JP2012192042A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine disabling fraudulent prize winning, and further achieving finding out of fraudulent act to reinforce countermeasures against the fraudulent act.SOLUTION: In security management processing, a main control CPU for game control executes fraudulent prize winning detection (step S220), and determines whether a fraudulent prize winning error is generated or not. When the fraudulent prize winning error is generated, an error command is generated in error command processing (step S232), and externally announces the generation of the fraudulent prize winning error. And finally, fraudulent prize winning detection signal is rewritten in a fraudulent prize winning mask processing (step S234), and then the dispensing of prize balls or variation of symbols are disabled.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs fraud countermeasures while monitoring illegal winnings.

  Conventionally, in a pachinko machine winning device having a variable winning opening, the operation of the variable winning opening is controlled based on the gaming conditions, and on the control, when the winning to the variable winning opening is detected in a state where the variable winning opening is not operated. There is known a prior art for determining an abnormality and notifying an error (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this prior art, after outputting the operation signal for the variable winning opening on the control, the winning signal within the predetermined time after the operation end signal is output is treated as a normal winning, and the winning received at other timing The signal is determined to be abnormal and the subsequent game is stopped.

  In addition, there is a prior art that invalidates the winning itself even if a winning occurs when the variable winning device is not in an operating state (see, for example, Patent Document 2). As an example of invalidating the winning in this prior art, a method of stopping the detection operation of the winning detector when the variable winning device is not in operation, or the detection to the main control circuit even if the detecting operation is performed by the winning detector. Examples include a method of prohibiting or ignoring input, or a method of prohibiting the output of a prize ball command signal to the prize ball control device even when a winning detection signal is inputted to the main control circuit.

JP-A-6-39100 JP 2003-320132 A

  In the former prior art (Patent Document 1), when an abnormal (unauthorized) winning occurs within a period in which a winning to a variable winning opening should not occur in terms of control, a launch operation is performed while notifying the occurrence of the abnormality. It is intended to stop and prevent further winnings. However, until the shooting operation is stopped and the game is interrupted, the prize balls are paid out in the same manner as in the normal state, so it cannot be said that it is not enough as a countermeasure against illegal winning.

  On the other hand, the latter prior art (Patent Document 2) invalidates the winning itself even if an abnormal (unauthorized) winning occurs within a period in which the winning to the variable winning device should not occur on the control. Measures are considered to be more advanced than the former in that prize balls are not paid out for illegal prizes. However, if the winning detection signal for invalid winning is invalidated, it becomes impossible to monitor the occurrence of illegal winning at all, so that it is still incomplete as a measure against illegal winning.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of enhancing fraud countermeasures by invalidating illegal winnings and realizing fraud detection.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.
Solution 1: That is, the gaming machine of the present invention is either in a non-operating state in which it is difficult to generate a prize during a game or in an operating state in which a win can be easily generated as compared to the non-operating state. A variable winning means that changes to the above, a winning detection information generating means for generating winning detection information for each detection when detecting that a winning has occurred in the variable winning means, and a winning generation by the winning detection information generating means Is detected based on the winning detection information generated at the time of detection, a winning correct / incorrect determining means for determining whether or not an improper winning is generated by the winning correct / incorrect determining means. If it is determined, the illegal prize information generating means for generating illegal prize information, and the illegal prize information generating means if the illegal prize information generating means determines that an illegal prize has occurred. And a winning detecting information erasing means for erasing the winning detection information after unauthorized winning information is generated.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, it is difficult to generate a winning while the variable winning means is in the non-operating state, and the changing to the operating state facilitates the generation of the winning and generates a winning during the actual game. It becomes possible. However, even if the variable winning means is in an inoperative state, a winning can occur due to artificial fraud or malfunction. Therefore, in the sense of monitoring unauthorized winnings, in the present invention, when the occurrence of winning in the variable winning means is detected, winning detection information is generated for each detection, and the illegal winning is determined based on the winning detection information. Judgment is made. Note that “every time of detection” means that, for example, when a plurality of winnings (a plurality of game balls) are detected within a certain period, a plurality of winning detection information is generated each time. To do.

  In the present invention, the presence / absence of illegal winning is determined based on the generated individual winning detection information. If it is determined that the illegal winning has occurred, the illegal winning information is generated, and then the winning detection information is erased. To do. Here, the “illegal prize information” can be used as, for example, a flag or a bit value indicating an error state on the control. As a result, when an illegal winning actually occurs, “illegal winning information” is generated, and then the winning detection information (due to illegal winning) can be deleted. (1) Regular monitoring of fraud And (2) double countermeasures such as rewriting (correcting) an illegal winning detection signal can be realized.

  Solution 2: Also, in Solution 1, the gaming machine according to the present invention is erased by the winning detection information erasure unit after the determination by the winning correctness determination unit when the occurrence of a winning is detected by the winning detection information generation unit. A privilege granting means for granting a privilege to the player based on the winning detection information maintained without being performed may be further provided.

  According to this solving means, after determining whether or not there is an illegal prize for each prize detection information, a privilege is given if it is not erased due to an illegal prize. Therefore, when a regular winning has occurred, it is possible to reliably grant a bonus by winning, but when an illegal winning has occurred, first, the illegal winning information is generated, and then the winning detection information is displayed. Since it is erased and no longer remains, no privilege is given thereafter. As a result, it is possible to double the monitoring of illegal winnings and the strengthening of fraud countermeasures.

  Solving means 3: In the solving means 1 and 2, the variable winning means includes a variable start winning device for generating a predetermined lottery opportunity due to the occurrence of a winning accompanying the change from the non-operating state to the operating state. The gaming machine according to the present invention is erased by the winning detection information erasing means after the determination by the winning correctness determining means when the occurrence of winning in the variable start winning device is detected by the winning detection information generating means. A lottery element acquisition means for acquiring a lottery element necessary for an internal lottery related to a player's profit (for example, a profit that an operation opportunity of a variable winning device is generated) based on the winning detection information maintained without a To the lottery element acquisition means in a state where the start condition (for example, the symbol is not changing and the symbol stop display is confirmed if the previous change has been made) is satisfied When the lottery element acquired is present, the lottery execution means for executing the internal lottery using the lottery element, and when the internal lottery is executed by the lottery execution means, a predetermined variation time The symbol display means for displaying the symbols in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery after the symbols (including symbols visually recognized, for example) are variably displayed, and the winning result is obtained by the internal lottery. When the symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing winning by the symbol display means, the special condition (for example, internal lottery and the condition that the special symbol is changed) different from the normal condition (for example, internal And a special game execution means for executing a special game to which a variable winning device is activated without changing the lottery and special symbols.

  According to this solution, when the occurrence of a winning in the variable start winning device becomes a lottery opportunity and an internal lottery is performed thereby, for example, an internal lottery is intentionally generated by illegally generating a winning in the variable start winning device. Therefore, it is possible to reliably delete the winning detection information after determining that the winning is illegal and generating the illegal winning information. Therefore, even if a regular winning has occurred here, it is possible to reliably process award grants or internal lottery, etc. by winning, but when an illegal winning occurs, the illegal winning information is first generated. After winning, the winning detection information is erased and does not remain, so that no bonus is given after that and no internal lottery is done. As a result, it is possible to double the monitoring of illegal winnings and the strengthening of fraud countermeasures.

  Solving means 4: In the solving means 1 to 3, the winning correct / incorrect determining means is the winning detection information generated by the winning detection information generating means before the variable winning means changes from the non-operating state to the operating state. Based on this, it can be determined that an illegal winning has occurred. Here, “before changing from the non-operating state to the operating state” includes, for example, “a period until changing to the operating state after changing from the previous operating state to the non-operating state”. Shall be.

  In this case, since it is possible to determine that an illegal prize has occurred based on the fact that a prize is detected during a period (or time, timing) where the variable prize means should not occur, Accuracy can be improved.

  Solving means 5: In the solving means 4, the winning correct / incorrect determining means is an individual generated at each detection by the winning detection information generating means before the variable winning means changes from the non-operating state to the operating state. The winning detection information is accumulated, and when the result reaches a prescribed value, it is determined that an illegal winning has occurred, and the winning detection information erasing means determines whether the winning detection information is accumulated by the winning correctness determination means. Even before the predetermined value is reached, all the winning detection information generated by the winning detection information generating means is erased before the variable winning means changes from the non-operating state to the operating state.

  In such an aspect, even if a winning is detected in a period (or time, timing) where the winning by the variable winning means should not occur normally, the total is not sufficiently large (having reached the specified value). During this period, it is not determined that an illegal prize has occurred. This is due to the fact that a relatively small number of winnings may lead to a misjudgment (or determination of excessive fraudulent winnings) even if it is within a period in which no winnings should occur normally. It is.

  Therefore, in the present solution, when the occurrence of a winning is detected within a period in which the winning should not normally occur, the generated winning detection information is accumulated (added by 1) each time and reaches a specified value. At that time, it was determined that an illegal prize occurred. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the determination of an excessive illegal winning and improve the accuracy with respect to the determination result.

  On the other hand, even if it is before reaching the conclusion to determine that it is an illegal prize, if the occurrence of a prize is detected within a period during which a regular prize should not occur, a privilege based on such prize detection information It is not appropriate to grant or perform an internal lottery. Therefore, in this solution, even if the cumulative total of the winning detection information has not reached the specified value, all the winning detection information that seems to be caused by an illegal winning will be deleted, and then bonus grants and internal lottery will be performed. Is surely prevented.

  Solving means 6: In the solving means 4 and 5, the winning correctness determination means generates the winning detection information after a predetermined validity period has elapsed after the variable winning means has changed from the operating state to the non-operating state. It can also be determined that an illegal winning has occurred based on the winning detection information generated by the means. Here, “after the predetermined effective period has elapsed after changing from the operating state to the non-operating state” includes, for example, “a period until the next time the operating state is changed to the operating state”. To do.

  In this case, even after the variable winning means that has been in the operating state has changed to the non-operating state, the winning is detected after the validity period has passed, taking into account the possibility of winning after a while. Based on this, it can be determined that an illegal winning has occurred. As a result, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the determination and reliably detect the occurrence of an illegal prize.

  Solving means 7: In the solving means 6, the winning correct / incorrect determining means accumulates the individual winning detection information generated at the time of each detection by the winning detection information generating means after the validity period elapses, and the result is defined. When the value reaches the value, it is determined that an illegal winning has occurred, and the winning detection information erasure unit is configured to perform the validity period even before the total of the winning detection information by the winning correctness determination unit reaches a specified value. After the elapse of time, all the winning detection information generated by the winning detection information generating means may be deleted.

  In such a mode, for example, when the effective period elapses after the variable winning means changes from the operating state to the non-operating state, a period (or time, timing) where the winning by the variable winning means should not occur. It becomes. However, similarly to the solution means 4, even if a winning is detected in such a period, it is not determined that an illegal winning has occurred while the cumulative total is not sufficiently large (while the prescribed value has not been reached). Instead, if the occurrence of a prize is detected within a period during which no regular prize should occur, the generated prize detection information is accumulated (added by 1) each time, and it is illegal when the specified value is reached. It is determined that an award has occurred. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the determination of an excessive illegal winning and improve the accuracy with respect to the determination result.

  Similarly, in this solution, even if the cumulative total of the winning detection information does not reach the specified value, all winning detection information that seems to be caused by an illegal winning will be deleted, and then a bonus grant or internal lottery will be performed. Is surely prevented from happening.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, illegal winning detection information can be securely erased and illegal winning can be monitored to strengthen countermeasures against fraud.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows a game board independently. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board. It is a block diagram which shows the various electronic devices with which the pachinko machine was equipped. It is a game flow figure which shows the flow of the game by a pachinko machine as an example. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a power failure generation | occurrence | production check process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an interruption management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the security management process performed in an interruption management process. 10 is a timing chart showing temporal changes of various situations until an error command is generated when an illegal winning occurs at a right start winning opening. 10 is a timing chart showing temporal changes in various situations until an error command is generated when an illegal winning occurs at a big winning opening. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the illegal prize mask process performed in a security management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a switch input event process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a special symbol memory | storage process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a special symbol game process.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as “pachinko machine”) 1. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 uses a game ball as a game medium, and a player borrows a game ball from a game hall operator to play a game with the pachinko machine 1. In the game of the pachinko machine 1, each game ball is a medium having a game value, and a privilege (profit) that the player enjoys as a result of the game is, for example, a game ball acquired by the player Based on the number of games, it can be converted into a game value. The overall configuration of the gaming machine will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[Overall configuration of gaming machine]
The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame assembly 2, a glass frame unit 4, a tray unit 6 and a plastic frame assembly 7 (game machine frame) as its main body. Among these, the outer frame assembly 2 is a structure in which wood is combined in a vertically long rectangular shape, and the outer frame assembly 2 uses fasteners such as screws for island facilities (not shown) in the game hall. Are fixed.

