referred to as “first variation type counter”, and CS2 is also referred to as “second variation type counter”. This is also shown in FIG. The first variation type counter CS1 determines the reach type (reach pattern) of the decorative symbol such as so-called normal reach, super reach, premium reach, and other rough symbol variation modes, and the second variation type counter CS2 determines the final after the reach occurrence. A more detailed symbol variation mode such as an elapsed time (in other words, the number of variation symbols) until the stop symbol (in this embodiment, the middle symbol) stops is determined. Accordingly, a variety of variation patterns can be easily realized by combining these variation type counters CS1 and CS2. It is also possible to determine the symbol variation mode only by the first variation type counter CS1, or to determine the symbol variation mode in combination by combining the first variation type counter CS1 and the stop symbol.

  In the present embodiment, when “big hit” occurs, one of normal reach, super reach, and premium reach is selected, and when “out-of-front reach” occurs, normal reach and super reach are selected. When either one is selected and “reach other than front / rear out” occurs, normal reach is selected. In addition, in the case of “completely off”, no reach is selected.

  Further, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated once every time a normal process described later is executed once, and are repeatedly updated even within the remaining time of the normal process. Then, the buffer values of CS1 and CS2 are acquired when determining the variation pattern at the start of variation of the decorative symbol by the decorative symbol display device 42.

  In addition, the magnitude | size and range of each counter are only examples, and can be changed arbitrarily. However, it is desirable that the jackpot random number counter C1, the type determination counter C2, the variation selection counter C3, and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are all different prime numbers and are not synchronized in any case.

  Further, the normal symbol random number counter C4 is configured as a loop counter that is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 9, for example, and returns to the upper limit value (that is, after reaching 9 and to the lower limit value of 0). The random number counter C4 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 is acquired when the game ball passes through the left or right through gate 34. The number of random number values to be won is six and the range is “3 to 8.” When the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 to be won is acquired, the normal symbol display device 41 displays a variable display. Is performed for a predetermined time, the symbol corresponding to the winning (“◯” in this example) is stopped and displayed, and the lower winning opening 33b (opening / closing member 33c) is opened in a pattern according to the game mode at that time.

  Next, each control process executed by the CPU 501 in the main controller 261 will be described with reference to a flowchart. The processing of the CPU 501 is broadly divided into a main process that is started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt process that is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 msec), and a stop signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). For convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt process and the NMI interrupt process will be described first, and then the main process will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing. This processing is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 every 2 msec, for example.

  In FIG. 11, first, in step S301, reading processing of various winning switches is executed. That is, the state of various switches (except for the RAM erase switch 323) connected to the main controller 261 is read, and the state of the switch is determined and the detection information (winning detection information) is stored. If there is detection information of various winning switches that are designed to pay out game balls (prize balls) based on the detection information, the value of the corresponding prize ball counter is added and the process proceeds to the next process. On the other hand, if there is no detection information, the process proceeds to the next process. Further, in an external output process of a normal process described later, a prize ball command based on the value of each prize ball counter is output to the payout control device 311 and a prize ball is given based on the prize ball command (a game ball is paid out). ) In addition, when the prize ball command is output, the value of each prize ball counter is reset.

  In step S302, random number initial value update processing is executed. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (599 in this example).

  In step S303, random number update processing is executed. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the type determination counter C2, the variation selection counter C3, and the normal symbol random number counter C4 are each incremented by 1 and their counter values are maximized (in this embodiment, 599, 19 respectively). , 238, 9) are cleared to 0 respectively. Then, the updated values of the counters C1, C2, C3, and C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

  Thereafter, in step S304, a start winning process associated with winning the start winning unit 33 is executed. In step S305, a through gate passing process accompanying passing of the game ball to the through gate 34 is executed. Thereafter, the timer interrupt process is temporarily terminated.

  Here, the start winning process in step S304 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In addition, in the execution area of each special variable holding area and each holding area, a success / failure random number storage area that stores the value of the big hit random number counter C1, a winning type random number storage area that stores the value of the type determination counter C2, and a variation selection counter C3 A reach random number storage area for storing values is provided. In the present embodiment, the random number storage area stores the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 using 2 bytes. Each of the winning type random number storage area and the reach random number storage area uses 1 byte to store the value of the type determination counter C2 and the value of the variation selection counter C3. In addition, an upper holding counter Na that counts the number of holdings of the variable display that is triggered by a winning at the top winning port 33a, and a lower holding counter Nb that counts the number of holdings of the variable display that is triggered by a winning at the lower winning port 33b Is provided.

  First, in step S501, it is determined from the detection information of the second start winning switch 224b whether or not the game ball has won the lower winning opening 33b. If an affirmative determination is made in step S501, it is determined in step S502 whether or not the value of the lower hold counter Nb is less than the upper limit value (“4” in the present embodiment). If a negative determination is made in step S501 or S502, the process proceeds to step S509. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S502, the process proceeds to step S503, and the lower hold counter Nb is incremented by one.

  In the subsequent step S504, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the type determination counter C2, and the variation selection counter C3 updated by the random number update process in step S303 (the jackpot random number counter buffer, the type determination counter buffer, and the variation selection counter buffer are updated). Each stored value) is stored in the first area (a random number storage area, a winning type random number storage area, a reach random number storage area) among the vacant holding areas of the second special variable holding area. After step S504, the process proceeds to step S505.

  In step S505, a jackpot determination process is performed to determine whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special variable suspension area is a value corresponding to the jackpot. Details of the jackpot determination process will be described later.

  In the subsequent step S506, when it is determined in step S505 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is a value corresponding to the jackpot, based on the value of the type determination counter C2 newly stored in the second special variable holding area. The lower type determination process for determining the type of jackpot is performed. Details of the lower type determination process will be described later.

  In the subsequent step S507, when it is determined in step S505 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is not a value corresponding to the jackpot, based on the value of the variation selection counter C3 newly stored in the second special variation holding area. Reach determination processing for determining the type of reach at the time of deviation fluctuation is performed. Details of the reach determination process will be described later.

  Here, the details of the jackpot determination process in step S505 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S5101, whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the special variation holding area matches either “7” or “307” that is the value stored in the first win / fail determination table. Is determined. Incidentally, “7” and “307” are values that are big hits in both the low probability state and the high probability state.

  In FIG. 14, for convenience, the process of step S5101 is simplified. However, in practice, it is determined whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is “7”, and the determination is negative. If it is determined, it is determined whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is “307”. If an affirmative determination is made in either of these determinations, an affirmative determination is made in step S5101, and which determination is made. If a negative determination is made in step S5101, a negative determination is made in step S5101.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S5101, the process ends after turning on the first success / failure flag in step S5102. In the present embodiment, in addition to the success / failure random number storage area for storing the value of the jackpot random number counter C1, a separate success / failure flag is not provided, but information on whether or not a big success state occurs in the success / failure random number storage area. Is stored (overwritten). As described above, the success / failure random number storage area uses 2 bytes. In step S5102, for example, “101010101010101010” is set for the success / failure random number storage area. In the present embodiment, for the sake of convenience, the setting for the success / failure random number storage area is referred to as turning on the first success / failure flag.

  If a negative determination is made in step S5101, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the special fluctuation holding area in step S5103 is the value stored in the second winning / failure determination table “8 to 16, 308”. ˜316 ”or not. Incidentally, “8 to 16, 308 to 316” are values that are jackpots only in the probability variation mode. Note that in the determination process, it is actually determined one by one whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 matches each value corresponding to the jackpot as described above.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S5103, the second success / failure flag is turned on in step S5104, and then the process ends. Note that turning on the second success / failure flag here means that, for example, “1100110011001100” is set in the success / failure random number storage area. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5103, that is, if the result is “out” even in a high probability state, this processing is terminated as it is.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the information related to success / failure is stored using 2 bytes. For example, when noise occurs, the success / failure flag (the content stored in the failure random number storage area) is rewritten. It is possible to prevent a situation in which a big hit state is generated even though it is not a win, or a big win state does not occur even though it is a win. In addition, the pattern (a combination of “1” and “0”) set in the success / failure random number storage area in the big hit determination process is a pattern that is not used when the value of the big hit random number counter C1 is stored in the success / failure random number storage area. is there.

  Next, the lower type determination process in step S506 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S5201, it is determined whether or not the first or second success / failure flag is set to ON in the jackpot determination process performed immediately before. If a negative determination is made in step S5201 (there is no possibility of a jackpot state), the process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S5201 (there is a possibility that a jackpot state may occur), in step S5202, the type determination counter newly stored in the special variation holding area is referred to the second type determination table. It is determined whether or not the value of C2 matches one of the values “0, 1” corresponding to “15RN”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S5202, the process ends after the 15RN flag is turned on in step S5203.

  In the present embodiment, in addition to the winning type random number storage area for storing the value of the type determination counter C2, a 15RN flag, 15RS flag, and 7RS flag are not separately provided. 15RN ”,“ 15RS ”, and“ 7RS ”are stored (overwritten). As described above, the winning type random number storage area uses 1 byte. In step S5203, for example, “10101010” is set for the winning type random number storage area. In the present embodiment, for convenience, setting a pattern indicating a jackpot type such as “15RN” in the winning type random number storage area is referred to as turning on a flag indicating a jackpot type (such as a 15RN flag). explain.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5202, in step S5204, the value of the type determination counter C2 newly stored in the special variation holding area is set to a value corresponding to “7RS” in consideration of the second type determination table. It is determined whether or not it matches any of “14-19”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S5204, in step S5205, the 7RS flag is turned on (for example, “00011111” is set for the winning type random number storage area), and then this process ends. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5204, the 15RS flag is turned on in step S5206 (for example, “00010000” is set for the winning type random number storage area), and then this process ends.

  Note that the pattern (the combination of “1” and “0”) set in the winning type random number storage area in the type determining process is not used when the value of the type determination counter C2 is stored in the winning type random number storage area. It is a pattern.

  Next, the reach determination process in step S507 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S5301, it is determined whether or not the first win / fail flag is set in the jackpot determination process performed immediately before. If an affirmative determination is made in step S5301, that is, if the jackpot is large in both the low probability state and the high probability state (a jackpot state always occurs), this processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5301, that is, if a big hit state does not occur at least in a low probability state (there is a possibility of losing), a reach determination table is referred to in step S5302, and a new determination is made. It is determined whether or not the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 stored in the special fluctuation holding area coincides with one of the values “0, 1” corresponding to “front / rear out of reach”. If the determination in step S5302 is affirmative, in step S5303, the front / rear flag indicating the occurrence of front / rear out of reach is turned on, and then the process ends.

  In the present embodiment, in addition to the reach random number storage area for storing the value of the variation selection counter C3, a separate front / rear flag is not provided, but information indicating that “rear / rear reach” is in the reach random number storage area. Is stored (overwritten). As described above, the reach random number storage area uses 1 byte. In step S5303, for example, “10101010” is set for the reach random number storage area. In the present embodiment, for convenience, the setting for the reach random number storage area will be referred to as turning on the front / rear flag.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5302, the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 newly stored in the special fluctuation holding area in consideration of the reach determination table in step S5304 corresponds to “reach other than forward / backward deviation”. It is determined whether or not the value matches any of the values “2 to 21”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S5304, the flag is turned on other than before and after in step S5305, and then the present process ends. Note that turning on the flags other than the front and rear here means that, for example, “11001100” is set in the reach random number storage area.

  If a negative determination is made in step S5304, that is, if the change display ends without complete reach, the process is terminated as it is. The pattern (the combination of “1” and “0”) set in the reach random number storage area in the reach determination process is a pattern that is not used when the value of the variation selection counter C3 is stored in the reach random number storage area. is there.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 13, in step S508 following step S507, a process for setting a starting command is performed. In the advance command, whether the change information stored on hold (predetermined information used to determine the contents of the change display) is triggered by the entry of the top winning opening 33a or the lower winning opening 33b. And information indicating the results of the jackpot determination process, type determination process, and reach determination process are included and output to the sub-control device 262 in the next external output process (see step S201).

  After the process of step S508, or when a negative determination is made in step S501 or step S502, in step S509, whether or not the game ball has won the top winning opening 33a is determined by the first start winning unit switch 224a. It is determined based on the detection information. If a negative determination is made in step S509, the process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made, in step S510, the value of the upper hold counter Na that counts the number of variable display holds triggered by winning in the upper winning opening 33a is the upper limit (in this embodiment, “4”). ) Is determined. If a negative determination is made in step S510, the process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S510, the process proceeds to step S511, and the upper hold counter Na is incremented by one.

  In the subsequent step S512, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the type determination counter C2, and the variation selection counter C3 are stored in the vacant holding area (the success / failure random number storage area, the winning type random number storage area, the reach random number). Store in the storage area. After step S512, the process proceeds to step S513.

  In step S513, a jackpot determination process is performed to determine whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the first special variable suspension area is a value corresponding to the jackpot. The details of the jackpot determination process have already been described above.

  In the subsequent step S514, when it is determined in step S513 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is a value corresponding to the jackpot, based on the value of the type determination counter C2 newly stored in the first special variable holding area. The upper type determination process for determining the jackpot type is performed. The upper type determination process will be described later.

  In the subsequent step S515, when it is determined in step S513 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is not a value corresponding to the jackpot, based on the value of the variation selection counter C3 newly stored in the first special variation holding area. Reach determination processing for determining the type of reach is performed. Details of the reach determination process have already been described above.

  Here, the upper type determination processing in step S514 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S5501, it is determined whether or not the first or second win / fail flag is set to ON in the jackpot determination process performed immediately before. If an affirmative determination is made in step S5501 (the possibility of a jackpot state occurring), in step S5502, the first type determination table is consulted, and the type determination counter C2 newly stored in the special variation holding area is updated. It is determined whether or not the value matches one of the values “0, 1” corresponding to “15RN”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S5502, the 15RN flag is turned on in step S5503 (for example, “10101010” is set for the winning type random number storage area), and then this process ends.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5502, the value of the type determination counter C2 newly stored in the second special variation holding area corresponds to “7RS” in consideration of the first type determination table in step S5504. It is determined whether or not it matches any of the values “16 to 19”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S5504, in step S5505, the 7RS flag is turned on (for example, “00011111” is set for the winning type random number storage area), and then this process ends. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5504, the 15RS flag is turned on in step S5506 (for example, “00010000” is set for the winning type random number storage area), and then this process ends.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 13, after step S515, in step S516, a start command setting process is performed, and this process ends. In the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the top winning opening 33a or the lower winning opening 33b, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 or the like is directly stored in the special fluctuation holding area, and then the jackpot determination processing and type determination processing are performed. The reach determination process is executed, but is not particularly limited to such a configuration. For example, when the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is acquired, a temporary storage area (working area) for temporarily storing these counter values is provided, and for the information stored in the temporary storage area, the jackpot determination process, type After executing the determination process and the reach determination process, a configuration may be adopted in which the corresponding first and second special variable reservation areas are stored in the reservation area.

  In the present embodiment, the process of acquiring values such as the jackpot random number counter C1 from the corresponding counter buffer in steps S504 and S512, and the jackpot determination process in steps S505 and S513 are part of the success / failure determination process (variable display setting described later). It is determined whether or not the process will be a big hit).

  Next, the through gate passing process in step S305 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S601, whether or not the game ball has passed through the through gate 34 is determined based on detection information of the through gate switch 225.

  If a negative determination is made in step S601, the present process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S601, that is, if it is determined that the game ball has passed through the through gate 34, the number of suspensions of the variable display performed on the normal symbol display device 41 is counted in step S602. It is determined whether or not the value of the normal hold counter Nc is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). If a negative determination is made here, this processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S602, that is, if the passing of the game ball to the through gate 34 is confirmed and the value of the normal holding counter Nc <4, the process proceeds to step S603, where the normal holding counter Nc is incremented by one.

