JP2014064684A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of detecting a fraudulent action to detection means which detects a game medium and stopping control by putout control means without increasing processing loads on a microcomputer for game control.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: a microcomputer for game control which controls progress of a game; putout means which puts out game media; a microcomputer for putout control which controls the putout means; and game medium detection means which outputs signals when detecting the game medium put out by the putout means. The game medium detection means outputs a different signal when detecting abnormality; and the microcomputer for putout control includes putout control means which controls the putout means on the basis of the signal outputted from the microcomputer for game control, and putout stop control means which executes control of stopping the control by the putout control means when the different signal is outputted from the game medium detection means.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine that allows a player to play a predetermined game using a game medium and pays out the game medium based on a predetermined payout condition being satisfied.

  As a gaming machine, a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game medium wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of game media are paid out to the player. There is something to be done.

  Game progress in the gaming machine is controlled by game control means such as a microcomputer. If the payout control means for controlling the payout of game media is mounted on a payout control board different from the game control board (main board) on which the game control means is mounted, the progress of the game is mounted on the main board Therefore, the number of prize game media based on the winning is determined by the game control means, and a control command indicating the number of prize game media is transmitted to the payout control board. Then, the payout control means performs a process of paying out the prize game medium based on the winning based on the control command from the game control means.

  In addition, a switch for detecting a game ball is provided in order to more reliably detect an illegal act against a detecting means for detecting a game medium for the purpose of preventing the game medium as a prize from being illegally paid out by an illegal act. There is a gaming machine that includes a proximity switch provided on the upstream side of the flow path of the game ball and a photo sensor provided on the downstream side (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-279395 A

  If a switch for detecting a game ball composed of a proximity switch and a photosensor described in Patent Document 1 is used, an illegal act against a detection means for detecting a game medium can be detected more reliably. However, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the number of passages, and when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, a process for shifting the gaming machine to an error state is executed by the gaming control microcomputer. This increases the processing load on the game control microcomputer.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a gaming machine capable of detecting fraudulent acts on the detection means for detecting game media and stopping the control by the payout control means without increasing the processing burden of the game control microcomputer. For the purpose.

(1) The gaming machine according to the present invention enables a player to play a predetermined game using a game medium (for example, a game ball), and that a predetermined payout condition is satisfied (for example, a game is played at a prize opening) A game machine that pays out game media based on the winning of a ball), and a game control microcomputer that controls the progress of the game (for example, a game control microcomputer 560) and a game machine that pays out game media A means (for example, a ball paying device 97), a payout control microcomputer (for example, a payout control microcomputer 370) for controlling the payout means, and a signal output when a game medium paid out by the payout means is detected A game medium detecting means (for example, a payout number counting switch 301), and the game medium detecting means detects an influence of an induced magnetic field (for example, an induced magnetic field). A different signal (for example, FIG. 6) when a game is detected, when a payout switch abnormality detection error 1-2 occurs, or when a game medium is not detected despite payout control being performed. The payout control microcomputer controls the payout means based on the signal output from the game control microcomputer (for example, the payout control microcomputer). 370 is a portion that executes the prize ball lending control process in step S756) and a payout stop control means (for example, payout control) that performs control to stop the control by the payout control means when a different signal is output from the game medium detecting means. Microcomputer 370 determines in steps S606 to S607 that the output signal is less than VSH. Portion and to set the payout switch abnormality detection error 3 bits of error flag, error bits in step S622 is characterized in that it comprises a portion, etc.) and is not started when the payout control is set.
With such a configuration, it is possible to detect an abnormality and stop the control by the payout control means without increasing the processing load of the game control microcomputer.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above,
The payout control microcomputer can perform a predetermined operation (e.g., error cancel switch 375) without initializing (e.g., resetting the power) of fluctuation data (e.g., power supply) that fluctuates with the control of the game control microcomputer. Part of the payout restart control means (for example, the error bit is reset and the payout control microcomputer 370 can start the payout control in step S622) for restarting the payout of the game medium by the payout means stopped based on the operation) ) May be included.
With such a configuration, it is possible to resume the payout of the game medium by the payout means stopped without initializing the fluctuating data that fluctuates with the control of the game control microcomputer. It is possible to reduce the damage that the player suffers when the control by the payout control means is stopped due to the detection of an abnormal abnormality.

(3) In the gaming machine of the above (1) or (2), a detection device (for example, a plurality of detection means (for example, an upper passage detection switch, a lower passage detection switch)) for detecting game media (for example, The detection unit 200) includes a light emitting unit (for example, light emitting elements 203a and 203c) and a light receiving unit (for example, light receiving elements 203b and 203d), and is directed from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit. The optical axis of the light is arranged so as to be an orthogonal direction substantially orthogonal to the traveling direction of the game medium (for example, as shown in FIG. 33, the light beams 205a and 205b are directed in the traveling direction (X direction) of the game ball. The plurality of detection means are configured such that the optical axis of one detection means and the optical axis of a detection means other than the one detection means are paired in the traveling direction and the orthogonal direction. (For example, as shown in FIG. 33 (c), when the detection unit 200 is viewed from the side, the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are When the traveling direction is viewed as a coordinate axis, the distance difference A is arranged on the coordinate axis, and the distance difference B is also arranged with respect to the direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the game ball). Based on the detection order in which the game media are detected by the detection means, abnormality determination means for determining whether or not an abnormal game medium is detected (for example, a part for executing step S21009 in the game control microcomputer 560). May be provided.
With such a configuration, an act of illegally detecting a game medium can be prevented, and the countermeasures against fraud can be further strengthened.

(4) In the gaming machines of the above (1) to (3), variable display for deriving and displaying a display result by performing variable display of a plurality of types of identification information (for example, special symbols and decorative symbols) that can identify each of them. A specific gaming state (for example, a big hit state) advantageous to the player when a predetermined specific display result (for example, a big hit symbol) is derived in the means (for example, the special symbol display device 8 or the variable display device 9). Prior to derivation and display of the variable information display result of the identification information, a prior determination means (for example, a game) A part in which the control microcomputer 560 executes step S3000) and a first operation of the player (for example, an operation of pulling the stick controller 31A forward or an operation of pushing it to the game machine side) First detection means (for example, controller sensor unit 35A) and second detection means for detecting a second action different from the player's first action (an action in which the push button 31B is continuously hit or long-pressed) ( For example, a special effect execution means (for example, super reach) that executes a special effect (for example, super reach) when a predetermined condition is satisfied (when the game control microcomputer 560 determines a change pattern of super reach). The part where the effect control CPU executes the effect control process in step S75) and the first promotion effect that promotes the player to perform the first action or the player that performs the second action Promotion effect execution means for executing the second promotion effect to be performed (for example, a portion where the effect control CPU executes effect processing during the variable display) And when the special effect is executed by the special effect executing means, the promotion effect executing means includes the first promotion effect and the second promotion effect so that the degree of expectation is different based on the determination result of the prior determination means. (For example, a portion for executing the first promotion effect and the second promotion effect so that the reliability S1 of the first promotion effect is higher than the reliability S2 of the first promotion effect) ) And the execution of the second promotion effect during the predetermined period before and / or after the execution of the first promotion effect and the period during the execution of the first promotion effect (for example, the CPU for effect control performs stepping). The part that executes the process of S6090) may be configured.
With such a configuration, the execution of the second promotion effect is restricted during a predetermined period before and / or after the execution of the first promotion effect and a period during the execution of the first promotion effect. It is possible to prevent a decrease in game entertainment due to the complexity of the game. Also, when the special effect is executed, the degree of expectation varies depending on whether the promotion effect to be executed is the first promotion effect or the second promotion effect. Since it becomes possible to make the player pay attention to whether it is the first promotion effect or the second promotion effect, it is possible to improve the game entertainment.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a front view which shows the front surface of the game board in the state which removed the glass door frame. It is the rear view which looked at the gaming machine from the back. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a payout control board. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the system of the detection means which can detect a payout game ball. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the table memory for jackpot determination. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which the microcomputer for game control performs. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which the microcomputer for game control performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 2 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the control signal output with respect to the payout control means from a game control means. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the control command transmitted / received between a game control means and a payout control means. It is a block diagram which shows the signal line etc. which are used for transmission / reception of a control signal and a control command. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing signal transmission and reception between a game control microcomputer and a payout control microcomputer during normal operation. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol normal process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each 2 byte buffer formed in RAM used by switch processing. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of a switch process. It is a flowchart which shows an input port data confirmation process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a prize ball command output counter processing table. It is a flowchart which shows an input determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU for payout control performs. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process which CPU for payout control performs. It is a flowchart which shows a main control communication process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball lending control process. It is a flowchart which shows the payout start waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows a payout motor stop waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows payout passage waiting processing. It is a flowchart which shows payout passage waiting processing. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which the microcomputer 100 for sound / lamp control mounted in the sound / lamp control board performs. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of a detection unit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a state transition when a game ball passes a detection unit. It is the time chart which showed the change of the detection state of an upper passage detection switch and a lower passage detection switch when a game ball passes a detection unit with progress of time. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the case where several game balls have passed the passage opening of the detection unit continuously. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of a switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of a switch process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a switch state transition table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control main processing. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a fluctuation display start setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a notice effect setting process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a 1st promotion effect determination table. It is a figure which shows the example of the period until the symbol on either side stops from the time of a fluctuation | variation start. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a 2nd promotion effect determination process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a 2nd promotion effect determination table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a promotion production | presentation determination table (for super reach). It is a figure which shows the calculation example of the reliability of the 1st promotion effect A at the time of super reach generation, and the relationship of the reliability of various promotion effects. It is a figure which shows the object operation | movement of various promotion effects. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a super reach promotion effect determination process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the production | presentation process during fluctuation display. It is a figure for demonstrating the timing when each promotion effect in the case of performing the 1st and 2nd promotion effect is performed.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the front, and FIG. 2 is a front view showing the front of the game board. In the following embodiments, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example. However, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and can be applied to other gaming machines such as a slot machine.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and a game frame attached to the inside of the outer frame so as to be opened and closed. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape that is provided in the game frame so as to be opened and closed. The game frame includes a front frame (not shown) installed to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate to which mechanism parts and the like are attached, and various parts attached to them (excluding a game board described later). Is a structure including

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2 is a hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3. Under the hitting ball supply tray 3, an extra ball receiving tray (lower plate) 4 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hit ball supply tray 3 and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for launching the game balls are provided. . A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back surface of the glass door frame 2. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-like body constituting the game board 6 and various components attached to the plate-like body. A game area 7 is formed on the front surface of the game board 6.

  Near the center of the game area 7, there is provided a variable display device (decorative symbol display device) 9 including a plurality of variable display portions each variably displaying an effect decorative symbol. The variable display device 9 has, for example, three variable display portions (symbol display areas) of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. The variable display device 9 performs variable display of a decorative symbol as a symbol for decoration (production) during the variable symbol display period of the special symbol by the special symbol indicator 8. The variable display device 9 that performs variable display of decorative symbols is controlled by a symbol control microcomputer mounted on the symbol control board.

  At the bottom of the variable display device 9, four special symbol hold memory indicators 18 for displaying the number of valid winning balls that have entered the start winning opening 14, that is, the number of hold memories (also referred to as start memory or start prize memory), are provided. ing. The special symbol reservation storage display 18 displays up to four reservation storage numbers in the order of winning. The special symbol hold storage display 18 increases the number of LEDs in the lit state by 1 each time there is a start winning in the start winning opening 14. Then, each time the special symbol display 8 starts variable display, the special symbol hold storage indicator 18 reduces the number of LEDs in the lit state by 1 (that is, turns off one LED). Specifically, the special symbol hold storage display 18 shifts the lighting state each time variable display is started on the special symbol display 8. In this example, the upper limit number (up to 4) is provided for the number of starting memories by winning to the start winning opening 14, but the upper limit number may be four or more.

  A special symbol display (special symbol display device) 8 that variably displays a special symbol as identification information is provided on the variable display device 9. In this embodiment, the special symbol display 8 is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9, for example. The special symbol display 8 may be configured to variably display a larger number of numbers such as 0 to 99 in order to make it difficult for the player to grasp a specific stop symbol. In addition, the variable display device 9 performs variable display of a decorative symbol as a symbol for decoration (for production) during the variable symbol display period of the special symbol by the special symbol indicator 8.

  Below the variable display device 9 is provided a variable winning ball device 15 that forms a start winning opening 14. The variable winning ball device 15 is configured to be able to open and close the wings, and when the wings are open, the game ball is likely to win a prize (open state), and when the wings are not open (closed). The game ball becomes difficult to win (closed state). The winning ball that has entered the start winning opening 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the start opening switch 14a. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16. The first winning prize opening may be provided directly above the variable winning ball apparatus 15, and the variable winning ball apparatus 15 may be used as the second starting prize opening.

  Below the variable winning ball apparatus 15, a special variable winning ball apparatus 20 using an opening / closing plate that is controlled to be opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific gaming state (big hit state) is provided. The special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is a means for opening and closing the big winning opening. Of the winning balls that are won in the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 and guided to the back of the game board 6, the winning ball that has entered one (V winning area: special area) is detected by the V winning switch 22 and then counted by the count switch 23. The game ball that has been detected and entered the other region is detected by the count switch 23 as it is. On the back of the game board 6, a solenoid 21A for switching the route in the special winning opening is also provided. In this embodiment, the condition that the game ball enters the V winning area in the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 and the game ball is detected by the V winning switch 22 is a condition for continuing the big hit round. A predetermined number of rounds may be automatically continued without providing the V winning area in the winning ball apparatus 20.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, variable display is performed by alternately lighting left and right lamps (designs can be visually recognized when lit). For example, if the left lamp is lit at the end of variable display, it is a hit. When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol start memory display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Each time there is a game ball passing through the gate 32, the normal symbol start memory display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Each time the variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one.

  The game board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning holes 29, 30, 33, 39, and winning of game balls to the winning holes 29, 30, 33, 39 is performed by winning hole switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a, respectively. Detected. Each winning opening 29, 30, 33, 39 constitutes a winning area provided in the game board 6 as an area for accepting game media and allowing winning. The start winning opening 14 and the big winning opening also constitute a winning area that accepts game media and allows winning. In addition, instead of the configuration in which the game balls won in the winning ports 29, 30, 33, and 39 are detected by the winning switch, a configuration in which the detection switch detects that the game ball has passed a predetermined area (for example, a gate) may be adopted. Good. Around the left and right of the game area 7, there are provided decorative lamps 25 blinking and displayed during the game, and at the lower part there is an outlet 26 for absorbing a game ball that has not won a prize. Two speakers 27 that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, and a right frame lamp 28c are provided. Further, a decoration LED is installed around each structure (such as a big prize opening) in the game area 7. The top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, and the decoration LED are examples of a decorative light emitter provided in the gaming machine.

  In this example, a prize ball lamp 51 that is lit during award ball payout is provided in the vicinity of the left frame lamp 28b, and a ball break lamp 52 that is lit when the supply ball is cut in the vicinity of the top frame lamp 28a. Is provided. Further, a prepaid card unit (hereinafter referred to as “card unit”) 50 that enables lending a ball by inserting a prepaid card is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The card unit 50 includes, for example, a usable display lamp that indicates whether or not the card unit 50 is in a usable state, a connection table direction indicator that indicates which side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 corresponds to the card unit, and a card unit. When checking the card insertion indicator lamp indicating that a card is inserted in the card, the card insertion slot into which the card as a recording medium is inserted, and the card reader / writer mechanism provided on the back of the card insertion slot A card unit lock for releasing the card unit is provided.

  A game ball launched from the ball striking device by the player's operation enters the game area 7 through the hit ball rail, and then descends the game area 7. When the game ball enters the start winning opening 14 and is detected by the start opening switch 14a, the special symbol on the special symbol display 8 starts variable display (variation) if the variable display of the symbol can be started. If the variable display of the symbol cannot be started, the number of reserved memories is increased by one.

  The variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display device 8 stops when a certain time has elapsed. If the special symbol (stop symbol) at the time of stoppage is a jackpot symbol (specific display result), the game shifts to a jackpot gaming state. That is, the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is released until a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of gaming balls wins. When the game ball is won in the V winning area while the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is opened and detected by the V winning switch 22, a continuation right is generated and the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is opened again. The generation of the continuation right is allowed a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds). Further, without providing the V winning area, the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 may be allowed to be released up to the last round of the determined number of rounds (for example, up to 15 rounds).

  When the special symbol on the special symbol display 8 at the time of stoppage is a jackpot symbol (probability variation symbol) with a probability variation, the probability of the next jackpot increases. That is, it becomes a more advantageous state for the player in the probability variation state.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32, the normal symbol display unit 10 enters a state in which the normal symbol is variably displayed. Further, when the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined time.

  Also, the stick controller 31A that can be held and tilted by the player is attached to the member that forms the lower plate, for example, at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the lower plate body (for example, the central portion of the lower plate). It has been. The stick controller 31A includes an operation stick that the player holds, and a trigger button is provided at a predetermined position of the operation stick (for example, a position where the index finger of the operator is hooked when the player holds the operation stick). Yes. The trigger button can be operated in a predetermined direction by performing a push-pull operation with a predetermined operation finger (for example, an index finger) in a state where the player holds the operation stick of the stick controller 31A with an operation hand (for example, the left hand). What is necessary is just to be comprised. A trigger sensor that detects a predetermined instruction operation such as a push / pull operation on the trigger button may be incorporated in the operation rod.

  A tilt direction sensor unit for detecting a tilting operation (first operation) with respect to the operating rod may be provided inside the lower pan body in the lower portion of the stick controller 31A. For example, the tilt direction sensor unit includes two transmissive photosensors (parallel sensors) arranged in parallel to the board surface of the game board 6 on the left side of the center position of the operation rod when viewed from the player side facing the pachinko gaming machine 1. And a pair of transmissive photosensors (vertical sensor pairs) arranged perpendicularly to the surface of the game board 6 on the right side of the center position of the operation rod when viewed from the player side. What is necessary is just to be comprised including the photo sensor.

  The member that forms the upper plate includes, for example, a push button 31B that allows a player to perform a predetermined instruction operation by a pressing operation or the like at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the upper plate body (for example, above the stick controller 31A). Is provided. The push button 31B only needs to be configured to be able to detect a predetermined instruction operation (second operation) by a pressing operation from a player or the like mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically. A push sensor 35B that detects the second action by the player made to the push button 31B may be provided inside the main body of the upper plate at the installation position of the push button 31B. Thus, in this embodiment, the player's operation mode differs between the first operation and the second operation.

  Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming machine as seen from the back side.

  As shown in FIG. 3, on the back side of the gaming machine, a variable display control unit 49 including a symbol control board 80a on which a symbol control microcomputer for controlling the variable display device 9 is mounted, a game control microcomputer and the like are mounted. A game control board (main board) 31 is installed. In addition, a payout control board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer for performing ball payout control is mounted is installed. The variable display control unit controls lighting of the various decorative LEDs, the decorative lamp 25, the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, and the right frame lamp 28c provided on the frame side together with the symbol control board 80a. A sound / lamp control board on which a sound / lamp control microcomputer for controlling sound generation from the sound is mounted.

  Further, a power supply substrate 910 and a touch sensor substrate 91 on which a power supply circuit for generating DC30V, DC21V, DC12V, and DC5V is mounted are provided. Although most of the power supply substrate 910 overlaps with the main substrate 31, there is an exposed portion that is exposed so as to be visible from the outside without overlapping the main substrate 31. This exposed portion is supplied with the main board 31 and each control board (sound / lamp control board, symbol control board 80a and payout control board 37) in the gaming machine 1 and each electrical component (electric power supplied to the gaming machine). A power switch is provided as a power supply permission means for executing or cutting off the power supply to the component operating by the operation. Furthermore, a replaceable fuse is provided inside the power switch in the exposed portion (inside the substrate). In this embodiment, the main board 31 is provided on the frame side, but may be provided on the board side. In that case, the communication between the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 as will be described later is performed by serial communication, thereby facilitating the routing of the wiring when replacing the panel.

  Each control board is equipped with control means including a control microcomputer. The control means is an electrical component (game device: ball payout device 97, variable display device 9, light emission from a lamp, LED, etc.) provided in the gaming machine according to a command signal (control signal) as a command from the game control means or the like. Body, speaker 27, etc.). Hereinafter, the main board 31 may be included in the control board for explanation. In that case, the control means mounted on the control board refers to each of the game control means and the means for controlling the electrical components provided in the gaming machine in accordance with a command signal from the game control means or the like. A substrate on which a microcomputer other than the main substrate 31 is mounted may be referred to as a sub-substrate. The ball payout device 97 is a device for paying out a game ball guided by a passage for guiding the game ball and a sprocket driven by a stepping motor or the like to an upper plate or a lower plate. A payout number counting switch for counting prize balls is also configured as a part of the unit.

  On the back side of the gaming machine, a terminal board 160 provided with terminals for outputting various information to the outside of the gaming machine is installed above. The terminal board 160 includes at least a ball break terminal for introducing the output of the ball break detection switch 167 and outputting it externally, a prize ball terminal for outputting prize ball information (prize ball number signal) and a ball. A ball lending terminal for externally outputting lending information (ball lending number signal) is provided. Further, an information terminal board (information output board) 36 having terminals for outputting various information from the main board 31 to the outside of the gaming machine is installed near the center.

  The game balls stored in the storage tank 38 pass through the guide rail 39 and reach the ball payout device covered with the payout case 40A via the curve rod. A ball break switch 187 as a game medium break detection means is provided on the upper part of the ball payout device. When the ball break switch 187 detects a ball break, the dispensing operation of the ball dispensing device stops. The ball break switch 187 is a switch for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball in the game ball passage, but the ball break detection switch 167 for detecting the shortage of supply balls in the storage tank 38 is also an upstream portion (storage tank 38). In the vicinity of the head). When the ball break detection switch 167 detects the shortage of game balls, the game machine is replenished to the game machine from the supply mechanism provided on the gaming machine installation island.

  When a large number of game balls as prizes based on winning a prize and game balls based on a ball lending request are paid out and the hitting ball supply tray 3 is full, the game balls are guided to the surplus ball receiving tray 4 through the surplus ball passage. When the game ball is further paid out, a sensing lever (not shown) presses a full tank switch (not shown) as a storage state detection means, and the full tank switch as a storage state detection means is turned on. In this state, the rotation of the payout motor in the ball payout device is stopped, the operation of the ball payout device is stopped, and the driving of the ball hitting device is also stopped.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board (game control board) 31. FIG. 4 also shows a payout control board 37, a sound / lamp control board 80b, a symbol control board 80a, and the like. A game control microcomputer (corresponding to game control means) 560 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program is mounted on the main board 31. The game control microcomputer 560 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operations in accordance with the program, and an I / O port unit 57. including. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to include at least the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 may be external or internal. The I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached.

  In the game control microcomputer 560, the CPU 56 executes control in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 54, so that the game control microcomputer 560 (or CPU 56) executes (or performs processing) hereinafter. Specifically, the CPU 56 executes control according to a program. The same applies to microcomputers mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31.

  The game control microcomputer 560 includes a random number circuit 503. The random number circuit 503 is a hardware circuit that is used to generate a random number for determination to determine whether or not to win a jackpot based on a display result of variable symbol special display. The random number circuit 503 updates numerical data in accordance with a set update rule within a numerical range in which an initial value (for example, 0) and an upper limit value (for example, 65535) are set, and starts at a random timing Based on the fact that the winning time is the reading (extraction) of the numerical data, it has a random number generation function in which the numerical data to be read becomes a random value.

  The random number circuit 503 includes a numeric data update range selection setting function (initial value selection setting function and upper limit value selection setting function), numeric data update rule selection setting function, and numeric data update rule selection. It has various functions such as a switching function. With such a function, the randomness of the generated random numbers can be improved.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 has a function of setting an initial value of numerical data updated by the random number circuit 503. For example, a predetermined calculation is performed using the ID number of the game control microcomputer 560 stored in a predetermined storage area such as the ROM 54 (an ID number assigned with a different value for each product of the game control microcomputer 560). The numerical data obtained by the execution is set as the initial value of the numerical data updated by the random number circuit 503. By performing such processing, the randomness of the random number generated by the random number circuit 503 can be further improved.

  The game control microcomputer 560 reads numerical data from the random number circuit 503 as a random R when a start winning to the start port switch 14a occurs, and performs a specific display based on the random R at the start of the variation of the special symbol and the production symbol. It is determined whether or not to make a jackpot display result as a result, that is, whether or not to make a jackpot. Then, when it is determined to be a big hit, the gaming state is shifted to a big hit gaming state as a specific gaming state advantageous to the player.