  The other glass frame unit 4, tray unit 6, and plastic frame assembly 7 are attached to the island facility via the outer frame assembly 2, and these operate in an openable manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). An opening / closing axis of a hinge mechanism (not shown) extends in the vertical direction along the left end as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1.

  A unified lock unit 9 is provided on the right edge (left edge in FIG. 2) of the plastic frame assembly 7 when viewed from the front in FIG. Correspondingly, the glass frame unit 4 and the right edge (back side) of the outer frame assembly 2 are each provided with a locking tool (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly 7 are closed with respect to the outer frame assembly 2, the unified lock unit 9 on the back side of the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly together with the locking device. 7 cannot be opened.

  A cylinder lock 6 a with a key hole is provided on the right edge of the tray unit 6. For example, when an administrator of a game hall inserts a dedicated key into the keyhole and twists the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the unified lock unit 9 operates to open the glass frame unit 4 and the tray unit 6 together with the plastic frame assembly 7. It becomes a state. When these are entirely opened from the outer frame assembly 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed on the front side.

  On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6a is twisted counterclockwise, only the glass frame unit 4 is unlocked while the plastic frame assembly 7 remains locked, and the glass frame unit 4 can be opened. When the glass frame unit 4 is opened to the front side, the game board 8 is exposed directly, and in this state, the manager of the game hall can remove obstacles such as ball clogging in the board surface. When the glass frame unit 4 is opened, the lock mechanism (not shown) of the tray unit 6 is exposed. If the lock mechanism is released in this state, the tray unit 6 can be opened to the front side with respect to the plastic frame assembly 7.

  The pachinko machine 1 includes the game board 8 as a game unit. The game board 8 is supported by the plastic frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the glass frame unit 4. The game board 8 can be attached to and detached from the plastic frame assembly 7 with the glass frame unit 4 opened to the front side, for example. The glass frame unit 4 has a vertically oval window 4a formed at the center thereof, and a glass unit (no reference numeral) is attached in the window 4a. The glass unit is a combination of, for example, two transparent plates (glass plates) cut in accordance with the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the back side of the glass frame unit 4 in an openable / closable manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). A game area 8a (board surface) is formed on the front surface of the game board 8, and the game area 8a is visible to the player from the front side through the window 4a. When the glass frame unit 4 is closed, a space in which a game ball can flow down is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the board surface.

  The saucer unit 6 has a shape projecting from the outer frame assembly 2 to the front side as a whole, and an upper dish 6b is formed on the upper surface thereof. The upper plate 6b can store a game ball (rental ball) lent to a player and a game ball (prize ball) acquired by winning a prize. In the tray unit 6, a lower tray 6c is formed at the lower position of the upper tray 6b. The lower tray 6c stores game balls that are further paid out when the upper tray 6b is full. The pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a so-called CR machine (model connected to the CR unit), and the game balls borrowed by the player are separately received from the payout unit 172 on the back side separately from the prize balls. 6b or lower pan 6c).

  A lending operation unit 14 is provided on the upper surface of the tray unit 6, and a ball lending button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged on the lending operation unit 14. When a player operates the ball lending button 10 with a valuable medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium, a storage IC built-in medium, etc.) inserted in a CR unit (not shown), the number corresponding to a predetermined frequency unit (for example, 5 degrees). (For example, 125) game balls are lent out. For this reason, a frequency display unit (not shown) is arranged on the upper surface of the lending operation unit 14, and the remaining frequency of the valuable medium put in the CR unit is displayed on this frequency display unit. The player can receive the return of the valuable medium with the remaining frequency by operating the return button 12. Although the CR machine is taken as an example in the present embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 may be a cash machine (a model not connected to the CR unit) different from the CR machine.

  In addition, an upper dish ball removal lever 6d is installed on the front surface of the tray unit 6 in front of the upper dish 6b in the upper position, and a lower dish ball removal button 6e in the center of the lower dish 6c. Is installed. The player can cause the game balls stored in the upper plate 6b to flow down to the lower plate 6c by sliding the upper plate ball removing lever 6d leftward, for example. Further, the player can, for example, push down the lower dish ball removal button 6e to drop the game balls stored in the lower dish 6c downward and discharge them. The discharged game ball is received by, for example, a ball receiving box (not shown).

  A grip unit 16 is installed at the lower right portion of the tray unit 6. The player operates the grip unit 16 to operate the launch control board set 174 and can launch (shoot) a game ball toward the game area 8a (ball launcher). The launched game ball rises along the left side edge of the game board 8, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails, windmills (without reference numerals in the drawing) and the like are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown-in game balls flow down in the game area 8a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and the windmill. The configuration of the game area 8a (board surface) will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

[Configuration of the front of the frame]
In the glass frame unit 4, glass frame top lamps 46 and 48 and glass frame side lamps 50 are installed at a plurality of locations so as to surround the glass unit (without reference numerals) as components for production. In addition, a tray lamp 52 is installed in the tray unit 6, and the tray lamp 52, the glass frame top lamps 46 and 48, and the glass frame side lamp 50 are integrally connected on the front surface of the pachinko machine 1 in appearance. Designed as if it were.

  The various lamps 46 to 52 described above perform effects by, for example, light emission (lighting and blinking, change in luminance gradation, change in color tone, and the like) of built-in LEDs. In addition, a pair of left and right glass frame speakers 54 and a glass frame middle speaker 55 are built in the upper part of the glass frame unit 4, and a saucer speaker 56 is provided on the right side of the lower plate 6 c in the saucer unit 6. Built in. These speakers 54, 55, and 56 output sound effects, BGM, voice, etc. (sound in general) and execute effects.

  In the center of the tray unit 6, an effect switching button 450 is installed at a position in front of the upper plate 6b. The player can switch the contents of the effects during the game (for example, the type of BGM) by operating the effect switching button 450.

[Configuration on the back side]
As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, there are a power supply control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a dispensing device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, and a dispensing control board unit 176. A back cover unit 178 and the like are installed. In addition, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) constituting the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, A ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), and the like are installed. The electronic devices will be further described later based on another block diagram (FIG. 5).

  The payout device unit 172 has, for example, a prize ball tank 172a and a prize ball case (no reference sign), and the prize ball tank 172a is installed on the upper edge (back side) of the plastic frame assembly 7. In this state, game balls replenished from a replenishment route (not shown) can be stored. The game balls stored in the prize ball tank 172a are guided to a prize ball case through an upper prize ball basket (not shown). The flow path unit 173 guides the game ball sent out from the payout unit 172 toward the tray unit 6 on the front side.

  The external terminal board 160 is for connecting the pachinko machine 1 to an external electronic device (for example, a data display device, a hall computer, etc.). From the external terminal board 160, the game progress of the pachinko machine 1 is achieved. Various external information signals (for example, prize ball information, door opening information, symbol determination number information, jackpot information, starting port information, security error information, etc.) indicating the state and maintenance state are output to an external electronic device. It has become a thing.

  The power cord 164 secures a power source (electric power) necessary for the operation of the pachinko machine 1 by being connected to, for example, a power source device (for example, AC 24V) installed in an island facility of a game arcade. The ground wire 166 is also connected to a ground terminal installed in the island facility to secure the ground (ground) of the pachinko machine 1.

[Configuration of the board]
FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board 8 alone. In the game area 8a, a relatively large ball guiding unit 40 is arranged at the center position, and the game area 8a is largely divided into a left part, a right part and a lower part with the ball guiding unit 40 as a center. .

  First, in the right portion of the game area 8a, a start gate 20, a variable winning device 30 and a variable starting winning device 28 are installed around the ball guiding unit 40 from the top. In addition, a side decoration lamp 400 is installed along the inner band (no reference symbol) on the left side of the game area 8a, and an effect switching gate 402 is installed in the vicinity of the middle position. In the lower part of the game area 8a, a middle start winning opening 26 is installed at a position almost immediately below the ball guiding unit 40, and four normal winning openings 22 are arranged in pairs on the left and right sides. ing.

  The ball guiding unit 40 changes the flow direction (falling) of the game ball at its upper edge (no reference sign), and the flow direction of the game ball is greatly changed to either the right side portion or the left side portion in the game area 8a. Distribute. At this time, there is a possibility that the game balls distributed to the left side part randomly pass through the effect switching gate 402 in the process of flowing down, or win a prize in the normal winning opening 22 located on the left side in particular. On the other hand, the game balls distributed to the right portion of the game area 8a pass through the start gate 20 in the process of flowing down, or win (win) the variable start winning device 28 during operation or the variable winning device 30 during opening operation. Ball), or there is a possibility of winning in the normal winning opening 22 located on the right side. The game balls that have passed through the start gate 20 and the effect switching gate 402 continue to flow down in the game area 8a, but the game balls that have won (entered) the normal winning opening 22, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30 are It is collected to the back side of the game board 8 through a through hole formed in the game board (plywood material constituting the game board 8).

  In the present embodiment, the variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined operating condition is satisfied (when a normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner), and accordingly, to the right start winning port 28a. Can be won (ordinary electric equipment). The variable start winning device 28 has, for example, a pair of left and right movable pieces 28b, and these movable pieces 28b reciprocate in the left-right direction along the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. That is, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 3, the left and right movable pieces 28b are in the closed position with their tips facing upward, and at this time, winning to the right start winning opening 28a is impossible (the game ball flows in) There is no gap that can be). On the other hand, when the variable start winning device 28 is activated, the left and right movable pieces 28b are displaced (expanded) from the closed position toward the open position, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. The opening width of 28a is expanded to the left and right. During this time, the variable start winning device 28 is in a state where game balls can flow in, and can generate a winning to the right start winning port 28a (variable winning means). Note that the arrangement (gauge) of the obstacle nails installed on the game board 8 basically does not extremely impede the flow of the game ball toward the variable start winning device 28 (the right start winning port 28a during operation). However, the game ball does not necessarily flow into the variable start winning device 28 at the time of operation, and the inflow is generated randomly.

  The variable winning device 30 operates when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode other than non-winning), and enables a winning to the big winning opening 30b (special). Electric accessories). The variable winning device 30 has, for example, a pair of left and right opening / closing members 30a, and these opening / closing members 30a also reciprocate in the left-right direction along the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. That is, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 3, the left and right opening / closing members 30a are in the closed position with their tips facing upward, and at this time, winning to the big winning opening 30b is impossible (the game ball can flow in). (There is no gap). On the other hand, when the variable winning device 30 is activated, the left and right opening / closing members 30a are displaced (expanded) from the closed position toward the open position as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. Then, the special winning opening 30b is opened (opening operation). During this time, the variable winning device 30 is in a state where game balls can flow in, and can generate a winning to the big winning opening 30b (variable winning means). Similarly, the arrangement (gauge) of the obstacle nails installed in the game board 8 basically does not extremely impede the flow of the game ball toward the variable winning device 30 (the big winning opening 30b at the time of opening). However, the game ball does not necessarily flow into the variable winning device 30 (large winning port 30b) at the time of the opening operation, and the inflow is generated randomly.

  On the other hand, a game ball can be won through the ball guiding unit 40 to the middle start winning opening 26 located at the lower center in the game area 8a. Therefore, the game ball that has flowed down around the ball guiding unit 40 does not win the middle start winning opening 26 and needs to pass through the inside of the ball guiding unit 40 in order to win. Hereinafter, the configuration of the ball guiding unit 40 will be described.

[Configuration of ball guidance unit]
In the sphere guiding unit 40, for example, a sphere inflow port 40a is formed at the upper position of the left edge when viewed from the front. The ball inflow port 40a is opened, for example, in a diagonally upward left direction when viewed from the front, and the game ball flowing down the left side in the game area 8a is guided by obstacle nails installed around the ball inflow port 40a. However, it is possible to randomly flow into the sphere inlet 40a. Note that an accessory game start switch 200 is installed at the ball inlet 40 a, and a game ball flowing into the ball inlet 40 a is detected by the accessory game start switch 200.

  A first stage 40b is formed at an upper position inside the ball guiding unit 40, and the game ball that flows in from the ball inlet 40a first rolls onto the first stage 40b. The upper surface of the first stage 40b has a curved shape that is gently inclined toward the center, and the game ball rolling from the ball inlet 40a rolls in the left-right direction for a while on the first stage 40b.

  A drop passage 40c is formed at the center of the first stage 40b, and the drop passage 40c extends vertically downward. The game ball that has been rolling on the first stage 40b eventually enters the drop passage 40c and is guided vertically downward.