  In subsequent step S604, a random number related to the success or failure is acquired. Specifically, the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 updated by the random number update process in step S303 is stored in the first area of the free storage area of the normal variation holding area of the RAM 503. Thereafter, the through gate passing process is terminated.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt process. This process is executed by the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. By this NMI interruption, the state of the main controller 261 at the time of power-off is stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503.

  That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal SK1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501 in the main controller 261. Then, the CPU 501 interrupts the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt process. In step S401, the CPU 501 stores the power interruption occurrence information in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 as the setting of the power interruption occurrence information, and performs the NMI interruption process. finish.

  The above NMI interrupt processing is executed in the same manner in the payout control device 311, and information on occurrence of power interruption is stored in the backup area 513 a of the RAM 513 by the NMI interrupt. That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal SK1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 and the CPU 511 interrupts the control being executed. The NMI interrupt process in FIG. 12 is started. The contents are as described above.

  Next, the flow of main processing executed by the CPU 501 in the main controller 261 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This main process is started upon reset when power is turned on.

  First, in step S101, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, for example, 1 is set in order to set a predetermined value in the stack pointer and wait for the sub-side control device (sub-control device 262, payout control device 311, etc.) to become operable. Wait processing is performed for about 2 seconds. In the subsequent step S102, RAM access is permitted.

  Thereafter, data backup processing is executed for the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. That is, in step S103, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 323 provided in the power supply device 313 is pressed (ON), and if it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S112 to clear (erase) the backup data. To do. On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed, it is determined in the subsequent step S104 whether or not occurrence information of power supply interruption is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Here, if it is not set, no backup data is stored, so in this case as well, the process proceeds to step S112. If power failure occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a, a RAM determination value is calculated in step S105, and in the subsequent step S106, whether or not the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off. That is, the effectiveness of the backup is determined. If the RAM determination value calculated here does not match the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off, the backed up data has been destroyed, and in this case, the process also proceeds to step S112.

  In the process of step S112, an initialization command is transmitted in order to initialize the sub control device 262, the payout control device 311 and the like. Thereafter, the process proceeds to RAM initialization processing (step S113 and the like). Note that the RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. Instead of the RAM determination value, it is possible to determine the effectiveness of backup based on whether or not the keyword written in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 is correctly stored.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 10 is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 323 when it is desired to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, for example, when the hall starts business. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 323 is ON, the process proceeds to a RAM initialization process (step S113, etc.). Similarly, when the information on occurrence of power interruption is not set, or when a backup abnormality is confirmed by a RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process proceeds to initialization processing of the RAM 503 (step S113 or the like). That is, the use area of the RAM 503 is cleared to 0 in step S113, and the initial value of the RAM 503 is set in subsequent step S114. Thereafter, interrupt permission is set in step S111, and the process proceeds to normal processing described later.

  On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed (step S103: NO), it is a condition that the information on occurrence of power interruption is set and the RAM judgment value (checksum value etc.) is normal. In addition, the process at the time of power recovery (process at the time of power failure recovery) is executed. That is, in step S107, the stack pointer before the power interruption is restored, and in step S108, the information on the occurrence of the power interruption is cleared.

  In step S109, a command for returning the sub-side control device to the gaming state at the time of power-off is transmitted. At this time, as the command output to the sub-control device 262, the remaining information as a period information command that informs the information (period information) of the remaining number of fluctuations in the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode that ends when the variation display is performed 100 times. There is a command. The remaining information command is composed of a 2-byte binary number, the upper byte indicates that it is a remaining information command (command type information), and the lower byte indicates information on the remaining number of times in the probability change mode or the time reduction mode. More specifically, when the power is turned on, the mode display area in which the value indicating the game mode in the normal game state in which the variable display can be performed on the special display devices 43L and 43R is confirmed, and the time reduction mode or the probability change is confirmed. When it is determined that the mode is one of the modes, processing is performed such as reading the value of the variation counter that counts the number of executions of variation display in the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode, and setting the value to the remaining information command. Done. Then, according to the remaining information command, the sub-control device 262 can perform processing according to the remaining number of times in the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode when the power is restored after the power failure, as in the case before the power failure. As will be described in detail later, in the present embodiment, the remaining number of times of the probability change mode or the time reduction mode is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 as the variable display means and the period display means. In the present embodiment, commands output from the main control device 261 to the sub control device 262 are standardized as 2-byte binary numbers. In addition, when the power is turned on while the RAM erasure switch 323 is pressed, the information regarding the game situation of the main control device 261 is erased (initialized), so that the state before the power is turned off is restored. Will not return.

  In step S110, the used register is restored from the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Thereafter, interrupt permission is set in step S111, and the process proceeds to normal processing described later.

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

  First, in step S201, a control signal based on the setting contents of the special display devices 43L and 43R and the start winning unit 33 updated in the previous normal processing is transmitted to each device, and output data such as commands is sent to the sub-side. External output processing to be transmitted to each control device is executed.

  For example, when the decorative symbol display device 42 displays the variation of the decorative symbol, a variation pattern command, a symbol command, or the like is transmitted to the sub-control device 262. That is, the variation pattern command and the symbol command are output to the sub-control device 262 in order to cause the decorative symbol display device 42 to perform a display effect in accordance with the display performed on the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R. Command. On the other hand, the sub-control device 262 that has input the variation pattern command, the symbol command, etc. determines the variation mode (variation time, effect mode, etc.) of the decorative symbol display device 42 based on the various commands, and the variation mode. Is indicated to the display control device 45 so as to be displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 (variable display).

  For convenience, the variation pattern command and the like will be described here. The variation pattern command includes information for specifying the variation type of the decorative symbol such as normal reach, super reach, and premium reach. In the present embodiment, for example, in the normal mode, any one of “FF10”, “FF11”, “FF12”, “FF13”, “FF14”, “FF15”, and “FF16” is set as the variation pattern command. In the probability changing mode and the time reduction mode, “FD10”, “FD11”, “FD12”, “FD13”, “FD14”, “FD15”, and “FD16” are set. On the other hand, the sub-control device 262 stores the relationship between these variation pattern commands and the variation types of the decorative symbols in a table. Then, the sub-control device 262 determines a variation display effect pattern and the like based on the variation pattern command, and controls the display control device 45 and sound.

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

  Normal reach is a reach pattern that does not display any special effects other than the variation of the decorative design. Then, “FF11” or “FD11” is set in the variation pattern command corresponding to the normal reach according to the mode. In the present embodiment, the variable display time from which the normal reach is derived is “15 seconds” in the normal mode, and “10 seconds” in the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode.

  Super Reach is a reach pattern in which characters and the like are displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 in addition to the decorative symbol during the variation display of the decorative symbol (after the reach state is established), thereby giving the player a sense of expectation. is there. In this embodiment, three types of super reach SR1, SR2, SR3 are prepared as super reach, and the variable display time is different for each type of super reach (SR1 is 25 seconds and SR2 is set in the normal mode). 30 seconds, SR3 35 seconds). The variation display time in the probability variation mode and the time shortening mode is shortened compared to the normal mode as in the normal reach. Then, “FF12” or “FD12” is set as the fluctuation pattern command for the super reach SR1, “FF13” or “FD13” is set for the super reach SR2, and “FF14” or “FD14” is set for the super reach SR3. Is set.

  Premium reach is an effect that can be derived only when a big hit state occurs. Characters with a pattern different from super reach are displayed in addition to the decorative pattern during the decorative symbol variation display (after reaching the reach state). This is a reach pattern that makes the player have a sense of expectation. In the premium reach of this embodiment, two types of premium reach PR1 and PR2 are prepared, and the variable display time is different for each type of premium reach (in normal mode, PR1 is 40 seconds, PR2 is 60). Seconds). The variation display time in the probability variation mode and the time shortening mode is shortened compared to the normal mode as in the normal reach. If the premium reach PR1, then “FF15” or “FD15” is set as the variation pattern command. If it is premium reach PR2, “FF16” or “FD16” is set.

  In the special display devices 43L and 43R, it is determinable by displaying the stop mode corresponding to each of the “15RN”, “15RS”, “7RS”, and “disconnected” by displaying the stop mode correspondingly. However, when the variable display is stopped and displayed with an even number of double eyes on the decorative symbol display device 42, it is not possible to specify “15RN”, “15RS”, or “7RS”. . Naturally, “15RN”, “15RS”, and “7RS” can be reliably discriminated by the number of rounds in the jackpot state, and the decorative symbol display device 42 in the probability variation mode, the time reduction mode, and the normal mode. It is possible to reliably determine the background image or the like. On the other hand, with regard to “15RN” and “15RS”, when a specific effect that teaches that the game is a promising big hit during a variable display or a big hit state is not performed, the special display devices 43L and 43R are stopped. If it is not confirmed, basically it is not possible to determine whether “15RN” or “15RS” is won, and furthermore, it is not possible to distinguish between the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode.

  In addition, “FF10” or “FD10” is set as the variation pattern command corresponding to the mode for the variation pattern command corresponding to “completely out” that does not reach any reach state. In the present embodiment, the fluctuation display time that is completely off is set to “10 seconds” in the normal mode, and “6 seconds” in the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode.

  Further, the sub-control device 262 determines a stop symbol (combination of stop symbols) based on the symbol command, and displays it after the fluctuation time has elapsed. The symbol command is a command that causes the sub-control device 262 to determine a stop symbol, a combination of probability variation jackpot symbol, a combination of normal jackpot symbol, a combination of front / rear off symbol, a combination of symbols other than front / rear off symbol, a completely out symbol The five categories of combinations are designated. These divisions are indicated by, for example, “AA11”, “AA12”, “AA13”, “AA14”, “AA15”, and any of these is set as a symbol command. On the other hand, the sub-control device 262 stores the relationship between these commands and stop symbols in a table. Then, the sub-control device 262 stops displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the symbol command.

  Hereinafter, the stop symbol classification and the correspondence between the stop symbol and the symbol command will be described. The probable jackpot symbol combination is a symbol combination made up of odd numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9. Moreover, the combination of the normal jackpot symbol is a symbol combination composed of an even number of 2, 4, 6, or 8 in the form of an even number. In this embodiment, in the case of probability variation jackpot (“15RS” or “7RS”), the variable display is stopped and displayed in combination with either probability variation jackpot symbol or normal jackpot symbol, and in case of normal jackpot (“15RN”) Usually, the variable display is stopped and displayed by the combination of the jackpot symbol.

  Then, “AA11” is set to the symbol command in the case of the probable big hit, and “AA12” is set to the symbol command in the case of the normal big hit. Then, when “AA11” is set in the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 determines one of the symbol combinations consisting of any one of the first to ninth symbols as a stop symbol, and “AA12” "Is set, one of the combinations of symbols of any of 2, 4, 6 and 8 is determined as a stop symbol.

  The combination of back and forth symbols corresponds to the combination of back and forth symbols, where after reaching, the final stop symbol is stopped by one shift before and after the reach symbol. “AA13” is set in the symbol command. The combination of symbols other than front / rear detachment corresponds to the “reach other than front / rear detachment” that occurs after reach occurs, and the final stop symbol stops other than before / after the reach symbol. “AA14” is set in the command. The combination of completely out symbols corresponds to “complete out” which does not even reach, and “AA15” is set in the symbol command corresponding to the combination of complete out symbols. In the present embodiment, when the decorative symbol display device 42 stops and displays a combination of symbols that are out of front and back, a combination of symbols other than front and back, and a combination of completely out symbols.

  As a variation mode when the combination of jackpot symbol or chance symbol combination is finally stopped on the decorative symbol display device 42, the upper symbol display area → the lower symbol display area → the middle symbol display area The symbols need not be stopped and displayed in this order, but may be stopped and displayed in a different order, or a plurality of symbols may be stopped and displayed at the same time. In the upper, middle, and lower symbol display areas, combinations other than the jackpot symbol combination and chance symbol combination are temporarily stopped, and then all symbols in the upper, middle, and lower symbol display areas change again. In some cases, however, the combination of jackpot symbols or the combination of chance symbols may be stopped and displayed. It should be noted that the symbols continue to move slightly in each symbol display area until a predetermined time (for example, about 0.4 seconds) elapses after the symbols are stopped and displayed in all the symbol display areas, and the predetermined time has elapsed. At this point, it is completely stopped (determined stop display). Further, the above-described change is started before the predetermined time elapses. In addition, the timing for confirming and stopping the variable display on the decorative symbol display device 42 and the timing for stopping the variable display on the special display devices 43L and 43R are the same.

  As will be described in detail later, when “AA13” to “AA15” are set in the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 stops the combination of symbols stored in the counter buffer of the corresponding RAM 553. Determine as. In the present embodiment, three commands “AA13” to “AA15” are prepared as the symbol commands for removal. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, there is only one symbol command for removal, The sub-control device 262 may determine the combination of decorative symbols.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 10, in step S202, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. More specifically, like the other counters, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the upper limit values (59 and 37 in this embodiment), respectively. To do. Then, the update values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

  In the subsequent step S203, the prize ball counting signal received from the payout control device 311 is read. Next, in step S204, the payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 311 is read.

  Thereafter, in step S205, a first display control process is executed. In this process, control related to the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R is performed, and determination of jackpot and setting of variable display in the special display devices 43L and 43R and the decorative symbol display device 42 are performed. Details of the first display control process will be described later.

  In step S206, variable winning device control processing is executed. In this process, control related to the variable winning device 32 is performed. As a result, when the big win state is reached, the opening / closing process of the variable winning device 32 (big winning opening) is repeatedly executed for a predetermined number of rounds. Details of the variable winning device control process will be described later.

  In step S207, the second display control process is executed. In this process, control related to the normal symbol display device 41 is performed. Details of the second display control process will be described later.

  In step S208, an opportunity handling unit control process is executed. In this process, control related to the start winning unit 33 is performed. Details of the opportunity handling unit control processing will be described later.

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

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

  That is, in step S211, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (599 in this example).

  In step S212, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated (similar to step S202). Specifically, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when their counter values reach the maximum values (59 and 37 in this example). Then, the change values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

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

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

  The process of step S209 is performed at the end of a series of processes corresponding to the game state change performed at steps S201 to S208, or at the end of one cycle of the processes of steps S211 and S212 performed within the remaining time. It is executed at the timing. Therefore, in the normal process of the main controller 261, the occurrence information of the power interruption is confirmed at the end of each process, so that the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 is less than that in the middle of each process. And can be easily memorized. Further, when returning to the state before power-off, since the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a is small, it can be easily restored and the processing load of the main control device 261 can be reduced. . Further, since the interruption processing is prohibited before the data is stored (step S213), it is possible to prevent the data from being changed when the power is shut off and to reliably store the state before the power is shut off. .

  Next, the first display control process of step S205 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S801, the jackpot status storage area, which will be described later, is referred to in detail, and it is determined whether or not the current status is other than the jackpot status. During the jackpot state, an opening period from when the display mode corresponding to the jackpot is stopped and displayed on the specific display devices 43L and 43R until the variable winning device 32 is opened, and the variable winning device 32 is in the open state. Round period, an interval period in which the variable winning device 32 between the rounds is closed, and an ending period until the variable display of the special display devices 43L and 43R can be started after the final round. . In the jackpot status storage area of this embodiment, “0” is stored in a state other than the jackpot state. In the jackpot state, “1” is stored during the opening period and the interval period, and “2” is stored during the round period. “3” is stored during the ending period. That is, in step S801, it is determined whether or not “0” is stored in the jackpot status storage area. Note that it is for convenience that numbers such as “0” to “3” are stored in the jackpot status storage area. Actually, the jackpot status storage area uses 2 bytes. However, the fact that “101010101101010” or the like is set in the jackpot status storage area is described as “0” or the like being stored.