  The game control microcomputer 560 inputs / outputs signals through serial communication with the payout control board 37 (the payout control microcomputer 370) and the sound / lamp control board 80b (the sound / lamp control microcomputer) ( A serial communication circuit 505 for transmission / reception) is incorporated. The payout control microcomputer 370 and the sound / lamp control microcomputer also incorporate a serial communication circuit for inputting / outputting signals through the game control microcomputer 560 through serial communication (the payout control microcomputer). (See FIG. 5 for the serial communication circuit built in 370). However, in this embodiment, a signal is output only from the game control microcomputer 560 to the sound / lamp control microcomputer, and a signal is output from the sound / lamp control microcomputer 560 to the game control microcomputer 560. Is not output, the sound / lamp control microcomputer has a built-in serial communication circuit for inputting a signal. Communication between the game control microcomputer 560 and the sound / lamp control microcomputer is not limited to serial communication, but may be parallel communication.

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage means, part or all of which is backed up by a backup power supply created on the power supply board. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 is stored for a predetermined period (until the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply cannot be supplied). In particular, at least data corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means (such as a special symbol process flag and the value of the pending storage number counter) and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are stored in the backup RAM. The data corresponding to the control state of the game control means is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like occurs. Further, data corresponding to the control state and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are defined as data indicating the progress state of the game. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire RAM 55 is backed up.

  A reset signal from the power supply board is input to the reset terminal of the game control microcomputer 560. A reset circuit for generating a reset signal supplied to the game control microcomputer 560 and the like is mounted on the power supply board. When the reset signal becomes high level, the game control microcomputer 560 and the like are in an operable state, and when the reset signal becomes low level, the game control microcomputer 560 and the like are in an operation stop state. Therefore, an allowable signal that allows the operation of the game control microcomputer 560 or the like is output during a period when the reset signal is at a high level, and a game control microcomputer is output when the reset signal is at a low level. An operation stop signal for stopping the operation of 560 or the like is output. Note that the reset circuit may be mounted on each electric component control board (a board on which a microcomputer for controlling the electric parts is mounted).

  Further, a power-off signal indicating that the power supply voltage from the power supply board has dropped below a predetermined value is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the power supply board monitors the voltage value of a predetermined voltage (for example, DC30V or DC5V) used in the gaming machine, and when the voltage value decreases to a predetermined value (the power supply voltage is reduced). A power supply monitoring circuit that outputs a power-off signal indicating that). A clear signal (not shown) indicating that the clear switch for instructing to clear the contents of the RAM is operated is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 560.

  Further, an input driver circuit 58 for supplying the basic circuit 53 with detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, the V winning switch 22 and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a and 39a is also provided on the main board 31. An output circuit 59 that drives the solenoid 16 that opens and closes the variable winning ball device 15, the solenoid 21 that opens and closes the special variable winning ball device, and the solenoid 21 A for switching the path in the special winning opening according to a command from the basic circuit 53. Is also mounted on the main board 31, and a system reset circuit (not shown) for resetting the game control microcomputer 560 when the power is turned on, and an information output signal such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state are output to a hall computer, etc. Information output circuit (not shown) ) It has also been installed in the main board 31.

  In this embodiment, the sound / lamp control means (configured by a sound / lamp control microcomputer) mounted on the sound / lamp control board 80 b is connected to the game control microcomputer 560 via the relay board 77. The effect control command from is received and transferred to the symbol control board 80a. Then, the symbol control means (comprising a symbol control microcomputer) mounted on the symbol control board 80a receives the effect control command from the sound / lamp control means, and variably displays the decorative symbol. 9 display control is performed.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing components related to payout, such as the payout control board 37 and the ball payout device 97. As shown in FIG. 5, a payout control microcomputer 370 including a payout control CPU 371 is mounted on the payout control board 37. In this embodiment, the payout control microcomputer 370 is a one-chip microcomputer and incorporates at least a RAM. The payout control microcomputer 370, the RAM (not shown), the ROM (not shown) storing the payout control program, the I / O port, and the like constitute the payout control means. That is, the payout control means is realized by a payout control CPU 371, a payout control microcomputer 370 having a RAM and a ROM, and an I / O port. The I / O port may be built in the payout control microcomputer 370.

  Detection signals from the ball break switch 187, the full switch 48, and the payout count switch 301 are input to the I / O port 372 f of the payout control board 37 via the relay board 72.

  A detection signal from the payout motor position sensor 295 is input to the I / O port 372e of the payout control board 37 via the relay board 72. The payout motor position sensor 295 is a sensor comprising a light emitting element (LED) and a light receiving element for detecting the rotational position of the payout motor 289, and is used for detecting that the game ball is clogged, that is, so-called ball biting. . In the dispensing control microcomputer 370 mounted on the dispensing control board 37, the detection signal from the ball break switch 187 indicates that the ball is out of ball, or the detection signal from the full tank switch 48 indicates that the ball is full. Then, the ball payout process is stopped.

  Further, when the detection signal from the full tank switch 48 indicates a full state, the payout control microcomputer 370 has a low level with respect to the launch board 90 in order to stop the ball launch from the hitting ball launcher. A full tank signal is output. A launch motor signal output from the AND circuit 91 of the launch board 90 to the launch motor 94 is transmitted from the launch board 90 to the launch motor 94. A full tank signal from the payout control microcomputer 370 is input to one of the input sides of the AND circuit 91 mounted on the launch board 90, and a drive signal from the drive signal generation circuit 92 (for driving the launch motor 94). Is a signal that serves to supply power from the power supply board.) Is input to the other input side of the AND circuit 91. Then, the firing motor signal of the AND circuit 91 is input to the firing motor 94. That is, while the payout control microcomputer 370 is outputting the full tank signal, the output of the firing motor signal to the firing motor 94 is stopped.

  The payout control microcomputer 370 incorporates a serial communication circuit 380 for inputting / outputting (transmitting / receiving) signals with the game control microcomputer 560 through serial communication. In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 and the payout control microcomputer 370 are connected between the game control microcomputer 560 and the payout control microcomputer 370 via serial communication circuits 505 and 380. In order to perform confirmation, signals (prize ball request signal and reception ACK signal) are exchanged (transmitted / received) at regular intervals (for example, 1 second). That is, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a signal (a prize ball request signal in this embodiment) for confirming the connection at regular intervals via the serial communication circuit 505, and the payout control microcomputer 370. When a prize ball request signal is received from the game control microcomputer 560, a signal (reception ACK signal) to that effect is transmitted to the game control microcomputer 560. In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 and the payout control microcomputer 370 are placed at the timing of transmitting and receiving the prize ball request signal and the reception ACK signal by putting specific data on the prize ball request signal and the reception ACK signal. Specific data is exchanged between them. For example, when a winning occurs, the game control microcomputer 560 sets data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out by changing predetermined bits of the prize ball request signal, and the prize for which the setting has been made. The ball request signal is transmitted to the payout control microcomputer 370. When the award ball payout operation ends, the payout control microcomputer 370 sets data indicating the end of the award ball by changing a predetermined bit of the received ACK signal, and plays the received ACK signal for which the setting has been made. It transmits to the control microcomputer 560. In addition, when a predetermined error (an error such as ball lending, full tank, or out of ball) occurs, data indicating the content of the error is set by changing a predetermined bit of the received ACK signal, and the setting is The received reception ACK signal is transmitted to the game control microcomputer 560. Note that specific signal exchange by serial communication between the game control microcomputer 560 and the payout control microcomputer 370 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The payout control microcomputer 370 receives, via the output port 372b, a prize ball information signal indicating the number of prize balls to be paid and a ball lending number signal indicating the number of balls to be rented to a terminal board (frame external terminal board and board external terminal board). Output to 160). A driver circuit is provided outside the output port 372b, but is not shown in FIG. Note that all external outputs may be output via the main board 31. In this case, with respect to the prize ball information signal, the payout control board 37 to the main board 31 each time ten prize balls are paid out. It is sufficient that a signal is input to the information, and information on the number of balls lent may not be output externally.

  Further, the payout control microcomputer 370 outputs an error signal to the error display LED 374 by the 7 segment LED via the output port 372c. Further, a signal for instructing turning on / off is output to the winning ball LED 51 and the ball running out LED 52 via the output port 372b. A detection signal from an error release switch 375 for releasing the error state is input to the input port 372f of the payout control board 37. The error cancel switch 375 is used to cancel the error state by software reset.

  Further, a drive signal from the payout control microcomputer 370 to the payout motor 289 is transmitted to the payout motor 289 in the payout mechanism portion of the ball payout device 97 via the output port 372a and the relay board 72. A driver circuit (motor drive circuit) is installed outside the output port 372a.

  A card unit control microcomputer is mounted on the card unit 50 installed adjacent to the gaming machine. In addition, the card unit 50 is provided with a usable display lamp, a connecting table direction indicator, a card insertion display lamp, and a card insertion slot. A frequency display LED 60, a ball lending LED 61, a ball lending switch 62, and a return switch 63 provided in the vicinity of the hitting ball supply tray 3 are connected to the interface board (relay board) 66.

  A card lending switch signal indicating that the ball lending switch 62 has been operated and a return switch signal indicating that the return switch 63 has been operated are provided to the card unit 50 from the interface board 66 in accordance with the player's operation. . Further, a card balance display signal indicating a prepaid card balance and a ball lending display signal are given from the card unit 50 to the interface board 66. Between the card unit 50 and the payout control board 37, a connection signal (VL signal), a unit operation signal (BRDY signal), a ball lending request signal (BRQ signal), a ball lending completion signal (EXS signal) and a pachinko machine operation signal ( PRDY signal) is transmitted / received via the input port 372f and the output port 372d. An interface board 66 is interposed between the card unit 50 and the payout control board 37. Therefore, a signal such as a connection signal (VL signal) is transmitted and received between the card unit 50 and the payout control board 37 via the interface board 66 as shown in FIG.

  When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the payout control microcomputer 370 mounted on the payout control board 37 outputs a PRDY signal to the card unit 50. The card unit control microcomputer outputs a VL signal when the power is turned on. The payout control microcomputer 370 determines the connected / unconnected state of the card unit 50 according to the input state of the VL signal. When a card is received in the card unit 50, the ball lending switch is operated and a ball lending switch signal is input, the card unit control microcomputer outputs a BRDY signal to the payout control board 37. When a predetermined delay time elapses from this point, the card unit control microcomputer outputs a BRQ signal to the payout control board 37.

  Then, the payout control microcomputer 370 raises the EXS signal to the card unit 50 and, when detecting the fall of the BRQ signal from the card unit 50, drives the payout motor 289 to give a predetermined number of rental balls to the player. Pay out. When the payout is completed, the payout control microcomputer 370 causes the EXS signal to the card unit 50 to fall. Thereafter, on the condition that the BRDY signal from the card unit 50 is not in the ON state, the winning ball payout control is executed when a payout command signal is received from the game control means.

  The power supply voltage AC24V used in the card unit 50 is supplied from the payout control board 37. That is, power supply from the power supply board 910 to the card unit 50 is performed via the payout control board 37 and the interface board 66. In this example, a fuse for protecting the card unit 50 is provided in a 24 V AC power supply line for the card unit 50 arranged in the interface board 66, and a voltage higher than a predetermined voltage is supplied to the card unit 50. It is prevented.

  Further, in this embodiment, the case where the card unit 50 is installed adjacent to the gaming machine as a separate body from the gaming machine is taken as an example, but the card unit 50 may be integrated with the gaming machine. . Further, the present invention can be applied even in the case where game balls corresponding to the amount of money are lent out in accordance with coin insertion.

  In this embodiment, the sound / lamp control board 80b performs sound output control of the sound output device 27 and display control of each lamp 25, 28a, 28b, 28c. The symbol control board 80a performs display control of the variable display device 9. In this embodiment, “effect control” means display control of the variable display device 9, sound output control of the speaker 27, and display control of the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, and 28c. It means performing such as. Further, the effect control means is a sound / lamp control for performing the display control of the variable display device 9, the sound output control of the speaker 27, and the display control of the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, 28c. This is realized by the microcomputer 100b. In this embodiment, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b and / or the symbol control microcomputer 100a may be referred to as production control means. Also, only the effect control board may be provided for effect control without providing the sound / lamp control board 80b and the symbol control board 80a. Moreover, one microcomputer may be mounted on the effect control board, and control related to the effect may be performed by the microcomputer.

  The sound / lamp control board 80b is mounted with a sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b including a sound / lamp control CPU 101b and a RAM. The RAM may be externally attached. In the sound / lamp control board 80b, the sound / lamp control CPU 101b operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown). The sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b includes a serial communication circuit 101c that inputs / outputs (transmits / receives) signals with the game control microcomputer 560 through serial communication.

  The signal input from the main board 31 (the serial communication circuit 505 of the game control microcomputer 560) is passed through the relay board 77 only in the direction toward the sound / lamp control board 80b (from the sound / lamp control board 80b). A unidirectional circuit 74 is mounted as a signal direction restricting means (a signal is not allowed to pass in the direction toward the relay board 77). For example, a diode or a transistor is used as the unidirectional circuit.

  Further, the sound / lamp control CPU 101 b outputs a signal for driving the lamp to the lamp driver 352. The lamp driver 352 amplifies a signal for driving the lamp and supplies the amplified signal to each lamp provided on the frame side such as the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, and the right frame lamp 28c. Further, it is supplied to a decorative lamp 25 provided on the frame side.

  Further, the sound / lamp control CPU 101b outputs sound number data to the speech synthesis IC 173. The voice synthesizing IC 173 generates a voice or a sound effect corresponding to the sound number data and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 175. The amplifier circuit 175 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 173 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 176 to the speaker 27. The voice data ROM 174 stores control data corresponding to the sound number data. The control data corresponding to the sound number data is a collection of data indicating the sound effect or sound output mode in a time series in a predetermined period (for example, a decorative symbol variation period).

  The signal for driving the lamp and the sound number data are communicated between the sound / lamp control CPU 101b, the lamp driver 352, and the speech synthesis IC 173 (a response signal is transmitted from the signal receiving side to the transmitting side). Communication).

  Further, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b determines the contents of the effect to be performed using the variable display device 9 based on the effect control command (for example, the variation pattern command). For example, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b uses the variable display device 9 to determine whether to perform a notice effect. Further, for example, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100 b determines the type of the notice effect to be performed using the variable display device 9.

  The “notice effect” is an effect for informing the player in advance (before the decorative symbol stop symbol is derived and displayed on the variable display device 9) that it is a big hit or is likely to be a big hit. Say. For example, the player is informed that there is a possibility of a big hit by changing a different mode (speed, direction of rotation, etc.) or making a character appear during the change.

  In addition, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100 b transfers (transmits) an effect control command (for example, a display result designation command) from the main board 31 to the symbol control board 80 a via the input / output port 104. Further, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b generates an effect content designation command indicating the determined effect content (whether or not to perform the notice effect and the type of the notice effect). In addition, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100 b transmits the generated effect content designation command to the symbol control board 80 a via the input / output port 104.

  Note that the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b adds the determined contents (whether or not to perform the notice effect and the type of the notice effect) to the effect control command (variation pattern command or display result designation command). Also good. Then, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100 b may transmit an effect control command to which the effect content is added to the symbol control board 80 a via the input / output port 104.

  The symbol control board 80a is equipped with a symbol control microcomputer 100a including a symbol control CPU 101a and RAM. The RAM may be externally attached. In the symbol control board 80a, the symbol control CPU 101a operates according to a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown). Further, the symbol control CPU 101a causes the VDP (video display processor) 109 to perform display control of the variable display device 9 using the LCD, based on the effect control command received from the sound / lamp control board 80b.

  The symbol control CPU 101a reads necessary data from a character ROM (not shown) in accordance with the received effect control command. The character ROM is used for storing in advance image data of an image displayed on the variable display device 9, specifically, a person, a character, a figure, a symbol, or the like (including decorative designs). The symbol control CPU 101a outputs the data read from the character ROM to the VDP 109. The VDP 109 executes display control based on data input from the symbol control CPU 101a.

  In this embodiment, the VDP 109 that performs display control of the variable display device 9 is mounted on the symbol control board 80a. The VDP 109 has an address space independent of the symbol control microcomputer 100a, and maps a VRAM therein. The VRAM is a buffer memory for expanding image data generated by the VDP. Then, the VDP 109 outputs the image data in the VRAM to the variable display device 9. Note that a number of VDPs corresponding to the number of variable display devices may be mounted on the symbol control board 80a.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method of detection means capable of detecting a payout game ball. FIG. 6A shows a proximity switch that can detect an induced magnetic field. FIG. 6A shows an example in which the payout number count switch 301 is used. A + 12V power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply board 910 to the V terminal of the payout number count switch 301. A detection signal that is the voltage level of the O terminal of the payout number count switch 301 is input to the payout control board 37. In the payout control board 37, the detection signal is input to the input port of the payout control microcomputer 370. Further, a load resistor is connected between the V terminal and the O terminal of the payout number count switch 301.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, when a metal game ball does not pass through the hole provided in the proximity switch, no current flows from the O terminal of the proximity switch, and a potential difference is generated between both ends of the load resistance. Therefore, the output level is a value obtained by subtracting the potential difference from the power supply voltage, and the output of the payout number count switch 301 exceeds the low determination threshold (VL) level but is less than the high determination threshold (VH) level. When the metal game ball passes through the hole provided in the proximity switch, the output of the payout number count switch 301 exceeds the high level determination threshold (VH) level. For example, when a metal game ball passes through a hole provided in the proximity switch, the voltage level is almost the same as the power supply voltage, and current flows from the O terminal. At this time, there is no potential difference between both ends of the load resistance. The output of the number count switch 301 has a voltage level almost the same as the power supply voltage. When the induction magnetic field is detected, the output of the payout number count switch 301 becomes less than the detection threshold (VSH) level regardless of whether or not the metal game ball passes through the hole provided in the proximity switch. . For example, under the influence of an induced magnetic field, a weak current flows from the O terminal and a large potential difference is generated at both ends of the load resistance. Therefore, the output level is subtracted from the power supply voltage.

  By using the payout count switch 301 shown in FIG. 6, the payout control microcomputer 370 allows the input detection signal to exceed the low determination threshold (VL) level and below the high determination threshold (VH) level. Can determine that the game ball has not passed the switch. Further, the payout control microcomputer 370 can determine that the game ball has passed the switch when the input detection signal is equal to or higher than the high determination threshold (VH). Furthermore, the payout control microcomputer 370 can determine that the induced magnetic field has been detected when the input detection signal is less than the detection threshold (VSH). That is, it can be determined that the proximity switch is irradiated with radio waves from the outside. As described above, in this embodiment, the payout control microcomputer 370 radiates radio waves from the outside along with whether or not the game ball has passed through the switch based on the detection signal output from the payout number count switch 301. It can be determined whether or not. In this embodiment, the state where the input detection signal is equal to or higher than the high determination threshold (VH) is also expressed as the detection signal of the payout number count switch 301 being in the on state. Further, the state where the input detection signal exceeds the low determination threshold (VL) level and is below the high determination threshold (VH) level is also expressed as the detection signal of the payout number count switch 301 being in the OFF state. As described above, in this embodiment, when a radio wave is detected (when the payout number count switch 301 is affected by the induced magnetic field), the output of the payout number count switch 301 is at the detection threshold (VSH) level. Therefore, it is possible to detect fraudulent acts such as irradiating the gaming machine with radio waves, causing the gaming ball detection switch to malfunction, and illegally operating the award ball count. Therefore, in this embodiment, when an illegal act that illegally manipulates the prize ball count is detected, it is possible to prevent damage caused by such an illegal act by stopping the payout. The payout count switch 301 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 6, and the circuit configuration is such that the output level is opposite to that in the example shown in FIG. 6 when the game ball passes through the switch and when it does not pass through the switch. It may be.

  The jackpot determination table memory 571 stores a plurality of jackpot determination tables used by the CPU 56 to determine whether or not the display result of the special symbol display device 8 is a jackpot symbol. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A, the big hit determination table memory 571 stores a normal time big hit determination table 571a used in a gaming state other than the probability variation state (referred to as a normal state). Further, the jackpot determination table memory 571 stores a probability change jackpot determination table 571b used in the probability change state as shown in FIG. 7B. When the big hit determination is performed using the determination table shown in FIG. 7, the probability of determining the big hit depends on the random number maximum value set in the random number maximum value setting register 535. In this case, for example, if the set random number maximum value is too small, the difference in the probability of determining a big hit between the case where the normal big hit determination table 571a is used and the case where the probability variation big hit determination table 571b is used is small. As a result, the player's interest in the game is diminished. Therefore, a plurality of determination tables (a plurality of normal big hit determination tables 571a and a plurality of probability variation big hit determination tables 571b) are stored in the big hit determination table memory 571 in association with the random number circuit 503 and the random number maximum value. Also good. Then, the CPU 56 uses the random number circuit 503 to be used and the determination tables 571a and 571b corresponding to the maximum random number among the determination tables stored in the big hit determination table memory 571, and displays the special symbol according to the display result determination program 552. You may make it determine whether the display result of the apparatus 8 is made a big hit symbol. By doing so, even if the type of random number circuit 503 to be used and the maximum random number value are different, it is possible to control so that the probability of determining a big hit is somewhat the same.

  Out of the output ports in the game control means, the output port 0 is an output port for a payout control signal (in this example, a connection confirmation signal) transmitted to the payout control board 37. The output port 1 is an output port for an effect control signal (effect control command) transmitted to the sound / lamp control board 80b. A solenoid (large winning opening door solenoid) 21 for opening and closing a variable winning ball apparatus 20 for opening and closing the large winning opening, a solenoid (large winning opening guide plate solenoid) 21A and a variable winning ball apparatus for switching a route in the large winning opening A drive signal for a solenoid (normal electric accessory solenoid) 16 for opening and closing 15 is output from the output port 2. Then, various information output signals from the output port 3 to the information terminal board 34 and the terminal board 160 through the information output circuit 64, that is, output data of information related to control are output.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show the main process executed by the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 in response to the start of power supply to the game machine and the reset signal to the game control microcomputer 560 becoming high level. It is a flowchart which shows. When the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes a high level, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 executes a security check process that is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid. The main processing after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, an interrupt mode for maskable interrupts is set (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set for the stack pointer (step S3). In step S2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the game control microcomputer 560 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is Set to the mode indicating the interrupt address. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter in the stack.

  Next, the built-in device register is set (initialized) (step S4). By the processing in step S4, the CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port), which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits), are set (initialized).

  The game control microcomputer 560 used in this embodiment also incorporates an I / O port (PIO) and a timer / counter circuit (CTC) 504.

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the power-off signal is in an OFF state depending on the state of bit 0 of the input port 1 (step S5). When the power supply to the gaming machine is started, the output voltage of various power sources such as the + 5V power source gradually reaches a specified value, but the power-off signal is not output by the process of step S5, that is, the high-power signal is not output. By confirming that the power supply voltage is stable, the CPU 56 can confirm that the power supply voltage is stable.

  When the power-off signal is in the on state, the CPU 56 confirms again whether the power-off signal is in the off state after a delay time of a predetermined period (for example, 0.1 second) (step S80). To do. If the power-off signal is off, the RAM 55 is set to an accessible state (step S6), and the process proceeds to a clear signal check process.

  Note that a software delay process for delaying the start timing of the game device control process (game control process) for controlling the progress of the game by software may be executed. By such software delay processing, the start timing of the game control processing can be delayed as compared with the case where the software delay processing is not executed. When the delay process is executed, a situation occurs in which the microcomputer of the other control board cannot receive the command transmitted from the game control board (main board 31) to the other control board (for example, the payout control board 37). Can be prevented.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the clear switch is turned on (step S7). Note that the CPU 56 may confirm the state of the clear signal only once via the input port 0, but may confirm the state of the clear signal a plurality of times. For example, if it is confirmed that the state of the clear signal is an off state, after a delay time of a predetermined time (for example, 0.1 seconds), the state of the clear signal is reconfirmed. If it is confirmed that the clear signal is in the on state at that time, it is determined that the clear signal is in the on state. Further, at this time, if it is confirmed that the state of the clear signal is the off state, after a delay time of a predetermined time, the state of the clear signal may be confirmed again. Here, the number of reconfirmations is not limited to once or twice, but may be three or more times. It is also possible to check twice and check again when the check results do not match.

  If the clear switch is not turned on in step S7, whether or not data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) has been performed when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped Confirm (step S8). In this embodiment, when power supply is stopped, a process for protecting data in the backup RAM area is performed. When it is confirmed that such power supply stop processing has been performed, the CPU 56 determines that the power supply stop processing has been performed, that is, the control state at the time of power supply stop is stored. . When it is confirmed that the power supply stop process is not performed, the CPU 56 executes an initialization process.

  Whether or not the power supply stop process has been performed is determined by the value of the backup monitoring timer stored in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process corresponding to the execution of the power supply stop process (for example, 2). ) Is confirmed by whether or not. Note that such a confirmation method is an example. For example, a flag indicating that the power supply stop process has been executed is set in the backup flag area in the power supply stop process, and the flag is set in step S8. If it is confirmed that the power supply is stopped, it may be determined that the power supply stop process has been performed.