  Inside the ball guiding unit 40, an upper rotating body 44 is installed at a position almost directly below the drop passage 40c, and this upper rotating body 44 is unidirectionally (counterclockwise in this example) by an upper rotating body motor (not shown). Direction). The upper rotating body 44 has a plurality of (three in this example) ball receiving holes 44a formed in the peripheral edge thereof, and each of the ball receiving holes 44a of the drop passage 40c is formed along with the rotation of the upper rotating body 44. Pass through the point opposite the lower end. For this reason, the game ball that has entered the fall passage 40 c is inserted into one of the ball receiving holes 44 a and is directly guided in the rotation direction of the upper rotating body 44. In FIG. 3, a game ball guided in the ball receiving hole 44a is indicated by a two-dot chain line. In addition, a semicircular guide wall (no reference symbol in the figure) that is paired on the left and right is installed around the upper rotating body 44, and these guide walls are opened vertically above and below, respectively. Yes. The game ball inserted into the ball receiving hole 44a from the drop passage 40c is prevented from falling by the guide wall until the ball receiving hole 44a reaches a point vertically downward.

  In addition, a dot matrix LED display 42 is installed at a position almost directly below the upper rotating body 44, and a pair of drum units 214 are installed on the left and right sides of the ball guiding unit 40. The dot matrix LED display 42 and the drum unit 214 are located approximately in the middle of the sphere guiding unit 40, and the lateral width of the sphere guiding unit 40 is maximum at the middle position.

  The dot matrix LED display 42 is configured by, for example, arranging dot light emitting sections by multicolor LEDs (or full color LEDs) (not shown) in a matrix, and each dot light emitting section emits light by a multicolor LED (not shown). By doing so, a design pattern, characters and the like are displayed. The left and right drum units 214 have small drums 214a and 214b, for example, in a transparent cover, for example. Each of the drums 214a and 214b is provided with a design pattern or characters. The drums 214a and 214b can be rotated in the vertical direction by a stepping motor (not shown).

  In addition, a second stage 40 d is formed in the ball guiding unit 40 at a position below the dot matrix LED display 42. The second stage 40d extends, for example, in the left-right direction across the left and right drum units 214, and its upper surface has a downward slope toward the center position. The game ball that has been inserted into the ball receiving hole 44a of the upper rotating body 44 falls onto the second stage 40d when the ball receiving hole 44a reaches a point where the ball receiving hole 44a is directed vertically downward along with the rotation. The dropped game ball rolls on the second stage 40d for a while.

  Another drop passage 40e is formed at the center position of the second stage 40d, and the game ball rolling on the second stage 40d eventually enters the drop passage 40e and is guided vertically downward as it is. Is done.

  In addition, a lower rotating body 45 is installed in the ball guiding unit 40 at a position almost directly below the drop passage 40e. The lower rotating body 45 is rotated in one direction (in this example, clockwise by a lower rotating body motor not shown). Direction). The lower rotating body 45 is also formed with a plurality (three in this example) of ball receiving holes 45a at the peripheral edge thereof, and each of the ball receiving holes 45a is formed in the drop passage 40e as the lower rotating body 45 rotates. Pass through the point opposite the lower end. For this reason, the game ball that has entered the fall passage 40e is inserted into one of the ball receiving holes 45a and is directly guided in the rotation direction of the lower rotating body 45. In FIG. 3, a game ball guided in the ball receiving hole 45a is indicated by a two-dot chain line. In addition, a semicircular guide wall (no reference numeral in the figure) that is paired on the left and right sides is also provided around the lower rotating body 45, and these guide walls are also opened vertically and below, respectively. ing. The game ball inserted into the ball receiving hole 45a from the drop passage 40e is prevented from falling by the guide wall until the ball receiving hole 45a reaches a point vertically downward.

  Further, inside the ball guiding unit 40, a sorting body 40f is installed at a position almost directly below the lower rotating body 45, and a discharge passage 40g is installed at a position almost directly below the sorting body 40f. Of these, the sorting body 40f has a shape like a single bridge in a top view, and when the rear side is the base end when viewed from the front, the sorting body 40f has a guide groove extending from the base end portion toward the near side. Forming. The sorting body 40f can guide the game ball toward the near side along the guide groove and release it from the tip. Further, the base end portion has a circular depression shape, and the game ball can be received in the depression. When the game ball that has been inserted into the ball receiving hole 45a of the lower rotating body 45 reaches the point where the ball receiving hole 45a goes vertically downward with the rotation, the game ball falls from there to the base end portion of the sorting body 40f. . The dropped game ball is guided to the guide groove through the base end portion and rolls in the forward direction as it is.

  The discharge passage 40g is fixed and guides the game ball vertically downward. On the other hand, the sorting body 40f reciprocates (swings) in the left-right direction around the base end portion, for example, by a sorting motor (not shown). For this reason, when the game ball is released at the timing when the tip of the guide groove is located just above the discharge passage 40g in the process of reciprocating the sorting body 40f in the left-right direction, the game ball remains in the discharge passage 40g as it is. Is released vertically downward. Then, the released game ball falls toward the middle start winning opening 26 and wins the middle starting winning opening 26 with a high probability.

  On the other hand, if the game ball is released at a timing when the tip of the guide groove is not located immediately above the discharge passage 40g in the process of the reciprocating movement of the sorting body 40f in the left-right direction, the game ball is placed in the discharge passage 40g. It is discharged from the ball guiding unit 40 without passing through. In this case, it is difficult for the released game ball to win the middle start winning opening 26. However, since there is some margin between the discharge passage 40g and the life nail of the middle start winning opening 26 (a drop of more than one game ball), the left and right obstacle nails are thrown into the middle starting winning opening 26. Winning may occur.

  In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 8 a, and game balls that have not won a prize are finally collected through the out port 32 to the back side of the game board 8. In addition, all the games that have been driven into the game area 8a, including the game balls won in the normal winning opening 22, the variable start winning apparatus 28 (right start winning opening 28a) and the variable winning apparatus 30 (large winning opening 30b). The ball is collected to the back side of the game board 8. The collected game balls are discharged out of the frame from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (not shown), and further join a supply path of an island facility (not shown).

  FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the game board 8 (lower left position in the window 4a). That is, the game board 8 is provided with a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, for example, at a lower left position in the window 4a, and a special symbol display device 34 and a game state display device 38. . Among these, the normal symbol display device 33, for example, turns on two lamps (LEDs) alternately to display the normal symbols variably, and stops and displays the normal symbols when the lamps are turned on or off. The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a displays 0 to 4 memory numbers according to a display mode constituted by, for example, a combination of turning off, lighting, and blinking of two lamps (LEDs). For example, in a display mode in which both lamps are extinguished, a memory number of 0 is displayed, in a display mode in which one lamp is lit, a memory number of 1 is displayed, and in a display mode in which the same one lamp is blinked. In the display mode in which two stored numbers are displayed, and in addition to blinking one lamp, the other lamp is lit, three stored numbers are displayed, and in the display mode in which the two lamps are flashed together, the stored number is four. For example, the individual is displayed. Here, although two lamps (LEDs) are used here, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a may be configured using four lamps (LEDs). In this case, the number of working memories can be displayed by the number of lamps to be lit.

  The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a changes to the display mode after being incremented one by one in the sense of memorizing the occurrence of an operation lottery trigger each time a game ball passes through the start gate 20. Then, every time a change of the normal symbol is started with the passage (up to 4) as a trigger, the display mode is changed by one by one. In the present embodiment, when the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the game ball passes through the start gate 20 in a state where the normal symbol can already start to change (during stop display). The display mode does not change. That is, the memorized number (maximum 4) represented by the display mode of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a represents the number of passages at which the variation of the normal symbol has not started yet.

  Further, the special symbol display device 34 can display the variation state and the stopped state of the special symbol by, for example, a 7-segment LED (with dots) (symbol display means). Since one special symbol is used in this embodiment, it is sufficient to provide one 7-segment LED as the special symbol display device 34. However, as shown in FIG. By mounting, the same hardware configuration (integrated display substrate 89) can be applied to other models using two special symbols. In the present embodiment, the working memory lamp and the working memory number display device corresponding to the special symbol are not provided. One special symbol may be displayed by two 7-segment LEDs.

  The game state display device 38 includes, for example, two LEDs corresponding respectively to the high probability state display lamp 38c and the variation time reduction state display lamp 38d. In FIG. 4, other lamps (LEDs) not particularly denoted by reference numerals are unused (blank). In the present embodiment, the above-described normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, special symbol display device 34, and game state display device 38 are mounted on the game board 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display board 89. It has been.

[Other configuration of the game board: see FIG. 3]
The ball guiding unit 40 has an upper edge functioning as a guide member that changes the flow-down direction of the game ball, and includes various decorative parts (without reference numerals) inside the ball guiding unit 40. The decorative part enhances the decorativeness of the game board 8 by its three-dimensional modeling, and can perform a stunning operation by emitting transmitted light from, for example, a built-in light emitter (LED or the like).

  The dot matrix LED display 42 displays various effect images including effect symbols corresponding to the special symbols. As described above, the game board 8 impresses the player with the characteristics of the pachinko machine 1 based on the configuration of the board surface (design of a cell plate (not shown)) and the decorativeness of the ball guiding unit 40.

  Said side decoration lamp 400 decorates the game area 8a by the three-dimensional modeling (for example, modeling which piled up several analog record boards), and performs the production | presentation operation | movement by a built-in light emitter. The side decoration lamp 400 is used for switching the effect pattern (for example, BGM during a game) in cooperation with the effect switching gate 402 and the effect switching button 450 described above. For example, each time the player presses down the effect switching button 450, the lighting positions corresponding to a large number of analog record boards in the side decoration lamp 400 change. At this time, the lighting position corresponds to the type of BGM (some song title), and when the game ball passes through the effect switching gate 402, BGM corresponding to the lighting position is output.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 70 that serves as the center of the control operation. The main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The main controller 70 is built in the main control board unit 170 described above.

  The main controller 70 is equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72 as a central processing unit is mounted. The main control CPU 72 includes a ROM 74 and a RAM (RWM) together with a CPU core and registers (not shown). ) This is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as 76 are integrated. The main controller 70 is equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 77. Among these, the random number generator 75 generates a hardware random number (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for determining the big hit, and the generated random number is input to the main control CPU 72 through the sampling circuit 77. The In addition, the main controller 70 is equipped with peripheral ICs such as an input / output (I / O) port 79, a clock generation circuit (not shown), a counter / timer circuit (CTC), etc., and these are circuited together with the main control CPU 72. It is mounted on the board. A signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus, and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or the inner layer portion).

  The start gate 20 described above is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting the passage of a game ball. Further, the game board 8 is provided with a middle start winning port switch 80, a right start winning port switch 82 and a count switch 84 corresponding to the middle start winning port 26, the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, respectively. . Among these, the middle start winning opening switch 80 and the right starting winning opening switch 82 are for detecting the winning of the game ball to the middle start winning opening 26 and the variable start winning apparatus 28 (right start winning opening 28a), respectively. . The count switch 84 is for detecting the winning of a game ball to the variable winning device 30 (large winning opening 30b) and counting the number.

  Similarly, the game board 8 is equipped with a winning port switch 86 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning port 22. The winning port switch 86 may be the same for all the normal winning ports 22, or a separate winning port switch 86 may be provided for each of the plurality of normal winning ports 22. For example, separate winning port switches 86 are installed on the left and right sides of the board, the left winning port switch 86 detects the winning of a game ball with respect to the normal winning port 22 located on the left side of the board, and the right winning port switch 86 It is good also as detecting the winning of the game ball with respect to the normal winning opening 22 located in the right side of a board surface.

  In any case, the winning detection signals of these switches 78 to 86 are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown). Note that due to the configuration of the game board 8, in this embodiment, winning detection signals from the gate switch 78, the count switch 84, and the winning opening switch 86 are transmitted via the panel relay terminal board 87. The panel relay terminal board 87 is provided with a wiring pattern, a connection terminal, and the like for relaying each winning detection signal.

  The display operation of the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the special symbol display device 34, and the game state display device 38 described above is controlled based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals for the display devices 33, 34, and 38 and the lamp 33a in accordance with the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED. The display devices 33, 34, 38 and the lamp 33a are installed on the game board 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display substrate 89 as described above. A control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 through the panel relay terminal board 87.

  Further, the game board 8 is provided with a normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and a big prize opening solenoid 90 corresponding to the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, respectively. These solenoids 88 and 90 are operated (excited) based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72 to operate (open) the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30 respectively. The solenoids 88 and 90 also transmit control signals from the main control CPU 72 through the panel relay terminal plate 87 described above.