  If a negative determination is made in step S801, that is, if the jackpot state is in effect, the processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S801, in step S802, a first display described in detail later is made. By looking at the setting state of the middle flag, it is determined whether or not the first or second special display device 43L, 43R (decorative symbol display device 42) is in a variable display. Specifically, when the first display flag is in the on state, it is considered that the variable display is being performed, and when the first display flag is in the off state, it is considered that the variable display is being stopped. . As will be described in detail later, the first display flag is turned on when the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R start to display the change, and the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R are turned on. Turned off when the variable display is stopped.

  If a negative determination is made in step S802, that is, if there is no big win and further fluctuation display is not being performed, the process proceeds to step S803, and the fluctuation display (second fluctuation display) triggered by entering the lower prize opening 33b. It is determined whether or not the value of the lower hold counter Nb that counts the number of holds is greater than zero.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S803, that is, if at least one second variation display is held, 1 is subtracted from the lower hold counter Nb in step S804. In the present embodiment, when the second variation display is suspended and stored by the determination processing in step S803, the second variation display is executed without executing the first variation display. In other words, even when the first variation display is stored on hold earlier than the second variation display, the second variation display is preferentially digested (the first variation display is postponed). ing.

  In a succeeding step S805, a process for shifting the data stored in the second special variation holding area is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the holding first to fourth areas of the second special variable holding area to the execution area side. The holding first area → the execution area, the holding second Data in each area is shifted, such as area → holding first area, holding third area → holding second area, holding fourth area → holding third area. After step S805, in step S806, a process for causing the variation specifying lamp 40 to emit red light is performed. Thereafter, in step S807, a variable display setting process, which will be described in detail later, is performed, and then this process is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S803, that is, if no second variation display is stored on hold, a variation display (first display) triggered by entering the top winning opening 33a in step S808. It is determined whether or not an upper hold counter Na for counting the number of hold (variable display) is greater than zero. If a negative determination is made in step S808, the present process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S808, 1 is subtracted from the upper hold counter Na in step S809. In a succeeding step S810, a process for shifting the data stored in the first special variation holding area is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the holding first to fourth areas of the first special variable holding area to the execution area side. The holding first area → the execution area, the holding second Data in each area is shifted, such as area → holding first area, holding third area → holding second area, holding fourth area → holding third area. After step S810, in step S811, a process for causing the variation specifying lamp 40 to emit blue light is performed. Then, after performing the variable display setting process in step S807, this process is terminated. In the present embodiment, the execution area of the special variable reservation area is one, and the data stored in the first special variable reservation area and the second special variable reservation area are displayed when the variable display based on the data is performed. Therefore, it is shifted to a common execution area.

  Here, details of the variable display setting process in step S807 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S901, a mode storage area, which will be described later, is referred to in detail to determine whether or not a high probability state (probability variation mode). In the mode storage area, any one of “11”, “12”, and “21” is stored, “11” corresponds to the normal mode, “12” corresponds to the time reduction mode, “21” corresponds to the probability variation mode. That is, in step S901, it is determined whether or not a high probability state is obtained by determining whether or not “21” is stored in the mode storage area.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S901, that is, in the case of a high probability state, in step S902, the first or second success / failure flag (see FIG. 14 is determined whether or not one of them is set to ON. If an affirmative determination is made in step S902, that is, if it is determined that a big win is won in the high-probability state, the process proceeds to step S904.

  If a negative determination is made in step S901, that is, if the low probability state (normal mode, time reduction mode) is set, in step S903, whether or not the first success / failure flag is turned on in consideration of the success / failure random number storage area. Determine whether or not. If an affirmative determination is made in step S903, that is, if it is determined that a big win is won in the winning lottery in a low probability state, the process proceeds to step S904.

  In step S904, it is determined whether or not the 15RS flag (see the type determination process in FIG. 15) is set to ON by taking into consideration the winning type random number storage area of the execution area of the special variable suspension area. If an affirmative determination is made in step S904, that is, if “15RS”, a 15RS pattern setting process (a process for setting a variation pattern command and a symbol command) is performed in step S905. The 15RS pattern setting process is a process for executing a fluctuation display for teaching the occurrence of “15RS”, and is based on the values of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503. The variation patterns (variation display time, effect pattern, etc.) of the display devices 43L and 43R and the decorative symbol display device 42 are determined, and the variation pattern command and the symbol command are set based on the determination and various flags. The relationship between the numerical value of the first variation type counter CS1 and the reach pattern and the relationship between the numerical value of the second variation type counter CS2 and the variation time are defined in advance by a table or the like. After step S905, the process proceeds to step S914 described later.

  If a negative determination is made in step S904, it is determined in step S906 whether or not the 7RS flag is set on with reference to the winning type random number storage area of the execution area of the special variable holding area. If an affirmative determination is made in step S906, that is, if “7RS”, 7RS pattern setting processing is performed in step S907. After step S907, the process proceeds to step S914.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S906, that is, if “15RN”, the 15RN pattern setting process is performed in step S908. After step S908, the process proceeds to step S914.

  Also, if a negative determination is made in step S902 or step S903, that is, if it is determined that it is not a big hit, in step S909, the reach random number storage area of the execution area of the special variable holding area is taken into consideration, and the front and rear flags (FIG. It is determined whether or not (see 16 reach determination processing) is ON. If the determination in step S909 is affirmative, that is, if “rearward / rearward reach”, the front / rear reach pattern setting process is performed in step S910, and then the process proceeds to step S914.

  If a negative determination is made in step S909, in step S911, the reach random number storage area of the execution area of the special variable holding area is taken into consideration, and it is determined whether or not the other flags are on. If an affirmative determination is made in step S911, that is, if “reach other than front / rear out”, a reach pattern setting process other than front / rear is performed in step S912, and then the process proceeds to step S914.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S911, that is, if it is “completely out”, a deviation variation pattern setting process is performed in step S913, and then the process proceeds to step S914.

  In step S914, a start setting process is performed to indicate that a condition for performing switching display (variation display) is satisfied in the special display devices 43L and 43R. In the start setting process, the first display flag indicating whether or not the variable display is being performed on the special display devices 43L and 43R is turned on, and the first display timer setting process is performed.

  The first display timer is a means for measuring the variation time (residual time for variation display) in the special display devices 43L and 43R, and is considered when determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the beginning of the variation display. . In addition, the value corresponding to the variation pattern selected by the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 is set as the variation display time of the special display devices 43L and 43R in the present embodiment. Based on the setting of the first display timer, when a control signal for starting the switching display (variation display) is output to the special display devices 43L and 43R in the next external output process of the normal process. In the special display devices 43L and 43R, switching display (variation display) is started. The sub-control device 262 that has received the variation pattern command and the symbol command starts variation display in the decorative symbol display device 42 based on the variation pattern command simultaneously with the start of variation of the special display devices 43L and 43R. Simultaneously with the stop display of 43L and 43R, the variable display on the decorative symbol display device 42 is stopped and displayed by a combination of symbols based on the symbol command. After step S914 ends, the variable display setting process ends.

  In the present embodiment, the process of acquiring the value of the big hit random number counter C1 in steps S504 and S512 of the start winning process and storing it in the special fluctuation holding area, the jackpot determination process in steps S505 and 513, and the fluctuation display setting process The winning / losing lottery is configured by the processing of steps S901 to S903 in which various jackpot flags are set based on the winning / losing flag.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 18, if an affirmative determination is made in step S <b> 802, that is, if the variable display is being performed, the process proceeds to step S <b> 812 to perform a first display timer subtraction process. Each time this process is performed, the value of the first display timer is decremented by 4 msec. For example, when the fluctuation time is 10 seconds (10000 msec), “2500” is set for the first display timer, and 1 is subtracted every 4 msec.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S813, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed with reference to the value of the first display timer after the subtraction. At this time, when a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the first display timer becomes “0”, an affirmative determination is made in step S813.

  When a negative determination is made in step S813, in step S817, a switching display setting for continuously performing switching display (variable display) of the special display devices 43L and 43R is performed, and this process is terminated. Based on the setting contents of the switching display setting, a control signal for switching display is output to the special display devices 43L and 43R in the external output processing in the next normal processing. Thereby, the switching display (variable display) of the special display devices 43L and 43R is realized at the timing of the first display control process, that is, every 4 ms.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S813, the first display flag is turned off in step S814, and stop display setting for performing stop display in the special display devices 43L and 43R is performed in step S815. Based on the setting contents of the stop display setting, a control signal for performing stop display is output to the special display devices 43L and 42R in the external output process in the next normal process. That is, stop display is performed in a stop mode corresponding to each jackpot type or loss. In addition, a control signal to stop display of the decorative symbol display device 42 is also output to the sub-control device 262. Thereby, the synchronization of the stop timings of the special display devices 43L and 42R and the decorative symbol display device 42 is ensured. However, since the stop mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 has already been determined by the sub-control device 262 based on the symbol command or the variation pattern command output at the start of the variable display, information regarding the stop mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 is again obtained. There is no need to add. Again, the display is mainly the stop display by the special display devices 43L and 43R, and the display of the decorative symbols by the decorative symbol display device 42 is only auxiliary (for production). Yes.

  Subsequently, after the discrimination information setting process is performed in step S816, the present process is terminated. Here, the discrimination information setting process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag (15RN flag, 15RS flag, 7RS flag) indicating the occurrence of the jackpot state is set to ON by taking into consideration the random number storage area of the execution area of the special variable suspension area. To do. When an affirmative determination is made in step S1001, the process proceeds to a process for performing the initial setting of the jackpot state in step S1002 and subsequent steps. In step S1002, it is determined whether or not the 7RS flag is set in consideration of the execution random number storage area of the special variable suspension area.

  If the determination in step S1002 is affirmative, in step S1003, “7” is set in the round number counter for determining the number of rounds executed during the jackpot state (the number of opening of the variable winning device 32). On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1002, “15” is set in the round number counter in step S1004. After step S1003 or step S1004, the process proceeds to step S1005.

  In step S1005, “1” is set for the jackpot status storage area. In the subsequent step S1006, for example, a value “2000” corresponding to an opening period of 8 seconds is set for the first variable timer used for the control in the big hit state (opening / closing control of the variable winning device 32). Subsequently, in step S1007, “8” indicating the maximum number of balls entered per round is set to “8” for the winning counter for counting the number of game balls that have entered the variable winning device 32. . The value of the winning counter is determined based on the detection information of the count switch 223 to determine whether or not there is a ball entering the variable winning device 32 in the switch reading process of the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 11). When it is determined that there has been an incoming ball, 1 is subtracted.

  Then, in step S1008, an opening command for notifying the sub-control device 262 of the start of the jackpot state is set. The opening command includes jackpot type information, and the sub-control device 262 can grasp the total number of rounds in the jackpot state. After step S1008, this process ends.

  It should be noted that the promotion effect of the appearance of the jackpot type in the jackpot state, etc. (for example, when even-numbered slotted eyes are stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42, “15RS” or “7RS” is won in the jackpot state immediately after Or instructing that “15RS” has been won during the jackpot state immediately after the odd symbol is stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42). .

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1001, that is, if it is determined as “out”, the process proceeds to step S1009. In step S1009, it is determined whether or not the value set in the mode storage area is “12” indicating the time reduction mode. If a negative determination is made in step S1009, it is determined in step S1013 whether or not the value set in the mode storage area is “21” indicating the probability variation mode. If a negative determination is made in step S1013, the present process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1009 or step S1013, in step S1010, the value of the variation counter is decremented by 1 to measure the duration of the time reduction mode or the probability variation mode. As will be described later, in this embodiment, “100” is set in the variation counter at the end of the big hit state, and the variation display of the special display devices 43L and 43R (decorative symbol display device 42) is performed once. In step S1010, 1 is subtracted.

  In a succeeding step S1011, it is determined whether or not the value of the variation counter is “0”. If a negative determination is made in step S1011, that is, if the variable display has not been performed 100 times on the special display devices 43L and 43R (decorative symbol display device 42) since the time reduction mode or the probability change mode has been started, This process is finished as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1011, "11" indicating the normal mode is set in the mode storage area in step S1012. That is, when the variable display is performed 100 times on the special display devices 43L and 43R, the time reduction mode or the probability change mode ends, and the mode is shifted to the normal mode. After this step S1012, this process ends.

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

  First, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not the value set in the jackpot status storage area is “0”, thereby determining whether or not the status is a status other than the jackpot status. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1201, that is, if the jackpot state is not reached, this processing is terminated as it is. Incidentally, at the start of the jackpot state, “1” is set in the jackpot status storage area in the discrimination information setting process.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1201, that is, if the jackpot state is in effect (if any of “1” to “3” is set in the jackpot status storage area), the process proceeds to step S1202. Subtract 1 from the value of the first variable timer. Incidentally, at the start of the big hit state, “2000” is set in the first variable timer in the discrimination information setting process.

  In a succeeding step S1203, it is determined whether or not the value of the first variable timer is “0”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1203, it is determined in step S1204 whether or not “1” is set in the jackpot status storage area.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1204, “2” is set for the jackpot status storage area in step S1205. In step S1206, a value “7500” corresponding to the time (30 seconds) for maintaining the variable winning device 32 in the open state is set for the first variable timer.

  After step S1206, in step S1207, the variable winning device 32 is opened, and in step S1208, a round command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 that the round is to be started. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1204, it is determined in step S1209 whether or not “3” is set in the jackpot status storage area. As will be described in detail later, when all rounds in the jackpot state are completed and the ending period starts, “3” is set for the jackpot status storage area. If a negative determination is made in step S1209, that is, if it is not yet time to end the jackpot state, 1 is subtracted from the value of the round number counter in step S1210.

  In a succeeding step S1211, it is determined whether or not the value of the round number counter is “0”. If a negative determination is made in step S1211, that is, if there is still a round to be executed, the process proceeds to step S1212 and "1" is set for the jackpot status storage area. Thereafter, in step S1213, a value “1000” corresponding to the interval time (4 seconds) is set for the first variable timer, and in step S1214, “8” is set for the winning counter. Further, in step S1215, the variable winning device 32 is closed, and in step S1216, an interval command for informing the sub-control device 262 that the interval is to be started is set. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1203, that is, if there remains a time (open time or close time) in which the variable winning device 32 should be kept open or closed, the process proceeds to step S1217, and the variable winning device 32 is variable. It is determined whether or not the value of the winning counter for measuring the number of balls entered into the winning device 32 is “0”. The winning counter is set to “8”, which is the upper limit (specified number) of winnings per round at the start of the big hit state and the start of the interval. Each time one game ball enters the variable winning device 32, 1 is subtracted.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1217, the present process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1217, that is, if the end of the round comes without waiting for the set period of the round to pass, the process proceeds to step S1210. As a result, if eight game balls have entered the variable winning device 32 during one round, the round will end immediately at that point even if the opening period of 30 seconds has not elapsed. Become.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1211, that is, if all rounds in the jackpot state are exhausted, the process moves to step S1218, and "3" is set for the jackpot status storage area. After step S1218, in step S1219, a value “2500” corresponding to the ending time (10 seconds) is set for the first variable timer.