  If it is determined that the control state at the time of stopping power supply is stored, the CPU 56 performs data check (parity check in this example) in the backup RAM area (step S9). In this embodiment, clear data (00) is set in the checksum data area, and the checksum calculation start address is set in the pointer. Also, the number of checksum calculations corresponding to the number of data to be checksum is set. Then, the exclusive OR of the contents of the checksum data area and the contents of the RAM area pointed to by the pointer is calculated. The calculation result is stored in the checksum data area, the pointer value is incremented by 1, and the checksum calculation count value is decremented by 1. The above processing is repeated until the value of the checksum calculation count becomes zero. When the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0, the CPU 56 inverts the value of each bit of the contents of the checksum data area and uses the inverted data as the checksum.

  In the power supply stop process, a checksum is calculated by the same process as described above, and the checksum is stored in the backup RAM area. In step S9, the calculated checksum is compared with the stored checksum. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area may be different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, the initialization process (the process of steps S10 to S14) executed when the power is turned on, not when the power supply is stopped is stopped. Run.

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 performs a game state restoration process for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electrical component control means such as the effect control means to the state when the power supply is stopped. Specifically, the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S91), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in the work area (area in the RAM 55) (step S92). ). The work area is backed up by a backup power source. In the backup setting table, initialization data for an area that may be initialized in the work area is set. As a result of the processing in steps S91 and S92, the saved contents of the work area that should not be initialized remain. The parts that should not be initialized include, for example, data indicating the gaming state before the power supply is stopped (special symbol process flag, etc.), the area where the output state of the output port is saved (output port buffer), unpaid prize balls This is the part where data indicating the number is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the head address of the backup command transmission table stored in the ROM 54 as a pointer (step S93), and proceeds to step S15. In addition, after setting in step S93, a backup command is transmitted after serial communication circuit setting processing in step S15a described later is performed.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). Note that the predetermined data may be left as it is without initializing the entire area of the RAM 55. Further, the start address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (step S12).

  Control states such as a normal symbol determination random number counter, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol buffer, a total prize ball number storage buffer, a special symbol process flag, an award ball flag, an out-of-ball flag, etc. An initial value is set in a flag for selectively performing processing according to the above. In addition, a bit corresponding to the output port that outputs the connection confirmation signal in the output port buffer is set (corresponding to the ON state of the connection confirmation signal). When the bit corresponding to the output port that outputs the connection confirmation signal in the output port buffer is set, the bit corresponding to the output port 0 that outputs the connection confirmation signal is output by the output processing in step S31. The output may actually be started at the timing when the bit corresponding to the output port that outputs the connection confirmation signal is set (corresponding to the ON state of the connection confirmation signal).

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the start address of the initialization command transmission table stored in the ROM 54 as a pointer (step S13), and transmits an initialization command for initializing the sub board according to the contents to the sub board. Processing is executed (step S14). As an initialization command, a command indicating an initial symbol displayed on the variable display device 9, an initialization command to the payout control board 37, or the like can be used. After setting in step S13, an initialization command is transmitted after serial communication circuit setting processing in step S15a described later is performed.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a random number circuit setting process for initially setting the random number circuits 503a and 503b (step S15). In this case, the CPU 56 performs settings in accordance with the random number circuit setting program 551 to make the random number circuits 503a and 503b update the random R value.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a serial communication circuit setting process for initial setting of the serial communication circuit 505 (step S15a). In this case, the CPU 56 sets the data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 54 in the serial communication circuit 505 in accordance with the serial communication circuit setting program, so that the serial communication circuit 505 performs serial communication with the payout control microcomputer. I do.

  When the serial communication circuit 505 is initialized, the CPU 56 initializes the priority of interrupt processing executed in response to the interrupt request from the serial communication circuit 505 (step S15b). In this case, the CPU 56 initializes the priority of interrupt processing by executing processing according to the interrupt priority setting program 557.

  For example, the CPU 56 initializes the priority of each interrupt process according to a predetermined interrupt process priority table including the default priority of each interrupt process. In this embodiment, the CPU 56 performs initialization according to the interrupt processing priority table so as to preferentially execute an interrupt process whose cause is the occurrence of a communication error in the serial communication circuit 505. In this case, for example, the CPU 56 sets an interrupt priority execution flag at the time of communication error indicating that priority is given to an interrupt process whose cause is an interrupt.

  In this embodiment, when a timer interrupt and an interrupt request from the serial communication circuit 505 are generated at the same time, the CPU 56 preferentially performs an interrupt process by the timer interrupt.

  In addition, the default priority of each interrupt process can be changed by the user. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 stores specification information for specifying an interrupt process set by a user (for example, a game machine manufacturer) in a predetermined storage area of the ROM 54 in advance. Then, the CPU 56 sets the priority of interrupt processing according to the designation information stored in a predetermined storage area of the ROM 54.

  Then, the CPU 56 executes a timer interrupt setting process for setting a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms) ( Step S16). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 2 ms.

  When the timer interrupt setting is completed, the CPU 56 first disables the interrupt (step S17), executes the initial value random number update process (step S18a) and the display random number update process (step S18b), The interrupt is permitted again (step S19). That is, the CPU 56 sets the interrupt disabled state when the initial value random number update process and the display random number update process are executed, and interrupts enable state when the initial value random number update process and the display random number update process are finished. To.

  The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. The initial value random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot (for example, a jackpot symbol determining random number for determining a special symbol for generating a jackpot or whether to shift the gaming state to a probable state) Initial value of the count value such as a counter (determination random number generation counter) for generating a probability variation determining random number for generating, a normal random number for determining whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol It is a random number for determining the value. A game control process described later (a process in which a game control microcomputer controls itself a game device such as a variable display device 9, a variable winning ball device 15, a ball payout device 97 provided in the game machine, or When the count value of the determination random number generation counter makes one round in a process of transmitting a command signal to cause another microcomputer to control, or a gaming apparatus control process), an initial value is set in the counter.

  The display random number is a random number for determining the display of the special symbol display 8. In this embodiment, as a display random number, a random number for determining a variation pattern for determining a variation pattern of a special symbol, or a random number for determining a reach for determining whether or not to reach when a big hit is not generated, is used. Used. The display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number.

  In addition, when the display random number update process is executed, the interrupt disabled state is executed by the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process also in the timer interrupt process described later (that is, the timer This is because the same processing is also executed in steps S24A and S24B of the interrupt processing), so as to avoid competing with the processing in the timer interrupt processing. That is, if a timer interrupt is generated during the processing of steps S18a and S18b and the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and the display random number is updated during the timer interrupt processing, The continuity of values may be impaired. However, such an inconvenience does not occur if the interrupt is prohibited during the processing of steps S18a and S18b.

  When the interrupt-permitted state is set in step S19, the timer interrupt or interrupt request from the serial communication circuit 505 is permitted until the next processing in step S17 is executed and the interrupt-prohibited state is set. . When a timer interrupt occurs while the interrupt permission state is set, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 executes a timer interrupt process to be described later. When an interrupt request is generated from the serial communication circuit 505 while the interrupt permission state is set, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 causes each interrupt process (communication error interrupt process or reception Execute time interruption processing and transmission completion interruption processing). In this embodiment, priority is given to the interrupt process before the timer interrupt or the interrupt request is set to be permitted by executing step S15b before the loop process from step S17 to step S19. Processing for setting or changing the order is performed.

  Next, the timer interrupt process will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process. When a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main process, specifically, in a period during which interruption is permitted during execution of the loop process of steps S17 to S19, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 A timer interrupt process that is activated in response to the occurrence of a timer interrupt is executed. In the timer interrupt process, the CPU 56 first executes a power-off process (power-off detection process) that detects whether or not a power-off signal has been output (whether or not it is turned on) (step S18a). Then, the CPU 56 inputs detection signals of switches such as the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 14a, the count switch 23 and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a via the switch circuit 58, and inputs the input of each switch. It detects (switch process: step S20). Specifically, if the state of the input port for inputting the detection signal of each switch is ON, the value of the switch timer provided corresponding to each switch is incremented by one. Further, the CPU 56 executes an input determination process for determining the input state of each switch based on the detection result of step S20 (step S21).

  Next, the CPU 56 receives the received ACK signal when the received ACK signal received by the serial communication circuit is a signal indicating the occurrence of a predetermined error (when the occurrence of the predetermined error is specified by the received received ACK signal). An input data confirmation process for transmitting the data of the predetermined error specified in (1) to the production control microcomputer 100 is executed (step S22).

  Further, the CPU 56 executes an input determination process for determining the input state of each switch based on the detection result of step S21 (step S23).

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number (display random number update process: step S24A). Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number (initial value random number update process: step S24B).

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of setting an effect control command related to the decorative symbol synchronized with the variation of the special symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and sending the effect control command (command control process: step S25). It should be noted that the fact that the variation of the decorative symbol is synchronized with the variation of the special symbol means that the variation time (variable display period) is the same.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes processing for transmitting / receiving (input / output) signals to / from the payout control microcomputer 370 via the serial communication circuit 505. Prize ball processing for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection signal such as 39a is executed (step S26). In this embodiment, data indicating the number of winning balls is obtained by changing predetermined bits of the winning ball request signal in response to detection of winning based on the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a being turned on. Is set as a prize ball request signal, and the set prize ball request signal is output to the payout control microcomputer 370 via the serial communication circuit 505. The payout control microcomputer 370 mounted on the payout control board 37 drives the ball payout device 97 in response to receiving a prize ball request signal in which data indicating the number of prize balls is set.

  In this embodiment, in the input determination process (step S23), the number of winnings is counted according to the winning detection based on the winning opening switch 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a, etc. being turned on. Then, in the prize ball process of the main process, a prize ball request signal in which data indicating the number of prize balls is set is transmitted to the payout control board 37 based on the counted number of winning prizes.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S27). In the special symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. The value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state. Further, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S28). In the normal symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S29).

  In addition, a test terminal process, which is a process for outputting a test signal for enabling the control state of the gaming machine to be confirmed outside the gaming machine, is executed (step S30). In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. However, the CPU 56 determines the contents related to the connection confirmation signal in the RAM area of the output port 0 and the output port. The contents related to the solenoid in the RAM area 2 are output to the output port (step S31: output process).

  Next, the prize ball process (step S26) in the main process will be described. First, a payout control signal (connection confirmation signal) and a prize ball request signal (payout control command) transmitted and received between the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 will be described.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the content of a control signal output from the game control means to the payout control means. In this embodiment, a connection confirmation signal is transmitted and received as a control signal between the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 in order to perform various controls relating to payout control and the like. As shown in FIG. 11, the connection confirmation signal is output when the main board 31 rises (when the game control means starts the game control process), and indicates that the main board 31 has risen with respect to the payout control board 37. This is a signal for notification (connection confirmation signal for the main board 31). The connection confirmation signal indicates that the winning ball can be paid out. The connection confirmation signal is output via the I / O port 57 and the output circuit 67 of the game control microcomputer 560, and the payout control is performed via the input circuit 373A and the I / O port 372e of the payout control microcomputer 370. To the microcomputer 370. Each connection confirmation signal is 1-bit data, and is transmitted through one signal line. Note that the connection confirmation signal is ready to be output by setting an initial value to a bit corresponding to the connection confirmation signal of the output port 0 by the processing of steps S92 and S12 executed when the power is turned on (specifically, Is output by the process of step S31, but may be output at the timing of steps S92 and S12).

  Similarly to the game control microcomputer 560, the payout control microcomputer 370 includes a serial communication circuit 380. Various payout control commands are transmitted and received between the serial communication circuit 505 built in the game control microcomputer 560 and the serial communication circuit 380 built in the payout control microcomputer 370. The configuration and function of the serial communication circuit 380 built in the payout control microcomputer 370 are the same as the configuration and function of the serial communication circuit 505 built in the game control microcomputer 560.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of control commands transmitted and received between the game control means and the payout control means. In this embodiment, various control commands (prize ball request signals) are transmitted and received between the microcomputers of the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 in order to perform various controls relating to payout control and the like.

  The prize ball request signal and the reception ACK signal are composed of 8-bit data (binary 8-digit data), and are output as control commands indicating predetermined contents depending on the contents of the set 8-bit data.

  The connection confirmation command is sent from the game control microcomputer 560 at regular intervals (1 s) in order to confirm whether or not the connection state between the game control microcomputer 560 and the payout control microcomputer 370 is normal. Control command to be sent. The data content of the connection confirmation command is “A0 (H)”, that is, “1010000”.

  The connection OK command is a control command for notifying that the connection state between the game control microcomputer 560 and the payout control microcomputer 370 is normal, and the payout control microcomputer 370 issues a connection confirmation command. Is a control command that is transmitted as a response signal in response to the reception of. The data content of the connection OK command is “8x (H)”, that is, “10000xxx”. Here, when a prize ball error (abnormal state in which a prize ball dispensing operation based on winning or a ball lending operation based on a ball lending request cannot be normally performed) occurs, “x” in the first bit Is set to “1”. If a full tank error occurs, “1” is set to “x” of the second bit. When a ball break error occurs, “1” is set to “x” of the third bit. When a door opening error occurs, “1” is set to “x” of the fourth bit. In this way, during the confirmation of the connection between the game control microcomputer 560 and the payout control microcomputer 370, the occurrence of a predetermined error in the payout control microcomputer 370 is detected. 560 can be notified.

  The award ball number command is a control command for notifying the number (0 to 15) of game balls for which a payout request is made, and is a control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560 based on the occurrence of a win. . The content of the prize ball number command data is “5x (H)”, that is, “0101xxx”. In this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the start port switch 14a, three prize balls are paid out, and when a game ball is detected by any one of the prize port switches 33a, 39a, 29a, 30a, ten game balls are detected. When a game ball is detected by the count switch 23, 15 prize balls are paid out. Therefore, when a game ball is detected by the start port switch 14a, a prize ball number command “01010011” for notifying the number of prize balls of 3 is transmitted, and any of the prize port switches 33a, 39a, 29a, 30a is transmitted. When a game ball is detected, a prize ball number command “01011010” for notifying 10 prize balls is transmitted, and when a game ball is detected by the count switch 23, 15 prize balls are notified. The award ball number command “0101111” is transmitted. Note that either the connection confirmation command or the prize ball number command is transmitted as a prize ball request signal. The prize ball number command is transmitted instead of the connection confirmation command at the timing when the connection confirmation command is transmitted based on the fact that the prize ball payout condition (occurrence of winning etc.) is established. In this embodiment, as described above, data corresponding to the number of prize balls is set in the upper 4 bits. However, data corresponding to the number of prize balls is set in the lower 4 bits in common with the upper 4 bits. You may do it.

  The award ball end command is a control command indicating that the award ball operation (award ball payout operation) has ended, and is a control command that the payout control microcomputer 370 transmits based on the end of the award ball operation. The data content of the winning ball end command is “50 (H)”, that is, “01010000”. The winning ball end command is transmitted instead of the connecting OK command at the timing when the connecting OK command is transmitted based on the end of the winning ball operation. In this embodiment, data indicating error information is not set in the winning ball end command. This is because the award ball end command is transmitted only once when the award ball operation is completed, so that data indicating error information is set in the next connection OK command and transmitted without sending error information at that timing. This is because it is possible to do so. Note that data indicating error information may be set in the lower 4 bits of the winning ball end command.

  The winning ball preparation command is a control command for notifying that a predetermined error has occurred and the winning ball operation has not ended, and a predetermined error has occurred while the payout control microcomputer 370 is executing the winning ball operation. This is a control command to be transmitted based on what has been done. The data content of the connection OK command is “8x (H)”, that is, “10000xxx”. Here, when a prize ball error occurs, “1” is set to “x” of the first bit. If a full tank error occurs, “1” is set to “x” of the second bit. When a ball break error occurs, “1” is set to “x” of the third bit. When a door opening error occurs, “1” is set to “x” of the fourth bit. In this way, the payout control microcomputer 370 notifies the game control microcomputer 560 that a predetermined error has occurred during execution of the winning ball operation and the winning ball operation has not ended. In addition, the contents of the error can be notified to the game control microcomputer 560. As in the case of the connection OK command, the award ball preparation command notifies that a predetermined error has occurred by changing the contents of the lower 4 bits in accordance with the error state (by changing the predetermined bits). The connection OK command, the winning ball preparation command, and the winning ball end command are configured such that any command is transmitted as a received ACK signal. The prize ball preparing command is a command (signal) that is output not only in a state where an error has occurred and the prize ball operation cannot be executed but also in a state where the prize ball operation is being executed.

  The prize ball preparing command is sent instead of the connection OK command at the timing when the connection OK command is sent based on the situation where an error has occurred and the prize ball operation cannot be performed. is there.

  13 is a block diagram showing signal lines and the like used for transmission / reception of the control signal shown in FIG. 11 and the control command shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the connection confirmation signal is output via the output circuit 67 by the game control microcomputer 560 and input to the payout control microcomputer 370 via the input circuit 373A. Of the control commands, the connection confirmation command and the winning ball number command are output from the serial circuit 505 built in the game control microcomputer 560 and input to the serial circuit 380 built in the payout control microcomputer 370. Of the control commands, the connection OK command, the winning ball end command, and the winning ball preparation command are output from the serial circuit 380 included in the payout control microcomputer 370 and are output to the serial circuit 505 included in the game control microcomputer 560. Entered. In FIG. 13, two signal lines (a signal line for transmitting a prize ball request signal and a signal line for transmitting a reception ACK signal) are shown as signal lines for performing serial communication. Actually, a prize ball request signal and a reception ACK signal are transmitted and received through one signal line.

  Next, transmission / reception of signals (prize ball request signal, reception ACK signal; control command) between the game control microcomputer and the payout control microcomputer during normal operation will be described. The prize ball request signal includes a connection confirmation command and a prize ball number command, and the reception ACK signal includes a connection OK command, a prize ball end command, and a prize ball preparation command.

  FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing signal transmission / reception between the game control microcomputer and the payout control microcomputer during normal operation. As shown in FIG. 14, when the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a connection confirmation command as a prize ball request signal to the payout control microcomputer 370, the game control microcomputer 560 serves as a reception ACK command transmitted from the payout control microcomputer 370. A connection OK command is received. When the game control microcomputer 560 receives the connection OK command as the reception ACK signal, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits the connection confirmation command as the prize ball request signal again after 1 s (1 second) has elapsed from the time of reception. As long as the connection state is normal, the game control microcomputer 560 and the payout control microcomputer 370 repeatedly execute the connection confirmation communication process as described above.

  If there is a win when the connection confirmation communication process is not executed (between receiving the connection OK command as a reception ACK signal and transmitting the connection confirmation command as a prize ball request signal) The control microcomputer 560 sets data indicating the number of prize balls in the prize ball request signal, and transmits a prize ball number command as the set prize ball request signal to the payout control microcomputer 370. When the payout control microcomputer 370 receives the prize ball number command as the prize ball request signal, it pays out the number of prize balls designated by the prize ball number command, and the prize ball is paid out (prize ball payout operation). Upon completion, a prize ball end command as a reception ACK signal is transmitted to the game control microcomputer 560. When the game control microcomputer 560 receives a prize ball end command as a reception ACK signal, it transmits a connection confirmation command as a prize ball request signal after 1 s (1 second) has elapsed since the reception.

  If there is a prize during the execution of the connection confirmation communication process (between sending the connection confirmation command as a prize ball request signal and receiving the connection OK command as a reception ACK signal), the game control micro The computer 560 sets data indicating the number of prize balls in the prize ball request signal, and uses the prize ball number command as the set prize ball request signal as a connection OK command as a reception ACK signal from the payout control microcomputer 370. Is sent to the payout control microcomputer 370. When the payout control microcomputer 370 receives the prize ball number command as the prize ball request signal, it pays out the number of prize balls designated by the prize ball number command, and the prize ball is paid out (prize ball payout operation). Upon completion, a prize ball end command as a reception ACK signal is transmitted to the game control microcomputer 560. It should be noted that a prize ball preparation command as a reception ACK signal is transmitted to the game control microcomputer 560 during execution of prize ball payout (prize ball payout operation).

  Next, the prize ball process (step S26) will be described. 15 and 16 are flowcharts showing the prize ball processing. In the prize ball processing, the CPU 56 checks whether or not a reception ACK signal (connection OK command, prize ball end command, prize ball preparation command) has been received (step S501), and if no reception ACK signal has been received. (N of step S501) It is confirmed whether the 1s measurement timer which measures 1 second has timed out (step S502). If the 1s measurement timer has not timed out (N in step S502), the CPU 56 decrements the value of the 1s measurement timer by 1 (step S512) and checks whether the 10s measurement timer that measures 10 seconds has timed out (step S512). Step S513). If the 10s measurement timer has not timed out (N in step S513), the value of the 10s measurement timer is decremented by 1 (step S514). On the other hand, when the 10s measurement timer times out (Y in step S513), it is a case where a communication error has occurred, and the CPU 56 executes a process of transmitting a connection confirmation command to the payout control microcomputer 370 (step S51). S511). By such processing, when a communication error occurs, a connection confirmation command is transmitted every 10 seconds. Thereafter, the CPU 56 sets a transmitted flag (step S510) and ends the process.

  In this embodiment, “command transmission” corresponds to writing command data in the transmission data register of the serial communication circuit. That is, the command is transmitted by serial communication by writing the command data in the transmission data register of the serial communication circuit in this way. This is the same for any command transmission of the game control microcomputer 560 and the payout control microcomputer 370.

  In step S502, when the 1s measurement timer times out (Y in step S502), the CPU 56 checks whether a transmitted flag indicating that a prize ball number command or a connection confirmation command has been transmitted is set. (Step S503). If the transmitted flag is set (Y in step S503), the process in step S514 or S511 is executed following the process in step S513. If the transmitted flag is not set (N in step S503), the CPU 56 includes error information in the received ACK signal (connection OK command, winning ball preparation command) received last time from the payout control microcomputer 370. It is confirmed whether or not it has been played (step S504). Whether or not the error information is included in the received ACK signal is confirmed by whether or not the error information flag is set in step S586 in the input data confirmation process (FIG. 21) described later. If error information is included in the received ACK signal (Y in step S504), a process of transmitting a connection confirmation command as a prize ball request signal to the payout control microcomputer 370 is executed (step S511). If error information is not included in the received ACK signal (N in step S504), the CPU 56 is executing a prize ball payout operation (if it is normal, based on having transmitted a prize ball number command). It is confirmed whether or not a prize ball flag indicating that a prize ball operation is being executed is set (step S505).

  If the award ball flag is set (Y in step S505), the CPU 56 executes a process of transmitting a connection confirmation command (step S511). If the winning ball flag is not set (N in step S505), the CPU 56 checks whether there is an unpaid winning ball number (step S506). Whether there is an unpaid prize ball number is whether the value of the prize ball command output counter is 0 (if it is 0, there is no unpaid prize ball number, otherwise it is an unpaid prize ball number). It is possible to confirm. If there is no unpaid prize ball number (N in step S506), a process of transmitting a connection confirmation command is executed (step S511). If there is an unpaid prize ball number (Y in step S506), the CPU 56 subtracts the prize ball number specified by the prize ball number command from the total prize ball number storage buffer (step S507), and according to the unpaid prize ball number. A process of transmitting a winning ball number command indicating the number of winning balls is executed (step S508).

  When a prize ball number command is transmitted, a predetermined prize ball number table is used. The prize ball number table is set in the ROM 54. The number of processes (in this example, “3”) is set at the start address of the prize ball number table, and thereafter, a prize ball command output counter and prize ball designation data for designating the number of prize balls are set in sequence. Yes. The prize ball command output counter is a counter that counts the number of prizes received in the prize opening, and is set in the ROM 54, for example. The game control microcomputer 560 includes a corresponding prize ball command output counter for each number of prize balls (0 to 15). In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 includes a prize ball command output counter 1 corresponding to the number of prize balls “3”, a prize ball command output counter 2 corresponding to the number of prize balls “10”, and a prize ball. And a prize ball command output counter 3 corresponding to the number “15”. Each prize ball command output counter is counted up in the input determination process of the timer interrupt process, as will be described later. If the prize ball command output counter 3 set in the prize ball number table is not 0, the CPU 56 indicates the number of prize balls (15) based on the prize ball designation data for designating the number of prize balls (15). The data is set as a prize ball request signal, and the set prize ball request signal is transmitted to the payout control microcomputer 370 as a prize ball number command. Further, the CPU 56 designates the number of prize balls (10) if the value of the prize ball command output counter 3 set in the prize ball number table is 0 and the value of the prize ball command output counter 2 is not 0. Data indicating the number of prize balls (10) is set in the prize ball request signal based on the prize ball designation data to be transmitted, and the set prize ball request signal is transmitted to the payout control microcomputer 370 as a prize ball number command. . The CPU 56 determines the number of prize balls if the prize ball command output counter 3 and prize ball command output counter values set in the prize ball number table are 0 and the value of the prize ball command output counter 1 is not 0. Based on the prize ball designation data for designating (three), data indicating the number of prize balls (three) is set in the prize ball request signal, and the set prize ball request signal is used as a prize ball number command for payout control. It transmits to the microcomputer 370.