  Further, the game board 8 includes an upper rotating body motor 208, a lower rotating body motor 210, and a distributing body motor 212 corresponding to the upper rotating body 44, the lower rotating body 45, and the distributing body 40f in the ball guiding unit 40, respectively. Is provided. Of these, the upper rotating body motor 208 rotates the upper rotating body 44. The lower rotator motor 210 rotates the lower rotator 45. The sorting body motor 212 reciprocates the sorting body 40f using, for example, a link mechanism (not shown). Similarly, for these motors 208, 210, and 212, a control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 via the panel relay terminal board 87.

  In the present embodiment, since the upper rotating body 44, the lower rotating body 45, and the sorting body 40f each perform a fixed operation after the power is turned on, the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72) controls the motors 208, 210, and 212. A drive signal for constant operation is output. For each of the motors 208, 210, and 212, an origin position related to rotation is detected using an index sensor (not shown). For this reason, the origin position detection signal from these index sensors is input to the main controller 70.

  The game board 8 is provided with a magnetic sensor 204 and a vibration sensor 206. Among these, the magnetic sensor 204 detects the magnetic flux flying to the game board 8 at the installation position, and the density (magnetic strength). A detection signal corresponding to is output. The vibration sensor 206 detects acceleration (vibration) applied to the game board 8 at the installation position, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the magnitude. The detection signals of the magnetic sensor 204 and the vibration sensor 206 are input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72) through the panel relay terminal board 87, respectively.

  In addition, a glass frame opening switch 91 is installed in the glass frame unit 4, and a plastic frame opening switch 93 is installed in the plastic frame assembly 7. When the glass frame unit 4 is opened alone, a contact signal from the glass frame opening switch 91 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72), and when the plastic frame assembly 7 is opened from the outer frame assembly 2. The contact point signal from the plastic frame opening switch 93 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the open state of the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly 7 from these contact signals. When the main control CPU 72 detects the open state of the glass frame unit 4 or the plastic frame assembly 7, the main control CPU 72 generates a door opening information signal as the external information signal.

  On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a payout control device 92 is provided. The payout control device 92 (payout control computer) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 described above. The payout control device 92 is equipped with a circuit board (payout control board) on which a payout control CPU 94 is mounted. The payout control CPU 94 is also an LSI in which a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 96 and a RAM 98 is integrated together with a CPU core (not shown). It is configured. The payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 based on the prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and executes the payout operation of the requested number of game balls. The main control CPU 72 generates a prize ball information signal as the external information signal together with the prize ball instruction command.

  In a prize ball case (not shown) of the payout device unit 172, a payout device substrate 100 is installed together with a payout motor 102 (for example, a stepping motor). The payout device substrate 100 is provided with a drive circuit for the payout motor 102. Yes. The payout device substrate 100 specifically controls the rotation angle of the payout motor 102 based on the payout number instruction signal from the payout control device 92 (the payout control CPU 94), and pays out the designated number of game balls from the prize ball case. Let it come out. The paid-out game balls are sent to the tray unit 6 through the payout flow path in the flow path unit 173.

  Further, for example, a payout path ball cut switch 104 is installed at an upstream position of the prize ball case, and a payout counting switch 106 is installed at a downstream position of the payout motor 102. When a prize ball is actually paid out by driving the payout motor 102, a count signal from the payout count switch 106 is input to the payout device substrate 100 each time. Further, when a ball break occurs at an upstream position of the prize ball case, a contact signal from the payout path ball break switch 104 is input to the payout device substrate 100. The dispensing device substrate 100 transmits the input count signal and contact signal to the dispensing control device 92 (dispensing control CPU 94). The payout control CPU 94 can detect the actual payout number and the out-of-ball state based on the signal received from the payout device substrate 100.

  Further, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a full switch 161, for example, inside the lower plate 6c (the position of the bowl as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1). The prize balls (game balls) that are actually paid out are discharged to the upper plate 6b through the flow path unit 173. When the upper plate 6b is full of game balls, As described above, it flows into the lower plate 6c. When the lower tray 6c is filled with game balls, the full tank switch 161 is turned ON, and a full tank detection signal is input to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). In response to this, even if the payout control CPU 94 receives a prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, it temporarily suspends further prize ball operations, and stores the unpaid prize ball remaining number in the RAM 98. Note that the RAM 98 can be backed up even when the power is cut off, so that even if a power failure (including momentary power failure) occurs during the game, the information on the number of remaining unsold prize balls will not be lost. .

  On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a firing solenoid 110 is installed together with the firing control board 108. In addition, a ball feeding solenoid 111 is provided in the tray unit 6. The launch control board 108, the launch solenoid 110, and the ball feed solenoid 111 constitute the launch control board set 174 described above, and the launch control board 108 is provided with drive circuits for the launch solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111. ing. Among these, the ball feed solenoid 111 performs an operation of sending out the game balls stored in the tray unit 6 one by one to a predetermined launch position in the launcher case. Moreover, the launch solenoid 110 hits the game ball sent to the launch position, and performs the operation of firing game balls one by one continuously (intermittently) toward the game area 8 as described above. The game ball is emitted at intervals of, for example, about 0.6 seconds (within 100 per minute).

  On the other hand, the grip unit 16 located on the front side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a firing lever volume 112, a touch sensor 114, and a firing stop switch 116. Among these, the firing lever volume 112 generates an analog signal proportional to the operation amount (so-called stroke) of the firing handle by the player. The touch sensor 114 detects that the player's body is touching the grip unit 16 (launching handle) from the change in capacitance, and outputs a detection signal. The firing stop switch 116 generates a firing stop signal (contact signal) in accordance with the player's operation.

  The above receiving tray unit 6 is provided with a launch relay terminal plate 118, and each signal from the launch lever volume 112, the touch sensor 114, and the launch stop switch 116 is sent via the launch relay terminal plate 118. Sent to. The drive signal from the launch control board 108 is applied to the ball feed solenoid 111 via the launch relay terminal board 118. When the player operates the firing handle, an analog signal (which may be an encoded digital signal) is generated by the firing lever volume 112 according to the operation amount, and the firing solenoid 110 is driven based on the signal at this time. Thereby, the strength of launching a game ball is adjusted according to the operation amount of the player. The drive circuit of the firing control board 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110 when the detection signal from the touch sensor 114 is off (low level) or when the firing stop signal is input from the firing stop switch 116. . In addition to this, the launch relay terminal plate 118 is connected with a lending device connection terminal plate 120 such as a game ball, and when the above-mentioned CR unit is not connected to this lending device connection terminal plate 120 such as a game ball, the launch is similarly performed. The drive circuit of the control board 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110.

  The tray unit 6 includes a frequency display board 122 and a rental / return switch board 123. Of these, the frequency display board 122 is provided with the display of the frequency display unit (7-segment LED for 3 digits). The lending / return switch board 123 has switch modules connected to the ball lending button 10 and the return button 12, respectively. When the ball lending button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, the operation signal is lended and It is transmitted from the return switch board 123 to the CR unit via the game ball rental device connecting terminal board 120. Further, a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is transmitted from the CR unit to the frequency display board 122 via the game ball lending device connection terminal board 120. A display circuit (not shown) on the frequency display board 122 drives the display unit based on the frequency signal, and displays the remaining frequency of the valuable medium as a numerical value. If no valuable medium is inserted in the CR unit or the remaining frequency of the inserted valuable medium becomes zero, the display circuit of the frequency display board 122 drives the display device to display a demonstration (of the valuable medium). (Display for prompting input) can also be performed.

  The pachinko machine 1 includes an effect control device 124 as a control configuration. The effect control device 124 controls the effect accompanying the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The effect control device 124 is also equipped with a circuit board (composite sub-control board) on which an effect control CPU 126 that is a central processing unit is mounted. The effect control CPU 126 includes a CPU core (not shown) and a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 128 and a RAM 130 as a main memory. The effect control CPU 126 can be of a type that is faster (high clock frequency) than the main control CPU 72 and has a wide data bus width (for example, 64 bits). The production control device 124 is provided at a position covered by the back cover unit 178 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1.

  The effect control device 124 is equipped with an input / output driver (not shown) and various peripheral ICs, as well as a lamp driving circuit 132 and an acoustic driving circuit 134. The production control CPU 126 performs production control based on the production command transmitted from the main control CPU 72, and gives commands to the lamp driving circuit 132 and the acoustic driving circuit 134 to emit various lamps 46 to 52 and the panel lamp 53. Or a process of actually outputting sound effects, voices, and the like from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

  The lamp driving circuit 132 includes a switching element such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC or a MOSFET (not shown). The lamp driving circuit 132 switches driving voltages (or duty switching) applied to various lamps including LEDs. ) And manage the operation such as light emission and flashing. In addition to the glass frame top lamps 46 and 48, the glass frame side lamp 50, and the saucer lamp 52, the various lamps include a decoration / production board lamp 53 installed in the game board 8. The panel lamp 53 corresponds to an LED incorporated in the above-described effect unit, or an LED incorporated in the variable start winning device 28, the variable winning device 30, or the like. Here, although the example in which the saucer lamp 52 is connected to the glass frame decorating board 136 is given, a saucer illuminated board is installed in the saucer unit 6, and the saucer lamp 52 is interposed via the saucer illuminated board. It may be configured to be connected to the lamp driving circuit 132.

  The acoustic drive circuit 134 is, for example, a sound generator that includes a sound ROM, an acoustic control IC, an amplifier, and the like (not shown). The acoustic drive circuit 134 drives the upper speaker 54 and the lower speaker 56 to perform acoustic output.

  In the present embodiment, a glass frame decoration board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the glass frame unit 4, and drive signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 and the acoustic drive circuit 134 pass through the glass frame decoration board 136 and various lamps 46. To 52 and speakers 54, 55, and 56. In addition, the above-described effect switching button 450 is connected to the glass frame decorating board 136, and when the player operates the effect switching button 450, the contact signal is input to the effect control device 124 through the glass frame decorating board 136. Is done. In addition, although the example which connected the production | presentation switch button 450 to the glass frame electrical decoration board 136 is given here, when installing said saucer electrical decoration board, the production switch button 450 is connected to the saucer electrical decoration board. Also good.

  In addition, the panel board 138 is installed in the game board 8, and a driving signal from the lamp driving circuit 132 is applied to the panel lamp 53 via the panel board 138.

  As described above, the accessory game start switch 200 is provided at the ball inlet 40 a of the ball guiding unit 40. Further, the game board 8 is provided with a left effect changeover switch 202 in the effect changeover gate 402. Each of the accessory game start switch 200 and the left effect changeover switch 202 is a ball detector for generating some effect operation when the game ball passes. The detection signals of these switches 200 and 202 are transmitted via the panel illumination board 138 and input to the effect control CPU 126 via an input / output driver (not shown). Here, an example in which the accessory game start switch 200 and the left effect changeover switch 202 are connected to the effect control device 124 is taken as an example, but the accessory game start switch 200 and the left effect changeover switch 202 are used as the main control device. 70 may be connected. In this case, when the main control CPU 72 receives a detection signal from each of the switches 200 and 202, an effect command may be transmitted to the effect control CPU 126 for each.

  The dot matrix LED display 42 and the drum unit 214 are installed on the back side of the game board 8 so that the display screen and the transparent cover can be seen through the opening formed in the game board 8. Further, an effect drive control device 144 is installed on the back side of the game board 8, and the display operation by the dot matrix LED display 42 and the rotation operations of the drums 214 a and 214 b by the drum unit 214 are controlled by the effect drive control device 144. ing. The effect drive control device 144 is equipped with a circuit board (effect drive control board) on which a drive control CPU 146, which is a general-purpose central processing unit, is mounted. The drive control CPU 146 is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as a ROM 148 and a RAM 150 are integrated together with a CPU core (not shown).

  The ROM 128 of the effect control CPU 126 stores a basic program related to effect control, and the effect control CPU 126 executes effect control according to this program. The production control includes the production control using the various lamps 46 to 53 and the speakers 54, 55, and 56 as described above, the dot display production using the dot matrix LED display 42, and the drum unit 214. Control of drum effects using is included. The effect control CPU 126 transmits basic information (for example, effect number) regarding the effect to the drive control CPU 146, and the drive control CPU 146 that has received the information specifically outputs the dot matrix LED display based on the basic information. The lighting states of the 42 multi-color LEDs are individually controlled, and control for driving the driving motors (not shown) of the drums 214a and 214b is performed.

  In addition, a power supply control unit 162 is provided on the back side of the plastic frame assembly 7. The power supply control unit 162 has a built-in switching power supply circuit. When external power (for example, AC 24V) is taken from the island facility through the power cord 164, necessary power (for example, DC + 34V, + 12V) can be generated therefrom. The electric power generated by the power supply control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70, the payout control device 92, and the effect control device 124. Furthermore, power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is supplied to the CR unit via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120. In addition, power is supplied to the effect drive control device 144 via the effect control device 124, and power is distributed from the effect drive control device 144 to the dot matrix LED display 42 and the drum unit 214. The low voltage power for logic (for example, DC + 5V) is generated by a power supply IC (3-terminal regulator or the like) built in each device. Further, as described above, the power supply control unit 162 is grounded (grounded) to the island facility through the ground wire 166.

