JP2016005661A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent deterioration in game taste caused by excessively low brightness of a light-emitting device when the brightness of the light-emitting device is adjusted by a player's operation.SOLUTION: A performance control device (300) includes: light-emission control means that, when it becomes prescribed update timing, controls the light emission of a light-emitting device on the basis of luminance data stored in prescribed luminance data storage means; and luminance adjustment means that determines an adjustment amount on the basis of a setup value set by luminance setup means (47 and 25) and adjusts the luminance data. A game machine sets a first range and a second range as ranges for adjusting the luminance data, where the adjustment of the luminance data is differed whether the luminance data are located at the first range or the second range. The luminance data in the first range are adjusted within the first range and the luminance data in the second range are adjusted within the second range. The adjusted luminance data are stored in luminance data storage means (311c and 345).

Description

  The present invention provides a light-emitting device provided on the front surface of a gaming machine, brightness setting means capable of changing the light emission amount of the light-emitting device, and effect control for controlling light emission by the light-emitting device based on a control command signal from the game control means And a gaming machine comprising the means.

  Conventionally, a pachinko gaming machine has been known in which a light emitting device such as a plurality of light emitting diodes is provided over a wide range on a game board or the like, and the light emission mode is changed according to the gaming state to enhance the player's visual interest. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In addition, a gaming machine has been proposed in which the brightness of a light emitting device such as a lamp or a liquid crystal device provided on the front surface of the gaming machine can be adjusted by a player's volume operation (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2003-190410 A JP-A-10-108940

  However, when the low-light effect that is originally set to change the light-emission mode with low luminance is executed by the light-emitting device in the low-luminance state set by the player's operation to reduce the luminance, the player It becomes difficult to recognize whether or not the light emitting device emits light. For this reason, the player may not be able to recognize the low-brightness effect being executed, and there is a concern that the interest of the game may be reduced.

  In addition, for the purpose of notifying the player or the store clerk of the occurrence of fraud or big hits, even in a high luminance effect that changes the luminance of the light emitting device to a high state, the luminance is lower than the original light emitting device. Therefore, there is a possibility that the player or the store clerk may miss it.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to make the game because the brightness of the light-emitting device becomes too low when the brightness of the light-emitting device can be adjusted by the player's operation. It is to be able to prevent a decrease in the interest of the future.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1
A light emitting device provided on the front of the gaming machine;
Luminance setting means capable of changing the setting of the light emission amount of the light emitting device;
Game control means for managing the progress of the game;
In a gaming machine provided with an effect control means for performing light emission control in the light emitting device based on a control command signal from the game control means,
The production control means includes
Effect data storage means for storing effect data including luminance data defining the light emission amount of the light emitting device;
Light emission control means for performing light emission control of the light emitting device based on the luminance data stored in the predetermined luminance data storage means when a predetermined update timing is reached;
Brightness adjustment means for determining an adjustment amount based on a set value set by the brightness setting means and adjusting the brightness data;
A first range and a second range are set as ranges for adjusting the luminance data,
The adjustment of the luminance data differs depending on whether the luminance data is located in either the first range or the second range,
The luminance data in the first range is adjusted within the first range, the luminance data in the second range is adjusted within the second range, and the adjusted luminance data is stored in the luminance data storage means. It is characterized by that.

  Here, the “game control means” and the “production control means” can each be constituted by a CPU and a program executed by the CPU. The “brightness setting means capable of changing the setting of the light emission amount of the light emitting device” may be a program as well as hardware.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the player can adjust the light emission amount of the light emitting device, the player can enjoy the effect by the light emitting device with brightness according to his / her preference. On the other hand, when the player adjusts the amount of light emission, the effect of the light-emitting device becomes an unintended effect, thereby preventing the interest of the game from being lowered.

The invention according to claim 2 is the gaming machine according to claim 1,
In the second range, a range having a higher luminance than the first range is set,
When the luminance data is located in the second range,
The adjustment amount is subtracted from the luminance data, and when the subtraction result is less than or equal to a threshold value that defines the upper limit of the first range, the threshold value is stored as the luminance data in the luminance data storage means, and the subtraction result is The subtraction result is stored in the luminance data storage means when it is larger than a threshold value that defines the upper limit of the first range.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the luminance data is located in the second range, the adjustment amount is subtracted from the luminance data, and the subtraction result is equal to or less than the threshold value that defines the upper limit of the first range. Since the threshold value is stored in the luminance data storage means as luminance data, since the luminance data higher than the threshold value is not changed below the threshold value by the player, the player does not change the light emission amount of the light emitting device. As a result of the adjustment, it is possible to prevent an unintended performance from being changed to a low luminance close to a light-off state at an unintended timing, and to prevent the entertainment of the game from deteriorating.

A third aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the second aspect,
When the luminance data is located in the first range,
The luminance data is stored in the luminance data storage means without adjusting the luminance data based on the adjustment amount.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, when the luminance data is located in the first range, the luminance data is stored in the luminance data storage means without adjusting the luminance data based on the adjustment amount. When the player adjusts the light emission amount of the light emitting device, the low luminance effect executed in the light emitting mode with the low luminance in the light emitting device cannot be seen at all, and there is a situation where the interest of the game is reduced. Can be avoided.