  In subsequent step S1220, "7" is set to the winning counter. Note that when the process of setting the ending after step S1218 is performed in the flow after the positive determination is made in step S1217, the value of the winning counter is “0”. If the value of the winning counter is set to “0” as it is at the start of the ending period, an affirmative determination is made in step S1217 in the variable winning device control process after 4 msec, and the ending period cannot be completed. For this reason, a tentative numerical value other than “0” (“7” in this example) is entered in the winning counter in step S1220 to complete the ending period.

  After step S1220, in step S1221, a process for closing the variable prize-winning device 32 is performed. In subsequent step S1222, an ending command for informing the sub-control device 262 of information to start ending is set. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  If the determination in step S1209 is affirmative, that is, if it is time to end the jackpot state after the ending period ends, the process proceeds to step S1223 to perform end setting processing. In the end setting process, a mode storage area and a variation counter are set.

  In the mode storage area, discrimination information for discriminating the game mode is stored, and in the setting process of the mode storage area, various jackpots set in the winning type random number storage area of the execution area of the special variable holding area are stored. Based on the flag, the corresponding value is set. As described above, one of the values “11”, “12”, and “21” is stored in the mode storage area, “11” corresponds to the normal mode, and “12” corresponds to the time reduction mode. Correspondingly, “21” corresponds to the probability variation mode.

  Here, the end setting process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S1401, it is determined whether or not the 15RN flag is set to ON in the winning type random number storage area of the execution area of the special variable suspension area. If a positive determination is made in step S1401, a value “12” corresponding to the time reduction mode is set in the mode storage area in step S1402. As a result, the time reduction mode is given after the end of the big hit state.

  In the subsequent step S1403, “100” is set to the variation counter. The variation counter is a means for measuring the duration of the time reduction mode or the probability variation mode (how many times the variation is displayed) as described above, and is a big hit state that is the start time of the time reduction mode or the probability variation mode. At the end of, a value “100” corresponding to 100 fluctuation displays is set in the fluctuation counter. After step S1403, this process ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1401, that is, if “15RS” or “7RS” is stored in the winning type random number storage area of the execution area of the special variable suspension area, in step S1404, the mode storage area Is set to a value “21” corresponding to the probability variation mode. As a result, the probability variation mode is given after the end of the big hit state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1403, where “100” is set in the variation counter, and this process is terminated.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 21, after step S1223, in step S1224, “0” indicating that the jackpot status storage area is not in the jackpot state is set. Thereafter, in step S1225, after setting a jackpot end command for informing the sub-control device 262 that the jackpot state is to be ended, this processing is terminated. The jackpot end command includes the game mode set in the end setting process and the number information of the variation counter.

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

  23, in step S2101, the normal symbol display device 41 determines whether or not the second display flag indicating whether or not the variable display is being displayed is on, thereby switching the normal symbol display device 41. It is determined whether or not display (variation display) is in progress. When the second display flag is on, it is considered that the normal symbol display device 41 is in a variable display, and when the second display flag is off, the normal symbol display device 41 stops the variable display. It is considered that the stop display corresponding to the state is in progress.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2101, the process proceeds to step S2102, and it is determined whether or not the value of the normal hold counter Nc is greater than zero. At this time, if the value of the normal hold counter Nc is 0, this processing is terminated as it is.

  If the variable display is not being performed and the value of the normal hold counter Nc> 0, the process proceeds to step S2103. In step S2103, 1 is subtracted from the normal hold counter Nc. In step S2104, a process for shifting the data stored in the normal variation holding area is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the holding first to fourth areas of the normally variable holding area to the execution area side. The holding first area → the execution area, the holding second area → The data in each area is shifted such as the first hold area, the third hold area → the second hold area, the fourth hold area → the third hold area.

  Thereafter, in step S2105, start setting processing is executed. In this process, the normal symbol display device 41 performs a process indicating that a condition for performing switching display (variable display) is established. Specifically, the second display timer flag is turned on, and the second display timer setting process is performed. The second display timer is a means for measuring the fluctuation time (residual time) of the fluctuation display performed by the normal symbol display device 41, and is used when determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the fluctuation display. Is done. In the present embodiment, in the normal mode, since the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display performed by the normal symbol display device 41 is 6 seconds, “1500” is set in the second display timer. In the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode, since the variation time of the normal symbol display device 41 is 2 seconds, “500” is set in the second display timer. Based on the setting in the start setting process, when a control signal for starting the switching display (variation display) is output to the normal symbol display device 41 in the next external output process of the normal process, the normal symbol display is performed. Switching display is started in the device 41. As described above, the normal symbol display device 41 is configured to light up and display “O” or “X” as an ordinary symbol. If the displayed symbol is “O”, “X”, “X” "Is switched to" ○ ". Then, after step S2105 ends, the second display control process ends.

  If the determination in step S2101 is affirmative, that is, if the normal symbol display device 41 is performing variable display, the process proceeds to step S2106 to perform a second display timer subtraction process. Each time this process is performed, the count value of the second display timer is decremented by one.

  In step S2107, it is determined whether or not the count value of the second display timer is “0”, that is, whether or not the variation time has elapsed. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2107, the second display flag is turned off in step S2108, and normal symbol stop display setting for performing stop display on the normal symbol display device 41 is performed in step S2109. Then, based on the setting contents of the normal symbol stop display setting, a control signal to stop display is output to the normal symbol display device 41 in the next external output processing in the normal processing. That is, in the case of winning, the “◯” symbol (winning symbol) is stopped (for example, lit only for a few seconds), and in the case of being off, the “x” symbol is stopped.

  As described above, it is determined whether or not the winning is made based on the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 stored in the execution area of the normal variation holding area. Specifically, “3-8” is the winning value among the numerical values 0-9 of the normal symbol random number counter C4.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S2110, a normal symbol discrimination information setting process is performed, and this process ends. In this process, when the stop display corresponds to winning, a setting process for performing the opening / closing process of the start winning unit 33 is performed. Specifically, the ball entry assist flag is set to ON, the second variable flag is set to ON, the opening time is set to the second variable timer, and the start winning unit 33 (opening / closing member 33c) is driven to the driving number counter. Set (Number of times to open).

  The entry assist flag is discrimination information for discriminating whether or not a process based on winning of the entrance assist lottery is being performed. The second variable flag is determination information for determining whether or not the start winning unit 33 (opening / closing member 33c) is in an open state. The second variable timer is a means for measuring the opening time (remaining time) of the start winning unit 33, and is considered when determining whether or not a specified time has elapsed since the opening start. The driving number counter is a means for measuring the number of times the opening / closing member 33c is opened (remaining number of times).

  Various control signals are output to the start winning unit 33 in the next external output process of the normal process based on the ON / OFF state of the second variable flag. When the second variable flag is on, a control signal for opening the opening / closing member 33c is output to the start winning unit 33, and the start winning unit 33 is opened. On the other hand, when the second variable flag is OFF, a control signal for closing the opening / closing member 33c is output to the start winning unit 33, and the starting winning unit 33 is closed (the opening / closing member 33c is closed). , It is impossible to enter the game ball into the lower winning award 33b).

  In the present embodiment, the opening time and the number of opening times of the start winning unit 33 are different between the high pitching state (probability change mode and time reduction mode) and the low pitching state (normal mode). In the present embodiment, in the high pitching state, “500” is set for the second variable timer, and “3” is set for the drive count counter. On the other hand, in the low entry state, “150” is set for the second variable timer, and “1” is set for the drive counter.

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

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

  First, in step S2201, it is determined whether or not a ball entry assist flag is on. If a negative determination is made in step S2201, this processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2201, 1 is subtracted from the value of the second variable timer in step S2202.

  In a succeeding step S2203, it is determined whether or not the second variable flag is ON. If the determination in step S2203 is affirmative, that is, if the start winning unit 33 (opening / closing member 33c) is in the open state, it is determined in step S2204 whether the value of the second variable timer is “0”. To do. If a negative determination is made in step S2204, that is, if the predetermined opening time of the start winning unit 33 has not yet elapsed, the present process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2204, the process proceeds to step S2205 to turn off the second variable flag. In the subsequent step S2206, 1 is subtracted from the value of the drive number counter. Thereafter, in step S2207, it is determined whether or not the value of the drive number counter is “0”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2207, the ball entry assist flag is turned off in step S2208, and then this process ends.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S2208, that is, the winning entry assist lottery is performed in the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode, and the start winning unit 33 is released three times based on it. If there is a remaining number of times, a value (for example, “100”) corresponding to the interval time is set for the second variable timer in step S2209. After step S2209, this process ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2203, that is, if it is an interval period during which the start winning unit 33 is opened three times (the starting winning unit 33 is in a closed state), the process proceeds to step S2210. It is determined whether or not the value of the variable timer is “0”. If a negative determination is made in step S2210, that is, if the interval period has not yet elapsed, the present process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2210, the second variable flag is turned on in step S2211, and a value corresponding to the open time (“500” in this example) is set in the second variable timer in step S2112. Then, this process is terminated.

  Next, payout control executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 will be described. For convenience of explanation, the reception interrupt process will be described first with reference to FIG. 25, and then the main process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process executed by the payout control apparatus 311. The reception interrupt process is a process executed by interruption when the payout control device 311 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 261. When the payout control device 311 confirms that the command transmitted from the main control device 261 has been received, the other processing executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 is temporarily waited, and the reception interrupt process is executed. When the reception interrupt process is executed, the command transmitted from the main control device 261 in step S3001 is first stored in the command buffer of the RAM 513, and the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is stored in step S3002. Turns on the command reception flag and ends this reception interrupt processing. As described above, when a command is stored in the command buffer, the storage pointer is referred to and stored in a predetermined storage area, and the storage pointer is stored in order to store the next received command in the next storage area. Is updated.

  In the present embodiment, the reception process of the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is performed by the interrupt process executed when the command is received. For example, as illustrated in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, before the command determination process (step S3201) is performed, it is confirmed whether or not a command is received. If a command is received, the command is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 513. The command reception flag may be turned on, and if no command is received, the process may proceed to command determination processing. In such a case, it is confirmed whether or not a command has been received by confirming a port corresponding to the command input of the input / output port at predetermined intervals.

  Next, main processing of the payout control device 311 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the main process of the payout control device 311. This main process is started upon reset when the power is turned on.

  First, in step S3101, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, a predetermined value set in advance is set in the stack pointer, and an interrupt mode is set. In step S3103, the RAM access is permitted, and in step S3104, an external interrupt vector is set.

  Thereafter, in step S3106, it is determined whether or not occurrence information of power interruption is set in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. If the information on occurrence of power interruption is set in the backup area 513a, a RAM determination value is calculated in step S3107, and in step S3108, whether the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off. No, that is, the validity of the backup is determined. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at a work area address in the RAM 513. It should be noted that it is possible to determine the effectiveness of backup based on whether or not the keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 513 are correctly stored.

  If no power-off occurrence information is set in step S3106, or if a backup abnormality is confirmed by a RAM determination value (checksum value or the like) in step S3108, the process proceeds to initialization processing of the RAM 513 after step S3115. Transition.

  In step S3115, the entire area of the RAM 513 is cleared to 0, and in step S3116, the initial value of the RAM 513 is set. Thereafter, in step S3117, the CPU peripheral device is initialized, and the process proceeds to step S3114 to permit interruption.

  On the other hand, on the condition that the power failure occurrence information is set in step S3106 and the RAM judgment value (checksum value etc.) is normal in step S3108, the process at the time of power recovery (at the time of power failure recovery) Process). That is, in step S3109, the stack pointer before power-off is restored, power-off occurrence information is cleared in step S3110, and a payout permission flag that permits payout of prize balls is cleared in step S3111. In step S3112, the CPU peripheral device is initialized. In step S3113, the used register is restored from the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. In step S3114, an interrupt is permitted.

  After the interruption is permitted in step S3114, it is determined in the process of step S3122 whether power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 513a. Here, if the information on occurrence of power supply interruption is set, the power supply is cut off. Therefore, the processing after step S3123 is performed as a power failure process at the time of power supply interruption. In the power failure process, first, the generation of each interrupt process is prohibited in step S3123, and a command determination process described later is executed in the next step S3124. Thereafter, the contents of each register used by the CPU 511 are saved in the stack area in step S3125, the stack pointer value is stored in the backup area 513a in step S3126, and the RAM determination value is calculated in step S3127 to calculate the backup area 513a. In step S3128, RAM access is prohibited, and the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed. Here, the RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value in the stack area and work area to be backed up in the RAM 513.

  Note that since the process of step S3122 confirms the occurrence information of the power-off after the process performed at the time of turning on the power, the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513 is smaller than that in the middle of each process. Less and can be easily memorized. Further, when returning to the state before power-off, since the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a is small, it can be easily restored and the processing load of the payout control device 311 can be reduced. .

  Next, timer interrupt processing of the payout control device 311 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This timer interrupt process is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 msec).

  In the timer interrupt process, first, a command from the main control device 261 is acquired, and a determination process for the command is performed (step S3201). This command determination process will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating command determination processing performed by the payout control device 311. In the command determination process (steps S3124 and S3201), first, it is determined whether or not the command reception flag is turned on in step S3301. The command reception flag is turned on when a command transmitted from the main controller 261 is received in the above-described reception interrupt process (see FIG. 25).

  If it is determined in step S3301 that the command reception flag is OFF, a new command has not been received from the main control device 261, and thus this process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3301 that the command reception flag is on, the received command is read from the RAM 513 in step S3302, and the command reception flag is turned off in step S3303. By turning off the command reception flag in step S3303, the processing in steps S3302 to S3311 can be skipped until a new command is received, so that the control of the payout control device 311 can be reduced.

  The type of command read from the RAM 513 is determined in the processing of step S3304 to step S3306. In step S3304, it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a payout initialization command. In step S3305, it is determined whether or not it is a payout return command. In step S3306, it is determined whether the command is a prize ball command. It is determined whether or not.

  If the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is a payout initialization command, it is determined in step S3307 whether or not the payout permission flag has already been turned on. If the payout permission flag has been turned off, the main power is turned on. Since the initialization of the RAM 513 is instructed from the control device 261, the work area (area) other than the stack area of the RAM 513 is cleared to 0 in step S3308, and the initial value of the RAM 513 is set in step S3309. Thereafter, in step S3311, the payout permission flag is turned on, and the payout permission for the winning ball is set.

  As described above, the main controller 261 performs initialization processing of the RAM 503 after transmitting the payout initialization command, and the payout control device 311 initializes processing of the RAM 513 after receiving the payout initialization command. Therefore, the timing at which the RAM 503 is initialized and the timing at which the RAM 513 is initialized are substantially at the same time. Therefore, even if the payout control device 311 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 261 due to a shift in the initialization timing, the RAM 513 is initialized, and control corresponding to the received command cannot be performed. The occurrence of adverse effects can be prevented. In addition, since the payout permission flag is turned on after the RAM 513 is initialized, it is possible to reliably set the payout allowance for prize balls.

  On the other hand, if the payout permission flag has already been turned on in step S3307, the command determination process is terminated without clearing the work area of the RAM 513 and the initialization process of the RAM 513. That is, the processing in step S3307 prohibits initialization of the RAM 513 with the payout permission flag set. The payout initialization command is a command that is transmitted only when the RAM erase switch 323 is turned on when the power is turned on. Therefore, the payout initialization command is not received in a state where the payout permission flag is turned on. It is conceivable that the payout control device 311 has recognized the payout initialization command due to the influence of noise or the like. Therefore, if the work area of the RAM 513 is cleared (step S3308) and the initial value setting of the RAM 513 (step S3309) is executed in a state where the payout permission flag is turned on, the payout is not made when a prize ball remains. Although an adverse effect occurs and causes a loss to the player, since the RAM 513 is prevented from being initialized while the payout permission flag is turned on, it is possible to prevent the player from being lost.