  The external terminal plate 160 is connected to the payout control device 92, and various external information signals generated by the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) pass through the payout control device 92 to the external terminal plate 160. Is output to the outside. The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) and the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) can output an external information signal to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the external terminal board 160. The signals output from the external terminal board 160 are collected by, for example, a hall computer (not shown) in a game hall. Here, the configuration via the payout control device 92 is taken as an example, but a configuration in which an external information signal is directly output from the main control device 70 to the external terminal board 160 may be used.

[Game flow]
Next, FIG. 6 is a game flow diagram showing an example of a game flow by the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. A normal game by the pachinko machine 1 is started by driving (launching) a game ball into the game area 8a. Hereinafter, the flow of the game will be described on the assumption that the game ball is launched.

[G01: Passing through the burrow]
When the game ball flows into the game area 8a and flows into the ball inlet 40a (inside the ball guiding unit 40), the accessory game start switch 200 detects the passage of the game ball.

[G02: Dot matrix LED production]
When the game ball flows into the ball inlet 40a, an effect using the dot matrix LED display 42 (the drum 214a may be used together) is started. The effect performed here is within an average required time until the game ball is guided by the upper rotating body 44 and the lower rotating body 45 inside the ball guiding unit 40 and finally released from the tip of the sorting body 40f. Done in By performing such an effect, the flow until the player pays attention to the movement of the game ball inside the ball guiding unit 40 and whether or not the game ball wins the middle start winning opening 26 is determined. Can attract more interest.

[G03: Special figure starting prize determination]
When the game ball that has flowed into the ball inlet 40a is finally released from the sorting body 40f but does not win the middle start winning port 26 (No), the game flow using the ball guiding unit 40 (so-called role) Game) is over. In this case, the game flow is restarted from the beginning.
On the other hand, when the game ball released from the sorting body 40f wins the middle start winning opening 26 (Yes), the game flow proceeds to the following.

[G04: Dot effect symbol variation]
With the winning at the middle start winning opening 26, the variation of the dot effect pattern using the dot matrix LED display 42 is started. At this time, internally, a random number for lottery is acquired on the game control by the main control CPU 72, and the special symbol display device 34 starts the variable symbol display. The dot effect design corresponds to, for example, the numbers “1” to “9” displayed in dots. In addition, the dot effect design comprises, for example, a combination of three numbers on the left, middle, and right. During the change, the left dot effect design, the middle dot effect design, and the right dot effect design change as the numbers come and go. Such an effect is performed.

[G05: Reach production lottery]
For example, a reach state (for example, “7” —during change— “7”, etc.) occurs in the left dot effect symbol and the right dot effect symbol, and an effect of determining the development destination of the subsequent reach effect is performed. In the present embodiment, there are “normal reach” or “battle reach” as the development destination of reach production, and either one is selected here. Of these, “normal reach” is, for example, a reach effect with a content that shows which number the medium dot effect symbol stops at. On the other hand, in the “battle reach production”, for example, the left and right drums 214a and 214b rotate, and display a pattern image of a different character, while using the dot matrix LED display 42 to develop some kind of battle (battle). It is a reach production of the content to display.

[G06, G07: dot big hit determination]
In the case of developing to “normal reach”, the result of the dot big hit determination becomes clear when the medium dot effect design stops. For example, if “7” -changing- “7” occurs as the reach state, and the medium dot effect symbol finally stops at the number “7”, “7”-“7”-“ 7 "is a big hit from dots. If the dot hit is not reached (No), the game flow ends here and starts again from the beginning.

  Or, if it develops to “Battle Reach”, if a character equivalent to a player's ally wins in battle, it will be a big hit with dots. In this case, a combination of three numbers “7”-“7”-“7” may be displayed together with the victory of the battle. Here again, if the dot hit is not won (No), the game flow ends here and starts over from the beginning.

[G08: Variable winning device operation (right-handed)]
When the dot big hit is reached (G06: Yes, G07: Yes), the variable winning device 30 is activated to enter the big hit state (special game state). In this case, it is possible to win the open variable winning device 30 (large winning opening 30b) by mainly driving the game ball into the right side portion in the game area 8a (so-called “right hit”).

[G09: Shift to time reduction state]
After the operation of the variable winning device 30 is finished, the normal state (non-time shortening state) is shifted to the time shortening state. When shifting to the time reduction state, the following flow is generated by continuously driving the game ball into the right side portion in the game area 8a.
(1) As the start gate 20 passes, the operation lottery corresponding to the normal symbol is won with higher probability (for example) than in the normal state (non-time shortened state).
(2) When the operation lottery is won and the normal symbol display device 33 stops displaying the normal symbol in a winning manner after fluctuation, the variable start winning device 28 is activated. As a result, it is possible to win the variable start winning device 28 (right start winning port 28a) that is operating while being “right-handed”.
(3) A big hit lottery (internal lottery) corresponding to a special symbol is performed in accordance with winning in the variable start winning device 28 (right start winning port 28a). At this time, the special symbol is in the “high probability state”, and the internal lottery is won with higher probability than in the normal state (low probability state).
(4) When the internal lottery is won and the special symbol display device 34 is stopped and displayed in a big-hit manner after the special symbol is changed, the variable winning device 30 is activated to enter the big-hit state (special game state). As a result, it is possible to win the variable winning device 30 (large winning opening 30b) that is being opened while being “right-handed”.

  Hereinafter, by repeating the above (1) to (4), it is possible to give a player a benefit (privilege) of paying out a prize ball for winning. In the present embodiment, there is an upper limit on the number of times that the “high probability state” can be continued even if the internal lottery is won in the above (3). For this reason, when the number of winnings in the above (3) reaches the upper limit number, after the big hit in the above (4), the state becomes “low probability state”.

  However, even if the “low probability state” is reached after the big hit, the “time reduction state” may be added. The extent to which “time reduction state” is added is determined by the type of winning symbol at the time of winning in (3) above, and for example, it corresponds to a winning symbol in which “time reduction state” continues up to about 10 times In this case, the above (1) and (2) can be repeated up to 10 times. However, since the winning probability of the internal lottery is lower than that of the “high probability state” because of the “low probability state”, whether or not it is possible to shift to the above (3) and (4) depends on the result of the lottery. Then, if the winning is achieved within 10 times, it is repeated (1) to (4) through the above (4), and the player can enjoy the privilege (profit) for winning.

  The above is the flow of the game by the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, but the progress of such a game and the production accompanying it are controlled by electronic devices centering on the main control device 70 and the production control device 124 described above. Yes. Therefore, control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 of the main control device 70 will be described next.

[Reset start (main) processing]
When the pachinko machine 1 is powered on, the main control CPU 72 starts a reset start process. The reset start process restores the gaming state based on the backup information saved at the previous power shutdown (so-called power recovery) or conversely clears the backup information, thereby adjusting the initial state of the pachinko machine 1 Process. The reset start process is positioned as a main process (main control program) for guaranteeing a stable gaming operation of the pachinko machine 1 after adjusting the initial state.

  7 and 8 are flowcharts showing a procedure example of the reset start process. Hereinafter, the process performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described step by step.

  Step S101: First, the main control CPU 72 sets the top address of the stack area in the stack pointer.

  Step S102: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 sets the vector-type interrupt mode (mode 2) and corrects the default RST-type interrupt mode (mode 0). Thus, thereafter, the main control CPU 72 can refer to an arbitrary address (however, the least significant bit is 0) as an interrupt vector and execute a designated interrupt handler.

  Step S103: The main control CPU 72 executes a standby process at reset. This process is for securing a certain standby time (for example, about several thousand ms) at the time of reset start (for example, power-on) and checking the main power-off detection signal during that time. Specifically, when the main control CPU 72 sets the loop counter for the waiting time, the main control CPU 72 bit-checks the input port of the main power-off detection signal while decrementing the value of the loop counter. The main power-off detection signal is input from, for example, a power monitoring IC that is a peripheral device. If the input of the main power-off detection signal is confirmed before the loop counter reaches 0, the main control CPU 72 restarts the process from the beginning. As a result, for example, the system can be protected when a main power switch (not shown) is turned on and off repeatedly within a short time (about 1 to 2 seconds).

  Step S104: Next, the main control CPU 72 permits access to the work area of the RAM 76. Specifically, the RAM protect setting value in the work area is reset (00H). As a result, thereafter, access to the work area of the RAM 76 is permitted.

  Step S105: Also, the main control CPU 72 performs initial setting of a mask register in order to set an interrupt mask. Specifically, a value for enabling the CTC interrupt is stored in the mask register.

  Step S106: The main control CPU 72 refers to the input signal from the previously cleared RAM clear switch and confirms whether or not the RAM clear switch has been operated (switch ON). If the RAM clear switch is not operated (No), step S107 is executed next.

  Step S107: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether or not a backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup is normally completed in the previous power-off process and the backup validity determination flag (for example, “A55AH”) is set (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S108.

  Step S108: The main control CPU 72 executes a sum check on the backup information in the RAM 76. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sum-checks all areas of the work area of the RAM 76 (a user work area including a use-prohibited area and a stack area) except the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. If the result of the sum check is normal (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S109.

Step S109: The main control CPU 72 resets the backup validity determination flag (for example, “0000H”).
Step S110: The main control CPU 72 clears the command waiting for transmission immediately before the occurrence of the previous power interruption.

  Step S111: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect control return process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 transmits a return command (for example, a model designation command, a special symbol probability state designation command, a remaining count counter command, a special game state designation command, etc.) to the effect control device 124. In response to this, the effect control device 124 performs the effect state (for example, time reduction state, internal probability state, dot effect pattern display mode, sound output content, light emission state of various lamps, etc.) that was being executed at the previous power shutdown. ) Can be restored.

  Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes state return processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets various values in the work area of the RAM 76 based on the backup information, and the gaming state (for example, the display state of special symbols, the internal probability state, The operation memory contents, various flag states, random number update states, etc.) are restored. The main control CPU 72 restores the backed up PC register value.

  On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch is operated at power-on (step S106: Yes), when the backup validity determination flag is not set (step S107: No), or when the backup information is not normal. (Step S108: No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to Step S113.

Step S113: The main control CPU 72 clears the stored contents other than the use prohibited area of the RAM 76. As a result, the work area and stack area of the RAM 76 are all initialized, and even if valid backup information is stored, the contents are erased.
Step S114: The main control CPU 72 performs initial setting of the RAM 76.

  Step S115: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a command (command necessary for effect control) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 after the initial setting.

  Step S116: The main control CPU 72 executes a payout control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs an instruction command for starting the payout of prize balls to the payout control device 92.

  Step S117: The main control CPU 72 executes CTC initial setting processing, and performs initial setting of a CTC (counter / timer circuit) that is a peripheral device. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an interrupt vector register and sets an interrupt count value (for example, 4 ms) in the CTC. As a result, when a CTC interrupt occurs next time, the main control CPU 72 can continue the processing from the program address of the PC register that has been backed up.

  When the above procedure is executed in the reset start process, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 8 (connection symbol A → A).

  Step S118, Step S119: The main control CPU 72 executes the power interruption occurrence check process after prohibiting interruption. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs bit check on the input port of the main power-off detection signal and monitors the occurrence of power-off (decrease in supply voltage). When the power is cut off, the main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffers corresponding to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the special winning opening solenoid 90, and the entire area excluding the backup validity judgment flag and the sum check buffer in the work area of the RAM 76. Back up the contents and save the sum result value in the sum check buffer. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the valid value (for example, “A55AH”) in the backup validity determination flag area, prohibits access to the RAM 76, and stops (NOP) the process. On the other hand, if the power shutoff does not occur, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S120. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU executes the process at the time of the occurrence of power interruption as a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) process.

  Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, various random numbers (for example, a hit determination random number corresponding to a normal symbol, a hit symbol random number, a jackpot symbol random number, a reach determination random number, a variation pattern determination random number, etc.) other than the jackpot determination random number (hardware random number) are programmed. It is generated above. Note that the fluctuation pattern determination random number and the reach determination random number corresponding to the special symbol can be generated as necessary, and if not used, the random number generation process can be omitted. In any case, these software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 10), but each time the random number value makes one round in this process, the loop counter The initial value (not all random numbers need to be targeted) is changed. The initial value updating random number is used to randomly change the initial value, and in step S120, the initial value updating random number is updated. Note that the reason why step S120 is executed after the interruption is prohibited in step S118 is that the same process is executed in another interrupt management process (step S202 in FIG. 10). ) To prevent the above). As described above, in this embodiment, the big hit determination random number is a hardware random number generated by the random number generator 75, and its update cycle is faster (eg, several μs) than the timer interrupt cycle (eg, several ms). Therefore, it is not necessary to update the initial value of the jackpot determination random number.