  Next, the CPU 56 sets a flag in the winning ball (step S509), sets a transmitted flag (step S510), and ends the process. It should be noted that, prior to performing the process of step S524, the reception of the winning ball preparation command may be confirmed, and when the winning ball preparation command is received, the winning ball flag may be set. Further, a subtraction process for subtracting the number of prize balls may be performed before the command is transmitted. Further, before or after the process of step S510, the process of step S521 (set of 1s measurement timer) or step S522 (set of 10s measurement timer) may be performed.

  When the reception ACK signal is received in step S501 (Y in step S501), the CPU 56 sets a 1s measurement timer (step S521), sets a 10s measurement timer (step S522), and sets a transmitted flag. Reset (step S523). Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not a winning ball end command has been received, that is, whether or not the received ACK signal is a winning ball end command (step S524). If it is a winning ball end command, the winning ball flag is reset (step S525), and the process ends. In this embodiment, even if the payout control microcomputer 370 side is set to an error state, the prize ball number command once transmitted is not transmitted again.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when a prize ball number command as a prize ball request signal is transmitted, a subtraction process for subtracting 1 from the value of the prize ball command output counter is executed. At this time, the payout control microcomputer 370 has not yet paid out the number of prize balls specified by the prize ball number command. If configured to perform subtraction processing of the total prize ball number storage buffer when the winning ball payout is completed, an illegal act of restoring the power supply after illegally stopping the power supply of the gaming machine during paying the winning ball As a result, a large number of prize balls are illegally paid out. For example, when 15 prize ball payouts are instructed by a prize ball number command, when 10 prize ball payouts are made, if the power supply is restored after illegally stopping the power supply of the gaming machine. Since the contents of the prize ball command output counter are not subtracted at all, it is assumed that the 10 prize balls are not paid out even though 10 prize balls are actually paid out. Control will continue. However, in this embodiment, when the prize ball number command is transmitted, the prize ball command output counter is subtracted, so that the above-mentioned fraud can be prevented.

  Further, when the CPU 56 is configured to perform the subtraction process of the prize ball command output counter when receiving the prize ball end command as the reception ACK signal, if the CPU 56 cannot recognize the reception of the prize ball end command, what There is a possibility that the prize ball number command will be transmitted again, and there is a risk that excessive prize ball payout will be performed. Since the processing is executed, it is possible to prevent the above inconvenience.

  Next, the special symbol process (step S27) in the main process will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process processing program executed by the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560. The CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 has the start opening switch 14a for detecting that a game ball has won the start winning opening 14 provided in the game board 6 turned on, that is, the game ball has a start winning prize. When winning is made to the opening 14 and the winning detection signal SS is inputted from the start opening switch 14a (step S311), after the start opening switch passing process (step S312) is performed, the processing of steps S300 to S308 is performed according to the internal state. Do one of these processes.

  In the start port switch passing process, for example, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 has a maximum value of the start winning memory number (or the starting winning memory number stored in the special figure holding memory 570) indicated by the start winning counter. If it has not reached 4, it is confirmed whether or not the number of executions of the timer interrupt process has reached a predetermined number (for example, twice). When the number of executions of the timer interrupt process has reached a predetermined number, the CPU 56 can output the output control signal SC to the random number storage circuit 531 of the identified random number circuit 503 and read the random number storage circuit 531 ( Enable) state. Further, the CPU 56 reads the random R value stored as the random number value from the random value storage circuit 531 of the random number circuit 503, and stores the read random R value in the storage area ( It is stored in a special symbol determination buffer (special symbol holding memory 570). Further, the CPU 56 stops outputting the output control signal SC to the random value storage circuit 531 and controls the random value storage circuit 531 to be in a non-readable (disabled) state. Then, the CPU 56 sets the value of the random R stored in the predetermined buffer area to the head of the empty entry in the special figure holding memory 570, and increments the start winning counter by 1 to increase the starting winning memory number by one. After that, the start port switch passing process is terminated. Note that the CPU 56 ends the start-port switch passing process as it is when the start prize is stored but the maximum value of 4 has been reached and when the number of executions of the interrupt process has not reached the predetermined number.

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): A state in which variable symbol special display can be started (for example, the symbol variation has not been made in the special symbol display 8, and the previous symbol variation in the special symbol display 8 has been completed. Waits for a predetermined period of time to elapse, and not a big hit game). When the special symbol variable display can be started, the start winning memory number for the special symbol is confirmed. If the number of starting winning prizes is not zero, it is determined whether or not the result of variable symbol special display is a big hit based on the random R generated by the random number circuit 503 stored in the special figure holding memory 570. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S301.

  Special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S301): A stop symbol after variable display of the special symbol is determined. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S302.

  Variation time setting process (step S302): A variation pattern is determined, and variation time in the variation pattern (variable display time: time from when variable display is started until display result is derived display (stop display)) is a special symbol It is determined to be a variable display variable time. In addition, a variation time timer that measures the variation time of the determined special symbol is started. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S303.

  Special symbol variation process (step S303): When a predetermined time (the time indicated by the variation time timer in step S302) has elapsed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to shift to step S304.

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): A decorative symbol stop command for instructing stop of the decorative symbol is transmitted to the sound / lamp control board 80b. Moreover, the special symbol in the special symbol display 8 is stopped. If the stop symbol of the special symbol is a big hit symbol, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to shift to step S305. If not, the internal state is updated to shift to step S300. Note that a configuration in which a decorative symbol stop command is not transmitted may be employed. In this case, the symbol control board 80a sets the fluctuation time in the fluctuation time timer based on the fluctuation pattern command received from the main board 31 via the sound / lamp control board 80b, and updates the fluctuation time timer. It is only necessary to monitor the variation time of the decorative pattern by going and to stop the decorative symbol when it is determined that the variation time has elapsed.

  Preliminary winning opening opening process (step S305): Control for opening the large winning opening is started. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the grand prize opening) and a flag (a flag used when detecting winning in the prize opening) are initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven. Open the big prize opening. Also, the process timer sets the execution time of the big prize opening opening process and sets the big hit flag. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S306.

  Processing for opening a special prize opening (step S306): control for sending a presentation control command for round display of the special prize opening to the sound / lamp control board 80b and conditions for closing the special prize opening (for example, a predetermined number (for example, a special prize opening) A process of confirming that 10) gaming balls have won) is performed. When the closing condition for the special prize opening is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to step S307.

  Specific area valid time process (step S307): A process of confirming that the big hit gaming state continuation condition is satisfied is performed. If the condition for continuing the big hit gaming state is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state is updated to shift to step S305. When all the rounds have been completed, the internal state is updated to shift to step S308. In the case where the V winning area is provided, the presence / absence of the V winning switch is monitored and processing for confirming that the big hit gaming state continuation condition is satisfied is performed.

  Big hit end processing (step S308): Control for causing the effect control means to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. Then, the internal state is updated so as to shift to step S300.

  Next, the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the special symbol normal process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 can start the variation of the special symbol (for example, when the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S300). (Step S380), the random R value stored in correspondence with the hold number “1” is read from the special figure hold memory 570 (Step S381). In this case, the CPU 56 decrements the count of the start winning counter by 1 to reduce the number of reserved memories by 1, and the second to fourth entries of the special figure reservation memory 570 (hold numbers “2” to “4”). The value of random R stored in is shifted upward by one entry (step S382).

  Further, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the probability variation flag is set (step S383). That is, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the gaming state is controlled to the certain change state. When the probability variation flag is not set, the CPU 56 determines that the gaming state is a normal state other than the probability variation state, and is a table used for determining whether or not the display result of the special symbol display device 8 is a jackpot symbol. The normal big hit determination table 571a (see FIG. 7A) is set (step S384). Further, when the probability change flag is set, the CPU 56 determines that the gaming state is a probability change state, and as a table used to determine whether or not the display result of the special symbol display device 8 is a jackpot symbol. A probability change big hit determination table 571b (see FIG. 7B) is set (step S385).

  The CPU 56 determines whether or not the display result of the special symbol display device 8 is a big hit symbol based on the random R value stored in the predetermined buffer area in the start port switch passing process (step S386). In this case, the CPU 56 uses the normal-time big hit determination table 571a set in step S384 or the probability change big hit determination table 571b set in step S385 to determine whether or not to win.

  If it is determined that the display result of the special symbol display device 8 is a jackpot symbol, the CPU 56 turns on a jackpot flag indicating that it is a jackpot state (step S387). If it is determined that the display result of the special symbol display device 8 is not to be a big hit symbol, the CPU 56 turns off the big hit flag (step S388). Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S389).

  Next, the switch process (step S20) in the timer interrupt process will be described. In this embodiment, when the ON state of the detection signal of each switch related to winning detection or gate passage continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that the switch is surely turned on, and processing corresponding to the switch on is started. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing each 2-byte buffer formed in the RAM 55 used in the switching process. The previous port buffer is a buffer that stores the previous switch-on / off determination result (for example, 2 ms before). The port buffer is a buffer in which the contents of port 0 inputted this time are stored. The switch-on buffer is a buffer in which the corresponding bit is set to 1 when switch on is detected and the corresponding bit is set to 0 when switch off is detected.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the switch processing in step S20 in the game control processing. In the switch process, the game control microcomputer 560 first inputs the data input to the input port 0 (step S101), and sets the input data in the port buffer (step S102).

  Next, the initial value of the weight counter formed in the RAM 55 is set (step S103), and the value of the weight counter is decremented by 1 until the value of the weight counter becomes 0 (steps S104 and S105).

  When the value of the wait counter becomes 0, the data of the input port 0 is input again (step S106), and a logical product is obtained for each bit between the input data and the data set in the port buffer (step S106). S107). Then, the logical product operation result is set in the port buffer (step S108). Of the two input data input from the input port 0 with a time interval of approximately [initial value of weight counter × (processing time of steps S104, S105)] by the processing of steps S103 to S108, both “ Only the bits that are “1” will be “1” in the port buffer. In other words, if the ON state of the switch detection signal continues for a predetermined period [initial value of wait counter × (processing time of steps S104 and S105)], the corresponding bit in the port buffer becomes “1”.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 performs exclusive OR for each bit between the data previously set in the port buffer and the data set in the port buffer (step S109). In the result of the exclusive OR operation, the bit corresponding to the switch for which the previous switch-on / off determination result (for example, 2 ms before) and the switch-on / off determination result determined to be on this time are different is “ 1 ”. The game control microcomputer 560 further performs a logical product for each bit between the exclusive OR operation result and the data set in the port buffer (step S110). As a result, of the bits corresponding to the switches for which the previous switch on / off determination result and the switch on / off determination result determined to be on this time are different (according to the exclusive OR operation result), the current on Only the bit corresponding to the switch determined to be (by AND operation) remains as “1”.

  Then, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the logical product calculation result in step S110 in the switch-on buffer (step S111), and sets the contents of the port buffer in which the calculation result in step S108 is set in the previous port buffer. (Step S112).

  With the above processing, among the switches that have been on for a predetermined period of time, the switch on / off determination result of the previous time (for example, 2 ms before) is off, that is, the switch has changed from off to on. The bit corresponding to the switch is “1” in the switch-on buffer.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the input data confirmation process. In the input data confirmation processing, the CPU 56 reads the data (input data) of the serial communication circuit 505 (step S581), and exclusives every bit between the input data and the contents of the input data buffer formed in the RAM. A logical sum is taken (step S582). If there is a bit with different logic (meaning “1” or “0”) between the input data and the contents of the input data buffer formed in the RAM, the operation result of 8-bit exclusive OR Does not become 00 (H).

  Then, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the exclusive OR operation result is 00 (H) (step S583). If the calculation result is 00 (H), the process ends. If the calculation result is not 00 (H), the input data is stored in the input data buffer (step S584), and it is confirmed whether error information is included in the input data (data of the received ACK signal) (step S585). . Note that the process of step S585 is a process of determining whether the lower 4 bits of the input data are zero (eg, determining with a zero flag). When error information is included in the input data, an error information flag indicating that the error information is included (set) in the received ACK signal is set (step S586), and the input data is stored in the command buffer. Setting is made (step S587). Then, an effect control command transmission request flag is set (step S588). On the other hand, if no error information is included in the received ACK signal, the error information flag is reset (step S589). When confirming that the effect control command transmission request flag is set in the effect control command control process in step S29, the CPU 56 transmits the contents of the command buffer as an effect control command. Instead of transmitting the effect control command in the effect control command control process, the effect control command may be transmitted immediately instead of setting the effect control command transmission request flag.

  The input data is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 under the condition that the input data of the serial communication circuit 505 is changed by the control as described above. At that time, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits the input data as it is as an effect control command. Therefore, even if there is a lot of information indicated by the signal input to the serial communication circuit 505, the control burden on the game control means is light. However, the input data of the serial communication circuit 505 may be once fetched and the fetched data may be stored in the input data buffer every time.

  In addition, since the effect control command related to the input data is output from the main board 31 on condition that the input data has changed, for example, the effect control command is always transmitted once in a predetermined control period (2 ms interval). Compared to the case where the transmission control command is transmitted, it is difficult to grasp the transmission cycle of the effect control command. That is, it becomes difficult to grasp the cycle of the predetermined control period. In the predetermined control period, the counter value for generating a random number related to the jackpot is updated one by one. Therefore, when the period of the predetermined control period is easily grasped, the timing at which the counter value becomes the predetermined value is easily grasped. Become. Predetermined timing means that the value of the big hit determination random number when the big hit determination random number is created by software, or when it is configured to determine whether to make a probable big hit based on the big hit symbol determination random number For example, the timing coincides with the determination value, the timing when the value of the jackpot symbol determination random number matches the value corresponding to the probability variation symbol, and the like. The fact that the timing at which the value of the counter reaches the predetermined value is easily grasped means that it is easy to receive fraud. In this embodiment, it is possible to make it difficult to receive fraud.

  Next, the input determination process (step S21) in the timer interrupt process will be described. In the input determination process, a prize ball command output counter process table shown in FIG. 22 is used. The prize ball command output counter processing table is set in the ROM 54. The number of processes (“6” in this example) is set at the start address of the prize ball command output counter processing table, and then the switch-on buffer (the one corresponding to input port 0 of the 2-byte switch-on buffer) The lower address, the switch input bit judgment value for each switch of the winning opening that will pay out the winning ball by winning, and the winning ball command output counter are sequentially set corresponding to each switch of the winning opening . The switch input bit determination value is a value corresponding to a bit to which the detection signal of each switch at the input port 0 is input. The upper address of the switch-on buffer is a fixed value (for example, 7F (H)). In the prize ball command output counter processing table, the same data is set in each of the lower addresses of the six switch-on buffers. In this embodiment, the addresses of the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are designated by 16 bits.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the input determination process. In the input determination process, the CPU 56 sets the start address of the prize ball command output counter process table in the pointer (step S2111). Then, the data at the address pointed to by the pointer (in this case, the number of processes) is loaded (step S2112). Next, the upper address (8 bits) of the switch-on buffer is set in the upper 1 byte of the 2-byte check pointer (step S2113).

  Then, the pointer value is incremented by 1 (step S2114), and the data of the prize ball command output counter processing table pointed to by the pointer (in this case, the lower address of the switch-on buffer) is set in the lower 1 byte of the check pointer (step S2114). In step S2115, the pointer value is incremented by 1 (step S2116). Next, the address data pointed to by the check pointer, that is, the contents of the switch-on buffer is loaded into the register (step S2117), and the loaded contents and the data of the prize ball command output counter processing table pointed to by the pointer (in this case, the switch input) The logical product with the bit determination value) is calculated (step S2118). As a result, 7 bits other than the bit corresponding to the detection signal of the switch to be inspected become 0 in the register loaded with the contents of the switch-on buffer. Then, the pointer value is incremented by 1 (step S2119).

  If the calculation result in step S2118 is 0, that is, if the detection signal of the switch to be inspected is on (step S2120), the prize ball command output counter pointed to by the pointer (data in the prize ball command output counter processing table) Is loaded (step S2121). Further, the CPU 56 adds 1 to the loaded count value (step S2122).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the addition result is 256 (step S2123). If the addition result is not 256 (that is, if it is 255 or less), the CPU 56 stores the addition result in the prize ball command output counter pointed to by the pointer (step S2124). If the addition result is 256, the CPU 56 proceeds to step S2125 without storing the addition result in the prize ball command output counter pointed to by the pointer.

  In this embodiment, the maximum value of each prize ball command output counter is set to 255. Therefore, in the processing of steps S2123 and S2124, the count value of the prize ball command output counter is incremented by 1 each time a winning of a game ball to the prize opening is detected until the count value reaches 255. When the count value reaches 255, the count value of the prize ball command output counter is not updated even if the winning of the game ball to the prize opening is detected.

  In this embodiment, the CPU 56 causes the storage means to store data that can specify the number of prize balls to be paid out by counting up the count value of the prize ball command output counter. For example, the CPU 56 may directly store the number of prize balls to be paid out in a predetermined buffer. Further, the CPU 56 may store data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out in a predetermined buffer, for example, instead of storing the number of prize balls. In this case, for example, the CPU 56 may perform control such as storing data “01” for the number of winning balls 3 and storing data “02” for the number of winning balls 10.

  In step S2125, the number of processes is reduced by 1, and if the number of processes is not 0, the process returns to step S2114 (step S2126). If the number of processes is 0, the process is terminated.

  Next, the operation of the payout control means (the payout control microcomputer 370) will be described. Out of the output ports in the payout control means, output port 0 is an output port for outputting a signal of each phase supplied to the payout motor 289 by the stepping motor. The output port 1 is an output port for outputting each segment of the error display LED 374 using a 7-segment LED. The payout control board 37 is also provided with an output port 3 for outputting an EXS signal and a PRDY signal to the card unit 50.

  A connection confirmation signal from the main board 31 is input to bit 4 of the input port 0 in the payout control means. In addition, the detection signals of the ball break switch 187 and the detection signal of the payout motor position sensor 295 are input to the bits 6 and 7, respectively. In addition, the detection signal of the payout number count switch 301, the operation signal from the error release switch 375, and the detection signal of the full switch 48 are input to bits 1 to 3 of the input port 1, respectively. The VL signal, the BRDY signal, and the BRQ signal from the card unit 50 are input to bits 4 to 6 of the input port 1, respectively.

  Next, the operation of the payout control means will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the payout control means. In the main process, the payout control CPU 371 of the payout control microcomputer 370 first performs necessary initial settings. That is, the payout control CPU 371 first sets the interruption prohibition (step S701). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 (step S702), and a stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer (step S703). The payout control CPU 371 sets the internal device register (step S704), sets the CTC and PIO (step S705), and then sets the RAM in an accessible state (step S706). Further, 0000 (H) is set as an initial value of the award ball unpaid number counter (step S707). In this embodiment, since the information stored in the payout control means is not backed up, information such as the flags and counters in the RAM area is initialized when the power is turned on again.

  In this embodiment, one channel of the built-in CTC is used in the timer mode. Accordingly, in the built-in device register setting process in step S704 and the process in step S705, register setting for setting the channel to be used to timer mode, register setting for permitting interrupt generation, and setting an interrupt vector. The register is set. The interrupt by the channel is used as a timer interrupt. For example, when it is desired to generate a timer interrupt every 2 ms, a value corresponding to 2 ms is set as an initial value in a predetermined register (time constant register).

  The interrupt vector set for the channel set to the timer mode (channel 3 in this embodiment) corresponds to the start address of the timer interrupt process. Specifically, the start address of the timer interrupt process is specified by the value set in the I register and the interrupt vector. In the timer interruption process, a payout control process for controlling the payout means (including at least a process of driving the ball payout device 97 in response to a command signal related to award ball payout from the main board, and a ball payout device 97 in response to a ball lending request. A process for driving the program may be included.

  In this embodiment, the interruption mode 2 is also set in the payout control microcomputer 370. Therefore, an interrupt process based on counting up the built-in CTC can be used. Also, an interrupt processing start address can be set according to the interrupt vector sent by the CTC. The interrupt based on CTC channel 3 (CH3) count-up is an interrupt that occurs when the CPU internal clock (system clock) counts down and the register value becomes “0”, and is used as a timer interrupt. .

  Next, the payout control CPU 371 first performs a RAM clear process (step S712). In addition, initial values are set in the flags and counters of the RAM area (step S713). The process of step S713 includes a process of setting an initial value of the award ball unpaid number counter in the award ball unpaid number counter.

  Also, the payout control CPU 371 executes serial communication circuit setting processing for initial setting of the serial communication circuit 380 (step S713a). In this case, the payout control CPU 371 causes the serial communication circuit 380 to serially communicate with the game control microcomputer 560 according to the same process as the serial communication circuit setting process (see step S15a) performed by the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560. Make settings for

  When the serial communication circuit 380 is initialized, the payout control CPU 371 initializes the priority of interrupt processing executed in response to the interrupt request from the serial communication circuit 380 (step S713b). In this case, in this case, the payout control CPU 371 initializes the priority of the interrupt process according to the same process as the priority order initial setting process (see step S15b) performed by the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560.

  Then, the CTC register provided in the payout control microcomputer 370 is set so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated (step S714). That is, a value corresponding to the timer interrupt generation interval is set as an initial value in a predetermined register (time constant register). Since interruption is prohibited in step S701 of the initial setting process, interruption is permitted before the initialization process is completed (step S715). Thereafter, a loop process for monitoring the occurrence of a timer interrupt is entered.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the built-in CTC of the payout control microcomputer 370 is set so as to repeatedly generate a timer interrupt. When a timer interrupt occurs, the payout control CPU 371 of the payout control microcomputer 370 executes a timer interrupt process.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a timer interrupt process executed by the payout control unit. In the timer interruption process, the payout control CPU 371 of the payout control microcomputer 370 executes the following process as the payout control process. First, the payout control CPU 371 performs an input determination process (step S751). The input determination process is a process of detecting the states of bits 4 to 6 of the input port 0 and bits 3 to 6 of the input port 1 and reflecting the detection result in a predetermined 1 byte (referred to as an input state flag) of the RAM. is there. In the payout control process, when control is performed based on the states of bits 4 to 6 of input port 0 and bits 3 to 6 of input port 1, the state of the input port is not directly checked, but the input state is checked. Check the status of the flag.

  Next, the payout control CPU 371 executes a payout motor control process (step S753). In the payout motor control process, when the payout motor 289 is to be driven, a process for outputting the patterns of the payout motors φ1 to φ4 to the output port 0 is performed.

  Also, the payout control CPU 371 executes a prepaid card unit control process for communicating with the card unit 50 (step S754). Further, a prize ball lending control process for performing a control for paying out a lending ball in response to a ball lending request from the card unit 50 and for performing a control for paying out the number of award balls indicated by a prize ball number command from the main board. Is executed (step S756).

  Then, the payout control CPU 371 executes error processing for detecting various errors (step S757). Further, an information output process for outputting prize ball information and ball lending information output to the outside of the gaming machine is executed (step S758). Further, a predetermined display is performed on the error display LED 374 according to the result of the error processing, and a display control process for lighting the prize ball LED 51 and the ball out LED 52 is executed (step S759).

  In the present embodiment, when various errors (for example, full error, out-of-ball error, prepaid card unit unconnected error) are detected in error processing, an error bit corresponding to the detected error is set. Then, in the display control processing in step S759, the payout control CPU 371 performs a predetermined display on the error display LED 374 based on the error bit being set. Also, the payout control CPU 371 performs control for lighting the prize ball LED 51 when the prize ball is being paid out in the display control process. When the prize ball payout is completed, control for turning off the prize ball LED 51 is performed.

  In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port 0 buffer, output port 1 buffer, output port 2 buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. The contents of the port 0 buffer, output port 1 buffer, and output port 2 buffer are output to the output port (step S760: output processing). The output port 0 buffer, the output port 1 buffer, and the output port 2 buffer are a payout motor control process (step S753), a prepaid card control process (step S754), a main control communication process (step S755), and an information output process (step S758). And updated in the display control process (step S759).

  Next, an operation in which the payout control CPU 371 of the payout control microcomputer 370 transmits and receives various commands in the main control communication process in step S755 will be described. As shown in FIG. 13, the payout control microcomputer 370 includes a serial communication circuit 380 that serially communicates various commands with the game control microcomputer 560. The payout control microcomputer 370 receives the prize ball number command shown in FIG. 12 from the game control microcomputer 560 using the serial communication circuit 380. When the prize ball number command is received, the payout control microcomputer 370 transmits the prize ball ACK command “D2” shown in FIG. 12 as a reception confirmation signal using the serial communication circuit 380.

  Similarly to the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560, when the payout control CPU 371 receives an interrupt request from the serial communication circuit 380 while it is in the interrupt enabled state, the interrupt that the serial communication circuit 380 has issued an interrupt request for. Performs interrupt processing according to the cause. In this embodiment, when the CPU 371 for payout control specifies that the cause of the interruption is that the serial communication circuit 380 has received the received data, the payout control CPU 371 executes an interruption process at the time of reception. In this case, the payout control CPU 371 sets a reception interrupt flag indicating that the serial communication circuit 380 is receiving reception data. The payout control CPU 371 may read data from the reception data register of the serial communication circuit 380 instead of setting the reception interrupt flag in the reception interrupt processing. In this case, for example, the payout control CPU 371 determines whether or not the received data read is a prize ball number command in the interruption process during reception. If the received data is a prize ball number command, the payout control CPU 371 may add the number of prize balls indicated by the prize ball number command to the prize ball unpaid number counter. By doing so, in the main control communication process described later, it is determined whether or not the received data is a prize ball number command based on the reception interrupt flag being set (steps S542 to S545 described later). (Refer to the above), it is not necessary to execute the process of adding the number of prize balls to the prize ball unpaid-out number counter (see step S546 described later).