  Further, if the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a payout return command (step S3304: NO, step S3305: YES), the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 return to the state before the power cut-off. In order to permit the payout of the prize ball, the payout permission flag is turned on in step S3311. That is, when there is information on occurrence of power interruption and the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 return to the state before the power interruption, the payout of the prize ball is permitted. When the payout permission flag is turned on in the process of step S3311, the process based on the command stored in the predetermined storage area of the command buffer is completed, so the read pointer is changed to the read pointer corresponding to the next storage area. Updated.

  Further, if the command transmitted from main controller 261 is a prize ball command (step S3305: NO, step S3306: YES), the received prize ball number is added to the total prize ball number and stored in step S3310. In order to permit the payout of prize balls, the payout permission flag is turned on in step S3311. At this time, the payout control device 311 sequentially reads out the prize ball commands stored in the command buffer (ring buffer), and adds the number of prize balls corresponding to the command to the total number of prize balls stored in a predetermined buffer area. And remember. Since a prize ball corresponding to the number of prize balls is paid out based on the prize ball command transmitted from the main controller 261, the prize ball command is a payout instruction command for instructing the prize ball to be paid out. . In addition, when a winning ball command is received, the payout permission is immediately set, so that the winning ball can be paid out early for winning. When the payout permission flag is turned on in the process of step S3311, the process based on the command stored in the predetermined storage area of the command buffer is completed, so the read pointer is changed to the read pointer corresponding to the next storage area. Updated.

  Note that the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is not a payout initialization command (step S3304: NO), is not a payout return command (step S3305: NO), and is not a prize ball command (step S3306: NO), The command determination process is terminated without turning on the payout permission flag.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. When the command determination process ends, it is determined in step S3202 whether or not the payout permission flag is turned on in the command determination process. Here, if the payout permission flag is not turned on, this processing is ended as it is. That is, it is possible to prevent award balls from being paid out before a command is transmitted from the main controller 261.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S3202, the launch permission is set for the launch control device 312 in step S3203, the state return switch 321 is checked in step S3204, and the state return operation is determined to be started. Perform a return operation. With this process, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, for example, when the payout motor is clogged, the payout motor is rotated forward and reverse to eliminate the ball clogging (return to the normal state). .

  Thereafter, in step S3205, setting of the lower plate full state or the lower plate full state is performed according to the change in the state of the lower plate 15. That is, when the lower pan 15 is detected based on the detection signal of the lower pan full switch, when the lower pan is full, the lower pan full state is set, and when the lower pan full is not reached , Set the lower pan full release state. In step S3206, setting of a tank ball absence state (out of ball state) or a tank ball absence release state (ball state) is executed in accordance with a change in the state of the tank ball. In other words, the tank ball no switch state is determined based on the detection signal of the tank ball no switch, and the special setting for the absence of the tank ball and the setting for the no tank ball state are executed. Perform configuration.

  Thereafter, in step S3207, for example, the presence / absence of a state to be notified, such as an error state, is determined. If there is a state to be notified, a notification is made.

  Subsequently, a payout control process for prize balls and rental balls is executed. Specifically, a payout number setting process is performed in step S3208, a motor control state acquisition process is performed in step S3209, and a motor drive process is performed in step S3210.

  In step S3211, the state return switch 321 is checked to execute the ball removal process by driving the payout motor 358a on the condition that the ball removal disabled state is not set and the ball removal operation is not started. In a succeeding step S3212, the control of the vibrator 360 (vibration motor control) is executed on condition that the ball is clogged. Thereafter, the process returns to the beginning of the timer interrupt process.

  Next, normal processing of the sub-control device 262 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S3901, the port corresponding to the command input of the input / output port 554 is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is received.

  If a command has been received, the command is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 553 in step S3902. The command buffer of the RAM 553 is a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands transmitted from the main control device 261. The ring buffer has a predetermined storage area, and commands are stored with regularity from the beginning to the end of the storage area. When commands are stored in all storage areas, the ring buffer is at the start of the storage area. The return command is configured to be updated. Therefore, when the command is stored and when the command is read, the storage pointer and the read pointer in the command buffer are updated, and the command is stored and read based on each pointer.

  In the subsequent step S3903, a hold information storage process for storing the information of the advance command output from the main control device 261 in the hold information storage area provided in the RAM 553 is performed. Note that, as described above, the starting command indicates information indicating whether the winning winning opening 33a or the lower winning opening 33b is a variation display triggered by the ball, or whether it is variation information corresponding to the jackpot. Information, information indicating the jackpot type, and information indicating the type of reach are included.

  The hold information storage area includes a first hold information storage area and a second hold information storage area each having four hold areas (holding first to holding fourth areas), like the special variable holding area of the main controller 261. 1 execution area. In the first hold information storage area, in accordance with the reception history of the advance command based on the first change display (information stored in the first special change hold area), information on whether or not the jackpot, jackpot type, and reach type Such variation information is stored in time series. In the second hold information storage area, the change information is stored in time series in accordance with the reception history of the preceding command based on the second change display (information stored in the second special change hold area). By adopting this configuration, information on the first variation display (variation information) triggered by entering the top winning opening 33a and information on the second variation display triggered by entering the bottom winning entrance 33b As a result, the sub-control device 262 can grasp the fluctuation information stored in the first and second special fluctuation hold areas of the main control device 261.

  Hereinafter, the hold information storage process will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S4101, it is determined whether or not a starting command has been received (whether or not the starting command has been stored in the command buffer of the RAM 553). If a negative determination is made in step S 4101, the present process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S4101, it is determined in step S4102 whether or not the starting command corresponds to a ball entering the lower winning opening 33b (variation information stored in the second special variation holding area). Is determined. If a negative determination is made here, that is, if the starting command corresponds to a ball entering the top winning opening 33a (variation information stored in the first special variation holding area), in step S4103, the first command An up fluctuation holding counter Nd that counts the number of fluctuation information held in the holding information storage area is incremented by one.

  In the subsequent step S4104, information on whether or not the jackpot is included in the advance command, information on the jackpot type, information on the reach type and the like are stored in the first reserved area in the first holding information storage area.

  In subsequent step S4105, notice information storage processing is performed. That is, in the present embodiment, there is a case where the effect display related to each other in a plurality of continuous variable displays is intentionally derived (so-called continuous notice is performed). Here, the value of the continuous notice counter for determining whether or not to perform the continuous notice (continuous effect lottery) and the value of the notice type counter for determining the mode (type) of the continuous notice are obtained. The counter value is stored in the holding area in which the variation information is newly stored in step S4104 in the first holding information storage area Md.

  The continuous notice counter is configured as a loop counter that is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 49, for example, and reaches the upper limit (that is, 49) and then returns to 0 that is the lower limit. The continuous notice counter is periodically updated, and the value of the continuous notice counter is stored in the corresponding counter buffer (continuous notice counter buffer) each time.

  The notice type counter is configured as a loop counter that is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 9, for example, and reaches the upper limit (that is, 9) and then returns to 0 that is the lower limit. The notice type counter is periodically updated, and each time the value of the notice type counter is stored in the corresponding counter buffer (notice type counter buffer).

  Then, in the notice information storage process, when fluctuation information is stored in the hold information storage area (Md, Me), the values of the continuous notice counter and the notice type counter stored in the successive notice counter buffer and the notice type counter buffer are stored. The value will be acquired. Further, each of the holding area and the execution area of the holding information storage area is provided with a continuous notice flag that is turned on when it is determined that a continuous notice is to be derived.

  In the present embodiment, the ROM 552 is provided with a notice success / failure determination table that is taken into consideration when determining whether or not to carry out continuous notice, and a notice table that is taken into consideration when determining the mode of continuous notice. A plurality of advance notice determination tables and advance notice tables are provided, and the advance notice determination table and the advance notice table to be considered are selected according to the variation information.

  After step S4105, in step S4106, one of the first hold lamps 46L in the extinguished state (for example, the leftmost lamp 46L that is extinguished) is turned on. In a succeeding step S4107, a continuous notice lottery process for determining whether or not to execute a continuous notice is performed, and then this process is terminated.

  In the continuous notice lottery process of step S4107, when the value of the up fluctuation hold counter Nd is “2” or more, the big hit is based on the value of the continuous notice counter newly stored in the first hold information storage area. It is determined whether or not the continuous notice is to be executed with reference to the notice success / failure determination table corresponding to the type, the reach type, and the game mode. Furthermore, when it is determined to execute the continuous notice, the notice table corresponding to the jackpot type, reach type, or game mode based on the value of the notice type counter newly stored in the first hold information storage area To determine whether to execute the continuous notice. In addition, the continuous notice flag is turned on for all the holding areas in which the variation information is stored among the holding areas of the first holding information storage area. However, the continuous notice flag in the execution area is not turned on.

  Further, if a negative determination is made in step S4102, that is, if the starting command corresponds to a ball entering the lower winning opening 33b (variation information stored in the second special variation holding area), step Proceeding to S4108, the lower fluctuation hold counter Ne for counting the number of fluctuation information held in the second hold information storage area is incremented by one.

  Thereafter, in step S4109, the information on whether or not the jackpot is included in the advance command, the jackpot type information, the reach type information, etc., is stored in the first reserved area in the second reserved information storage area. . In subsequent step S4110, the value of the continuous notice counter and the value of the notice type counter are acquired, and the counter value is stored in the reserved area in which the variation information is newly stored in step S4109 in the second reserved information storage area.

  After step S4110, in step S4111, one of the second hold lamps 46R in the extinguished state (for example, the leftmost lamp 46R that is extinguished) is turned on. In subsequent step S4112, a continuous notice lottery process for determining whether or not to execute a continuous notice is performed, and this process is terminated. Note that the continuous advance notice lottery process in step S4112 merely corresponds to the advance notice lottery process in step S4107 for entering the lower winning opening 33b, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 29, after step S3903 or when a negative determination is made in step S3901, the process proceeds to step S3904, whether or not the execution timing of the next normal process has been reached, that is, the start of the previous normal process It is determined whether or not a predetermined time (2 msec in this example) has elapsed since the start. If the predetermined time has already elapsed, the process proceeds to step S3905. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed from the start of the previous normal process, the process proceeds to step S3912.

  In step S3905, various counter update processes are executed. The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 uses various counter information when displaying decorative symbols. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 30, the upper, middle, and lower symbols used for setting the out-of-place design symbols CO, the upper symbol display area, the middle symbol display area, and the lower symbol display area. Each symbol counter CL, CM, CR is used. The symbol counters CL, CM, CR are configured such that register values are added using an R register (refresh register) in the CPU 551, and as a result, the numerical values change randomly.

  The jackpot decoration symbol counter CO determines a symbol when the fluctuation symbol of the decoration symbol display device 42 stops when the jackpot state occurs (in this embodiment, as a jackpot decoration symbol counter CO). 9 (0 to 8) counter values are prepared. That is, the jackpot decorative symbol counter CO is incremented by 1 in order within a range of 0 to 8, and after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 8), returns to 0.

  Then, when the symbol command transmitted from the main control device 261 is “AA11” indicating that the symbol corresponding to the probability variation jackpot is stopped, based on a table (a table for associating the counter value with the decorative symbol), For example, if the counter value is 0, the combination of jackpot symbols is determined in such a way that “1” (the slot) and 1 if it is “2” (the slot). The jackpot decorative symbol counter CO is periodically updated in the counter update process of step S3905, and is read from the counter buffer of the RAM 553 at the timing when the sub-control device 262 receives the symbol command as will be described later. In this embodiment, the jackpot decoration symbol counter CO is stored in the jackpot decoration symbol counter buffer of the RAM 553, but is not stored in the buffer, and the counter value is referred to at the timing when the symbol command is received. It may be.

  Further, when the symbol command is “AA12” indicating that the symbol corresponding to the normal jackpot is to be stopped, for example, if the counter value is 0, 1, it is “2”. The combination of jackpot symbols is determined such that “4” (for doublet), “6” (for doublet) if 5, 6 or “8” (for doublet) if 7, 8 .

  The upper, middle, and lower symbol counters CL, CM, and CR determine the combination of the stopped symbols in the upper, middle, and lower symbol display areas when the winning or failing lottery is lost. Since any of the nine decorative symbols is displayed in the column, nine (0 to 8) counter values are prepared for each. A stop symbol in the upper symbol display area is determined by the upper symbol counter CL, a stop symbol in the middle symbol display area is determined by the middle symbol counter CM, and a stop symbol in the lower symbol display area is determined by the lower symbol counter CR.

  In the present embodiment, the values of the counters CL, CM, and CR are randomly updated by using the value of the R register built in the CPU 551. That is, when each symbol counter CL, CM, CR is updated, the lower 3 bits of the R register are added to the previous value, and when the addition result exceeds the upper limit value, 8 is subtracted to determine the current value. . Each symbol counter CL, CM, CR is updated so that the update times do not overlap, and the combination of these symbol counters CL, CM, CR is the reach / reverse symbol buffer of the RAM 553, the reach symbol buffer other than the front / rear out, and the complete Stored in one of the off symbol buffers.

  Here, the update process of each symbol counter CL, CM, CR will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 31, in step S4001, it is determined whether or not it is time to update the upper symbol counter CL. In step S4002, it is determined whether or not it is time to update the middle symbol counter CM. The upper, middle, and lower symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are configured to be sequentially updated one by one in one update process. Therefore, if the lower symbol counter CR has been updated in the previous update process, an affirmative determination is made in step S4001. If the upper symbol counter CL has been updated in the previous update process, an affirmative determination is made in step S4002. If it is time to update the upper symbol counter CL (YES in step S4001), the process proceeds to step S4003 to update the upper symbol counter CL. If the update time of the medium symbol counter CM (step S4002 is YES), the process proceeds to step S4004 to update the medium symbol counter CM. Further, if it is time to update the lower symbol counter CR (both steps S4001 and S4002 are NO), the process proceeds to step S4005 to update the lower symbol counter CR. In updating the symbol counters CL, CM, CR in steps S4003 to S4005, the lower 3 bits of the R register are added to the previous counter value, and 8 is subtracted when the addition result exceeds the upper limit value. The calculation result is set as the current value of the off symbol counters CL, CM, CR.

  According to the above-described CL, CM, and CR update processing, the upper, middle, and lower symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are updated one by one in a single update process, and the update times of the counter values overlap. There is no. Thereby, every time the update process is executed three times, one set of the symbol counters CL, CM, CR is updated.

  Thereafter, in step S4006, it is determined whether or not the combination of the updated symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is a combination of reach symbols (the symbols in the upper symbol display area and the symbols in the lower symbol display area are the same). If it is determined that the combination is a reach symbol (YES in S4006), then in step S4007, it is a combination of jackpot symbols (the symbols in the upper and lower symbol display areas are the same as the symbols in the middle symbol display area). Is determined. If an affirmative determination is made in step S4007, this combination is terminated without storing the combination of symbol counters CL, CM, and CR in the RAM 553.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S4007, it is determined in step S4008 whether or not the combination of symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is a combination of symbols that are out of front and rear. If the symbol counters CL, CM, CR are a combination of symbols that are out of front / rear (front / rear out of reach) (YES in S4008), the process proceeds to step S4009 and the combination of symbol counters CL, CM, CR at that time is The stored data is stored in the outreach symbol buffer and the process is terminated. If the symbol counters CL, CM, CR are a combination of symbols other than front / rear detachment (reach other than front / rear detachment) (NO in S4008), the process proceeds to step S4010, and the combination of symbol counters CL, CM, CR at that time is combined. Is stored in the reach symbol buffer except for the back and forth detachment of the RAM 553, and the process is terminated.