  Step S121, Step S122: The main control CPU 72 permits the interrupt and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated by this processing are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not related to the determination of the winning type (winning type) among software random numbers. This process is performed in the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management process (FIG. 10). The contents of the interrupt management process will be described later.

[Power failure check processing]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart specifically illustrating a procedure example of the power-off occurrence check process.
Step S130: First, the main control CPU 72 sets a condition for checking the occurrence of power interruption. This check condition can be set, for example, as an on-counter value for confirming that the main power-off detection signal is continuously output.

  Step S132: Next, the main control CPU 72 reads the main power-off detection switch input port and confirms whether or not the main power-off detection signal is output (checks a specific bit). Although not particularly illustrated, the main power-off detection switch is mounted on the main controller 70, for example, and this main power-off detection switch monitors the drive voltage supplied from the power control unit 162, and the voltage level is monitored. When the voltage falls below the reference voltage, the main power-off detection signal is output. Note that the main power-off detection switch may be built in the power control unit 162. When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the main power-off detection signal is not output at this time (No), the main control CPU 72 exits this process and returns to the reset start process. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the main power-off detection signal is output (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S134.

  Step S134: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the above check conditions are satisfied. Specifically, for example, 1 is subtracted from the on-counter value set in the previous step S130, and it is confirmed whether or not the result is 0. If the on-counter value is not yet 0 at this time (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to step S132 and reconfirms the main power-off detection switch input port. When the check condition is satisfied by repeating the loop from step S134 to step S132 (step S134: Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S136.

  Step S136: The main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffer corresponding to the test signal terminal and the command control signal in addition to the output port corresponding to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the big prize opening solenoid 90 as described above.

Step S138, Step S140: Next, the main control CPU 72 adds the entire contents excluding the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer in the work area of the RAM 76 in units of 1 byte, and repeats until the addition is completed for all areas. .
Step S142: When the calculation of the sum is completed for all the areas (Step S140: Yes), the main control CPU 72 stores the sum result value in the sum check buffer.

Step S144: Next, the main control CPU 72 stores the valid value in the backup validity determination flag area as described above.
Step S146: The main control CPU 72 stores “01H” indicating access prohibition in the protect value of the RAM 76, and prohibits access to the work area (including the use prohibition area and the stack area) of the RAM 76.
Step S148: Then, the main control CPU 72 enters a standby loop and stops all other processes in preparation for shutting off the main power supply. After the main power is cut off, the backup power is supplied from a backup power circuit (not shown) (for example, a circuit including a capacitive element mounted on the main controller 70), so the stored contents of the RAM 76 are lost even after the main power is turned off. Held without. The backup power supply circuit may be incorporated in the power supply control unit 162, for example.

  Through the above processing, all the information stored in the work area of the RAM 76 to be backed up (sum added) is retained in the RAM 76 even after the main power is turned off. The stored memory is restored as backup information when the power is turned off after confirming that the checksum is normal in the previous reset start process (FIG. 7).

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure of interrupt management processing. The main control CPU 72 executes an interrupt management process every predetermined time (for example, several ms) based on the interrupt request signal from the counter / timer circuit. Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S200: First, the main control CPU 72 saves the values of the registers (accumulator A, flag register F, and general-purpose registers B to L) used during execution of the main loop in the save area of the RAM 76. Another value can be written in the registers (A to L) after the value is saved in the interrupt management process.

  Step S201: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a lottery random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the counter for generating various random numbers for lottery. The value of each counter is incremented in the random number counter area of the RAM 76 and loops within a specified range. The various random numbers include, for example, jackpot symbol random numbers, normal symbol random numbers determined, and the like.

  Step S202: The main control CPU 72 executes the initial value update random number update process also here. The content of the process is the same as described above.

  Step S203: The main control CPU 72 executes input processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 inputs various switch signals from the input / output (I / O) port 79 (winning detection information generating means). Specifically, the detection signal from the gate switch 78 and the input state (ON / OFF) of the winning detection signal from the middle start winning port switch 80, the right starting winning port switch 82, the count switch 84, and the winning port switch 86 are set. To lead.

  Step S204: Here, the main control CPU 72 executes a security management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not an illegal winning has occurred based on the input state (ON / OFF) of the winning detection signal read in the previous input process (step S203). Determination means). If it is determined that an illegal winning has occurred, the main control CPU 72 generates an illegal winning error command (illegal winning information generating means), and rewrites the bit of the winning detection signal due to the illegal winning from ON to OFF (winning detection information). Erasing means). In addition, the main control CPU 72 monitors fraudulent acts by the magnetic sensor 204 and the vibration sensor 206, and determines whether or not excessive winning or passing of the gate 402 has occurred. The details of the security management process will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S205: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, a process based on a signal that is maintained without being erased as an illegal prize among the switch signals input in the previous input process is performed. For example, the main control CPU 72 determines an event that occurred during the game based on a passage detection signal from the gate switch 78 and a winning detection signal from the middle starting winning port switch 80 or the right starting winning port switch 82, and each occurred. Further processing is executed according to the event. The specific contents of the switch input event process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the middle start winning opening switch 80 or the right starting winning opening switch 82, the main control CPU 72 becomes an internal lottery opportunity (lottery opportunity) corresponding to the special symbol. It is determined that an event has occurred. When the passage detection signal (ON) is input from the gate switch 78, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event serving as a lottery trigger corresponding to the normal symbol has occurred. If it is determined that any event has occurred, the main control CPU 72 executes a process corresponding to each event.

  Step S206, Step S207: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol game process and a normal symbol game process during the interrupt management process. These processes are for specifically proceeding with the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the special symbol game process (step S206), the main control CPU 72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the special symbol described above, controls the variable display and stop display by the special symbol display device 34, The operation of the variable winning device 30 is controlled according to the display result. Details of the special symbol game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  In the normal symbol game process (step S207), the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and controls the operation of the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. To do. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number (ordinary random number per normal symbol) acquired in response to the passage of the start gate 20 in the previous switch input event processing (step S205), and in the normal symbol game processing The random number value is read out from the memory, and it is determined whether or not it falls within a predetermined hit range. When the random number value falls within the hit range, the normal symbol display device 33 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner and displays the stop of the normal symbol in a predetermined hit state. The variable start winning device 28 is operated by excitation. On the other hand, if the random number value is out of the hit range, the main control CPU 72 performs a normal symbol stop display in a manner of deviation after the variable display.

  Step S208: The main control CPU 72 executes a motor management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 detects the origin position relating to the rotation of various motors (upper rotating body motor 208, lower rotating body motor 210, sorting body motor 212, etc.), and outputs drive signals to the various motors. If so, the drive signal is stored in the corresponding port output request buffer. Note that the upper rotating body motor 208, the lower rotating body motor 210, the sorting body motor 212, and the like all rotate in a predetermined pattern from when the power is turned on as described above. For example, the upper rotator motor 208 and the lower rotator motor 210 are each rotated in one direction at a determined rotational speed, or one while changing the rotational speed at a certain long period (for example, a period of several minutes). Rotating in the direction. The sorter motor 212 rotates in one direction at a fixed rotation speed, or rotates in one direction while changing the rotation speed at a certain long period. Therefore, the main control CPU 72 generates a drive signal based on the rotation pattern corresponding to each motor in the motor management process.

  Step S209: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes prize ball payout processing. In this process, based on the winning detection signals input from the various switches 80, 82, 84, 86 in the previous input process (step S203), a prize ball instruction command for instructing the payout control device 92 the number of prize balls is issued. Output. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a prize ball number command for the effect control device 124 and stores it in the command buffer.

  Step S210: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends the above external information signals (for example, prize ball information, door opening information, symbol determination number information, jackpot information, start port information, security error information) to the hall computer in the game hall through the external terminal board 160. Information etc.) is stored in the port output request buffer.

  In the present embodiment, among various external information signals, for example, “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” are output to the outside as jackpot information, so that an external electronic device (data display device) connected to the pachinko machine 1 is output. Can provide a variety of jackpot information. In other words, the jackpot information is divided into a plurality of “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” and output, so that the type of jackpot (winning type) from these combinations can be tabulated and managed by a hall computer (not shown) or internal It is possible to recognize a change in a probability state (low probability state or high probability state) or a shortened state of symbol variation time. Based on the jackpot information, for example, a data display device (not shown) counts and displays the number of jackpot occurrences within the past several business days for each pachinko machine 1, and recognizes whether or not each jackpot is currently jackpot. Or for each table, it can be recognized whether or not the current symbol variation time is in a shortened state. In this external information processing, the main control CPU 72 controls each output state (set of ON or OFF) of “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” in detail.

  Step S211: The main control CPU 72 executes test signal processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates various test signals representing its internal state (for example, normal symbol game management state, special symbol game management state, jackpot, probability variation function in operation, time reduction function in operation). These are stored in the port output request buffer. With this test signal, for example, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested outside the main controller 70.

  Step S212: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting state of the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the special symbol display device 34, the game state display device 38, and the like. Specifically, the drive signal stored in the port output request buffer is output to the port in the previous special symbol game process (step S206) or the normal symbol game process (step S207). The drive signal is stored in the port output request buffer as byte data to be applied to each LED. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode in which symbol variation display or stop display, normal symbol operation memory number display, game state display, or the like) is performed.

  Step S213: The main control CPU 72 executes output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the external information signal (byte data) stored in the port output request buffer in the previous external information processing (step S210). Further, the main control CPU 72 outputs the drive signals, test signals, and the like of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the special prize opening solenoid 90 stored in the port output request buffer together.

  Step S214: The main control CPU 72 executes effect control output processing. In this processing, it is confirmed whether or not there is a command (command necessary for presentation control) that the main control CPU 72 should transmit to the presentation control device 124 in the command buffer. Output port.

  Step S215: The main control CPU 72 clears the port output request buffer stored by the current CTC interrupt.

  In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the processing (game control program module) of step S206 to step S214 is executed as a timer interrupt processing. However, these processings are executed by being incorporated in the main loop of the CPU. There is also a programming example.

  Step S216: When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 stores a value (01H) for designating the end of the interrupt in the interrupt program counter, and ends the CTC interrupt.

  Steps S217 and S218: The main control CPU 72 restores the saved values of the registers (A to L) and permits the next CTC interrupt. Thereafter, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Security management processing]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the security management process executed in the interrupt management process. The contents of the security management process will be described below along with an example procedure.

  Step S220: First, the main control CPU 72 executes an illegal winning detection process. In this process, for example, whether the input state of the winning detection signal read in the previous input process is “ON” is determined based on the following conditions as to whether or not it corresponds to an illegal winning.

(1) A prize is awarded to the big prize opening 30b during a series of operations related to the variable prize winning device 30 (special electric accessory) and during a period other than a period until a predetermined time (for example, about 15 seconds) elapses after the operation ends. thing.
(2) During a series of operations related to the variable start winning device 28 (ordinary electric accessory) and after a predetermined time (for example, about 3 seconds) has elapsed after the end of the operation, the right start winning port 28a is awarded What happened.

[Addition of illegal prize counter]
The determination using the above condition (1) is performed with reference to the value of the special game management status and the value of the winning valid timer in the interruption cycle in which the winning detection signal (ON) from the count switch 84 is input, for example. be able to. When the condition (1) is satisfied, the main control CPU 72 adds 1 to the value of the illegal prize counter. The special game management status and the winning valid timer will be described later.

  The determination using the condition (2) refers to, for example, the value of the normal game management status and the value of the valid time timer in the interruption period in which the winning detection signal (ON) from the right start winning opening switch 82 is input. Can be done. Even when the condition (2) is satisfied, the main control CPU 72 adds 1 to the value of the illegal prize counter. The normal game management status and the winning valid timer will be described later.

[An illegal winning error occurs]
Then, the conditions (1) and (2) are determined for each interrupt cycle, and when the value of the illegal prize counter reaches a specified value (for example, five), the main control CPU 72 uses the illegal prize error flag as internal information. Is turned ON (= 1). As a result, an “illegal prize error” occurs in the pachinko machine 1.

  Step S222: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes magnetic detection processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the presence or absence of fraud (so-called “magnet goto”) based on the detection signal from the magnetic sensor 204. As a result, when a magnetic flux corresponding to an illegal act is detected, the main control CPU 72 sets the security error flag to ON (= 1). As a result, another “security error” occurs in the pachinko machine 1.