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing main control communication processing in which the payout control CPU 371 of the payout control microcomputer 370 communicates with the game control means (game control microcomputer 560) of the main board 31. The main control communication process is a command reception interrupt process (of the serial communication circuit 380) based on the reception of a command (connection confirmation command or prize ball number command as a prize ball request signal) from the game control microcomputer 560. This process is executed as a process within an interrupt process based on a reception interrupt, which is an internal interrupt that occurs when data is stored in the reception data register. However, the main control communication process may be executed as a process in the timer interrupt process.

  In the main control communication process, the payout control CPU 371 checks whether or not the connection confirmation signal is on (step S541). Note that the connection confirmation signal being in the on state means that power is supplied and the game control means can control the progress of the game, and that the connection confirmation signal is in the off state means This means that the supply stop process is started and the game control means cannot progress the game (the connection confirmation signal is turned off by the output port clear process in the power supply stop process).

  The payout control CPU 371 reads data from the reception data register that stores the data received by the serial communication circuit 380 (step S542). Then, the payout control CPU 371 confirms whether or not a connection confirmation command as a prize ball request signal has been received (step S543), and when the connection confirmation command is received (the data read from the reception data register is a connection confirmation command). If there is (Yes in Step S543), the upper 4 bits of the connection OK command are set in a predetermined data storage area of the RAM 55 (Step S547). Also, when a prize ball error, full tank error, out of ball error, or door open error occurs, that is, when a prize ball error flag, full tank error flag, out of ball error flag, or door open error flag is set in error processing. (Y in step S548) adds error information to the data of the connection OK command. Specifically, information indicating an error state (error information) is set in the lower 4 bits of the connection OK command (step S549). When no prize ball error, full tank error, ball run-out error, or door opening error has occurred (N in step S548), “0000” is set in the lower 4 bits of the connection OK command. Then, the upper 4 bits of the connection OK command set in the predetermined data storage area in step S547 and the lower 4 bits of data of the connection OK command (data indicating error information or “0000” data) are transmitted data. By writing to the register, the connection OK command is transmitted to the game control microcomputer 560 (step S552).

  When the connection confirmation command has not been received (N in step S543), the payout control CPU 371 checks whether or not the prize ball payout operation has been completed (step S544). Whether or not the winning ball payout operation has ended can be determined by checking a flag (payout end flag) that is set when a series of payout processing ends. If the winning ball payout operation has ended (Y in step S544), the payout control CPU 371 writes the winning ball end command data in the transmission data register (step S550). Note that the payout end flag is reset before (or after) executing the process of step S550. The payout end flag is set when the number of unpaid becomes 0 as a result of the payout process (Y in step S654).

  If the winning ball payout operation has not ended (N in step S544), the payout control CPU confirms whether or not the winning ball payout operation is in progress (step S545). In step S545, the upper 4 bits of the winning ball preparation command are set in a predetermined data storage area of the RAM 55 (step S551). Also, when a prize ball error, full tank error, out of ball error or door open error occurs, that is, when the prize ball error flag, full tank error flag, out of ball error flag or door open error flag is set (step In step S548, Y), error information is added to the data of the command for preparing a prize ball. Specifically, information indicating the error state (error information) is set in the lower 4 bits of the winning ball preparation command (step S549). When no prize ball error, full tank error, ball run-out error, or door opening error has occurred (N in step S548), “0000” is set in the lower 4 bits of the connection OK command. Then, the upper 4 bits of the winning ball preparation command set in the predetermined data storage area in step S551 and the lower 4 bits of data of the winning ball preparation command (data indicating error information or “0000” data). ) Is written in the transmission data register, a command for preparing a prize ball is transmitted to the game control microcomputer 560 (step S552).

  If the winning ball payout operation is not in progress (N in step S545), the payout control CPU 371 adds the number indicated by the winning ball number command to the award ball unpaid number counter (step S546). Then, the upper 4 bits of the connection OK command are set in a predetermined data storage area of the RAM 55 (step S547). Also, when a prize ball error, full tank error, out of ball error or door open error occurs, that is, when the prize ball error flag, full tank error flag, out of ball error flag or door open error flag is set (step In step S548, Y), error information is added to the data of the connection OK command. Specifically, information indicating an error state (error information) is set in the lower 4 bits of the connection OK command (step S549). When no prize ball error, full tank error, ball run-out error, or door opening error has occurred (N in step S548), “0000” is set in the lower 4 bits of the connection OK command. Then, the upper 4 bits of the connection OK command set in the predetermined data storage area in step S547 and the lower 4 bits of data of the connection OK command (data indicating error information or “0000” data) are transmitted data. By writing to the register, the connection OK command is transmitted to the game control microcomputer 560 (step S552).

  When error information is set in the connection OK command or the winning ball preparation command, 1 is set for the bit corresponding to the error information notified to the game control microcomputer 560 side when the error bit is set in error processing. 4 bits in the byte area are set and set. As a result, the 4 bits can be set as the lower 4 bits of the command to be transmitted to the game control microcomputer 560 as it is.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the prize ball lending control processing in step S756. In the award ball lending control process, the payout control CPU 371 determines that the output voltage of the detection signal from the payout number count switch 301 is equal to or higher than the high determination threshold (VH) and is in an ON state indicating the passage of the game ball. If it is confirmed (step S601), if the ball is being lent, the value of the unpaid ball counter is decreased by 1 (steps S602 and S604), and if the ball is not being lent, the value of the unpaid prize ball counter is decreased by 1 (step). S602, S603). If the value of the award ball unpaid number counter is decremented by 1, one of steps S610 to S612 is executed according to the value of the payout control code. In addition to the example shown in FIG. 27, in the prize ball lending control process, for example, when payout of prize balls is detected, it may be outputted to the main board 31 every time ten are detected.

  In step S601, when the output voltage of the detection signal from the payout number count switch 301 is not equal to or higher than the high determination threshold value (VH), the payout control CPU 371 determines that the output voltage of the detection signal is less than the detection threshold value (VSH). It is confirmed whether or not there is (step S606). If the output voltage of the detection signal is not less than the detection threshold (VSH), one of steps S610 to S612 is executed according to the value of the payout control code. On the other hand, if the output voltage of the detection signal is less than the detection threshold (VSH), the payout control CPU 371 sets the payout switch abnormality detection error 3 bits of the error flag (step S607). In step S606, it is determined whether or not the output voltage of the detection signal from the payout number count switch 301 is less than the detection threshold (VSH), that is, whether or not the payout number count switch 301 is affected by the induced magnetic field. The When the payout number count switch 301 is affected by the induced magnetic field, for example, when a radio wave is irradiated to a pachinko gaming machine, the game ball detection switch falls into a malfunction, and the award ball count is incorrect. May be manipulated. Therefore, if it is determined in step S606 that the output voltage of the detection signal is less than the detection threshold (VSH), an error flag bit is set as an abnormality is detected.

  In the example shown in FIG. 12, the process of step S606 is executed regardless of whether or not the ball is being lent or the prize ball is being paid out, but is executed only while the ball is being rented or the prize ball is being paid out. You may do it. An illegal act of irradiating a radio wave to cause the gaming ball detection switch to malfunction and illegally manipulate the winning ball count is likely to be performed during lending or paying out a winning ball. Even if the game ball detection switch detects the passage of the game ball, it is not detected by irradiating radio waves (for example, a game ball detection switch that is in a low level output state when a game ball is detected) In this case, by irradiating radio waves during payout, the same output state as when the game ball is detected but not detected is not subtracted, and the payout retry is not performed. This is because it will be repeated. In this embodiment, such fraudulent acts are detected by stopping the payout control on the assumption that an abnormality has been detected when a radio wave is detected (when the payout number count switch 301 is affected by the induced magnetic field). However, there is a possibility that the payout control may be stopped when a radio wave not caused by fraud is detected. However, by controlling to stop payout control as if an abnormality was detected only when a radio wave was detected during ball lending or prize ball payout, an error state was detected when radio waves not caused by fraud were detected. The possibility of migration can be reduced. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the award ball lending control processing is terminated after setting the error flag payout switch abnormality detection error 3 bits in step S607. It is also possible to stop the operation of the payout control microcomputer 370 by looping the process indefinitely so as not to execute this process.

  In the winning ball lending control process, when checking the detection signal of the payout number count switch 301 or subtracting the unpaid number counter, the error bit check is not executed. Therefore, even if an error state relating to the payout of game balls is detected, every time a payout of game balls is detected by the payout number count switch 301, if the payout game balls are loaned balls, a ball rental unpaid number counter 1 is subtracted, and if it is a prize ball, a process of subtracting 1 from the prize ball unpaid number counter is executed. Therefore, even if an error related to payout occurs, the number of unpaid game balls can be managed accurately. That is, a game ball paid out from the ball payout device 97 before the payout control CPU 371 of the payout control microcomputer 370 detects the occurrence of an error is delayed by the payout count switch 301 slightly after the payout time. As detected, the payout control CPU 371 detects the occurrence of an error after the game ball is paid out from the ball payout device 97 and before the game ball is detected by the payout number count switch 301. In this case, the game balls paid out from the ball payout device 97 before detecting the occurrence of the error can be reflected in the award ball unpaid number counter or the ball lending unpaid number counter.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the payout start waiting process (step S610) executed when the payout control code is 0. In the payout start waiting process, the payout control CPU 371 executes a process for paying out a prize ball after step S631 if the BRDY signal is not on (step S621). However, if the error bit is set, the processing after step S631 is not executed (step S622). The error bit in the error flag includes a main board unconnected error bit, a prize ball error (payout switch abnormality detection error 1, dispensing switch abnormality detection error 2, dispensing switch abnormality detection error 3, dispensing case error, prepaid card unit not connected Error, prepaid card unit communication error) bit, full error bit, out of ball error bit, door open error bit. The main board non-connection error is set when the connection confirmation signal from the main board 31 is in the OFF state. Accordingly, the payout control CPU 371 starts substantial control on condition that the connection confirmation signal is turned on after power supply to the gaming machine is started. The fact that the connection confirmation signal is in the on state means that power supply is performed and the game control means can control the progress of the game, so that the payout control of the prize ball according to the progress of the game can be executed. means. On the other hand, the fact that the connection confirmation signal is in an off state means that the power supply is stopped and the game control means cannot advance the game. It means that there is. Accordingly, the payout control CPU 371 stops payout control of the winning ball when the main board non-connection error bit is set. On the other hand, in this example, the lending ball payout control is executed without checking the error bit, and the lending control is continuously performed even if the main board unconnected error bit is set. .

  If the BRDY signal is on and the BRQ signal that is a ball lending request signal is on (step S623), the payout control CPU 371 checks whether or not the VL signal is on. (Step S623a). If the VL signal is on, the payout control CPU 371 sets a ball lending operation in progress flag (step S624). Then, “25” is set in the unpaid ball lending number counter (step S625), and “25” is set in the payout motor rotation number buffer (step S626). If the VL signal is not on in step S623a, the payout control CPU 371 proceeds to step S622 without performing the processes in and after step S624.

  The payout motor rotation frequency buffer is referred to in the payout motor control process (step S753). That is, in the payout motor control process, control is performed to rotate the payout motor 289 by the number of rotations corresponding to the value set in the payout motor rotation frequency buffer.

  Thereafter, the payout control microcomputer 370 sets a value corresponding to the payout motor start preparation process (step S522) (specifically, “1”) to the payout motor control code for selecting the process executed in the payout motor control process. ) Is set (step S627), the value of the payout control code is set to 1 (step S628), and the process is terminated.

  In step S631, the payout control CPU 371 checks whether or not the value of the award ball non-payout counter is 0 (step S631). If 0, the process ends. If the value of the award ball unpaid number counter is not 0, it is confirmed whether it is 15 or more (step S632). If it is less than 15, the value of the award ball unpaid number counter is set in the payout motor rotation count buffer (step S633), and if it is 15 or more, “15” is set in the payout motor rotation count buffer. Then, a winning ball operating flag is set (step S635), and the process proceeds to step S627.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a payout motor stop waiting process (step S611) executed when the payout control code is 1. In the payout motor stop waiting process, the payout control CPU 371 checks whether or not the payout operation is completed (step S641). For example, when the payout motor brake process (step S525) in the payout motor control process is completed, the payout control CPU 371 completes the flag (specifically, the rotation speed buffer becomes 0 and the drive control of the payout motor ends. It is possible to confirm whether or not the payout operation has ended by checking the flag in step S641.

  When the payout operation is completed, the payout control CPU 371 sets the payout passing monitoring time in the payout control monitoring timer (step S642). The payout passing monitoring time is a time that has a margin in the time from when the last payout ball is paid out by the payout motor 289 until it passes through the payout number count switch 301. Then, the value of the payout control code is set to 2 (step S643), and the process ends.

  30 to 31 are flowcharts showing a payout passing waiting process (step S612) executed when the value of the payout control code is 2. In the payout passing waiting process, when a prize ball is being paid out, it is determined that the payout has been completed normally if the value of the prize ball unpaid number counter is zero. If the value of the award ball unpaid number counter is not 0, if it is not an error state, a re-payout operation is attempted. In the re-payout operation, when it is detected by the payout number count switch 301 that the game ball is actually paid out, it is determined that the payout has been completed normally. In this embodiment, the maximum number of game balls to be paid out in one prize ball payout operation is 15, and if a prize ball number command is received during the prize ball payout, the value of the prize ball unpaid number counter is received. Therefore, even when the payout is completed normally, the value of the award ball non-payout number counter may not be 0.

  Further, when the ball lending is being paid out, it is determined that the payout has been completed normally if the value of the ball lending unpaid-out counter is 0. If the value of the ball lending unpaid number counter is not 0, and if it is not in an error state, a re-payout operation of one game ball or the remaining number of ball lending (corresponding to the value of the ball lending unpaid number counter) Try. In this embodiment, the number of game balls to be paid out in one ball lending and payout operation is 25 (fixed value), and the payout motor 289 is rotated so that 25 game balls are paid out. Therefore, when the value of the unpaid ball lending counter is not 0, the payout has not been completed normally.

  In the payout waiting process, the payout control CPU 371 first checks the value of the payout control timer, and if the value is 0, the process proceeds to step S653 (step S650). If the value of the payout control timer is not 0, the value of the payout control timer is decremented by 1 (step S651). If the value of the payout control timer is not 0 (step S652), that is, if the payout control timer has not timed out, the process is terminated. Note that the process of step S650 is a process that takes into account when a game ball payout retry operation to be described later is started. In this case, the retry operation is started through a route that moves from step S650 to S653.

  If the payout control timer has timed out (step S652), it is confirmed whether or not the ball lending payout process (ball lending operation) has been executed (step S653). Whether or not the ball lending operation has been executed is confirmed by whether or not the ball lending operation bit in the payout control state flag formed in the RAM is set (see steps S623 and S624). When the ball lending operation is not executed, that is, when the prize ball payout process (prize ball operation) is executed, the payout control CPU 371 checks the value of the award ball unpaid number counter (step S654). ). If the value of the winning ball unpaid number counter is 0, it is determined that the winning ball payout process has been completed normally, and the winning ball operating flag and the ball lending operating bit are reset (step S655), and the payout control is performed. The code is set to 0 (step S656), and the process is terminated.

  The payout control CPU 371 determines that an error flag (specifically, a payout switch error error 1 bit, a payout switch error error 2 bits, a payout switch error error) if the value of the award ball unpaid number counter is not 0. The re-payout operation is executed on the condition that any one of the 3 bits and the payout case error bit or a plurality of bits is not set (step S659). If the error flag is set, the re-payout operation is not executed.

  In order to execute the re-payout process, the pay-out control CPU 371 sets the value of the re-pay-out operation number or the ball lending unpaid-out number counter in the payout motor rotation number buffer (step S666). Further, the payout control CPU 371 sets a value (specifically “1”) corresponding to the payout motor activation preparation process (step S522) to the payout motor control code for selecting the process executed in the payout motor control process. set. The payout motor rotation frequency buffer is referred to in the payout motor control process (step S753). That is, in the payout motor control process, control is performed to rotate the payout motor 289 by the number of rotations corresponding to the value set in the payout motor rotation frequency buffer. In step S666, the value of the unpaid ball lending number counter is also handled because step S666 is used in the re-payout process in the lend-out process. That is, in step S666, the payout control CPU 371 sets the re-payout operation number in the re-payout process in the prize ball payout process, and sets the value of the ball lending unpaid-out number counter in the re-payout process in the ball lending payout process. . Thereafter, the payout control code is set to 1 (step S667), and the process is terminated.

  Note that “retry operation (or“ retry ”,“ retry operation processing ”) means that the actual number of payouts is equal to the number of game balls paid out in spite of execution of a normal payout process. This is an operation to be executed when the amount is small, and means an operation for executing the payout process again in order to pay out unpaid game balls separately from the normal payout process.

  In the winning ball lending control process, the error bit is checked to determine whether or not to perform a payout operation (one winning ball payout or one ball lending). The payout start shown in FIG. Only in the waiting process. In the payout motor stop waiting process shown in FIG. 29 and the payout passing wait process shown in FIG. 30 and the like, the error bit is not checked. Note that the error bit is also checked in step S659 or the like in the payout passing waiting process, but this check is for determining whether or not a re-payout operation is to be performed. This is not to determine whether or not to start ball lending. Therefore, after the process of step S626, S633, or step S634 is performed and the game ball payout process is started, the payout process is not interrupted even if an error occurs. In other words, when an error occurs, the game ball payout process is continued until a point at which the game ball can be cut well (at the time when one prize ball payout or one ball lending ends). The error bits in the error flag checked in step S621 include an error bit indicating that the connection confirmation signal from the main board 31 has been turned off. Therefore, even when the connection confirmation signal is turned off, the game ball payout process is stopped at a time when it is best to turn it off. If an error occurs even after the game ball payout process is started after the process of step S626, S633 or step S634 is performed, instead of continuing the game ball payout process until a good point is reached. The game ball payout process may be stopped immediately. Further, for example, in step S607 of the prize ball lending control process, the game ball payout process may be stopped immediately only when the payout switch abnormality detection error 3 occurs.

  Upon confirming that the ball lending / dispensing process (ball lending operation) has been executed in step S653, the payout control CPU 371 confirms whether or not the value of the unlapped ball lending number counter is 0 (step S657). . If it is 0, it is determined that the ball lending / dispensing process is normally completed, and the process proceeds to step S655. In step S657, if the value of the unpaid ball lending counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S659.

  Next, error processing will be described. When the connection confirmation signal from the main board 31 is turned off, the payout control CPU 371 of the payout control microcomputer 370 displays “1” on the error display LED 374 as a main board non-connection error. I do. Therefore, when the connection confirmation signal is turned off while the input state of the connection confirmation signal is being confirmed, “1” is displayed on the error display LED 374.

  When the disconnection of the payout count switch 301 or a ball clogging occurs at the payout count switch 301, the error display LED 374 is controlled to display “2” as the payout switch abnormality detection error 1. The disconnection of the payout number count switch 301 or the occurrence of ball clogging in the payout number count switch 301 is determined by the detection signal of the payout number count switch 301 not being turned off.

  When the detection signal of the payout number count switch 301 is turned on even though the game ball is not paying out, control is performed to display “3” on the error display LED 374 as the payout switch abnormality detection error 2. Do.

  When the detection signal of the payout number count switch 301 is less than the detection threshold (VSH) level (that is, when it indicates that it is affected by the induced magnetic field), the payout switch abnormality detection error 3 is displayed as an error. Control to display “4” on the LED 374 is performed. In this embodiment, when the payout switch abnormality detection error 3 occurs, the state before the error occurs is restored by the power reset.

  If the detection signal of the payout count switch 301 does not turn on despite the abnormal rotation of the payout motor 289 or the game ball being paid out, “5” is displayed on the error display LED 374 as a payout case error. Control. The fact that the detection signal of the payout number count switch 301 is not turned on is, for example, that the detection signal of the payout number count switch 301 does not exceed the high determination threshold value (VH), but from the low determination threshold value (VL) level to the high determination threshold value ( It is determined that a predetermined period of time has passed while the state is less than (VH) level.

  In addition, when the lower pan is full, that is, when the full switch 48 is turned on, control is performed to display “6” on the error display LED 374 as a full error. When the supply ball is insufficient, that is, when the ball break switch 187 is turned on, control is performed to display “7” on the error display LED 374 as a ball break error.

  Further, when the VL signal from the card unit 50 is turned off, control is performed to display “8” on the error display LED 374 as a prepaid card unit non-connection error. When communication with the card unit 50 is performed at an improper timing, control is performed to display “9” on the error display LED 374 as a prepaid card unit communication error. The prepaid card unit communication error is detected in the prepaid card unit control process (step S754).

  Among the above errors, after a payout switch abnormality detection error 2, a payout case error, an excessive prize ball error error or an excessive prize ball error error occurs, the error release switch 375 is operated and an operation signal is output from the error release switch 375. If it becomes (on state), the payout control means returns to the state before the error occurred.

  As described above, the payout control CPU 371 specifically displays an error on the error display LED 374 in the display control process of the timer interrupt process (see step S759). For example, the payout control CPU 371 indicates that a prepaid card unit non-connection error has occurred in the display control process based on the setting of the prepaid card unit non-connection error bit in the error process (see step S826). Control to display the error display “7” on the error display LED 374 is performed. Further, for example, based on the fact that the full error bit is set in the error processing (see step S809), an error display “5” indicating that a full error has occurred in the display control processing is displayed on the error display LED 374. Control the display.

  Next, the operation of the sound / lamp control means (sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b) will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b (specifically, the sound / lamp control CPU 101b) mounted on the sound / lamp control board 80b. When power supply to the gaming machine is started and the reset signal becomes high level, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b starts main processing. In the main process, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b first performs an initialization process for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval, and the like. This is performed (step S781). Thereafter, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b shifts to a loop process for monitoring the timer interrupt flag (step S782). When a timer interrupt occurs, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b clears the flag (step S783) and executes the following sound / lamp control process.

  A timer interrupt takes, for example, every 2 ms. That is, the sound / lamp control process is activated every 2 ms, for example. In this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interrupt process, and the specific sound / lamp control process is executed in the main process, but the sound / lamp control process is executed in the timer interrupt process. Also good.

  In the sound / lamp control process, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b first analyzes the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S784). When an error specifying command is received, the error contents (prize ball error, full tank error, ball out error, door opening error) are specified based on the contents of the lower 4 bits of the command. Then, an error bit (error flag) corresponding to the content of the specified error is set. When the error bit is set, it is referred to in the notification control process, and error notification according to the content of the error is executed. The error notification may be executed by any one or a combination of sound, lamp, and display, or all of them, and when there is an error that is executed only by the variable display device 9, the error Only in this case, an error specifying command may be transmitted to the symbol control board.

  Next, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b performs an effect content determination process (step S785). In the effect content determination processing, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b uses the variable display device 9 based on the effect control command (variation pattern command or display result designation command) (whether or not to perform the notice effect). Kaya, the type of notice effect). Further, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b generates an effect content designation command indicating the determined effect content.

  Next, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b performs sound output processing (step S786). In this case, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b outputs sound number data (for example, sound number data corresponding to the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern command) to the speech synthesis IC 173. Then, the voice synthesis IC 173 generates a voice or a sound effect corresponding to the sound number data and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 175.

  Next, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b performs lamp display processing (step S787). In this case, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b performs lamp control based on the lamp control execution data set in the process data.

  Further, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b executes a process of updating the random number counter (step S788). Further, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b performs a process of sending the effect control command received from the main board 31 and the effect content designation command generated in the effect content determination process in step S785 to the symbol control board 80a ( Command control processing: Step S789). The sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b executes notification control process processing for notifying that a predetermined error has occurred based on the reception of the error specifying command (step S790). Thereafter, the process returns to the process of checking the timer interrupt flag in step S782. For error notification, a different sound is output for each error content, or the error content is displayed on the screen of the variable display device 9 (for example, the characters “full tank error has occurred!” Are displayed. To inform the player of the contents of the error.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 for controlling the progress of the game, the payout means for paying out the game medium realized by the ball payout device 97, and the payout control for controlling the payout means. Microcomputer 370, and game medium detection means for outputting a signal when a paid game medium realized by using the payout number count switch 301 is detected. The game medium detection means detects an abnormality. When the induced magnetic field is detected (for example, when an induced magnetic field is detected), the payout control microcomputer 370 controls the payout means based on the signal output from the game control microcomputer 560 and the game medium. When a different signal is output from the detection means, control for stopping the control by the payout control means is performed. Therefore, an abnormality can be detected and the control by the payout control means can be stopped without increasing the processing load of the game control microcomputer 560.