The invention according to claim 4 is the gaming machine according to claim 3,
A display device for executing a variable display game;
The production control means includes
Drawing data to be displayed on the display device is stored in a frame buffer, and display data that can be displayed on the display device is generated based on the drawing data stored in the frame buffer when a predetermined frame update timing is reached And display control means for outputting,
The light emission control means includes
The light emission amount of the light emitting device is changed to the light emission amount based on the luminance data stored in the luminance data storage means in synchronization with the display frame update timing in the display device.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the light emission amount of the light emitting device is changed in synchronization with the display of the display device, when the operation for adjusting the light emission amount of the light emitting device is performed, the light emitting device Can be changed without giving the player a visual discomfort.

The invention according to claim 5 is the gaming machine according to claim 4,
The game control means or the effect control means includes error detection means for detecting an error state in the gaming machine,
The production control means includes
When an error is detected by the error detection unit when controlling the light emission amount of the light emitting device based on the setting by the luminance setting unit, the first luminance setting unit or the second luminance setting unit Regardless of the setting state, the light emitting device is configured to be controllable so as to emit light with the maximum light emission amount.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, even if the luminance setting means has adjusted the luminance of the light emitting device to be lowered, the light emitting device emits light with the maximum luminance when an error is detected. By being controlled in this manner, it is possible to reliably notify the player or the staff of the game store that an error has occurred.

The invention according to claim 6 is the gaming machine according to claim 5,
The brightness setting means includes
A first luminance setting means which is provided on the back surface of the gaming machine and cannot be set by the player during the game; and a second luminance setting means which is provided on the front surface of the gaming machine and which can be set by the player during the game. Including,
The production control means includes
Having a function of controlling the light emission amount of the light emitting device based on the setting by the luminance setting means;
In the luminance setting operation by the second luminance setting means, the luminance set by the first luminance setting means is set as the upper limit of the luminance that can be set by the second luminance setting means, and the luminance can be set within the range below the upper limit. It is comprised by these.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, even if the brightness setting means is provided on the front and the back of the gaming machine, the brightness change by the second brightness setting means that can be operated by the player provided on the front of the gaming machine. Is limited so that it can be changed within the brightness range set by the first brightness setting means provided on the back of the gaming machine, so that the brightness of the game store is not intended by the player's brightness adjustment. It is possible to avoid the situation that it is set. In addition, this makes it possible to reliably execute business in the power saving mode with reduced power consumption.

  According to the present invention, when the brightness of the light-emitting device can be adjusted by a player's operation, it is possible to prevent the interest of the game from being reduced due to the brightness of the light-emitting device becoming too low. is there.

It is a front view which shows one Embodiment of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a front view which shows the structural example of the game board in the game machine of embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control system and game control apparatus which are provided in the back surface of the game machine of embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the presentation control apparatus in the game machine of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the detail of the LED control apparatus which comprises an effect control apparatus. It is a configuration explanatory view showing how to configure the LED control device in the effect control device when the light emitting diode of the panel decoration device is added. It is a block diagram which shows the 1st modification of the LED control apparatus and board decoration apparatus which are shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the 2nd modification of the LED control apparatus and board decoration apparatus which are shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the first half part of the specific procedure of a main process among the game control performed by the game microcomputer of the game control apparatus of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the latter half part of the specific procedure of a main process among the game controls performed by the game microcomputer of the game control apparatus of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the specific procedure of a timer interruption process among the game controls performed by the game microcomputer of the game control apparatus of embodiment. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific procedure of command transmission processing and effect control command transmission processing executed during the timer interrupt processing of FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific procedure of special figure game processing executed during the timer interrupt processing of FIG. 11; It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of 1st main process among the presentation control performed by the presentation control apparatus of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the brightness | luminance setting screen displayed on a display device when an input operation means (effect switch) is operated. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the effect button input process performed during the 1st main process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the decoration control process performed during the 1st main process of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the brightness | luminance data table referred during the decoration control process of FIG. It is a timing chart which shows the operation | movement timing in the case of performing lighting control of a light emitting diode according to the brightness setting data and lighting data of each flame | frame of a brightness | luminance data table by performing the decoration control process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the decoration control process in a 2nd Example. FIG. 21 is a timing chart showing an operation timing in the case where lighting control of the light emitting diode is performed according to the luminance setting data and lighting data of each frame of the luminance data table by executing the decoration control process of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 20. It is a timing chart which shows the operation timing in the case of carrying out lighting control of the light emitting diode according to the brightness setting data and lighting data of each frame of the brightness data table in the 1st modification of the 1st example. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the production | presentation button input process in a 3rd Example. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the decoration control process in a 3rd Example. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the brightness | luminance change process in the effect button input process of FIG.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment includes a front frame 12, and the front frame 12 is assembled to a main body frame (outer frame) 11 via a hinge 13 so as to be openable and closable. The game board 30 (see FIG. 3) is stored in a storage portion (not shown) formed on the front side of the front frame 12. Further, a glass frame 15 having a cover glass (transparent member) 14 covering the front surface of the game board 30 is attached to the front frame (inner frame) 12.