  Further, if the combination is other than the reach symbol (NO in S4006), the combination of the off symbol counters CL, CM, CR is the combination of the off symbol (completely off symbol). The combination of the time-out symbol counters CL, CM, CR is stored in the complete symbol buffer of the RAM 553, and the process is completed.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 29, a hold process is performed in step S3906. Hereinafter, the hold process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S4201, it is determined whether or not a variation pattern command is received (whether or not the variation pattern command is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 553). If an affirmative determination is made in step S4201, it is determined in step S4202 whether or not the value of the downward fluctuation hold counter Ne is greater than “0”. If a negative determination is made in step S4202, that is, if the fluctuation information of the second fluctuation display is not stored, the process proceeds to step S4203, and the value of the upper fluctuation holding counter Nd is decremented by one.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the second variation display is preferentially digested over the first variation display, and when the second variation display is stored on hold, the first variation display is digested. Never happen. That is, when the variation information of the second variation display is suspended and stored in the second suspension information storage area Me, the variation pattern command corresponding to the first variation display is not sent. For this reason, in this embodiment, in step S4202, it is determined whether or not the value of the downward fluctuation hold counter Ne is larger than “0”, so that the fluctuation pattern command is displayed in the first fluctuation display and the second fluctuation display. Which variation information is included is determined. Of course, the variation pattern command is provided with information indicating which variation information of the first variation display or the second variation display is supported, and based on the variation pattern command, the variation pattern command is displayed in the first variation display and It may be determined which variation information of the second variation display is included.

  After step S4203, in step S4204, a process of shifting data stored in the first hold information storage area Md is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data (including the continuous notice flag) stored in the hold first to fourth areas of the first hold information storage area Md to the execution area side. Data in each area is shifted, such as area → execution area, hold second area → hold first area, hold third area → hold second area, hold fourth area → hold third area.

  In the following step S4205, one of the first hold lamps 46L that are lit (for example, the rightmost lamp 46L that is lit) is turned off. After step S4205, the process proceeds to step S4209.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S4202, that is, if even one piece of variation information of the second variation display is retained, in step S4206, 1 is subtracted from the value of the lower variation suspension counter Ne.

  In a succeeding step S4207, a process for shifting the data stored in the second hold information storage area Me is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the hold first to fourth areas of the second hold information storage area Me to the execution area side. Data in each area is shifted, such as 2 area → hold 1st area, hold 3rd area → hold 2nd area, hold 4th area → hold 3rd area. In the present embodiment, there is one execution area for the hold information storage area, and the data stored in the first hold information storage area and the second hold information storage area is displayed in a variable manner corresponding to the data. Will be shifted to a common execution area.

  In the subsequent step S4208, one of the second holding lamps 46R that are in the lit state (for example, the rightmost lamp among the lit lamps 46L) is turned off. After step S4208, the process proceeds to step S4209.

  In step S4209, a notice setting process for determining the type of display effect used for continuous notice is performed. In the notice setting processing in step S4209, it is determined whether or not the continuous notice flag (see the continuous notice lottery process in step S4107) in the execution area of the holding information storage area is on. Since this is not performed, this processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made, based on the variation information of the variation pattern command, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit, what is the type if it is a big win, and what is the reach type if it is not a big win, etc. The type of continuous notice is determined with reference to the corresponding table. The type of continuous notice determined here is derived at a predetermined timing when the corresponding change display is performed.

  In the present embodiment, since the second variation display is preferentially digested over the first variation display, such a first variation is performed when continuous notice is given for a plurality of first variation displays. If there is a ball entering the lower prize opening 33b during the display variation display, the second variation display may interrupt between the plurality of first variation displays, and the continuous notice may be interrupted. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the effect used as the continuous notice is a display effect (for example, the background changes, etc.) that can be derived even during normal variable display when the continuous notice is not performed. For this reason, even if the continuous notice is interrupted, there is no sense of incongruity.

  After step S4209, the process shifts to step S4210 to determine whether the mode is the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode. If a negative determination is made in step S4210, the present process ends. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S4210, in step S4211, the sub-control device 262 counts the remaining period of the probability change mode or the time reduction mode, that is, the remaining number of variable displays performed in the probability change mode or the time reduction mode. 1 is subtracted from the value of the remaining number counter. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, at the end of the big hit state, a value “100” corresponding to the remaining number of times in the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode is set in the remaining number counter.

  In subsequent step S4212, based on the value of the remaining number counter, a remaining display setting process for displaying the remaining number of times in the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode on the decorative symbol display device 42 is performed, and then the present process is terminated. In the present embodiment, in the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode, the remaining number of times in the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode is displayed every time the variation display of the decorative symbol display device 42 is displayed, and the variation display is started. The remaining number of times displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 is reduced by one.

  If a negative determination is made in step S4201, it is determined in step S4213 whether or not a remaining information command as a period information command having information on the remaining number of times of variable display performed in the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode is received. Determine. The remaining information command is output from the main controller 261 when the power is turned on (when the RAM erase switch 323 is not operated). If a negative determination is made in step S4213, this process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S4213, in step S4214, a value corresponding to the remaining number of times in the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode is set in the remaining number counter based on the remaining information command. In other words, since the remaining information command includes information indicating the value of the variation counter that counts the remaining variation count in the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode, the same value as the value of the variation counter is included in this step. The remaining number counter is set.

  After step S4214, the remaining display setting process is performed in step S4212, and then this process ends.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 29, display setting processing is performed in step S3907. Here, based on the information stored in the command buffer of the RAM 553, various arithmetic processes such as generating a display command to be output to the display control device 45 and command output setting are performed. That is, here, the display mode to be displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 is determined.

  For example, when a variation pattern command and a symbol command are received, the sub-control device 262 sets a value corresponding to the variation time in the variation time timer, and a corresponding table based on the variation pattern, the variation time, and the stop symbol. To determine the image pattern and the like. Then, the decision items are output to the display control device 45 as a display command.

  The display command is, for example, a command for designating a series of display effects from the start to the end of variable display, or a command for designating a display effect during a big hit, and is based on information stored in the command buffer. Each time a necessary display command is generated. Usually, the display commands related to the variable display generated by the sub-control device 262 are roughly divided into a normal variable data group, a reach effect data group, and the like. Basically, each data constituting these data groups is the variable time timer. Are sequentially output in accordance with a predetermined time order, thereby providing display effects according to various variation patterns. For example, the normal fluctuation data group includes normal fluctuation data 1, normal fluctuation data 2,..., And normal fluctuation data m, and the reach effect data group includes reach effect data 1, reach effect data 2,. In the case of n, data output is sequentially performed in the order of normal fluctuation data 1 → 2 →... → m with the start of normal fluctuation, and subsequently reach effect data 1 → 2 → with the start of reach effect. ... → Data is sequentially output in the order of n.

  Note that the display control device 45 performs a drawing process in response to a command from the sub-control device 262, and starts a variable display of symbols on the decorative symbol display device. Once the variation pattern command is received from main controller 261, sub-control is performed until the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern has elapsed (until the variation time timer set in step S3907 becomes 0). Under the cooperation of the device 262 and the display control device 45, the variable display of symbols is continued.

  Further, in the display setting process of step S3907, a process for performing effect control during a big hit (a big hit display process) is also performed, which will be described later.

  In the lamp setting process in step S3908, the lighting pattern of the lamp / electrical accessories is set in order to synchronize with the display effect performed by the decorative symbol display device 42.

  In the sound setting process in step S3909, the output pattern of the speaker 24 is set to synchronize with the display effect performed by the decorative symbol display device 42. In addition, when a voice-related command such as an error notification is transmitted from the main control device 261, settings for performing these controls are also performed in step S3909.

  In step S3910, other processing such as control setting of a waiting-for-waiting effect (for example, a demonstration screen display set to be displayed when a predetermined time elapses without the decorative symbol display device 42 being changed) is performed. Do.

  In step 3911, an external output process for transmitting a control signal based on the setting contents in steps S3905 to 3910 to each device is executed. For example, a display command is transmitted to the display control device 45 when the decorative symbol display device 42 displays the variation of the decorative symbol.

  After the processing of steps S3905 to S3911 performed every 2 msec is performed, or when a negative determination is made in step S3904, the process proceeds to step S3912, and whether or not the information on occurrence of power interruption is stored in the RAM 553 is determined. Is determined. The information on the occurrence of power interruption is stored when a power interruption command is received from the main controller 261.

  If the occurrence information of the power interruption is not stored, the process proceeds to step S3913, and it is determined whether or not the RAM 553 is destroyed. If the RAM 553 is not destroyed here, the process returns to step S3901 and the normal process is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if the RAM 553 is destroyed, the processing is looped infinitely in order to stop the subsequent processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3912 that the power-off occurrence information is stored, power-off processing is executed in step S3914. In power-off processing, interrupt processing is prohibited and each output port is turned off. Further, the storage of the information on occurrence of power interruption is also erased. After executing the power-off process, the process loops infinitely.

  Next, the jackpot display process performed in the display setting process of step S3907 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S4701, it is determined whether or not an opening command for notifying the start of the big hit state is received from the main control device 261. If an affirmative determination is made in step S4701, if it is “15RN” or “15RS” based on the information included in the opening command, the round grasp counter for grasping the number of remaining rounds is determined in step S4702. “15” is set, and if “7RS”, “7” is set.

  Thereafter, in step S4703, an opening effect is set for 8 seconds (the image of the decorative symbol display device 42, the sound of the speaker SP, and the lighting state of various lamps), and then the process ends. The sub-control device 262 is provided with a table for storing the correspondence relationship between the jackpot type, the number of remaining rounds, and various effects in the jackpot state, and selects a corresponding effect with reference to the table. And it will be executed.

  If a negative determination is made in step S4701, it is determined in step S4704 whether an interval command has been received. If an affirmative determination is made in step S4704, in step S4705, the effect is set during a round of 30 seconds at the maximum, and then this process ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step S4704, it is determined in step S4706 whether an interval command has been received. If an affirmative determination is made in step S4706, the round grasp counter is decremented by 1 in step S4707, and the effect is set in the interval of 4 seconds in step S4708, and then this process ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step S4706, it is determined in step S4709 whether an ending command has been received. If an affirmative determination is made in step S4709, the round grasp counter is decremented by 1 in step S4710, and the ending effect is set for 10 seconds in step S4711, and then this process ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step S4709, it is determined in step S4712 whether a jackpot end command has been received. If a negative determination is made in step S4712, this processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S4712, the ending display is immediately terminated in step S4713, and the normal display mode in which the variable display is performed is set. Note that the normal display mode is any one of the normal mode, the probability change mode, and the time reduction mode. In this example, the normal mode is not entered after the big hit state ends, and the probability change mode and the time reduction mode are further set. Since the display modes are the same, the display modes corresponding to the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode are used here.

  Thereafter, in step S 4714, “100” is set in the remaining number counter, and then this process ends. In this embodiment, the probability variation mode or the time shortening mode is entered after the end of the jackpot state, and the mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 and the like in the probability variation mode and the time shortening mode are basically the same. The remaining number of times is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42. In step S4714, by setting “100” in the remaining number counter, until the variation display of the special display devices 43L and 43R is performed 100 times in the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode (the variation display starts. In the decorative symbol display device 42, the remaining number of times in the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode (from the remaining 100 to the final time in this example) is displayed.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the main controller 261 is a period information command that can grasp the remaining period (number of remaining fluctuations) in the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode when the power is turned on. The remaining information commands can be output to the sub-control device 262. For this reason, even if a power failure occurs during the probability change mode or the time reduction mode, the sub control device 262 outputs the remaining information command from the main control device 261 to the sub control device 262, so that the sub control device 262 operates in the probability change mode or the time reduction mode. The remaining number of fluctuations can be reliably grasped. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the sub-control device 262 cannot perform effects and controls according to the remaining number of fluctuations.

  Further, since it is not necessary for the sub-control device 262 to have a backup function for backing up the remaining number of fluctuations in the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode, the cost increase and the complexity of the processing of the sub-control device 262 are suppressed. be able to. Even if the sub control device 262 has a backup function, whether or not the information stored in the sub control device 262 after the power recovery matches the information stored in the main control device 261 (stored) It is necessary to confirm whether or not the information is correct), so that the control of the main controller 261 is not particularly simplified.

  Further, the decorative symbol display device 42 displays the remaining number of fluctuations in the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode. For this reason, if the display mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 is changed a little before and after the power failure, the player may be suspicious and may result in a decrease in interest. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, even when a power failure occurs, the sub-control device 262 can return the decorative symbol display device 42 to the same display mode as before the power failure based on the remaining information command. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the player is held suspicious by causing the appearance of the decorative symbol display device 42 to change before and after the power failure, resulting in a decrease in interest. Further, since the information on the remaining number of fluctuations that could be obtained from the decorative symbol display device 42 before the power failure can no longer be obtained after the power failure, it is possible to prevent a situation such as a decrease in game play.

  In addition, since the remaining information command is output at power-on timing, in the event of a power failure, the decorative symbol display device 42 and the like controlled by the sub-control device 262 immediately after the power recovery are brought into a state before the power failure. Can be restored. More specifically, when a power failure occurs in the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode, there is a concern that the value of the remaining number counter of the sub-control device 262 may be lost. If the number of remaining fluctuations is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 based on the value, incorrect information may be transmitted to the player. On the other hand, by outputting the remaining information command at the power-on timing as in the present embodiment, the value of the remaining number counter can be reset based on the remaining information command. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent a situation in which the remaining number counter has erroneous information due to a power failure and the information is taught or suggested to the player. Furthermore, even if a power failure occurs immediately before the end of the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode, the end of the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode can be grasped with certainty. The mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 and the like controlled by the device 262 can be switched reliably.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows.

  (A) In the above embodiment, the remaining information command is output from the main control device 261 to the sub-control device 262 when the power is turned on. What is necessary is just to be comprised so that it may be output at at least 1 timing at the time of the suspension of the variation | change information based on detection of switch 224a, 224b. However, it is desirable that the remaining information command be output when the power is turned on so that the remaining number of times in the probability change mode or the time reduction mode can be displayed immediately after the power recovery in the event of a power failure.

  (B) In the above-described embodiment, the display of the remaining number is derived every time when the variable display is performed during the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode. In the above embodiment, the sub-control device 262 is also configured to count the remaining number of times of the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode, and after the start of the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode, based on the value of the remaining number counter. Although the display control of the remaining number of times in the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode in the decorative symbol display device 42 is performed, the present invention is not particularly limited to this. For example, when the remaining number counter is omitted and the remaining number of fluctuation displays in the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode is the remaining “0 to 5, 10, 30, 50, 100”, the main controller 261 starts the probability variation mode or A command including information on the remaining number of times in the time reduction mode is output to the sub-control device 262, and the sub-control device 262 may be configured to display the remaining number of times on the decorative symbol display device 42 when such a command is received. Good.

  In the above embodiment, the remaining number of fluctuations in the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode can be taught. However, the remaining number of fluctuations may not be taught or suggested.

  (C) In the above embodiment, a dedicated command (remaining information command) is set only for transmitting the remaining number of times (period information) in the probability variation mode or the time shortening mode to the sub-control device 262. The command for transmitting the above information to the sub-control device 262 may include the remaining number of information and output it to the sub-control device 262. For example, when the power is turned on, the remaining number of information may be added to a command for informing the sub-control device 262 of the current game mode (whether the normal mode, the time reduction mode, or the probability change mode). . In this case, there is no need to set a command for transmitting only the remaining number information to the sub-control device 262, so that the number of command exchanges can be reduced, and the processing can be simplified.