  In this embodiment, a detection signal is output from the payout number count switch 301 via a single signal line, and notification is made that an abnormality has occurred based on the difference in the detection signal. Instead, for example, when a game medium is detected from the payout number count switch 301, it may be notified through the signal line that is different from the signal line that outputs the detection signal.

  In this embodiment, a different signal is output when the payout number count switch 301 detects the induced magnetic field. In addition to this, for example, when a payout switch abnormality detection error 1 or 2 is detected, A different signal may be output when an abnormality is detected when a game medium is not detected in spite of the control being performed.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the payout switch abnormality detection error 3 (that is, when the payout number count switch 301 is affected by the induction magnetic field) occurs, the state before the error is generated by the power reset is restored. For example, when the error release switch 375 is operated and an operation signal is output from the error release switch 375 (when turned on), a state before an error occurs is configured. You may make it return to. By doing so, it is possible to resume the payout of game media by the payout means that has been stopped without initializing the fluctuating data that fluctuates with the control of the game control microcomputer by the power reset. Further, it is possible to reduce the damage that the player suffers when the control by the payout control means is stopped due to the detection of an abnormality that does not depend on fraud.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In this embodiment, a gate switch 32a disposed in the gate 32, a start switch 14a disposed in the start winning opening 14, a count switch 23 disposed in the large winning opening, and a winning opening (ordinary winning opening) 29 , 30 are arranged as follows: winning a prize mouth switch 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a. FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of a detection unit (detection device) 200 that constitutes the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a. Among these, Fig.33 (a) has shown the perspective view which looked at the detection unit 200 from diagonally upward. FIG. 33 (b) shows a view in which the internal structure is visible in FIG. 33 (a) by removing the upper surface portion and the front side surface portion of the casing of the detection unit 200. FIG. 33 (c) shows a cross-sectional view of the detection unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 33 (a), the detection unit 200 is provided with a passage port 201 through which a game ball can pass and a connector 202 capable of outputting a detection signal on the side surface side. Further, as shown in FIGS. 33 (b) and 33 (c), a passage detection switch (in this example, a photocoupler) for detecting a game ball passing through the passage opening 201 is provided inside the detection unit 200. Two sets of passage detection switches are formed by combinations of light emitting elements 203a and 203c (in this example, light emitting diodes) and light receiving elements 203b and 203d (in this example, phototransistors). In this embodiment, the passage detection switch composed of the light emitting element 203a and the light receiving element 203b is positioned above the passage detection switch composed of the light emitting element 203c and the light receiving element 203d. Therefore, a passage detection switch composed of the light emitting element 203a and the light receiving element 203b is also referred to as an upper passage detection switch, and a passage detection switch composed of the light emitting element 203c and the light receiving element 203d is also referred to as a lower passage detection switch.

  Note that detection elements such as photocouplers used as the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are of the same standard and the same specification. If the same standards and specifications are used in this way, for example, if an act of illegally emitting radio waves or infrared rays to gain a prize is performed, the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection will be performed. Since the switch is supposed to be turned on at the same time, as described later, if the phenomenon that the switch state is turned on at the same time can be confirmed when the switch state transition is not normal, fraudulent acts using radio waves or infrared rays are performed. Can be determined.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 33 (b), each passage detection switch is configured such that the light rays 205a and 205b are emitted from the light emitting elements 203a and 203c toward the light receiving elements 203b and 203d in the traveling direction of the game ball (FIG. (X direction shown in a) and (c)). The light rays 205a and 205b do not necessarily have to be completely orthogonal to the traveling direction of the game ball, and may be arranged so as to be substantially orthogonal.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 33B and 33C, in the detection unit 200, the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are in the traveling direction of the game ball (FIGS. 33A and 33C). They are arranged so as to be in different positions with the X direction (shown) as an axis. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 33 (c), when the detection unit 200 is viewed from the side, the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are viewed with the advancing direction of the game ball as a coordinate axis. Sometimes the distance A is arranged on the coordinate axes. That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33 (c), the upper passage detection switch is included in the parallel line α among the parallel lines drawn in a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction (X direction) of the game ball. On the other hand, the lower passage detection switch is included in the parallel line β separated by a distance A, and the upper passage detection switch is orthogonal to the traveling direction (X direction) of the game ball with respect to the lower passage detection switch. It arrange | positions so that it may become a position other than on the same parallel line. In this embodiment, since a photo sensor is used as the passage detection switch, the distance difference A between the passage detection switches is very small (for example, about 3 mm). Therefore, the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are arranged at positions other than on the same parallel line orthogonal to the traveling direction (X direction) of the game ball, and as described later, When a proximity switch or the like is used as a passage detection switch because it is arranged at a position other than on the same parallel line with respect to the traveling direction (X direction) and further on a parallel line separated by a very small distance A As compared with the above, the detection unit 200 can be remarkably reduced in thickness. In addition, since a photosensor with a small detection range error and high detection accuracy is used, it is possible to detect a game ball with higher accuracy than when a proximity switch or the like is used.

  Each passage detection switch is specifically mounted in the detection unit 200 in a state of being mounted on the flexible substrate 204. As shown in FIG. 33B, the flexible substrate 204 is provided with a bent portion 206 at a position between the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch, and is bent at the bent portion 206. To be installed in the detection unit 200. As shown in FIG. 33C, the flexible substrate 204 is attached in a state where it is bent at the bent portion 206, so that the distance difference A can be easily generated between the passage detection switches. In addition, since the distance difference A generated between the passage detection switches can be easily changed by changing the bending angle of the flexible substrate 204, when the passage detection switch is attached to the detection unit 200, each of the passage detection switches The position can be easily adjusted and installed.

  Further, in this embodiment, the flexible substrate 204 is attached in a state of being bent by the bent portion 206, whereby the direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the game ball (the X direction shown in FIGS. 33A and 33C). Also, as shown in FIG. 33 (c), they are attached so that a distance difference B is generated between the passage detection switches. That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33 (c), a parallel line to the traveling direction (X direction) of the game ball (a parallel line drawn in a direction parallel to the traveling direction (X direction) of the game ball) Of these, the upper passage detection switch is included in the parallel line γ, while the lower passage detection switch is included in the parallel line δ separated by the distance B, and the upper passage detection switch is the lower passage detection switch. Are arranged at positions other than on the same parallel line with respect to the advancing direction (X direction) of the game ball. In this embodiment, the diameter of the passage port 201 of the detection unit 200 is about 11 mm, whereas the distance difference B is adjusted to be about 9.5 mm between the passage detection switches. Therefore, the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are arranged so that one passage detection switch is close to the end portion of the passage opening 201 and the other passage detection switch has the central axis of the passage opening 201 as the axis of symmetry. It is arranged at a position close to the end portion of the opposite passage port 201.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the optical axis in the upper passage detection switch (the optical axis through which the light beam 205a passes) and the optical axis in the lower passage detection switch (the optical axis through which the light beam 205b passes) are The upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are separated from each other by a predetermined distance (distance A and distance B) with respect to the traveling direction (X direction) and the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the game ball. Has been placed.

  As shown in FIG. 33 (b), in the detection unit 200, the upper passage detection switch is configured such that the direction of the light beam 205a when emitted from the light emitting element 203a toward the light receiving element 203b is the light emission of the lower passage detection switch. The light beam 205b is arranged in a direction different from the direction when light is emitted from the element 203c toward the light receiving element 203d. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 33 (b), the light emitting elements 203a and 203c and the light receiving elements 203b and 203d are alternately arranged with the passage opening 201 in between, and the light beam between the passage detection switches. The direction of 205a, 205b is comprised so that it may become reverse direction. By changing the direction of the light beam in such a manner, for example, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the light beam emitted from the light emitting element 203c is received by the light receiving element 203b of the upper passage detection switch and causes interference. The light ray 205a emitted from the light emitting element 203a of the passage detection switch toward the light receiving element 203b is affected by the light ray 205b emitted from the light emitting element 203c of the lower passage detection switch toward the light receiving element 203d. This can be prevented. It should be noted that the direction of the light beam between the passage detection switches does not necessarily have to be completely reversed, and it is sufficient that the light beam does not have the same direction at least between the passage detection switches.

  The arrangement of the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, although the possibility of erroneous detection increases, the light beam 205a of the upper passage detection switch is increased. You may arrange | position so that direction and the direction of the light ray 205b of a lower side detection switch may become the same direction. Further, if the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are arranged so as not to be on the same parallel line with respect to the advancing direction (X direction) of the game ball, for example, the upper passage is viewed from the upper surface side. Even if it is arranged so that the light beam 205a of the detection switch and the light beam 205b of the lower passage detection switch cross each other, a distance difference can be generated between the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch. The influence of light rays can be reduced between the passage detection switches.

  Although this embodiment shows a case where the detection unit 200 includes two passage detection switches, the detection unit 200 may include not only two but three or more passage detection switches.

  Next, state transition when a game ball passes through the detection unit 200 will be described. FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram for explaining state transition when a game ball passes through the detection unit 200. In the example shown in FIG. 34, the state transitions in the order of FIGS. 34 (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e). FIG. 35 is a time chart showing a change in detection state between the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch when the game ball passes through the detection unit 200 with time.

  First, as shown in FIG. 34A, in the state immediately before the game ball 207 enters the entrance of the passage port 201 of the detection unit 200, the game ball 207 exists in the passage port 201 of the detection unit 200. There is nothing that blocks the light rays between the light emitting elements 203a and 203c and the light receiving elements 203b and 203d. Accordingly, in both the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch, the light rays from the light emitting elements 203a and 203c are normally received by the light receiving elements 203b and 203d, and the detection signal of the upper passage detection switch and the detection signal of the lower passage detection switch. As a result, a high level signal is output from the connector 202.

  In this embodiment, when the game ball 207 is not detected by the passage detection switch, it is normally received by the light receiving elements 203b and 203d and a high level signal is output as a detection signal. A state in which a high level signal is output as a signal is a state in which the passage detection switch is off. On the other hand, when the game ball 207 is detected by the passage detection switch, the light is blocked by the game ball 207, and the light receiving elements 203b and 203d cannot receive light, and a low level signal is output as a detection signal. A state in which a low level signal is output as the detection signal is a state in which the passage detection switch is on.

  From the above, in the state shown in FIG. 34A, both the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are turned off as shown in section (a) in FIG.

  Next, when the game ball 207 enters the passage opening 201 of the detection unit 200 and the game ball is positioned above the passage opening 201 of the detection unit 200, as shown in FIG. Only the light beam between the light emitting element 203a and the light receiving element 203b is changed to a blocked state. Therefore, the light receiving element 203b cannot receive light, and a low level signal is output as a detection signal from the upper passage detection switch, and the upper passage detection switch is turned on. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 34 (b), the light beam between the light emitting element 203c and the light receiving element 203d is not yet blocked, and a high level is detected as a detection signal from the lower passage detection switch. The signal remains output, and the lower passage detection switch remains off. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 34 (b), as shown in the section (b) of FIG. 35, the upper passage detection switch is in the on state and the lower detection switch is in the off state.

  Next, when the game ball 207 further enters the passage opening 201 of the detection unit 200 and the game ball 207 is located at the center in the passage opening 201 of the detection unit 200, as shown in FIG. Both the light beam between the light emitting element 203a and the light receiving element 203b and the light beam between the light emitting element 203c and the light receiving element 203d are changed to a blocked state. Therefore, both the light receiving element 203b and the light receiving element 203d cannot receive light, and a low level signal is output as a detection signal from the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch. Both detection switches are turned on. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 34C, both the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are turned on as shown in the section (c) in FIG.

  Next, when the game ball 207 further travels in the passage port 201 of the detection unit 200 and the game ball is located below the passage port 201 of the detection unit 200, as shown in FIG. Then, only the light beam between the light emitting element 203c and the light receiving element 203d is changed to a blocked state. Therefore, the light receiving element 203b can receive light again, a high level signal is output as a detection signal from the upper passage detection switch, and the upper passage detection switch is turned off. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 34 (d), the light beam between the light emitting element 203c and the light receiving element 203d is still blocked, and a low-level signal is detected as a detection signal from the lower passage detection switch. The output state is maintained, and the lower passage detection switch remains on. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 34 (d), as shown in the section (d) of FIG. 35, the upper passage detection switch is in the OFF state and the lower detection switch is in the ON state.

  When the game ball 207 has completely passed through the passage opening 201 of the detection unit 200, as shown in FIG. 34 (e), the light beam between the light emitting element 203a and the light receiving element 203b, and the light emitting element 203c and the light receiving element Both of the light beams to and from the element 203d change to an unshielded state. For this reason, both the light receiving element 203b and the light receiving element 203d can receive light, and a high level signal is output as a detection signal from the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch. Both side-pass detection switches are turned off. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 34 (e), as shown in the section (e) in FIG. 35, both the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are turned off.

  From the above, when the game ball 207 passes through the passage 201 of the detection unit 200, it is always (1) upper passage detection switch (off) / lower passage detection switch (off), (2) upper portion. Pass detection switch (On) / Lower pass detection switch (Off), (3) Upper pass detection switch (On) / Lower pass detection switch (On), (4) Upper pass detection switch (Off) / Lower pass It can be seen that the switch state transitions in the order of the detection switch (on), (5) upper passage detection switch (off) / lower passage detection switch (off). Therefore, if it can be detected that the switch states of the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are changed in the order of (1) to (5) in this way, the game ball 207 has passed through the passage opening 201 of the detection unit 200. Can be reliably detected.

  It should be noted that the transition of the switch state in the order of (1) to (5) above is detected even when a plurality of game balls are stuck together and pass through the passage port 201 of the detection unit 200 continuously. it can. FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a case where a plurality of game balls pass through the passage opening 201 of the detection unit 200 in succession. As already described, for example, as shown in the side view of FIG. 36 (a), the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch have a distance difference at a position close to the end portion of the passage port 201 of the detection unit 200. They are arranged so as to be separated by B, and are arranged so that a distance difference A is generated with respect to the traveling direction of the game ball (X direction). As shown in FIG. 36 (a), the first game ball 207a is changed from the state in which only the lower passage detection switch as shown in FIG. 34 (d) detects the game ball to FIG. 34 (e). Consider a state where a transition is first made to a state in which neither the upper-pass detection switch nor the lower-pass detection switch is detected. In this case, as shown in the side view of FIG. 36A, a part of the first game ball 207a still remains in the passage opening 201, but the lower passage detection switch is blocked by the game ball 207a. In this state, the first game ball 207a has transitioned to a state without a game ball shown in FIG. 34 (e).

  On the other hand, as shown in the side view of FIG. 36 (a), even if the second game ball 207b is continuously attached to the game ball 207a, the second game Although a part of the ball 207b has already entered the passage 201, neither the upper passage detection switch nor the lower passage detection switch is blocked by the game ball 207b. The second game ball 207b is still without the game ball shown in FIG. As described above, in this embodiment, even when a plurality of game balls pass continuously, a period in which both the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are always off is generated. A distance difference A and a distance difference B are defined. Therefore, the cycle of the switch state as shown in FIG. 35 can be detected without fail, and the passage of one ball can be reliably detected.

  In addition, as shown in this embodiment, the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are not arranged at a position close to the end portion of the passage port 201 with a distance difference B apart, for example, FIG. ), It is also conceivable to arrange them side by side on the central axis of the passage opening 201. However, with such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 36 (b), when the game ball passes continuously, the light rays between the light emitting elements 203a and 203c and the light receiving elements 203b and 203d The state is always cut off, and both the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are always on continuously. Accordingly, the cycle of the switch state is not detected, and it can be detected that the game ball has passed through the passage opening 201 of the detection unit 200, but the passage of each ball cannot be detected, and how many game balls have passed. It is not possible to recognize what happened. Further, if both the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are configured to detect on the central axis of the passage port 201, the detection unit 200 cannot be thinned, and either one of the passage detection switches. Even if only the game ball is configured to be detected on the central axis of the passage port 201, it is not possible to appropriately detect the game ball that passes continuously.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are arranged at a position close to the end portion of the passage opening 201 with a distance difference B apart, so that the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are always located. A period in which both the side passage detection switch and the side passage detection switch are off can be generated, and even when game balls pass continuously, it is possible to reliably detect the passage of the game balls one by one.

  In this embodiment, the distance difference A and the distance difference B are determined so that a period in which both the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are always off is generated. When the game ball passes continuously, the distance difference A and the distance difference B may be determined so that one of the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch is continuously turned on. Even in such a configuration, when a game ball passes continuously, at least one of the passage detection switches repeats an on state and an off state. For example, either one of the passage detection switches is off. It may be determined that a game ball has been detected on the condition that the state has been reached.

  Next, the switch process (step S21) in the timer interrupt process of this embodiment will be described. 37 and 38 are flowcharts showing a processing example of the switch processing in step S21 in the game control processing. Note that FIGS. 37 and 38 comprehensively show processing for detecting whether or not each switch is in an ON state without distinguishing between the types of switches. However, the CPU 56 uses the gate switch 32a. The processing shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 is executed for each of the start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a.

  In the switch process, the CPU 56 first reads the switch state of the switch to be processed (step S21001). Specifically, the CPU 56 inputs data input to the input port to which the processing target switch is connected, and sets the input data in a port buffer or the like. Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the switch state read in step S21001 matches the content of the previous interrupt switch state buffer (step S21002). The previous interrupt switch status buffer is a buffer for storing the contents of the switch status read at the previous timer interrupt. If it does not match the contents of the previous interrupt switch status buffer, the process proceeds to step S21020.

  By executing the processing of step S21002, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the switch state is correctly read only when the switch states read by two consecutive timer interrupts match. The switch on-state detection process in steps S21003 to S21019 is performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the switch ON state detection process in steps S21003 to S21019 is performed even though the wrong switch state is read due to noise or the like. In this embodiment, a case has been described in which the processing is executed assuming that the reading of the switch state is correctly performed when the switch state is matched by two consecutive timer interruptions. For example, when all the switch states coincide with three or more consecutive timer interruptions, the processing may be executed on the assumption that the switch state has been correctly read. Also, for example, after confirming the switch state for the first time, rather than confirming whether or not the switch states match with a plurality of timer interruptions, after performing a wait process and the like after a predetermined delay period It is also possible to confirm whether or not the switch state matches by performing confirmation of the switch state a plurality of times within one timer interrupt by processing such as confirmation of the second switch state.

  If the read switch state matches the content of the previous interrupt switch state buffer (Y in step S21002), the CPU 56 determines that the upper pass detection switch and the lower pass detection switch are based on the switch state read in step S21001. It is confirmed whether or not both are in an off state (step S21003). If at least one of the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch is in an ON state (N in step S21003), the CPU 56 receives a game ball in the start winning opening 14, the large winning opening, and the winning openings 29 and 30. It is checked whether a ball clogging error flag indicating that a ball clogging state has occurred is set (step S21004). If the ball clogging error flag is not set, the CPU 56 adds 1 to the value of the ball clogging measurement counter for measuring the duration of the detection state of the passage detection switch in order to detect the ball clogging (step S21005). Then, if the value of the ball clogging measurement counter after the addition reaches a predetermined upper limit value (for example, 100) (Y in step S21006), the CPU 56 determines that the start winning port 14, the big winning port, the winning port 29, It is determined that the game ball is clogged within 30 and a ball clogging error flag is set (step S21007). When the ball clogging error flag is set, for example, a lamp indicating that the ball is clogged is turned on, or a character string indicating that the ball is clogged is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 9, etc. It is notified that the ball clogging has occurred. Further, for example, the occurrence of the ball clogging may be externally output to an external device such as a hall computer.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the switch state read in step S21001 matches the contents of the switch status buffer (step S21008). The switch status buffer is a buffer for storing the contents of the switch state read when the switch on-state detection processing of steps S21003 to S21019 was performed last time. If it matches the contents of the switch status buffer (Y in step S21008), the process proceeds to step S21020. That is, since there is no change in the switch state when the switch on state detection process was executed last time, the process proceeds to step S21020 as it is without proceeding to the processes after step S21009.

  If the read switch status does not match the contents of the switch status buffer (N in step S21008), the switch status has changed since the previous switch ON detection processing was executed. In this case, the CPU 56 uses the switch state transition table for determining whether or not the switch state transition is normal, and determines whether the switch state transition is normal based on the read switch state and the contents of the switch status buffer. It is determined whether or not (step S21009). The switch state transition table is stored in the ROM 54, for example.

  FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of the switch state transition table. As already described with reference to FIG. 35, when a game ball passes through the passage opening 201 of the detection unit 200 constituting each switch, (1) upper passage detection switch (off) / lower passage detection is always performed. Switch (Off), (2) Upper passage detection switch (On) / Lower passage detection switch (Off), (3) Upper passage detection switch (On) / Lower passage detection switch (On), (4) Upper passage The switch state transitions in the order of detection switch (off) / lower passage detection switch (on), (5) upper passage detection switch (off) / lower passage detection switch (off). Therefore, according to the switch state transition table shown in FIG. 39, when the content of the switch status buffer is the upper passage detection switch (off) / lower passage detection switch (off), the CPU 56 determines that the currently read switch state is the upper state. If it is a passage detection switch (ON) / lower passage detection switch (OFF), it is determined that the switch state transition is normal, and if the currently read switch state is a combination other than this, the switch state transition is Judged to be abnormal. Further, according to the switch state transition table shown in FIG. 39, when the content of the switch status buffer is the upper passage detection switch (ON) / lower passage detection switch (OFF), the CPU 56 determines that the currently read switch state is the upper state. If it is a passage detection switch (on) / lower passage detection switch (on), it is determined that the switch state transition is normal, and if the currently read switch state is a combination other than this, the switch state transition is Judged to be abnormal. Further, according to the switch state transition table shown in FIG. 39, when the content of the switch status buffer is the upper passage detection switch (ON) / lower passage detection switch (ON), the CPU 56 determines that the currently read switch state is the upper state. If it is a passage detection switch (OFF) / lower passage detection switch (ON), it is determined that the switch state transition is normal, and if the switch state read this time is a combination other than this, the switch state transition is Judged to be abnormal. Further, according to the switch state transition table shown in FIG. 39, when the content of the switch status buffer is the upper passage detection switch (off) / lower passage detection switch (on), the CPU 56 determines that the currently read switch state is the upper state. If it is a passage detection switch (off) / lower passage detection switch (off), it is determined that the switch state transition is normal, and if the switch state read this time is a combination other than this, the switch state transition is Judged to be abnormal.

  If the switch state transition is normal (Y in step S21009), the process proceeds to step S21013. If the switch state transition is abnormal (N in step S21009), the CPU 56 determines whether both the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are on based on the switch state read in step S21001. Is confirmed (step S21010). If at least either the upper passage detection switch or the lower passage detection switch is in an OFF state (N in step S21010), the CPU 56 indicates that an abnormality has occurred in the order of transition of the switch state (also referred to as a passage order error). The passing order error flag shown is set (step S21011).

  On the other hand, if both the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are on (Y in step S21010), the CPU 56 illegally turns on the start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a and 30a. A fraud detection flag indicating that the act to be detected has been detected is set (step S21012). That is, as already described, in this embodiment, since the detection element of the same standard and the same specification is used as the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch, it illegally emits radio waves or infrared rays. If an action to win a prize is performed, the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch should be turned on simultaneously. Therefore, when both the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are turned on when the switch state transition is not normal, the start port switch 14a and the count are illegally used using radio waves or infrared rays. It is determined that there is a possibility that the switch 23 and winning opening switches 29a and 30a are turned on, and the fraud detection flag is set.

  When the fraud detection flag is set, for example, a lamp indicating that fraud has been detected is turned on, or a character string indicating that fraud has been detected is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 9. It is notified that fraud has been detected. Further, for example, the fact that fraud has been detected may be externally output to an external device such as a hall computer. Further, the fraud detection flag set in step S21012 is reset based on, for example, resetting the power supply of the gaming machine or performing an error canceling operation by the operating means.

  Even when the passage order error flag is set, for example, a lamp indicating that a passage order error has been detected is turned on, or a passage order error is detected on the display screen of the effect display device 9. You may make it alert | report that the passage order error was detected by displaying a character string etc. Further, for example, the occurrence of a passage order error may be output to an external device such as a hall computer.

  Next, the CPU 56 overwrites and stores the switch status read in step S21001 in the switch status buffer (step S21013). As a result, the contents of the switch status buffer are rewritten from the switch state when the switch on-state detection process was executed last time to the switch state read this time.

  In addition, the CPU 56 clears the value of the ball clogging counter (step S21014) and resets the ball clogging error flag if it is set (step S21015). That is, if it is determined as N in step S21009, it can be seen that the switch state has changed since the last time the switch ON state detection process was executed, so that at least the ball is not clogged. . Accordingly, the value of the ball clogging counter and the ball clogging error flag are reset.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether both the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are in the OFF state based on the contents of the switch status buffer rewritten in step S21013 (step S21016). If at least either the upper passage detection switch or the lower passage detection switch is on (N in step S21016), the process proceeds to step S21020.