  Step S224: The main control CPU 72 executes vibration detection processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the presence / absence of a fraudulent act (so-called “throbbing”) based on the detection signal from the vibration sensor 206. As a result, when a vibration that is recognized as an illegal act is detected, the main control CPU 72 also turns on the security error flag.

  Step S226: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a winning excess detection process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning occurrences per fixed time (for example, 1 minute), and determines whether or not an excessive winning amount equivalent to an illegal act has occurred. If it is determined that the winning is exceeded, the main control CPU 72 also turns on the security error flag.

  Step S228: The main control CPU 72 executes a passage excess detection process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of occurrences of passage of the start gate 20 per fixed time (for example, 1 minute), and determines whether or not an excess corresponding to an illegal act has occurred. If it is determined that it exceeds the limit, the main control CPU 72 also turns on the security error flag.

  Step S230: The main control CPU 72 checks the values of the “illegal prize error flag” and the “security error flag”. When any error flag is set to ON (= 1) (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the next step S232. If none of the error flags is set to ON (No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S232.

  Step S232: In this case, the main control CPU 72 executes error command processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates an error command (error state designation command) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126), and transfers the value to the command transmission buffer. The error command can set a different value for each error that has occurred. For example, when the “illegal prize error flag” is ON, a value that can be identified as “illegal prize error” is set in the error command, and when the “security error flag” is ON, a value that can be identified as “security error”. Set to error command. The error command generated here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the subsequent effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 10).

Step S234: Further, the main control CPU 72 executes an illegal winning mask process here. In this process, all winning detection signals satisfying the above conditions (1) and (2) are switched from ON to OFF regardless of whether or not the illegal winning error detection process (step S220) determines that the winning prize is incorrect. rewrite. The specific processing content will be further described later using another flowchart.
When the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process.

[Example of starting prize opening error]
FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing temporal changes in various situations until an error command is generated when an illegal winning occurs at the right start winning opening 28a. Hereinafter, a description will be given along a time series.

[Normal game management status]
The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the normal game management status (in the brackets) according to the game progress statuses (1) to (6) corresponding to the normal symbol as follows.
(1) Normal symbol variation waiting state: “00H”
(2) Normal symbol fluctuation display state: “01H”
(3) Normal symbol stop symbol display state: “02H”
(4) Variable start winning device (ordinary electric accessory) open state: “03H”
(5) Variable start winning device (ordinary electric accessory) closed after opening: “04H”
(6) Variable start winning device (ordinary electric accessory) during operation end time: “05H”

[Initial]
In FIG. 12, (A): For example, a case is assumed where a normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner at a certain time (before time t1). At this time, the value of the normal game management status is “02H”.

[Time t1]
In FIG. 12, (B): Thereafter, the fixed stop time of the normal symbol elapses, and the variable start winning device 28 (ordinary electric accessory) enters the operating state (conditional device operation).

[Time t2]
In FIG. 12, (A): After the elapse of the waiting time τ1 from time t1, the value of the normal game management status becomes “03H”.
In FIG. 12, (C): As a result, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 is turned ON, and the variable start winning device 28 changes from the closed state (non-operating state) to the open state (operating state) (variable winning means).

[From time t2 to time t3]
In FIG. 12, (E): A plurality of (six in this example) game balls win the right start winning opening 28a while the variable start winning apparatus 28 is opened. A winning detection signal is input to the main control CPU 72.

  In FIG. 12, (C), (A): The opening time (for example, several seconds) has elapsed, and the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 is turned OFF. As a result, the variable start winning device 28 changes from the open state (operating state) to the closed state (non-operating state). The value of the normal game management status is “04H”.

[Time t3]
12A and 12B: When the operation end time τ2 elapses after the variable start winning device 28 is closed, the value of the normal game management status becomes “05H”, and the variable start winning device 28 (normal electric accessory) ) Is inactive (conditional device inactive).
(D) in FIG. 12: After this time (time t3), the winning valid timer starts after the operation is completed.

[From time t3 to time t4]
In FIG. 12, (E): Note that even if a winning to the right start winning port 28a occurs during the countdown of the winning valid timer after the operation is finished (within the valid time TS1), the illegal winning counter is not added and the winning detection signal (Indicated by a broken line) is not subject to rewriting in the illegal winning mask process.
In FIG. 12, (A): When the operation end time has elapsed, the value of the normal game management status returns to “00H”. Thereby, if there is an operation memory for the normal symbol, the next change of the normal symbol is started using the memory.

[Time t4]
In FIG. 12, (D): When the valid time TS1 elapses from the time t3, the winning valid timer is set to 0 after the operation is finished, and the countdown is finished (OFF).

[After time t4]
In FIG. 12, (E): When a winning to the right start winning opening 28a occurs after time t4, an illegal winning counter is added each time, and each winning detection signal (indicated by a two-dot chain line) is an illegal winning mask. It will be rewritten by processing.

[Time t5]
In FIG. 12, (F): After time t4, if the illegal winning counter reaches a prescribed value (for example, five) before the value of the normal game management status next becomes “03H”, an illegal winning error command is generated. (Illegal prize information generating means). As a result, the production control device 124 executes processing for outputting an error occurrence sound or causing a specific frame lamp to emit light.

[Error reset]
In this embodiment, for example, the illegal prize error is canceled when a certain time (for example, 60 seconds) elapses after the occurrence of the illegal prize error or when the power is turned on again. In the example shown in the figure, the illegal prize error is canceled (illegal prize error command OFF) by re-input after power-off. However, when a new illegal winning error occurs after the error is released, the error is released after a lapse of a certain time from that point.

[Example of a big prize exit error]
Next, FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing temporal changes in various situations until an error command is generated when an illegal winning occurs at the special winning opening 30b. Hereinafter, a description will be given along a time series.

[Special Game Management Status]
The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the normal game management status (in the brackets) according to the game progress statuses (1) to (7) corresponding to the special symbol as follows.
(1) Special symbol change waiting state: “00H”
(2) Special symbol fluctuation display state: “01H”
(3) Special symbol stop symbol display state: “02H”
(4) Variable winning device (special electric accessory) waiting to be opened: “03H”
(5) Variable winning device (special electric accessory) open state: “04H”
(6) Variable winning device (special electric accessory) after opening: “05H”
(7) Variable winning device (special electric accessory) during operation end state: “06H”

[Initial]
In FIG. 13, (A): For example, at a certain point in time (before time t10), the special symbol is confirmed and stopped and displayed in a big-hit manner, so that the progress of the game is waiting for the variable winning device 30 to be released. Assuming that In this case, the value of the special game management status is “03H”.

[Time t10]
In FIG. 13, (B): Thereafter, the variable winning device 30 (special electric accessory) is in an operating state (conditional device operation).

[Time t20]
In FIG. 13, (A): After the elapse of the waiting time τ10 from time t10, the value of the special game management status becomes “04H”.
In FIG. 13, (C): Thereby, the big prize opening solenoid 90 is turned ON, and the variable winning device 30 changes from the closed state (non-operating state) to the open state (operating state) (variable winning means). In the present embodiment, since the opening is performed twice during one big hit, the first opening (the first round) is started here.

[From time t20 to time t30]
In FIG. 13, (C): After the first opening, the second (second round) opening is started across the interval time τi.
In FIG. 13, (E): While the variable winning device 30 is opened twice, the game balls each win the big winning opening 30b, and a winning detection signal is inputted from the count switch 84 to the main control CPU 72 each time. The variable winning device 30 is closed when one opening time (for example, about 2 seconds) elapses or one or more winnings are detected within the opening time.

  In FIG. 13, (C), (A): The opening operation is completed twice in total, and the special winning opening solenoid 90 is turned off. Thereby, the variable prize-winning apparatus 30 changes from an open state (operation state) to a closed state (non-operation state). Further, the value of the special game management status is “05H”.

[Time t30]
In FIG. 13, (A), (B): After the variable winning device 30 is closed, when the operation end time τ20 elapses, the value of the special game management status becomes “06H”. In addition, the variable winning device 30 (special electric accessory) becomes inactive (condition device inactive).
In FIG. 13, (D): Then, after this operation (time t30), the winning valid timer starts after the operation is completed.

[From time t30 to time t40]
In FIG. 13, (E): Similarly, even if a prize is entered into the big prize opening 30b during the countdown of the prize valid timer after the operation ends (within the valid time TS2), the illegal prize counter is not added and the prize is won. The detection signal (indicated by a broken line) is not subject to rewriting in the illegal winning mask process.
In FIG. 13, (A): When the operation end time elapses, the value of the special game management status returns to “00H”. Thereby, it waits for the next fluctuation about a special symbol.

[Time t40]
In FIG. 13, (D): When the valid time TS2 elapses from the time t30, the winning valid timer is set to 0 after the operation is finished, and the countdown is finished (OFF).

[After time t40]
In FIG. 13, (E): When a winning to the big winning opening 30b occurs after time t40, an illegal winning counter is added each time, and each winning detection signal (indicated by a two-dot chain line) is illegal winning mask processing. Will be rewritten.

[Time t50]
In FIG. 13, (F): After time t40, if the illegal prize counter reaches a prescribed value (for example, 5) before the value of the special game management status becomes “04H”, an illegal prize error command is generated. (Illegal prize information generating means). As a result, the production control device 124 executes processing for outputting an error occurrence sound or causing a specific frame lamp to emit light.

[Error reset]
Similarly, for example, when a certain time (for example, 60 seconds) elapses after the occurrence of an illegal prize error, or when the power is turned on again, the illegal prize error is canceled (illegal prize error command OFF). In the same manner as described above, when a new illegal winning error occurs after canceling the error, the error is canceled after a lapse of a certain time from that point.

[Unauthorized winning mask processing]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the illegal prize mask process executed in the security management process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S250: First, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not an illegal winning is detected for the starting winning opening (right starting winning opening 28a). For example, in the illegal prize detection process (step S220 in FIG. 11) performed before this illegal prize mask process, when the main control CPU 72 adds an illegal prize counter for the right start prize opening 28a, the fact that an illegal prize has been detected. Can be confirmed (Yes). In this case, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S252.

  Step S252: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the normal game management status is “being operated” or later. That is, if the value of the normal game management status is “03H” or more at the present time (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S254.

  Step S254: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 confirms the value of the winning valid timer after the operation of the variable start winning device 28 is completed. As a result, if the value of the timer is 0 or less (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the next step S256.

  Step S256: In this case, the main control CPU 72 clears the winning detection signal for the right start winning opening 28a, that is, rewrites the ON bit to OFF (winning detection information erasing means). As a result, in the subsequent control process, it can be handled that the winning to the right start winning opening 28a has not occurred. Therefore, a special symbol change due to an illegal winning, an internal lottery is performed, and a prize ball is paid out. Can be surely prevented.

  After executing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S258. In addition, when an illegal winning is not detected for the right start winning opening 28a (step S250: No), when the normal game management status is before “active” (less than “03H”) (step S252: No). Alternatively, if the winning validity timer is greater than 0 after the operation is finished (step S254: No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S258 without executing step S256.

  Step S258: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not an illegal winning is detected for the big winning opening 30b. Similarly, when the main control CPU 72 adds an illegal prize counter for the big prize opening 30b in the illegal prize detection process (step S220 in FIG. 11) performed before the illegal prize mask process, an illegal prize is detected. (Yes). In this case, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S260.

  Step S260: Also, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the special game management status is after “active”. That is, if the value of the special game management status is “04H” or more at the present time (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S262.

  Step S262: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 confirms the value of the prize winning valid timer after the operation of the variable prize winning device 30 is completed. As a result, if the value of the timer is 0 or less (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the next step S264.

  Step S264: In this case, the main control CPU 72 clears the winning detection signal for the big winning opening 30b, that is, rewrites the ON bit to OFF (winning detection information erasing means). As a result, in the subsequent control process, it can be handled that the winning to the big winning opening 30b has not occurred, so that it is possible to reliably prevent the payout of the winning ball due to the illegal winning.

When the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the security management process. Further, when an illegal winning is not detected for the special winning opening 30b (step S258: No), when the special game management status is before “active” (less than “04H”) (step S260: No), Alternatively, when the winning valid timer is greater than 0 after the operation is finished (step S262: No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the security management process without executing step S264.
When the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 10) from the end address of the security management process, the main control CPU 72 executes the next switch input event process.

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the switch input event process. Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S10: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the middle start winning opening switch 80. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S11 and executes a special symbol random number acquisition process. On the other hand, when no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S12. Note that, since the illegal winning mask process (FIG. 14) has already been executed at this stage, the input of the winning detection signal is not confirmed for the illegal winning.