  In addition, when adding the remaining number of information to a command including predetermined information, the predetermined information is used as the remaining number of information instead of securing a dedicated bit only for indicating the remaining number of information in the command. As the combined information, the information may be set in a command so that the information can be recognized by a combination of a plurality of bits. For example, for a command that indicates a command for teaching a game mode (command type information) in the upper byte of a command composed of 2 bytes (command type information) and a type of game mode (pattern information) in a lower byte When adding the remaining fluctuation count information (period information), the upper 2 bits of the lower byte indicate the game mode, and the lower 6 bits of the lower byte indicate the remaining fluctuation count. If it is not confirmed after confirmation, neither the game mode nor the remaining number of fluctuations can be known. In other words, by identifying the combination of 8 bits, it is possible to grasp which game mode and how many remaining fluctuations. As such, a configuration in which commands are set may be adopted. In this case, there is no bit dedicated to the remaining number of changes in the command that conveys the remaining number of changes, and information on the remaining number of changes and information on the type of game mode are combined, and there are a plurality of combinations. It is shown using bits. As a result, compared to the case where the remaining variation count information and the game mode information are indicated using separate bits (8 bits are divided between the remaining variation count information and the game mode information), a certain number of bits are used. In addition, the number of patterns of the remaining variation count information and game mode information indicated by the command can be increased as much as possible, and variations can be varied.

  In particular, in the case where the remaining number of times information can be added to the variation pattern command, a variation time or variation pattern that is selected only when the remaining number of information is added is set, and the variation time or variation pattern is included. The variation control command may be output to the sub-control device 262 so that the sub-control device 262 executes processing for displaying the remaining number of times based on the variation pattern command (variation time or variation pattern). Good. For example, the decorative symbol display device when the remaining number of fluctuations in the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode is 0 to 3, 5, 10, 30, or 50, and at the start of the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode. 42, the remaining number of times is displayed, and at the start of the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode, the remaining number of times is displayed based on the information on the start of the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode and the information on the start of the variation display. With regard to the display of the remaining number of times at other timings, information on the fluctuation time included in the fluctuation pattern command, for example, in the main control device 261, usually (when the fluctuation display without remaining display) is performed, the fluctuation time is 6 seconds When either 10 seconds or 16 seconds is selected, the remaining 0 times select either 6.02 seconds, 10.02 seconds, or 16.02 seconds. In the remaining one time, one of 6.018 seconds, 10.018 seconds, and 16.018 seconds is selected, and the sub-control device 262 is based on the variation time associated with the remaining number of times. The remaining number of times of control may be executed.

  In this way, in the configuration in which the remaining period of the probability change mode and the time reduction mode is reduced each time the change display is performed, the remaining change count information is included in the change pattern command for starting the change display. The teaching of the remaining number of fluctuations in the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode can be derived relatively smoothly. In addition, since a specific variation time or / and variation pattern is set for the variation pattern command, the variation pattern command includes the remaining variation number information, so that processing based on the remaining variation number information ( For example, it is possible to set a variation time or / and a variation pattern in accordance with the additional processing of the remaining period teaching or suggestion in the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode, thereby improving performance and the like. For example, the decorative symbol display device 42 can be configured to increase the variation time for displaying the remaining number of times to maintain the balance of the variation display, or can be specified in the last variation display in the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode. While performing effect display, in order to secure the time for it, you may extend the variation time and select the variation pattern which performs a specific effect display.

  (D) In the above embodiment, a NAND flash memory may be employed as a memory (character ROM 525 mounted on the display control device 45) for storing display data displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42. When a NAND flash memory is employed, a relatively large storage area can be obtained at a relatively low cost, while the time required for reading data is relatively long. Hereinafter, an example of a case where a NAND type flash memory is employed will be described.

  In the present embodiment example, as shown in FIG. 35, a padding device 401 is provided as a visual state changing unit. The notebook device 401 includes an upper rotating shaft 402 that is rotatable above and in front of the decorative symbol display device 42 with the left-right direction as an axis direction, an upper motor 403 that rotates the upper rotating shaft 402, and one side that rotates upward. A hanging curtain 404 that is fixed to the shaft 402 and configured to be wound around the upper rotating shaft 402, and a lower rotating shaft 405 that is provided below and in front of the decorative symbol display device 42 so as to be rotatable with the left-right direction as the axial direction. A lower motor 406 that rotates the lower rotating shaft 405, and a pair of left and right piano wires 407 that connect the lower rotating shaft 405 and the side opposite to the side fixed to the upper rotating shaft 402 of the hanging curtain 404. I have. The book device 401 (upper motor 403 and lower motor 406) is driven and controlled by the display control device 45.

  Usually, the hanging curtain 404 is wound around the upper rotary shaft 402 and is stored above and in front of the decorative symbol display device 42. In this state (open state), the display mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 is visible. When the lower motor 406 is driven and the lower rotary shaft 405 rotates, the piano wire 407 is wound around the lower rotary shaft 405 and the hanging curtain 404 is drawn downward, and the hanging curtain 404 covers the front of the decorative symbol display device 42. Is called. Thereby, the decorative symbol display device 42 cannot be visually recognized. Further, when the upper motor 403 is driven from this state (closed state) and the upper rotary shaft 402 rotates, the hanging curtain 404 is wound around the upper rotary shaft 402, and the decorative symbol display device 42 becomes visible. The upper motor 403 and the lower motor 406 are stepping motors, and are configured to be able to stop the rotation of the motor when the lower end portion of the hanging curtain 404 reaches a desired height position. In the state where one of them is driven, the other does not drive itself, and the shaft core rotates in a follow-up manner.

  In addition, a visual state detection switch (not shown) is provided as visual state detection means capable of detecting the state of the book device 401. In the present embodiment, the visual state detection switch is configured to output an open signal to the main control device 261 when the book device 401 in the closed state starts driving to be opened.

  In this embodiment, a NAND flash memory is used as the character ROM 525 mounted on the display control device 45, and it takes a relatively long time to read data from the character ROM 525. When the display mode is significantly changed, the display mode cannot be switched immediately. For this reason, while the display mode is being switched, the notebook device 401 is closed and the decorative symbol display device 42 is not visible.

  More specifically, when switching from the probability change mode or the time reduction mode to the normal mode, the display mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 needs to be significantly changed. Therefore, the probability change mode and the time reduction mode are ended, that is, the probability change mode is changed. When the last change display in the mode or the time reduction mode is stopped, a command for switching the game mode to the normal mode is output from the main control device 261 to the sub control device 262, and further, from the sub control device 262. A command for switching the display mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 accompanying the mode switching is output to the display control device 45, and the display control device 45 closes the notebook device 401 based on the command and normally Processing for generating a display mode corresponding to the mode is performed.

  Furthermore, in this example, even when the display device 401 is in the closed state, the special display devices 43L and 43R (decorated symbol display device 42) even when the variable display is held in the special change holding area. The start of the variable display is waited. Here, the first display control process of this example will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S6001, it is determined whether or not a value “0” indicating a state other than the jackpot state is set in the jackpot status storage area. If a negative determination is made, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made, it is determined in step S6002 whether or not the variable standby flag that is turned on when the variable display of the special display devices 43L and 43R is prohibited is on. Determine. If the determination in step S6002 is negative, similar to step S802 to step S817 of the first display control process in the above embodiment, if the first display flag is turned off, a process for starting variable display (step S6004 to S6008), if the first display flag is turned on and the end time of the variable display has not yet arrived, the variable display of the special display devices 43L and 43R is continued, and the variable display If the end time has arrived, processing associated with the end of the variable display is executed.

  However, as shown in FIG. 37, the discrimination information setting process according to the present embodiment is configured to store the mode when the last variation display in the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode ends and the variation display is not a big hit. After the value “11” corresponding to the normal mode is set for the area (step S6113), a mode switching command for instructing the sub-control device 262 to switch to the normal mode is set (step S6016). When the sub control device 262 receives the mode switching command, the sub control device 262 outputs to the display control device 45 a command for closing the notebook device 401 and generating the display mode of the decorative symbol display device 45 corresponding to the normal mode. . Furthermore, the display control device 45 generates a display mode corresponding to the normal mode after closing the notebook device 401 based on these commands.

  Note that the display control device 45 of this embodiment does not directly read and draw the data in the character ROM 525, but stores the data necessary for drawing in a separately provided volatile memory, and after the necessary data has been collected, It is configured to read out data from a volatile memory and perform drawing processing. For this reason, while the data is stored in the volatile memory, the decorative symbol display device 45 does not perform variable display. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to such a configuration, and the drawing processing may be performed by directly reading the data in the character ROM 525 without accumulating in the volatile memory.

  Furthermore, after setting the mode switching command, the variable standby flag is turned on (step S6115), and the discrimination information setting process is terminated.

  Further, as described above, in this example, the display control device 45 is configured to drive and control the book device 401. When the display mode corresponding to the normal mode is ready, the book device 401 is determined by its own judgment. Is controlled to open. Further, as described above, when the driving for starting the book device 401 is started, the visual state detection switch detects the driving and outputs a signal (open signal) to the main control device 261. It has become.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 36, if an affirmative determination is made in step S6002, that is, if the variable standby flag is set to ON, the process proceeds to step S6019, and the notebook device 401 is opened from the visual state detection switch. It is determined whether or not an open signal is output. If a negative determination is made in step S6019, that is, if the bookkeeping apparatus 401 is still in the closed state, the present process is terminated. Thereby, even when the variable display is stored on hold, while the bookkeeping apparatus 401 is in a closed state, that is, at a stage where preparation for switching to the display mode corresponding to the normal mode is not ready. The variable display is prohibited (standby).

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S6019, the variable standby flag is turned off in step S6020, and then this process ends. As a result, processing for executing variable display is permitted.

  Also in this embodiment, the remaining information command indicating the information on the number of remaining fluctuations in the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode is output from the main controller 261 to the sub controller 262 when the power is turned on. Yes.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the notebook device 401 is provided that can change the state between the closed state in which the decorative symbol display device 42 is invisible and the open state in which the decorative symbol display device 42 is visible. Further, the remaining information command is output to the sub-control device 262 at the power-on timing, and the end of the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode can be surely grasped. Therefore, even when a power failure occurs during the probability change mode and the time reduction mode, the notebook device 401 is closed in accordance with the end of the probability change mode or the time reduction mode, and the display mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 is switched. The decorative symbol display device 42 can be made invisible. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in design and the like due to the visual recognition of the decorative design display device 42 until the display mode of the decorative design display device 42 is reliably switched.

  The notebook device 401 can change the visible area of the visual recognition area of the decorative symbol display device 42 so that it can be gradually recognized from the portion of the decorative symbol display device 42 in which the display mode is arranged. (The display control device 45 may be configured to perform a drawing process of an area that can be visually recognized in advance in the decorative symbol display device 42). In this case, the period during which the decorative symbol display device 42 is not visible at all can be shortened, and a feeling of boredom can be suppressed.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the book device 401 is in the closed state, the variable display of the special display devices 43L and 43R and the decorative symbol display device 42 is on standby. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the variable display proceeds even though the book device 401 is in the closed state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the possibility of a decrease in interest due to the fact that the display of the variable display cannot be visually recognized even if the user is concerned or the variable display in a state of progress to some extent is suddenly viewed. it can. Furthermore, the variation display of the special display devices 43L and 43R and the variation display of the decorative symbol display device 42 can be reliably synchronized.

  Further, the book device 401 is configured to be driven and controlled by the display control device 45. For this reason, the notebook apparatus 401 can be driven to the open state almost simultaneously with the completion of the switching of the display mode to the normal mode in the display control apparatus 45. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the period of the closed state of the notebook device 401 that is closed to hide the decorative symbol display device 42 until the switching is completed becomes longer than necessary. it can. Further, the completion of the switching of the display mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 can be grasped also by the main control device 261 by the visual state change switch, so that the decorative symbol display device 42 and the special display device are almost simultaneously with the completion of the switching. 43L and 43R can be displayed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the waiting time for the variable display is unnecessarily long and the gameability is reduced.

  In the mode example (d), the normal mode display mode is created after the last variation display in the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode is completed. The normal mode display mode (for example, the background image for the normal mode) may be started. For example, there are two storage areas for reading and storing data related to the current fluctuation display from a NAND flash memory (character ROM 525) (for example, the display control device 45 is a storage area for changing display every 20 msec. Images are created alternately and output every 20 msec are output), and there is a storage area for pre-creation for creating a display mode after the current variation display (an image that is not used in the variation display). (Provided in the VDP 526), in the probability change mode or the time reduction mode (for example, using the remaining time when the image generation for variable display is completed before the lapse of 20 msec), in the storage area for pre-creation, The normal mode image may be stored. When such a configuration is adopted, it is possible to shorten the time until the normal mode variation display is started after the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode.

  Further, not only in the last variation display in the probability variation mode or the time shortening mode, the display mode in the normal mode may be created from the previous stage. For example, the book device 401 may be closed relatively shortly at the end of the third and second variation display from the last, and images for the display mode in the normal mode may be sequentially created there. In this case, it is possible to shorten the time per one time that the bookkeeping apparatus 401 is closed. In particular, with the configuration that can reliably grasp the remaining number of times of the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode, the display mode switching control can be executed systematically from the previous stage toward the display mode switching timing. ing.

  (E) In the above embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 42 is configured to display the remaining number of times in the time reduction mode and the probability variation mode. However, a separate display device is provided so that the remaining number can be displayed. The remaining number of times may be taught only by voice.

  In the above embodiment, the remaining number of times in the probability variation mode and the remaining number of times in the time reduction mode are both counted by the fluctuation number counter in the main control device 261 and the remaining number counter in the sub-control device 262. However, the counter may be counted using different counters in the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode. In addition, for example, a counter that counts the remaining number of times in the high probability state and a counter that counts the remaining number of times in the high pitched state are provided. In the probability variation mode, both counters are used for counting. You may comprise so that it may count using only the counter for entrance states.

  (F) In the above-described embodiment, the probability variation mode is terminated even if the big hit state does not occur by performing the fluctuation display 100 times in the probability variation mode. It is good also as a structure which continues. Furthermore, the trigger for ending the time reduction mode is not particularly limited, and a plurality of duration periods may be provided. For example, it may be configured to select any one of until the variable display is performed 30 times, 50 times, or 100 times, or until there is no limit due to the variable display and the next jackpot state occurs. Further, for example, even when the time reduction mode for 100 times of the variable display is given, at the start of the time reduction mode, the duration of the time reduction mode given to the player is equal to or less than 100 times of the variable display ( For example, it may be configured to teach that the variation display remains for 50 times immediately after the 50th variation display, for example. In the above embodiment, the remaining number of times is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 in both the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode, but only one of them may be displayed. Furthermore, it is also possible to apply to a pachinko machine in which one of the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode does not exist.

  (G) In the above embodiment, the commands output from the main control unit 261 to the sub control unit 262 including the hold information command are unified in a 2-byte binary number. However, the command is particularly limited to such a configuration. Instead, it can be set as appropriate.

  Further, in the above embodiment, two start entry means (upper winning opening 33a and lower winning opening 33b) are provided, but three or more starting entry means may be provided. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the winning lottery is based on the winning winning lot 33a and the winning lottery is based on the winning winning lottery 33b based on the winning winning lottery based on the winning winning lot 33b. Although the ratio of minutes is different, it may be the same.

  In the above embodiment, “15RN”, “15RS”, and “7RS” are set as the types of jackpot states (jackpot types). However, the number of jackpot types and the opening / closing of the variable winning device 32 for various jackpot types The pattern is not particularly limited, and various jackpot types can be set.