  If both the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are in the OFF state (Y in step S21016), the game ball is detected by the detection unit 200 as shown in the section (e) of FIG. This means that it has finished passing through the passage opening 201. In this case, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the passage order error flag is set (step S21017). If the passage order error flag is not set, the CPU 56 sets a switch winning flag corresponding to the switch to be processed (step S21018). Specifically, when the gate switch 32a is a processing target, a gate switch winning flag is set. When the starting port switch 14a is a processing target, a starting port switch winning flag is set, and the count switch 23 performs processing. If it is a target, the count switch winning flag is set. If the winning port switch 29a is a processing target, the winning port switch winning flag 1 is set. Switch winning flag 2 is set.

  On the other hand, if the passage order error flag is set, it means that the switch state transition is not normal, and thus the CPU 56 proceeds to step S21019 without performing the process of step S21018. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if a game ball is detected by each switch, if the transition of the switch state is not normal, it is not determined that the game is winning, and the switch winning flag is not set. Therefore, when the switch winning flag is not set, for example, the normal symbol process based on the passing of the game ball to the gate 32 is prevented so that the gate switch passing process (see step S112) of the normal symbol process is not executed. The special display based on the winning of the game ball to such a start winning opening 14 is made such that the change display of the game ball is not executed or the start opening switch passing process (see step S312) of the special symbol process is not executed. It is controlled not to execute the variable display, or controlled not to be counted as detection by the count switch 23 in the large winning opening opening process (see step S306) or the small hit opening process (see step S309), or the winning ball process ( (See step S30) so that the number of prize balls is not set. Payout of prize balls Te is to control so that it is not carried out.

  In this embodiment, only when the passage order error flag is set, the process of step S21018 is skipped and control is performed so as not to set the switch winning flag. However, the fraud detection flag is set. Even in such a case, it may be controlled not to set the switch winning flag by skipping the processing of step S21018.

  In this embodiment, by executing the process of step S21016, a game ball as shown in the section (e) of FIG. 34 (e) or FIG. 35 passes through the passage opening 201 of the detection unit 200. Although the case where the switch winning flag is set based on the detection of the winning of the game ball at each switch at the timing when the game is finished is shown, the processing method shown in this embodiment is not limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 34 (b) or FIG. 35 (b), at the timing when the presence of the game ball is detected above the passage opening 201, it is determined that the winning of the game ball is detected by each switch. A flag may be set, or at the timing when the presence of a game ball is detected at the center of the passage 201 as shown in FIG. 34 (c) or section (c) in FIG. A switch winning flag may be set when a winning is detected. Further, for example, as shown in the section (d) of FIG. 34 (d) and FIG. 35, at the timing when the presence of the game ball is detected below the passage opening 201, the winning of the game ball is detected by each switch. A switch winning flag may be set. In this case, a passing order error may be detected after the switch winning flag is set. In such a case, for example, a lamp indicating that the passing order error has been detected is turned on, or an effect display is made. Displaying the detection of the passage order error afterwards, such as displaying a character string indicating that the passage order error has been detected on the display screen of the device 9 and notifying that the passage order error has been detected. What is necessary is just to comprise. Further, for example, the occurrence of a passage order error may be output to an external device such as a hall computer.

  When both the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are in the off state, the game ball as shown in the section (e) of FIG. The game ball may not pass through the passage 201 at all for a certain period of time. Since there is no change in state, it is determined that Y is determined in step S21008 and the process proceeds to step S21020, and the determination process in step S21016 is not performed. Therefore, when it is determined as Y in step S21016, the game ball as shown in the section (e) of FIG. 34 (e) or FIG. It can be said that this is the case.

  Next, the CPU 56 resets the passage order error flag (step S21019). Then, the CPU 56 overwrites and stores the switch state read in step S21001 in the previous interrupt switch state buffer (step S21020).

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a are used to detect a plurality of game balls. It has a detection device (in this example, detection unit 200) provided with detection means (in this example, an upper passage detection switch and a lower passage detection switch). Each of the plurality of detection means includes a light emitting unit (in this example, light emitting elements 203a and 203c) and a light receiving unit (in this example, light receiving elements 203b and 203d), and also detects light from the light emitting unit toward the light receiving unit. The optical axis is arranged so as to be an orthogonal direction that is substantially orthogonal to the traveling direction of the game ball (in this example, the X direction shown in FIGS. 33A and 33C). The plurality of detection means includes an optical axis in one detection means (for example, an upper passage detection switch) and an optical axis in a detection means (for example, the lower passage detection switch) other than the one detection means. Are arranged so as to be separated from each other by a predetermined distance with respect to the direction of travel and the direction orthogonal to the direction of travel of the game ball. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 33 (c), when the detection unit 200 is viewed from the side, the upper passage detection switch and the lower passage detection switch are viewed with the advancing direction of the game ball as a coordinate axis. Sometimes the distance A is arranged on the coordinate axis, and the distance B is also arranged in the direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the game ball. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the act of illegally detecting the game medium and to reduce the thickness of the detection device.

  As with the detection unit 200, the payout number count switch 301 includes an upper pass detection switch and a lower pass detection switch, and an abnormality occurs if the two switches are turned on simultaneously. However, it may be configured to output different signals.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In this embodiment, only the effect control board is provided for effect control without providing the sound / lamp control board 80b and the symbol control board 80a. Furthermore, one microcomputer is mounted on the effect control board, and control related to the effect is performed by the microcomputer. Hereinafter, the operation in the effect control board of this embodiment will be described.

  In the effect control board, when the power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply board or the like, the effect control CPU is activated to execute the effect control main process as shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the effect control main process shown in FIG. 40 is started, the effect control CPU first executes a predetermined initialization process (step S71), clears the RAM, sets various initial values, and is mounted on the effect control board. Register setting of the CTC (counter / timer circuit). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the timer interrupt flag is on (step S72). The timer interrupt flag is set to the ON state every time a predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds) elapses based on, for example, the CTC register setting. At this time, if the timer interrupt flag is off (step S72; No), the process of step S72 is repeatedly executed and waits.

  On the side of the production control board, an interrupt for receiving the production control command from the main board 31 is generated separately from the timer interruption that occurs every time a predetermined time elapses. This interruption is generated when, for example, an effect control INT signal from the main board 31 is turned on. When an interruption occurs due to the turn-on of the effect control INT signal, the effect control CPU automatically sets the interrupt prohibition, but if a CPU that does not automatically enter the interrupt disable state is used, the interrupt is interrupted. It is desirable to issue a prohibition instruction (DI instruction). The CPU for effect control executes, for example, a predetermined command reception interrupt process in response to an interrupt when the effect control INT signal is turned on. In this command reception interrupt process, a control signal serving as an effect control command is received from a predetermined input port that receives a control signal transmitted from the main board 31 via the relay board among the input ports included in the I / O. take in. The effect control command captured at this time is stored, for example, in an effect control command reception buffer provided in an effect control buffer setting unit (not shown). Thereafter, the effect control CPU sets the interrupt permission, and then ends the command reception interrupt process.

  If the timer interrupt flag is on in step S72 (step S72; Yes), the timer interrupt flag is cleared and turned off (step S73), and command analysis processing is executed (step S74). In the command analysis process executed in step S74, for example, after reading various effect control commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31 and stored in the effect control command reception buffer, the reading is performed. Settings and control corresponding to the issued effect control command are performed.

  After executing the command analysis process in step S74, an effect control process is executed (step S75). In the effect control process in step S75, for example, an effect image display operation in the display area of the variable display device 9, a sound output operation from a speaker, a lighting operation in a decorative light emitter such as a game effect lamp and a decoration LED, With respect to the control content of the rendering operation using various rendering devices such as the driving operation, determination, determination, setting, and the like according to the rendering control command transmitted from the main board 31 are performed.

  Following the effect control process of step S75, an effect random number update process is executed (step S76), and the effect random numbers counted by the random counter of the effect control counter setting unit 193 are used as various random values used for effect control. The numerical data indicating is updated by software.

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect control process. In the effect control process shown in FIG. 41, the effect control CPU selects one of the following processes in steps S170 to S177, for example, according to the value of the effect process flag provided in the effect control flag setting unit. And run.

  The variable display start waiting process in step S170 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “0”. This variation display start waiting process is a process for determining whether or not to start variable display (variable display) of decorative symbols on the variable display device 9 based on whether a variation start command or the like from the main board 31 has been received. Etc.

  The variable display start setting process in step S171 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “1”. The variable display start setting process is a process for determining whether or not to execute a notice effect in response to the start of variable display (variable display) of the special symbol in the special symbol game by the special symbol display device, Depending on the variation pattern of the special symbol, the type of the display result, etc., in order to perform the process for setting the execution of the notice effect, the variable display (fluctuation display) of the decorative symbols on the variable display device 9, and other various effects operations This includes a process for determining a fixed decorative pattern and various effect control patterns.

  The variation display effect process in step S172 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “2”. In the variation display effect process, the effect control CPU reads various control data from the effect control pattern in response to the timer value in the effect control process timer provided in the effect control timer setting unit, and so on. Various effects control is performed during variable display (variable display) of decorative symbols. After such effect control is performed, for example, an end code indicating the end of variable symbol display (variable display) is read from the special symbol variation effect control pattern, or a symbol confirmation command transmitted from the main board 31 In response to the reception of the symbol, etc., the final decorative symbol as the final stop symbol that is the result of variable display (variable display) of the decorative symbol is displayed completely stopped. When the finalized decorative symbol is displayed as a complete stop, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “3”.

  The special figure waiting process in step S173 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “3”. In this special figure waiting process, the effect control CPU determines whether or not a hit start designation command transmitted from the main board 31 has been received. When the hit start designation command is received and the hit start designation command designates the start of the big hit gaming state, the value of the production process flag is “6” corresponding to the big hit middle production process. Update to When the production control process timer times out without receiving a hit start designation command, it is determined that the special figure display result in the special figure game is “lost”, and the value of the production process flag is the initial value. Update to “0”.

  The big hit effect process in step S176 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “6”. In the jackpot effect processing, the effect control CPU sets, for example, an effect control pattern corresponding to the effect contents in the jackpot gaming state, and causes an effect image based on the set contents to be displayed on the display screen of the variable display device 9. In addition, a voice or sound effect is output from the speaker by outputting a command (sound effect signal) to the sound control board, and a game effect lamp or decoration LED is turned on / off by a command (electric decoration signal) output to the lamp control board. Various effect control in the big hit gaming state, such as flashing / flashing, is executed. In the big hit effect processing, for example, in response to receiving a hit end designation command from the main board 31, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to “7” which is a value corresponding to the ending effect processing.

  The ending effect process in step S177 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “7”. In this ending effect process, the effect control CPU sets, for example, an effect control pattern corresponding to the end of the big hit gaming state, and displays an effect image based on the set content on the display screen of the variable display device 9. , Outputting voice and sound effect from the speaker by outputting a command (sound effect signal) to the sound control board, turning on / off the game effect lamp and decoration LED by outputting the command (electric decoration signal) to the lamp control board Various effects control at the end of the big hit gaming state, such as blinking, is executed.

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed in step S171 of FIG. 41 as the variable display start setting process. In the variable display start setting process shown in FIG. 42, the effect control CPU first executes a notice effect setting process (step S5210). Then, following the notice effect setting process, the effect control CPU reads the EXT data in the variable display result notification command transmitted from the main board 31 or the like, for example, whether or not the special figure display result becomes “lost”. Is determined (step S5220). When it is determined that the special figure display result is “lost” (step S5220; Yes), for example, by reading the EXT data in the fluctuation pattern designation command transmitted from the main board 31, the designated fluctuation pattern is used. Is determined to be a non-reach variation pattern corresponding to the case where the decorative symbol variable display mode is “non-reach” (step S5230).

  If it is determined in step S5230 that the pattern is a non-reach variation pattern (step S5230; Yes), a combination of definite decorative symbols that is the final stop symbol constituting the non-reach combination is determined (step S5240). Note that, in the process of step S5240, the determined decorative symbol of the non-reach combination that becomes the predetermined chance symbol symbol may be determined in response to the case where the changing symbol notice is being executed.

  If it is determined in step S5230 that the pattern is not a non-reach variation pattern (step S5230; No), a combination of confirmed decorative symbols that is a final stop symbol constituting the reach combination is determined (step S5205).

  When it is determined in step S5220 that the special figure display result is not “losing” (step S5220; No), the combination of the confirmed decorative symbols that are the final stop symbols constituting the jackpot combination is determined (step S5280).

  After performing any of the processes of steps S5240, S5250, and S5280, the execution setting of the effect during other variable display is performed (step S5290).

  Thereafter, the effect control pattern is determined as one of a plurality of patterns prepared in advance (step S5300). At this time, the effect control CPU selects, for example, one of a plurality of special figure variation effect control patterns prepared in correspondence with the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command and sets it as a use pattern.

  After executing the process of step S5300, for example, the initial value of the effect control process timer provided in the effect control timer setting unit is set corresponding to the change pattern specified by the change pattern specifying command (step S5310). Subsequently, the setting for starting the variation of the decorative design or the like in the variable display device 9 is performed (step S5320). At this time, for example, by transmitting a display control command designated by the display control data included in the special-figure variation effect control pattern determined as the usage pattern in step S5300 to the VDP or the like of the display control unit 123, etc. The variation of the decorative symbols may be started in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R provided on the screen of the variable display device 9. Thereafter, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “2”, which is a value corresponding to the effect process during variable display (step S5330), and the variable display start setting process ends.

  The notice effect in this embodiment includes a promotion effect (first action) that prompts the player to perform the first operation in order to cause the tilt direction sensor unit to detect the tilt operation (first operation) of the operation stick of the stick controller 31A. 1 promotion effect), the first specific effect executed in response to the detection of the first action, and the push sensor 35B pressing operation of the push button 31B (second action) is detected. In order to perform the second action, a promotion effect (second promotion effect) that prompts the player to perform the second action is executed, and a second specific effect that is executed in response to detecting the second action is provided. include.

  The first promotion effect is a notice effect setting process that will be described later after variable display (fluctuation display) for which the possibility that the variable display (fluctuation display) result will be a “big hit” is started is started. It is executed in the determined period. The first promotion effect is, for example, by displaying an effect image such as a character image prepared in advance or a message image for guiding an operation operation at a predetermined position on the display screen of the variable display device 9. It is only necessary that the presentation operation prompts the first operation. The effect operation that prompts the player to perform the first action is not limited to the effect display of the effect image on the variable display device 9, but a function that outputs a predetermined sound from a speaker, a game effect lamp, and a decoration LED Those that are lit or blinking with a lighting pattern, those that move a movable member provided in an effect accessory provided inside or outside the game area in a predetermined operation mode, or a combination of these Also good. When the first promotion effect is performed, an operation detection effective period for effectively detecting the first action by the player is set. And when the 1st operation | movement with respect to stick controller 31A is detected by the sensor unit 32 within the operation detection effective period, when the 1st operation | movement is detected, execution of a 1st promotion effect is stopped, The first specific effect is executed.

  Based on the detection of the first action, the first specific effect is, for example, displaying an effect image such as a character image or a message image prepared in advance at a predetermined position on the display screen of the variable display device 9. This is an effect of notifying the player of the possibility that the variable display (variable display) result will be a “hit”.

  The second promotion effect is executed in a predetermined period described later before or after the first promotion effect is executed. The second promotion effect is, for example, by displaying an effect image such as a character image prepared in advance or a message image for guiding an operation operation at a predetermined position on the display screen of the variable display device 9. It is only necessary that the presentation operation prompts the second operation. The effect operation that prompts the player to perform the second operation is not limited to the effect display of the effect image displayed on the variable display device 9, and a sound output from a speaker, a game effect lamp or a decoration LED Those that are lit or blinking with a lighting pattern, those that move a movable member provided in an effect accessory provided inside or outside the game area in a predetermined operation mode, or a combination of these Also good. When the second promotion effect is performed, an operation detection effective period for effectively detecting the second action by the player is set. When the second operation for the push button 31B is detected by the push sensor 35B within the operation detection valid period, the execution of the second promotion effect is stopped when the second operation is detected, A second specific effect is executed.

  The second specific effect is a character image prepared in advance based on the effect form of the second promotion effect, for example, at a predetermined position on the display screen of the variable display device 9 based on the detection of the second action. This is an effect of notifying the player of the possibility that the variable display (variable display) result will be a “hit” by displaying an effect image such as a message or a message image.

  FIG. 43 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the notice effect setting process. In the notice effect setting process shown in FIG. 43, the effect control CPU first determines whether or not the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command is a super reach variation pattern. If the change pattern is a super reach variation pattern, the process proceeds to the super reach promotion effect determination process (see FIG. 51) in step S5450. Whether or not to execute the first promotion effect is determined by referring to a table or the like.

  In the first promotion effect determination table, a numerical value (determination value) to be compared with a random value for determining the first promotion effect is set as the first promotion effect according to the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command. It is only necessary to be assigned to “no first promotion effect” corresponding to the case of not executing and “with first promotion effect execution” corresponding to the case of executing the first promotion effect.

  In the first promotion effect determination table shown in FIG. 44, the determination ratio of whether or not the first promotion effect is executed is varied according to the variation pattern. Specifically, the ratio of determining that the first promotion effect is to be executed is higher when the variation pattern is “various loss” than when the variation pattern is “non-reach common” than when the variation pattern is “various loss”. Also, the ratio of determining that the first promotion effect is executed is higher in the case of “small hit” and is set to be highest in the case of “big hit”.

  Next, based on the process of step S5390 shown in FIG. 43, it is determined whether or not it is decided to execute the first promotion effect (step S5400). At this time, if “the first promotion effect is executed” (step S540; Yes), the execution period and the type (first promotion effect A or first promotion effect B) of the first promotion effect are determined. (Step S5410).

  In the processing of step S5410, for example, as shown in FIG. 45, the decorative symbols that are variably displayed (variable display) in the “left” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 9L and 9R from the start of variation are stopped and displayed. The period until is divided into seven periods “period 1” to “period 7”, and the execution period of the first promotion effect is determined by selecting any period.

  As a specific method for selecting these periods, a period can be determined using a period determining random number and a period determining table in which a determined value of the period determining random number is assigned for each period.

  When these periods are determined, for example, based on the determined execution period of the first promotion effect, the start timing and the end timing of the first promotion effect are set as the effect control process timer determination values. In addition, the length of each period of “period 1” to “period 7” has a length sufficient to execute the first promotion effect and the first specific effect. In addition, the length of each period is long enough to execute the second promotion effect and the second specific effect. In addition, as the type of the first promotion effect, for example, in the case of a big hit, the first promotion effect A is determined using a first promotion effect type determination table (not shown) and a random number for determining the type. If the ratio to be played is high and the game is lost, the ratio for determining the first promotion effect B may be set to be high.

  And it progresses to step S5410 +, and while setting the 1st promotion effect flag provided in the game control flag setting part etc. to an ON state, and setting the type flag of the determined 1st promotion effect, 2nd promotion After performing the effect determination process (step S5420), the notice effect setting process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S5400 shown in FIG. 43 that the first promotion effect is not executed without executing the first promotion, the second promotion effect determination process is performed without going through steps S5410 to S5410 +. After performing (Step S5420), the notice effect setting processing is ended.

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing an example of the second promotion effect determination process in step S5420 shown in FIG. In the second promotion effect determination process shown in FIG. 46, the effect control CPU determines whether or not to execute the second promotion effect by referring to the second promotion effect determination table.

  In the second promotion effect determination table, a numerical value (determination value) to be compared with a random value for determining the second promotion effect is determined as the second promotion effect according to the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command. It is only necessary to be assigned to “no second promotion effect” corresponding to the case of not executing and “with second promotion effect execution” corresponding to the case of executing the second promotion effect. The effect control CPU refers to the second promotion effect determination table based on numerical data indicating the second promotion effect determination random number extracted from, for example, the random number circuit 124 or the random counter of the effect control counter setting unit. By doing so, it may be determined whether or not the second promotion effect is executed.

  In the second promotion effect determination table shown in FIG. 47, the determination ratio of whether or not to execute the second promotion effect is varied according to the variation pattern. Specifically, the ratio of determining that the second promotion effect is executed is higher when the variation pattern is “various loss” than when the variation pattern is “non-reach common” than when the variation pattern is “various loss”. Is also set to be the highest in the case of “big hit”.

  Next, in the process of step S6040 shown in FIG. 46, it is determined whether or not execution of the second promotion effect has been determined (step S6050). Whether or not the execution of the second promotion effect has been determined may be determined by determining whether or not the second promotion effect flag provided in the effect control flag setting unit or the like is in the on state. At this time, if “the second promotion effect is executed” (step S6050; Yes), the execution period and the type (second promotion effect A or second promotion effect B) of the second promotion effect are set to the first. The execution period and type of the second promotion effect are determined (step S6060). Even when the execution period of the second promotion effect is determined, as in the case of determining the execution period of the first promotion effect described above, the period determination random number and the period determination random number for each period are determined. The period may be determined using the period determination table to which the determination value is assigned. And it progresses to step S6060 +, and while setting the 2nd promotion effect flag provided in the game control flag setting part etc. to an ON state, and setting the type flag of the determined 2nd promotion effect, game control flag It is determined whether or not the first promotion effect flag provided in the setting unit is on (step S6070).

  If it is determined in the process of step S6070 that “the first promotion effect is being executed” (step S6070; Yes), for example, among the periods 1 to 7 shown in FIG. 45, step S5410 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the period determined in the process and the period determined in step S6060 in FIG. 46 are the same period (for example, the execution period of the first promotion effect is period 3 shown in FIG. Whether the execution period of the first promotion effect and the execution period of the second promotion effect are in sync with each other by determining that the execution period of the second promotion effect is also the period 3 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not (step S6080). Note that the period determined by the process of step S541 shown in FIG. 43 (for example, period 3) and the period determined by the process of step S6030 of FIG. 44 (for example, period 3) are stored in the RAM when each period is determined. It is remembered.

  When it is determined in the process of step S6080 shown in FIG. 46 that the execution period of the first promotion effect and the execution period of the second promotion effect are in synchronization (step S6080; Yes), for example, in FIG. Of the periods 1 to 7 shown, the period determined by the process of step S6060 shown in FIG. 46 is excluded (for example, if the period determined by the process of step S6060 is period 3, period 3 is excluded) Any one of the remaining six periods (for example, periods 1-2 and periods 4-7) is determined again as the execution period of the second promotion effect (step S6090). In this case, for example, the execution period of the second promotion effect may be determined from periods other than the execution period of the second promotion effect stored in the RAM 122 in the periods 1 to 7. Specifically, for example, if the period determined in the process of step S6030 is, for example, “period 3”, the determination assigned to “period 3” in the period determination table used in step S6030. A period other than “period 3” may be determined by extracting a random number for period determination excluding the determined value.

  When these periods are determined, the determined execution period of the second promotion effect is set to the effect control process timer determination value. If it is determined that the execution period of the first promotion effect and the execution period of the second promotion effect are in the same period in the process of step S6050, the second promotion effect is not executed. In this case, the second promotion effect determination process may be terminated.

  According to this, the first acceleration effect for urging the player to perform the first operation in order to cause the tilt direction sensor unit to detect the tilt operation (first operation) with respect to the operating rod of the stick controller 31A, and the push sensor The second promotion effect that prompts the player to perform the second operation in order to cause 35B to detect the pressing operation of the push button 31B (second operation) is determined to be executed in different periods. The Therefore, a plurality of operations are not requested from the player at the same time, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in game entertainment due to the player's operation becoming complicated.

  When it is determined that the second promotion effect is not executed in the process of step S6050 (step S6050; No), or when it is determined that the first promotion effect is not executed in the process of step S6070 (step S6070; No). Or, the execution period of the first promotion effect is different from the execution period of the second promotion effect in the process of step S608 (for example, the execution period of the first promotion effect is the period 3 shown in FIG. When it is determined that the execution period of the second promotion effect is also the period 4 shown in FIG. 45) (step S6080; No), the process ends without going through the process of step S6090. In addition, when it determines with not performing a 1st promotion effect in the process of step S607 (step S6070; No), the execution period of a 1st promotion effect, and execution of a 2nd promotion effect in the process of step S6080 When it is determined that the period is a different period (step S6080; No), for example, based on the execution period of the second promotion effect determined in the process of step S6060, The end timing is set as the production control process timer determination value.

  FIG. 50 is a diagram showing the relationship between each promotion effect and the target action in this embodiment. In this embodiment, as described above, roughly, the player is provided with the first promotion effect that prompts the player to tilt the stick controller 31A with respect to the operating rod, and the push sensor 35B is pressed with the push button 31B. The second promotion effect to be promoted is set, and the first promotion effect A and the first promotion effect B, the second promotion effect A, and the second promotion effect B, which are different in target action for each promotion effect. And are set.

  In the first promotion effect A, the operation of pulling the stick controller 31A forward is set as the target operation, and in the first promotion effect B, the operation of pushing the stick controller 31A to the gaming machine side is set as the target operation. Yes.