  Step S11: In the special symbol random number acquisition process, the main control CPU 72 acquires the jackpot determination random number value, and also acquires the jackpot symbol random number value and the fluctuation random number value. The obtained various random numbers are stored in a random number storage area of the RAM 76, for example.

  Step S12: Also, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the right start winning opening switch 82. If the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S13 and executes a special symbol random number storage process. The contents of the special symbol random number storage process will be described later using another flowchart.

  In particular, when there is no input of a winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S14. Similarly, since the illegal winning mask process (FIG. 14) has already been executed at this stage, the input of the winning detection signal is not confirmed for the illegal winning.

  Step S14: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the count switch 84 corresponding to the big winning opening 30b. When the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S15 and executes a large winning mouth count process. In the big winning opening counting process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the variable winning device 30 every round during the big hit game. On the other hand, if there is no input of a winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S16.

  Step S16: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a passage detection signal is input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. When the input of the passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S17 and executes the normal symbol memory update process. On the other hand, if no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 10).

Step S17: In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether the normal symbol operating memory number is not the maximum value. If the normal symbol operating memory number is less than the maximum value, the normal symbol operating memory number is added. Get the numerical value and store it.
When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 10), and executes the special game management process (step S206) and subsequent steps.

[Special symbol memory processing]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special symbol storing process. Hereinafter, the special symbol storage process will be described along with a procedure example.

  Step S30: First, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not there is an operation memory for the special symbol. In this embodiment, since two or more working memories are not provided in the special symbol, here, for example, if there is a big hit decision random number (one piece) already transferred to the random number storage area of the RAM 76, the main control CPU 72 It is determined that there is working memory for the symbol (Yes). If there is already a working memory (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 15). On the other hand, when there is no operation memory (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S32. In addition, it is good also as using a special symbol action | operation memory | storage number counter (upper limit number 1 piece) here on the structure of a control program. In this case, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the special symbol working memory number counter, and determines that there is working memory when the working memory number is 1 (Yes). If the number of operating memories is not 1 (= 0), the main control CPU 72 determines that there is no operating memory (No).

  Step S32: When it is determined that there is no working memory in the previous step S30 (step S30: No), the main control CPU 72 acquires a big hit determination random number value from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 described above. The random value is acquired by specifying the pin address of the random number generator 75. When the main control CPU 72 has a data bus width of 8 bits, the address designation is performed twice for each upper byte and lower byte. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determined random number value from the designated address, it saves it as a jackpot determined random number at the address of the transfer destination (random number storage area).

  Step S33: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires a big hit symbol random number value from the big hit symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76. The acquisition of the random number value is also performed by designating the address of the jackpot symbol random number counter area. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot symbol random number value from the designated address, it saves it as a jackpot symbol random number at the transfer destination address.

  Step S34: Further, the main control CPU 72 acquires, for example, a variation pattern determination random number from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76 as a random value related to the variation condition of the special symbol. Similarly, the acquisition of the random number value is performed by designating the address of the random number counter area for variation. When the main control CPU 72 acquires the variation pattern determination random number from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it in the transfer destination address.

  Step S36: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determined random number, jackpot symbol random number, and variation pattern determined random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the special symbol (at this time, the free state), and stores these random numbers as a set. .

  Step S38: The main control CPU 72 executes a production command output setting process for the special symbol. This process is for performing setting for transmitting a start opening winning tone control command to the effect control device 124, for example.

  When the above procedure is completed or the special symbol operation memory has already been stored (step S30: Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 15).

[Special design game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed in the interrupt management process (FIG. 10) will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the special symbol game process. The special symbol game process includes an execution selection process (step S1000), a special symbol change pre-process (step S2000), a special symbol change process (step S3000), a special symbol stop display process (step S4000), and a variable winning device management process. This is a configuration including a subroutine (program module) group of (Step S5000). First, the basic flow of the special symbol game process will be described along each process.

  Step S1000: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S2000 to S5000) from the “jump table”. For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the special symbol game process as the return destination address in the stack pointer.

  Which process is selected as the next jump destination differs depending on the progress of the process performed so far (special game management status). For example, if the special symbol has not yet started changing display (special symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation pre-processing (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed (special symbol game management status: 01H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation processing (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and the special symbol variation is in progress. If the process has been completed (special symbol game management status: 02H), the special symbol stop displaying process (step S4000) is selected as the next jump destination. In this embodiment, the jump destination address is specified by the “jump table” and the process is selected. However, apart from such a selection method, a “process flag”, a “process selection flag”, or the like is used. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU selects a process to be executed next. In such a programming example, the CPU CALLs each process in a single way, and at the top step, the conditional branch (continuation / return) is performed by referring to the flag one by one. However, in the selection method of this embodiment, the main control is performed. There is no need for the CPU 72 to call each process one by one.

  Step S2000: In the special symbol variation pre-processing, the main control CPU 72 performs an operation to prepare conditions for starting the variation display of the special symbol. Specifically, the big hit determination (lottery execution means) and the variation pattern are determined here, and in the case of the big win, the winning type is also determined. In addition, according to the determination of the winning type, the main control CPU 72 sets a “time reduction state” count-off counter for each internal state (“low probability state” or “high probability state”) or sets an initial value of the probability variation limiter count. Or set.

  Step S3000: In the special symbol variation processing, the main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol display device 34 while counting the variation timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) is output for each segment and dot (0th to 7th) of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, whereby a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

  Step S4000: In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the drive of the special symbol display device 34. Similarly, an ON or OFF drive signal is output for each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED. However, the pattern of the drive signal is constant, whereby a special symbol is stopped and displayed. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets the “limiter count” for the probability variation function or performs a subtraction process.

  Step S5000: The variable winning device management process is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode (a mode other than non-winning) in the previous special symbol stop display process. For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a big win mode, an opportunity to shift to a big win game state (a special game state advantageous to the player) occurs (special game execution means). During the big hit game, the jump destination is set in the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the special symbol variation display is not performed. In the variable winning device management process, the large winning opening solenoid 90 is excited for a certain period of time (for example, up to 6.0 seconds or until one winning is counted) for a predetermined number of continuous operations (for example, twice). Thus, the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed with a predetermined pattern. In the meantime, by allowing the variable winning device 30 to win a game ball, the player is given an opportunity to win a prize ball (for example, six prize ball payouts per one prize) (privilege grant means) ). Note that the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 at the time of a big hit is referred to as “round”, and if the number of continuous operations is two, these may be collectively referred to as “2 rounds”. However, in this embodiment, since the opening time per time is relatively short (6.0 seconds) and the number of counts in one round is the minimum (for example, one), the general 15 rounds Compared with big hits (for example, 1 round 29 seconds open, number of counts 9), the number of prize balls that can be obtained with one big hit (2 rounds) is smaller.

  In any case, when the main control CPU 72 sets the large winning opening opening pattern (number of rounds, number of opening operations per round, opening time, etc.) in the variable winning device management process, the variable winning device 30 for one round Each time the release operation is completed, the value of the round number counter is incremented by one. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example. When the value of the round counter reaches the set number of continuous operations (in this example, 2 times), the main control CPU 72 ends the big hit game (main role) only for that round.

  When the big hit game (opening operation of the variable winning device 30) is finished, the main control CPU 72 determines the state (high probability state) after the big hit game based on the game state flag (probability changing function operating flag or time shortening function operating flag). , Change the time reduction state). In the “high probability state”, the probability variation function operates and the winning probability in the internal lottery becomes higher than usual.

  Also, in the “time reduction state”, the time reduction function is activated, and the probability of winning a winning by the normal symbol operation lottery is changed from “low probability” to “high probability” (for example, “low probability” is 1/128 → “ “High probability” is about 127/128), and the normal symbol variation time is shortened and set (for example, fixed at about 0.6 seconds). In addition, the variation time of the special symbol is also set to be shorter than the non-time shortened state (for example, fixed at about 0.6 seconds). Note that the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state” may be transferred to only one of them in terms of control, or may be transferred in accordance with both of them.

  The above is the contents of various control processes performed by the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72). When the main control CPU 72 executes these processes, the game by the pachinko machine 1 is specifically progressed, and internal lottery, symbol variation display and stop display, a big hit operation are performed, and a prize ball payout operation is performed. Done.

[Strengthening measures against illegal prizes]
In particular, in the present embodiment, after various winning detection signals (ON) are input in the input process (step S203) of the interrupt management process (FIG. 10), an illegal winning determination is performed in the security management process (step S204). In the case of actual illegal winning, the winning detection signal can be rewritten after adding the illegal winning counter. As a result, it is possible to double the countermeasures against fraud by invalidating the prize detection signal for an illegal prize and determining an illegal prize error when an illegal prize has occurred.

  The present invention can employ various modifications without being limited to the above-described embodiments. In one embodiment, an example in which no working memory is provided for a special symbol is given. However, the present invention can be applied to an embodiment in which working memory (four) is provided for a special symbol.

  The present invention can also be applied to a mode in which winning can be randomly made from the game area to the starting winning opening without guiding the game ball to the starting winning opening using the ball guiding unit 40.

  In addition, the structure of the pachinko machine 1 and the board surface configuration are preferable examples including those shown in the drawings, and it goes without saying that these can be appropriately modified.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board 8a Game area 20 Start gate 28 Variable start winning device 30 Variable winning device 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol action memory lamp 34 Special symbol display device 40 Ball guidance unit 42 Dot matrix LED display 70 Main control Device 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU

Claims (7)

Variable winning means that changes to either the non-operating state that makes it difficult to generate a prize during a game, or the operating state that makes it possible to easily generate a prize compared to the non-operating state;
Winning detection information generating means for generating winning detection information for each detection time when detecting that a winning has occurred in the variable winning means;
A winning correct / incorrect determination means for determining whether an illegal winning has occurred based on the winning detection information generated at the time of occurrence of a winning is detected by the winning detection information generating means;
When it is determined by the winning correct / incorrect determination means that an illegal winning has occurred, illegal winning information generating means for generating illegal winning information;
And a winning detection information erasing unit that erases the winning detection information after the illegal winning information is generated by the illegal winning information generating unit when it is determined by the winning correct / incorrect determining unit that the illegal winning has occurred. Gaming machine. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
When the occurrence of a winning is detected by the winning detection information generating means, the player is determined based on the winning detection information maintained without being erased by the winning detection information erasing means after the determination by the winning correctness determining means. A gaming machine further provided with a privilege granting means for granting a privilege. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The variable winning means is
Including a variable start winning device that generates a predetermined lottery opportunity due to the occurrence of a prize accompanying a change from the non-operating state to the operating state;
When the occurrence of winning in the variable start winning device is detected by the winning detection information generating means, the winning detection maintained without being erased by the winning detection information erasing means after the determination by the winning correctness determination means Based on the information, a lottery element acquisition means for acquiring a lottery element necessary for the internal lottery related to the profit of the player;
Lottery execution means for executing the internal lottery using the lottery element when the lottery element acquired by the lottery element acquisition means exists in a state where a predetermined start condition is satisfied;
When the internal lottery is executed by the lottery execution means, the symbol display means for displaying the symbols in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery after the symbols are variably displayed over a predetermined variation time;
When a symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing winning by the symbol display means when a winning result is obtained in the internal lottery, a special game in which a special condition different from a normal condition is applied is executed. And a special game executing means. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The winning correct / incorrect determination means
Before the variable winning means changes from the non-operating state to the operating state, it is determined that an illegal winning has occurred based on the winning detection information generated by the winning detection information generating means. Gaming machine. In the gaming machine according to claim 4,
The winning correct / incorrect determination means
Before the variable winning means changes from the non-operating state to the operating state, the individual winning detection information generated at each detection by the winning detection information generating means is accumulated, and the result reaches a specified value. It is determined that an illegal prize has occurred,
The winning detection information erasing means is
Even before the cumulative total of the winning detection information by the winning correctness determination means reaches a prescribed value, it is generated by the winning detection information generating means before the variable winning means changes from the non-operating state to the operating state. A gaming machine, wherein all the winning detection information is erased. In the gaming machine according to claim 4 or 5,
The winning correct / incorrect determination means
After the variable winning means changes from the operating state to the non-operating state, an illegal winning occurs based on the winning detection information generated by the winning detection information generating means after a predetermined effective period has elapsed. A gaming machine characterized by judging. The gaming machine according to claim 6,
The winning correct / incorrect determination means
Accumulating the individual winning detection information generated at the time of each detection by the winning detection information generating means after the validity period has passed, and determining that an illegal winning has occurred when the result reaches a specified value,
The winning detection information erasing means is
Erasing all the winning detection information generated by the winning detection information generating means after the validity period has elapsed, even before the cumulative total of the winning detection information by the winning correctness determination means reaches a prescribed value. A featured gaming machine.

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