  (H) In the above embodiment, the second variation display based on the ball entering the lower winning port 33b is given priority over the first variation display based on the ball entering the upper winning port 33a. Although it is configured, the present invention is not particularly limited to such a configuration, and it may be configured such that the variable display corresponding to the order in which balls are entered in the top winning opening 33a and the lower winning opening 33b is executed.

  (I) In the above embodiment, the main process (see FIG. 9) is performed after the main process (see FIG. 9) by the main controller 261, but the normal process (see FIG. 10) is performed. is not. For example, after step S111 of the main process, processing such as updating of the counter value performed in steps S209 to S218 of the normal process in the above embodiment is performed (step S210 is omitted), and is performed every 2 msec, for example. In the timer interrupt process, the process performed in steps S201 to S208 of the normal process in the above embodiment and the process of step S401 performed as the NMI interrupt process in the above embodiment may be performed. In this case, as the processing of step S401, for example, it is determined whether or not the power failure signal SK1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501, and when the output of the power failure signal SK1 is confirmed, The flag which shows generation | occurrence | production of ON is turned on. Further, the processing in step S401 may be performed separately as NMI interrupt processing, as in the above embodiment.

  (J) In the above-described embodiment, the information indicating whether or not the big hit state is generated is overwritten on the wrong random number storage area for storing the value of the big hit random number counter C1. It is not limited to. For example, a storage area for storing information on whether or not a big hit state occurs may be provided separately from the winning random number storage area for the execution area of each special variable holding area and each holding area. Separately from the area, an execution area of the special variable holding area and a storage area corresponding to each holding area may be provided, and information on whether or not a big hit state occurs in the storage area may be stored. In addition to the winning type random number storage area for storing the value of the type determination counter C2, a storage area for storing the jackpot type may be provided, or a reach random number storage area for storing the value of the variation selection counter C3; Separately, a storage area for storing reach information may be provided.

  (K) You may implement as a different type of pachinko machine from the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, movable means that can be changed between a specific area in which a game ball moving in the game area can enter, an open state that allows entry into the specific area, and a closed state that prohibits entry into the specific area ( Variable entry means comprising wing members), specific entry means and non-specific entry means capable of entering a game ball entering a specific area, and detection of a game ball entering the specific entry means Specific entry detection means (condition establishment detection means) that performs, a start entry means that is provided outside the specific area and can enter a game ball that moves in the game area, and a game ball that has entered the start entry means And a main control means for controlling opening and closing of the variable pitching means, and when a game ball enters a specific area, the game ball is not specified and non-specific. Regardless of which ball you enter, a predetermined number of game values (game balls) will be given to the player The main control means, based on the detection of the starting entrance detection means, the small hit state in which the variable entrance means is opened once or a plurality of times for the first time, or the variable entrance means is the first Whether or not to generate a jackpot state in which a predetermined number of game balls are placed in the open state for a second time longer than the time, or a predetermined number of game balls are entered in the open variable winning means. If you win a lottery in the winning lottery, a small hit state will be generated, if you win a big hit in the lottery lottery, and if there is a detection of specific entry detection means May be applied to a gaming machine that generates a jackpot state. In addition to the pachinko machines, various game machines such as an arrangement ball machine and a similar sparrow ball may be used.

[Appendix]
The technical idea that can be grasped from the above embodiment will be described below.

Means 1. A game area in which game balls launched by the launching means are guided;
A starting entrance means capable of entering a game ball moving in the game area;
A starting entrance detecting means for detecting a game ball entering the starting entrance means;
A variable winning device that changes state between an open state in which a game ball moving in the game area can enter and a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter;
Based on the detection of the starting pitch detection means, a lottery for determining whether or not to generate a special game state for opening the variable prize-winning device is performed, and a special game state is generated when winning in the lottery for lottery Control means;
Variable display means for performing variable display for teaching the result of the lottery determination;
Sub-control means for determining a variation display mode in the variable display means based on a command from the main control means,
In the normal gaming state in which the winning / losing lottery is performed based on the detection of the starting entrance detecting means and the variable display means is displayed in a variable manner, the first gaming mode is triggered by the occurrence of the special gaming state And a second game mode in which there is an opportunity to end other than the occurrence of the special game state,
The gaming machine characterized in that the main control means is configured to be able to output a period information command including period information capable of grasping the remaining period of the second game mode to the sub-control means.

  According to the means 1, the main control means is configured to be able to output a period information command capable of grasping the remaining period of the second game mode to the sub-control means. For this reason, even if a power failure occurs in the middle of the second game mode, the period information command is output from the main control means to the sub control means, so that the sub control means can ensure the remaining period of the second game mode. I can grasp it. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which it is impossible to perform effects and controls according to the remaining period by the sub-control means.

  Although it is conceivable to provide the sub-control means with a backup function, in this case, there is a concern that the cost may be increased and the processing of the sub-control means may be complicated. Furthermore, even if the sub-control unit has a backup function, whether or not the information stored in the sub-control unit after power recovery matches the information stored in the main control unit (the stored information is Since it is necessary to check whether or not it is correct, the control of the main control means is not particularly simplified.

  The period information command is output at at least one timing when the power is turned on, when the variable display means starts the variable display, and when the start ball detection means is detected. Further, it is more preferable that the data is output at at least one timing when the power is turned on and when the variable display in the variable display means is started.

  Mean 2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a period display unit that is display-controlled by the sub-control unit and that teaches or suggests the remaining period of the second game mode.

  According to the means 2, the remaining period of the second game mode is taught or suggested in the period display means. For this reason, if the display mode of the period display means is changed a little before and after the power failure, the player may be suspicious and may result in a decrease in interest. On the other hand, according to the configuration of the means 1, the sub-control means can return the period display means to the same display mode as before the power failure based on the period information command even when a power failure occurs. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the player is suspicious by causing the period display means to change before and after the power failure and to reduce interest. Further, since the period information obtained from the period display means before the power failure cannot be obtained after the power failure, it is possible to prevent a situation such as a decrease in game play.

  Means 3. The gaming machine according to means 1 or 2, wherein the main control means is configured to be able to output the period information command to the sub-control means at least at a power-on timing.

  According to the means 3, when a power failure occurs, the mode such as the variable display means controlled by the sub-control means immediately after the power recovery can be restored to the state before the power failure. Therefore, the operational effects of the means 1 and means 2 are more reliably achieved. In addition, even if a power failure occurs immediately before the end of the second game mode, it is possible to reliably grasp the end of the second game mode, so control is performed by the sub-control means in accordance with the end of the second game mode. The mode of the variable display means etc. to be switched can be switched.

  The sub-control means is provided with a counting means for counting the remaining period of the second game mode, and when the second game mode start information is received from the main control means, the counting means starts counting. It is conceivable to teach or suggest the remaining duration of the second gaming mode based on the means. However, in this case, if the remaining period of the second game mode is taught or suggested based on the counting means after power recovery, even if a power failure occurs and the memory of the counting means disappears, Information may be transmitted to the player. On the other hand, by outputting the period information command at the power-on timing as in this means, the counting means can be reset based on the period information command. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent a situation in which the counting means has erroneous information due to a power failure and the information is taught or suggested to the player.

Means 4. As a memory for storing display data displayed on the variable display means, a NAND flash memory is used,
A visual state changing means capable of changing state between a closed state in which the variable display means is invisible and an open state in which the variable display means is visible;
The main control means is configured to be capable of outputting the period information command to the sub-control means at least at a power-on timing or an end timing of the second game mode. 2. The gaming machine according to 2.

  Generally, when the game mode is switched, the display mode of the variable display means is switched relatively large. However, when a NAND flash memory is used as a memory for storing display data or the like in the variable display means, a relatively large storage area can be obtained at a relatively low cost, while a NOR type flash memory can be obtained. In comparison, it takes time to read data. For this reason, when the display mode of the variable display means is largely changed, the display mode cannot be switched at a time, and there is a possibility that the designability is lowered. Prior to the switching timing of the display mode, the NAND flash memory is accessed, data necessary for switching the display mode is stored in the volatile memory, and the volatile memory data is stored at the switching timing. However, in this case as well, since the display process of the variable display means cannot be performed while the process of storing the data in the volatile memory is performed, the design property is also deteriorated. There is a risk of inviting.

  On the other hand, the present means 4 is provided with a visual state changing means capable of changing the state between a closed state in which the variable display means cannot be viewed and an open state in which the variable display means can be viewed. Furthermore, the period information command is output to the sub-control means at the timing of turning on the power or the end of the second game mode, so that the end of the second game mode can be reliably grasped. Therefore, even when a power failure occurs in the middle of the second game mode, variable display is performed while the visual state change means is closed and the display mode of the variable display means is switched at the end of the second game mode. The means can be made invisible. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in designability due to the visual recognition of the variable display means until the display mode of the variable display means is reliably switched.

  The visual state changing means can change the visible area of the visual display area of the variable display means, and is configured to be gradually visible from a portion of the variable display means where the display mode is arranged. Also good. In this case, the period during which the variable display means is not visible can be shortened, and a feeling of boredom can be suppressed.

  Means 5. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the main control means does not permit the start of variable display in the variable display means when the visual status change means is in a closed state.

  According to the means 5, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the variable display proceeds despite the visual state changing means being in the closed state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the possibility of a decrease in interest due to the fact that the display of the variable display cannot be visually recognized even if the user is concerned or the variable display in a state of progress to some extent is suddenly viewed. it can.

  In general, a game schedule is determined by the main control means, and the sub-control means performs various effect controls in accordance with the schedule. That is, for the variable display, the variable display time is determined by the main control means, the sub-control means performs control for deriving the variable display in accordance with the determined variable display time, and the main control means performs the variable display. The fluctuation time is counted down in order to grasp the end time of. For this reason, if the sub control means waits for the variable display on its own, the process of the main control means and the process of the sub control means will not correspond (the count down of the fluctuation time of the main control means and the variable display means) There is a concern that the progress of the variable display will not match. On the other hand, in this means, since the standby of the variable display is determined by the main control means, it is possible to wait for the countdown, and to prevent the above problems.

Means 6. Display control means for generating a display mode in the variable display means based on a command from the sub-control means,
The visual state changing means is controlled by the display control means,
A visual state detection unit capable of detecting the state of the visual state change unit;
When the visual state detection unit detects that the visual state change unit is in an open state, the main control unit is in a state of permitting the start of variable display in the variable display unit. A gaming machine according to means 5.

  In general, in order to reduce the risk of fraud and simplify control, the sub-control means and the display control means cannot output signals to the main control means. Therefore, since it is impossible to notify the main control means that the display mode of the variable display device is ready for switching, if the main control means tries to control the visual status change means, the visual status change is completed before the switching is completed. In order to prevent the means from being in the open state, it is conceivable to set a longer time for the closed state. In this case, since the time during which the visual state changing means is in the closed state becomes unnecessarily long and the progress of the game is interrupted during that time, there is a possibility that the interest is lowered.

  On the other hand, according to the present means 6, since the visual state changing means is controlled by the display control means, the visual state changing means can be opened almost simultaneously with the completion of the switching of the display mode of the variable display means. The period of the closed state can be shortened as much as possible. Further, the completion of the switching of the display mode of the variable display means can be grasped also by the main control means by the visual status detection means capable of detecting the status of the visual status change means, so that the variable display is displayed almost simultaneously with the completion of the switching. Means variation display can be started. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the waiting time for the variable display is unnecessarily long and the gameability is reduced.

  Mean 7 The main control means is configured to be able to output to the sub-control means as the period information command by including the period information in a command for transmitting information other than the period information to the sub-control means. A gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 6, which is characterized.

  According to the means 7, since it is not necessary to set a command for transmitting only the period information to the sub-control means, the number of command exchanges can be reduced, and the processing can be simplified.

Means 8. The command to which the period information can be added includes a command type information that identifies the type of command (which identifies the command that was output), and a plurality of commands that can be performed when the command is received Pattern information specifying which of the processes should be executed, and the pattern information is indicated using a predetermined plurality of bits of the command composed of a plurality of bits, and the remaining bits are Using the command type information is shown,
The means 7 is characterized in that when the period information is added to the command, a combination of the pattern information and the period information is indicated using a bit for indicating the pattern information. Game machines.

  According to the means 8, none of the bits constituting the period information command is exclusively used for the period information, the period information is combined with the pattern information, and the combination is indicated using a plurality of bits. It has become. As a result, the period information and the pattern information are indicated by a command using a certain number of bits as compared to the case where the period information and the pattern information are indicated using different bits (a predetermined number of bits are divided between the period information and the pattern information). In addition, the number of patterns of period information and pattern information to be generated can be increased as much as possible, and variations can be varied.

Means 9. In the second game mode, when the variable display on the variable display means is performed a specified number of times, the second game mode is ended,
In order to start the variable display of the variable display means, the period information is output to the variable pattern command output from the main control means to the sub-control means and includes information on the variable display change time and the change display change pattern. Configured to be appendable,
A variation time or / and a variation pattern different from the case where the period information is added to the variation pattern command is set so that the period information is included in the variation pattern command. By receiving the variation pattern command, the period information included in the variation time or / and variation pattern type information is grasped, and the variable display unit is controlled based on the period information. The gaming machine described in 1.

  According to the means 9, in the configuration in which the remaining period of the second game mode decreases every time the variable display is performed, the period information is included in the variable pattern command for starting the variable display, so that The teaching and suggestion of the remaining period of the two game modes can be derived relatively smoothly. In addition, by setting a specific variation time or / and variation pattern for the variation pattern command, the variation pattern command includes the period information. Therefore, a process based on the period information (for example, the second information) It is possible to set a variation time or / and a variation pattern in accordance with the additional processing of the remaining period of the game mode (such as teaching and suggestion), thereby improving performance and the like.

  The basic configuration of various gaming machines to which the above means are applied is shown below.

  A. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a ball game machine. As a more detailed mode example, “an operation means (game ball launching handle) operated by a player, a launching means (shot motor, etc.) for playing and launching a game ball based on an operation of the operation means, A ball ball game machine including a game area where a game ball is guided and each ball entry means (general prize opening, variable prize winning device, operation opening, etc.) arranged in the game area.

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

  C. The gaming machine in each of the above means or each of the above ball game machines is a pachinko machine or a gaming machine equivalent to a pachinko machine.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine, 32 ... Variable winning device, 33 ... Start winning unit, 33a ... Top winning port, 33b ... Lower winning port, 42 ... Decorative symbol display device, 43L, 43R ... Special display device, 46 ... Holding lamp, 224a , 224b, start winning switch, 261, main control device, 262, sub-control device, 401, bookkeeping device.

Claims (1)

A game area in which game balls launched by the launching means are guided;
A starting entrance means capable of entering a game ball moving in the game area;
A starting entrance detecting means for detecting a game ball entering the starting entrance means;
A variable winning device that changes state between an open state in which a game ball moving in the game area can enter and a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter;
Based on the detection of the starting pitch detection means, a lottery for determining whether or not to generate a special game state for opening the variable prize-winning device is performed, and a special game state is generated when winning in the lottery for lottery Control means;
Variable display means for performing variable display for teaching the result of the lottery determination;
Sub-control means for determining a variation display mode in the variable display means based on a command from the main control means,
In the normal gaming state in which the winning / losing lottery is performed based on the detection of the starting entrance detecting means and the variable display means is displayed in a variable manner, the first gaming mode is triggered by the occurrence of the special gaming state And a second game mode in which there is an opportunity to end other than the occurrence of the special game state,
The gaming machine characterized in that the main control means is configured to be able to output a period information command including period information capable of grasping the remaining period of the second game mode to the sub-control means.

Images