  In addition, the second promotion effect A is set as the target operation for the continuous operation of pressing the push button 31B a predetermined number of times, and the push button 31B is continuously pressed for the predetermined period for the second promotion effect B. The operation to continue (so-called long press) is set as the target action.

  Next, a description will be given of the super reach promotion effect determination process (step S5450) performed when it is determined Yes in step S5350 in the notice effect setting process of FIG. 43, as shown in FIG. In the determination process, the effect control CPU first sets a promotion effect determination table (for super reach) shown in FIG. 48 (step S6100). Then, it is determined whether or not the super reach variation pattern is a lost super reach (step S 6110), and whether or not the non reach probability big hit is reached (step 6130).

  In the case of super reach that is lost (Yes in step S6110), a determination value that is set for the item "super reach out" in the set promotion effect determination table (for super reach), For example, by comparing with a random number for determining the promotion effect extracted from the random counter of the random number circuit or the effect control counter setting unit, the type of the promotion effect (first promotion effect A, first promotion effect B, first Second promotion effect A, second promotion effect B) and “no promotion effect” are determined.

  In the case of a super reach that becomes a non-probable big hit (Yes in step S6130), it is set for the item of "non-probable big hit" in the set promotion effect determination table (for super reach). By comparing the determination value with a random number for determining a promotion effect extracted from, for example, a random counter of a random number circuit or an effect control counter setting unit, the type of promotion effect (first promotion effect A, first promotion effect) Production B, second promotion production A, second promotion production B) and “no promotion production” are determined.

  Further, in the case of a super reach that is a probable big hit (No in step S6130), a determination value that is set for the item “probable big hit” in the set promotion effect determination table (for super reach). And the type of the promotion effect (first promotion effect A, first promotion effect B, for example, by comparing the random number for determining the promotion effect extracted from the random counter of the random number circuit or the effect control counter setting unit) The second promotion effect A, the second promotion effect B) and “no promotion effect” are determined.

  And it progresses to step S6160, the promotion effect flag (a 1st promotion effect flag, the 2nd promotion effect flag) corresponding to the kind of promotion effect determined in any of step S6120, step S6140, and step S6150, and a classification A flag (promotion effect A or promotion effect B) is set, and the process ends. If “no promotion effect” is determined in any of steps S6120, S6140, and S6150, the process ends without setting any flag in step S6160.

  Here, the promotion effect determination table (for super reach) shown in FIG. 48 will be described. In the promotion effect determination table (for super reach) shown in FIG. 48, the type of super reach (lost, uncertain change big hit, The ratio of determining whether or not to execute each promotion effect is varied according to the probability variation big hit).

  Specifically, in the case of a super-reaching deviation where the variation display result is lost, the first promotion effect A with respect to the “first promotion effect A” is 5% when the super-reach is off. Determination value data determined at a ratio is set, and determination value data determined at a ratio of 15% is set when the first promotion effect B is out of super reach with respect to the “first promotion effect B”. The determination value data for determining the second promotion effect A at a rate of 20% when the super-reach is out of the second promotion effect A is set with respect to the “second promotion effect A”. When the second promotion effect B is deviated from the super reach, determination value data that is determined at a rate of 30% is set, and the “no promotion effect” is deviated from the “no promotion effect”. At a rate of 30% Constant determining value data is set.

  That is, when the probability of determination is relatively high and the super reach is off, the first promotion effect A <first promotion effect B <second promotion effect A <second promotion effect B is determined in this order. It is easy.

  Further, in the case of a super reach where the variable display result is a non-probable big hit, the first promotion effect A is 40% in the case of a super reach that is a non-probable big hit. Determination value data determined at a ratio of 20% is set, and the determination value is determined at a ratio of 20% in the case of super reach where the first promotion effect B is a non-probable big hit with respect to the “first promotion effect B”. Data is set, and determination value data for determining the second promotion effect A for the “second promotion effect A” at a rate of 15% in the case of a super reach that is a non-probable big hit, is set. Determination value data for determining the second promotion effect B at a rate of 10% in the case of a super reach that is a non-probable big hit is set for the second promotion effect B ”. The “no promotion effect” should be super reach Judgment value data to determine at a rate of 15% when the are set.

  That is, when the determined probability is “non-probable big hit” compared to the super-reaching deviation, conversely, the first promotion effect A> the first promotion effect B> the second promotion effect A> the first It is easy to determine in order of 2 promotion effects B.

  Further, in the case of super reach where the variation display result is a probable big hit, the ratio of the first promotion effect A is 15% in the case of the super reach where the probable big hit Determination value data to be determined is set, and determination value data for determining the first promotion effect B at a rate of 10% is set for “first promotion effect B” in the case of super reach that is a probable big hit. Then, determination value data for determining the second promotion effect A at a ratio of 45% in the case of a super-reach that is a probable big hit is set with respect to the “second promotion effect A”. In the case of super reach where the second promotion effect B is a probable big hit with respect to the “effect B”, determination value data is set at a rate of 25%, and for the “no promotion effect”, the “no promotion effect” ”Is a place that is out of reach Is set judgment value data to determine at a rate of 5% it is.

  That is, in the case where the determined probability is “probability big hit” which is lower than the super reach deviation, the second promotion effect A> second promotion effect B> first promotion effect A> first promotion It is easy to determine the order of production B.

  Therefore, the first promotion effect A, the first promotion effect B, and the second promotion effect in the case of super reach determined based on the promotion effect determination table (for super reach) shown in FIG. Each reliability of A and the second promotion effect B can be calculated by a calculation formula illustrating the first promotion effect A in FIG.

  In other words, taking the first promotion effect A as an example, the reliability (expectation) S1A of the first promotion effect A is determined when the super reach occurs and the jackpot is reached. The probability P of the first promotion effect A is determined when a loss and a big hit are made (the probability P and the super probability that the first promotion effect A is determined when a super reach occurs and a big win is reached) This can be obtained by dividing by the sum Q of the probability Q that the first promotion effect A is determined when the reach occurs and loses.

  In this embodiment, the probability P of determining the first promotion effect A when the super reach occurs and the big hit is determined is the fluctuation pattern of the super reach that becomes the uncertain big hit. The determination ratio of the first promotion effect A to the probability of multiplying the probability by 0.4 (40%), which is the determination ratio of the first promotion effect A, and the probability of determining the change pattern of the super reach that is a probable big hit It can be obtained by the sum of the probability of multiplying by 0.15 (15%). In addition, the total probability that the first promotion effect A is determined when losing and jackpot is the determination ratio of the first promotion effect A to the probability that the variation pattern of the super reach that becomes a non-probable variable jackpot is determined. Probability of multiplying 0.4 (40%) and the probability of determining the variation pattern of the super reach that will be a probable big hit, the probability of determining the first promotion effect A, 0.15 (15%) And the probability of multiplying the probability of determining the variation pattern of the super reach deviation by 0.05 (5%), which is the determination ratio of the first promotion effect A, can be obtained.

  Here, a specific calculation method is illustrated by taking the reliability (expectation) S1A of the first promotion effect A as an example, but similarly, the reliability (expectation) S1B of the first promotion effect B, the first The reliability (expectation) S2A of the second promotion effect A and the reliability (expectation) S2B of the second promotion effect B can also be calculated.

  The reliability (expectation) S1A of the first promotion effect A calculated in this way, the reliability (expectation) S1B of the first promotion effect B, and the reliability (expectation) of the second promotion effect A are calculated. In this embodiment, the reliability (expectation) S2B of S2A and the second promotion effect B is S1A> S1B> S2A> S2B, as shown in FIG. First promotion effect A> first promotion effect B> second promotion effect A> second promotion effect B

  Further, the reliability S1 of the first promotion effect by the first promotion effect A and the first promotion effect B, and the reliability of the second promotion effect by the second promotion effect A and the second promotion effect B. The degree S2 can be calculated in the same manner, and the relationship of S1> S2, that is, the reliability is higher in the first promotion effect than in the second promotion effect. However, for the second promotion effect having a lower reliability, as shown in FIG. 48, the determination ratio corresponding to “probability big hit” is set higher than the determination ratio of the first promotion effect. Thus, when the second promotion effect (second promotion effect A, second promotion effect B) is executed, the probability of a probable big hit is higher than a non-probable big hit.

  FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed in step S172 of FIG. 41 as the changing display effect process. 52, the effect control CPU determines whether or not the variable display (variable display) time corresponding to the change pattern has elapsed based on, for example, the effect control process timer value. Step S5510).

  If the variable display (variation display) time has not elapsed in step S5510 (step S5510; No), a first promotion effect flag provided in a not-shown game control flag setting unit or the like stored in the RAM. It is determined whether or not is in an on state (step S5520). When it is determined that the first promotion effect flag is on (step S5520; Yes), for example, it is determined whether or not the effect control process timer value matches the effect control process timer determination value. It is determined whether or not it is the start timing of the promotion effect (step S5530). When it determines with it being the start timing of a 1st promotion effect by the process of step S5530 (step S5530; Yes), CPU for effect control displays the image of 31 A of stick controllers on the display screen of the variable display apparatus 9, for example. Or prompting the player to perform the first action by displaying a message on the display screen of the variable display device 9 that prompts the player to perform a tilting operation (first action) on the operating rod. The first promotion effect is executed (step S5540). At this time, the first promotion effect execution flag provided in the effect control flag setting unit is set to the on state (step S5550), and the variation display effect process is terminated. Moreover, the 1st operation | movement effective period flag provided in the production | presentation control flag setting part is set to an ON state. By setting the first operation valid period flag to the on state, control is performed so that the first operation of the player can be accepted.

  On the other hand, when it determines with it not being the start timing of the 1st promotion effect by the process of step S5530 (step S5530; No), the 1st promotion effect execution flag provided in the effect control flag setting part is set to an ON state. It is determined whether it has been performed (step S5560).

  If it is determined that the first promotion effect in-progress flag is set to the on state (step S5560; Yes), the player performs the first action (stick controller 31A corresponding to the first promotion effect type flag). It is determined whether or not a pulling action or a pushing action has been detected (step S5570). When the first action corresponding to the type flag of the first promotion effect is detected (step S5570; Yes), the first display is performed on the display screen of the variable display device 9 or the sound is output from the speaker to the player. There is a possibility that the gaming state becomes advantageous to the player, such as the possibility that the variable display (variation display) result may be a “hit” after notifying that the operation of the game is to be ended (step S5570 +). A first specific effect for informing the presence is executed (step S5580).

  Then, the first promotion effect flag and the first promotion effect execution flag provided in the effect control flag setting unit are reset (step S5590), and the variation display effect process is ended. Note that the first operation valid period flag is also reset. In addition, the content notified in the first specific effect is not only the possibility of the “big hit” described above, but the variable display (fluctuation display) state of the decorative symbol may be a reach state, You may make it alert | report that the reach production by super reach may be performed, and you may alert | report whether "big hit" is a probable big hit or a non-probable big hit.

  On the other hand, when it is determined by the player that the first action corresponding to the type flag of the first promotion effect has not been detected (step S5570; No), the effect control process timer value is indicated by the effect control process timer value, for example. It is determined whether or not it is the end timing of the first promotion effect by determining whether or not the control process timer determination value is met (step S5600). If it is the end timing of the first promotion effect (step S5600; Yes), the first promotion effect is ended (step S5610), and then the first promotion effect flag and the first promotion effect execution flag are reset. (Step S5620), and the effect processing during the variable display is ended. At this time, the first operation valid period flag is also reset. If it is determined in step S5600 that it is not the end timing of the first promotion effect (step S5600; No), the variation display effect process is ended. In this case, since the effect process flag has not been updated, the effect process during the variable display is executed again. And since various flags, such as the 1st promotion effect flag, the 1st promotion effect execution flag, and the 1st operation effective period flag, are not reset, the 1st operation is detected or the 1st promotion effect The process of step S5570 and the process of step S5600 are repeatedly executed until the end timing of is reached.

  When it is determined in step S5520 that the first promotion effect flag is off (step S5520; No), or in step S5560, it is determined that the first promotion effect execution flag is off. (Step S5560; No), or after executing the process of step S5620, it is determined whether or not the second promotion effect flag provided in the game control flag setting unit or the like is in the ON state (step S5630). ). When it is determined that the second promotion effect flag is in the off state (step S5630; No), the variation display effect process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second promotion effect flag is in the on state (step S5630; Yes), for example, it is determined whether or not the effect control process timer value matches the effect control process timer determination value. It is determined whether it is the start timing of the second promotion effect (step S5640).

  When it determines with it being the start timing of a 2nd promotion effect by the process of step S5640 (step S5640; Yes), CPU for effect control displays the image of push button 31B on the display screen of the variable display apparatus 9, for example. Or a message prompting the player to perform a push operation of the push button 31B (second operation) or the like is displayed on the display screen of the variable display device 9 to perform the second operation. A second promotion effect that prompts the user to execute is executed (step S5650). At this time, the second promotion effect execution flag provided in the effect control flag setting unit is set to the on state (step S5660), and the variation display effect process is terminated. Moreover, the 2nd operation | movement effective period flag provided in the production | presentation control flag setting part is set to an ON state. By setting the second operation valid period flag to the ON state, the player's second operation is controlled to be accepted.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5640 that it is not the start timing of the second promotion effect (step S5640; No), the second promotion effect execution flag provided in the effect control flag setting unit is set to the on state. It is determined whether it has been performed (step S5670).

  If it is determined that the second promotion effect execution flag is set to the on state (step S5670; Yes), the player performs the second action corresponding to the type flag of the second promotion effect (by pressing the push button 31B). It is determined whether or not a continuous striking action or a long press action is detected (step S5680). When the second operation corresponding to the type flag of the second promotion effect is detected (step S5680; Yes), the second display is performed on the display screen of the variable display device 9, the sound is output from the speaker, or the like. There is a possibility that the gaming state becomes an advantageous state for the player, such as the possibility that the variable display (variation display) result may be a “hit” after notifying that the operation of the game is to be ended (step S5680 +). A second specific effect for notifying the presence is executed (step S5690).

  Then, the second promotion effect flag and the second promotion effect execution flag provided in the effect control flag setting unit are reset (step S5700), and the variation display effect process is terminated. Note that the second operation valid period flag is also reset. Note that the content notified in the second specific effect is not only the possibility of being a “big hit”, but also the decorative symbol variable display (variable display) state is the reach state, as in the first specific effect. It may be possible to notify that there is a possibility that a reach production by super reach may be performed, or to notify whether "big hit" is a probable big hit or a non-probable big hit. Anyway.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the second action by the player is not detected (step S5680; No), the effect control CPU, for example, determines whether or not the effect control process timer value matches the effect control process timer determination value. It is determined whether or not it is the end timing of the second promotion effect (step S5710). If it is the end timing of the second promotion effect (step S5710; Yes), the second promotion effect is ended (step S5720), and then the second promotion effect flag and the second promotion effect in-progress flag are reset. (Step S573), and the variation display effect process ends. At this time, the second operation valid period flag is also reset. If it is determined in step S5710 that it is not the end timing of the second promotion effect (step S5710; No), the variation display effect process is ended. In this case, since the effect process flag has not been updated, the effect process during the variable display is executed again. Since various flags such as the second promotion effect flag, the second promotion effect execution flag, and the second action effective period flag are not reset, the second action is detected or the second promotion effect is generated. The process of step S5680 and the process of step S5710 are repeatedly executed until the end timing of is reached.

  When it is determined in the process of step S5670 that the second promotion effect executing flag is in an off state (step S5670; No), after executing the process of step S5700, or after executing the process of step S5730, The effect processing during variation display is terminated.

  If variable display (variation display) time has elapsed in step S5510 (step S5510; Yes), it is determined whether or not a symbol confirmation command transmitted from the main board 31 has been received (step S5640). At this time, if the symbol confirmation command is not received (step S5640; No), the variation display effect processing is terminated and waits. If the predetermined time has passed without receiving the symbol confirmation command after the variable display (variable display) time has elapsed, a predetermined error has occurred in response to the failure to receive the symbol confirmation command normally. Processing may be executed.

  If a symbol confirmation command is received in step S5740 (step S5740; Yes), for example, a final stop that becomes a display result in decorative symbol variable display (variable display) such as transmitting a predetermined display control command. A control for deriving and displaying a design (definite decorative design) is performed (step S5750). In addition, a predetermined time is set as a waiting time for specifying the hit start designation command (step S5760). Then, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “3”, which is a value corresponding to the waiting process per special drawing (step S5770), and the effect processing during variable display is ended.

  FIG. 53 shows an example of the execution timing of various effects when the first promotion effect and the second promotion effect are executed. 53, the execution period of the first promotion effect is determined to be period 2 of periods 1 to 7 shown in FIG. 45 in the process of step S5410 of FIG. 43, and in the process of step S6060 of FIG. The example at the time of determining the execution period of a 2nd promotion effect in the period 3 of the periods 1-7 shown in FIG.

  In the first promotion performance A, an image of the stick controller 31 </ b> A and an action promotion display including a message display “Draw stick controller” are displayed on the variable display device 9. Then, when the target motion guided by the motion promotion display is detected, the display of “Intense heat!” Or “Chance!” Is displayed at different rates based on whether or not the variation display result is a big hit. A first specific effect in which one of the displays is displayed is executed. Note that the first promotion performance A and the first specific performance may be executed during the reach performance or the super reach performance after the reach state is reached.

  On the other hand, in the first promotion performance B, an operation promotion display including an image of the stick controller 31 </ b> A and a message “Press the stick controller” is displayed on the variable display device 9. Then, when the target motion guided by the motion promotion display is detected, the display of “Intense heat!” Or “Chance!” Is displayed at different rates based on whether or not the variation display result is a big hit. A first specific effect in which one of the displays is displayed is executed. The first promotion performance B and the first specific performance may be executed during the reach performance after reaching the reach state or during the super reach performance.

  In the first specific performance, the determination ratio of “Intense heat!” Or “Chance!” Is set to be different between the first promotion performance A and the first promotion performance B.

  Further, in the second promotion performance A, an operation promotion display including an image of the push button 31 </ b> B and a message display of “continuous hit!” Is displayed on the variable display device 9. When the target motion guided by the motion promotion display is detected, depending on whether the variation display result is a big hit, it depends on either “Character A” or “Character B” at a different rate. A second specific effect is executed. The second promotion performance A and the second specific performance may be executed during the reach performance or the super reach performance after reaching the reach state.

  On the other hand, in the second promotion performance B, an operation promotion display including an image of the push button 31B and a message display of “long press!” Is displayed on the variable display device 9. When the target motion guided by the motion promotion display is detected, depending on whether the variation display result is a big hit, it depends on either “Character A” or “Character B” at a different rate. A second specific effect is executed. In addition, these 2nd promotion performance B and 2nd specific production | presentation may be performed during the reach production after becoming a reach state, or a super reach production.

  In the second specific performance, the determination ratio of “character A” or “character B” is set to be different between the second promotion performance A and the second promotion performance B.

  In FIG. 53, the first operation effective period is a period in which the first operation effective period flag is set in the on state, and the second operation effective period is in the state in which the second operation effective period flag is set in the on state. This is the period of time.

  The first promotion effect flag is reset when the execution period of the first promotion effect elapses together with the first promotion effect execution flag after being set in step S5410 +. The flag is reset when the execution period of the second promotion effect elapses together with the second promotion effect execution flag after being set in step S6060 +.

  In FIG. 53, the first promotion effect (first promotion effect A or first promotion effect B) is executed at the timing of period 2, and the first promotion effect execution flag is set to the on state. After that, when the operation of the stick controller 31A corresponding to the first promotion effect A or the first promotion effect B is detected and the first specific effect is executed, the first promotion effect execution flag is reset. And the second promotion effect (second promotion effect A or second promotion effect B) is executed at the timing of period 3, and the second promotion effect execution flag is set to the on state, The operation of the push button 31B corresponding to the second promotion effect A or the second promotion effect B is detected, the second specific effect is executed, and the second promotion effect execution flag is reset. It shows a case that is. Here, in the example shown in FIG. 53, the example in which the promotion effect is executed in each of the continuous periods such as the period 2 and the period 3 is shown, but in the period 2 before the execution of the second promotion effect in the period 3, Only the first promotion effect and the first specific effect (when the first motion is detected) are executed, no other effects are performed, and the second promotion effect is performed after the second promotion effect is executed. (When the second operation is detected) is executed, so in the period from the start of the execution of the first specific effect before the second promotion effect until the end of the execution of the second specific effect, The promotion effect is not executed.

  As described above, in addition to the absence of a period in which the first promotion effect and the second promotion effect that prompt the player to perform an action are simultaneously executed, in the period before and after the first or second promotion effect. The promotion effect is not executed, and the player is not required to perform a plurality of actions during the period. For example, when it is required to perform a plurality of operations with the other hand while one hand is holding the operation knob as in a pachinko machine, a plurality of detection means (for example, a stick controller 31A) When a tilt direction sensor unit that detects the operation of the push button 35B or a push sensor 35B that detects the operation of the push button 32B is provided, the timing for requesting the player's operation in advance during a predetermined performance period is determined. If there is, there is a possibility that the game becomes monotonous. However, if the first promotion effect or the second promotion effect can be executed in any of the predetermined effect periods, a state in which a plurality of promotion effects are executed simultaneously may occur. In this way, if a plurality of promotion effects are executed at the same time, some players may be able to perform only the operations detected by one of the detecting means. There was a risk of it. Therefore, by intentionally shifting the execution timing of a plurality of promotion effects, it is possible to prevent the player's operation from becoming complicated, and it is easy for each detection means to detect the player's operation even if the promotion effect is executed. Become. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in gaming interest. Furthermore, since the first or second promotion effect is not executed during the execution period of the specific effect performed after the promotion effect is executed, the player's operation can be prevented from becoming complicated. The person can concentrate on the specific performance.

  In addition, the configurations shown in the above embodiments can be applied to various forms of gaming machines, not limited to pachinko gaming machines. For example, the configuration shown in each of the above embodiments may be applied to a sealed circulation pachinko machine. In the enclosed circulation type pachinko machine, a predetermined number (for example, 50) of game balls used in the pachinko machine are enclosed in an enclosed area (for example, in a pachinko machine), and the game area provided in the pachinko machine In order to fire game balls through the game area, collect the game balls via the collection unit (for example, each winning opening, out port, foul ball return opening), and fire the collected game balls again into the game area In the enclosed area. In addition, in such a sealed circulation pachinko machine, when there is a prize at each prize opening, points corresponding to the number of prize balls are added to the card inserted in the card unit instead of the prize balls. Processing is performed.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the microcomputer in which the fluctuation pattern indicating the fluctuation mode such as the fluctuation time, the type of reach production, the presence / absence of the pseudo-ream, etc., is mounted on the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b or the production control board. In this example, one variation pattern command is transmitted when the variation is started. However, the variation pattern may be notified by two or more commands. Specifically, in the case of notification by two commands, the game control microcomputer 560 uses the first command to indicate whether there is a pseudo-ream, a slide effect, etc. before reaching (so-called if not reach). A command indicating the variation time and variation mode before the second stop) is transmitted, and the second command has reached the reach such as the type of reach and presence / absence of re-lottery effect (if the reach does not reach, the so-called first You may make it transmit the command which shows the fluctuation | variation time and fluctuation | variation aspect (after 2 stop). In this case, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b and the microcomputer mounted on the effect control board may perform the effect control in the change display based on the change time derived from the combination of the two commands. The game control microcomputer 560 notifies the change time by each of the two commands, and the specific change mode executed at each timing is notified to the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b and the effect control board. You may make it select with the direction of the mounted microcomputer. When sending two commands, two commands may be sent within the same timer interrupt. After sending the first command, a certain period of time has passed (for example, the next timer interrupt). The second command may be transmitted. Note that the variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to this example, and the order of transmission can be changed as appropriate. In this way, by notifying the variation pattern by two or more commands, the amount of data that must be stored as the variation pattern command can be reduced.

  The present invention is applicable to gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and slot machines, and in particular to gaming machines that perform serial communication between a gaming control microcomputer and a payout control microcomputer using a serial communication circuit. It can be suitably applied.

1 Pachinko machine 9 Variable display device 14 Start winning opening 15 Variable winning ball device 31 Game control board (main board)
37 Dispensing control board 56 CPU
80a design control board 80b sound / lamp control board 100a design control microcomputer 100b sound / lamp control microcomputer 101a design control CPU
101b Sound / lamp control CPU
505 Serial communication circuit 560 Microcomputer for game control

Claims (1)

A gaming machine in which a player can play a predetermined game using a game medium and pays out the game medium based on a predetermined payout condition being satisfied,
A game control microcomputer for controlling the progress of the game;
A payout means for paying out game media;
A dispensing control microcomputer for controlling the dispensing means;
A game medium detection means for outputting a signal when the game medium paid out by the payout means is detected;
The game medium detection means outputs a different signal when an abnormality is detected,
The dispensing control microcomputer is:
Payout control means for controlling the payout means based on a signal output from the game control microcomputer;
A game machine comprising: a payout stop control means for performing control to stop the control by the payout control means when the different signal is output from the game medium detecting means.

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