  Further, an illuminating device (moving light) 16 having a built-in lamp and motor and a lamp (LED: light-emitting diode) 17 for notifying a dispensing abnormality are provided in the upper part of the glass frame 15. Further, on the left and right sides of the glass frame 15, a frame decoration device 18 having a light emitting source such as a light emitting diode built in and having a transparent or translucent member on the front surface for emitting light for decoration or production, sound (for example, , A sound effect) is provided. Further, a speaker (lower speaker) 19 b is also provided below the front frame 12.

  In addition, at the lower part of the front frame 12, an upper plate 21 for supplying game balls to a not-shown hitting ball launcher, and game balls paid out from a ball payout device provided on the back side of the gaming machine 10 flow out. There are provided a dish tray outlet 22, a lower dish 23 for storing game balls paid out in a state in which the upper dish 21 is full, an operation unit 24 of a ball striking device, and the like. Furthermore, an input operation unit 25 having an effect button 25a and a select button 25b incorporating operation switches for receiving an operation input from a player is provided on the upper edge of the upper plate 21. Further, a key 26 for opening and locking the front frame 12 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 12.

  In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when the player rotates the operation unit 24, the hitting ball launching device directs the game ball supplied from the upper plate 21 toward the game area 32 on the front surface of the game board 30. And fire. Further, when the player operates the effect button 25a, an effect or the like in which the player's operation is intervened is performed in the variable display game (decoration special map variable display game) on the display device 41 (see FIG. 2). Can do.

  Further, in this embodiment, by operating the input operation unit 25, the brightness in the board decoration device 42 (see FIG. 4) incorporating a light emitting source such as a light emitting diode provided in the frame decoration device 18 or the game board. The (light emission) can be adjusted. Further, a multi-stage brightness setting unit 47 (see FIG. 4) that can be operated with the front frame opened (the player cannot operate) is provided on the back side of the gaming machine. The light emitting amount of the frame decoration device 18 and the panel decoration device 42 can be adjusted according to the set state. That is, there are provided brightness setting means (brightness adjusting switches) on both the front and back sides of the gaming machine.

  Further, on the front surface of the glass frame 15 above the upper plate 21, a prepaid card is discharged from a ball lending button 27 operated when a player receives a ball lending from an adjacent ball lending machine, and a card unit of the ball lending machine. For this purpose, a discharge button 28 to be operated, a balance display unit (not shown) for displaying the balance of the prepaid card, and the like are provided.

  Next, an example of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 30 of the present embodiment.

  On the surface of the game board 30, a substantially circular game area 32 surrounded by the guide rail 31 is formed. The game area 32 is surrounded by resin side cases 33 and guide rails 31 provided at the four corners of the game board 30. In the game area 32, a center case 40 provided with a display device 41 is disposed substantially at the center. The display device 41 is attached to a recessed portion provided in the center case 40 at a position deeper than the front surface of the center case 40. That is, the center case 40 surrounds the display area of the display device 41 and is formed to protrude forward from the display surface of the display device 41.

  The display device 41 is configured by a device having a display screen such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (CRT). A plurality of pieces of identification information (special symbols), a character that produces a special figure variation display game, a background image that enhances the effect, and the like are displayed in an area (display area) in which an image of the display screen can be displayed. On the display screen of the display device 41, a plurality of special symbols assigned as identification information are variably displayed (variably displayed), and a decorative special figure variation display game corresponding to the special diagram variation display game is played. In addition, an image for an effect based on the progress of the game (for example, a jackpot display image, a fanfare display image, an ending display image, etc.) is displayed on the display screen.

  On the left side of the center case 40 in the game area 32, a normal symbol start gate (ordinary start gate) 34 is provided. Three general winning openings 35 are arranged on the lower left side of the center case 40, and one general winning opening 35 is arranged on the lower right side of the center case 40.

  In each of the general winning ports 35,..., Winning port switches 35a to 35n (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball that has entered each of the general winning ports 35 are arranged.

  A start winning opening 36 is provided below the center case 40 for giving a start condition for the special figure variation display game, and a game ball easily flows into the upper portion by opening a reverse “C” shape at the top. An ordinary variable winning device (general power) 37 having a pair of movable members 37b and 37b for converting into a state and having a second start winning port is disposed therein.

  The pair of opening / closing members 37b, 37b of the normal variation winning device 37 always holds a closed state (a disadvantageous state for the player) with an interval of about the diameter of the game ball. However, since the start winning port 36 is provided above the normal variation winning device 37, the game ball cannot be won in the closed state.

  When the result of the normal variation display game becomes a predetermined stop display mode, it is opened in a reverse “C” shape by a general electric solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3) as a driving device, and a normal variation prize is awarded. The device 37 can be changed to an open state (a state advantageous to the player) in which a game ball easily flows.

  Further, a special variable winning device (large winning mouth) 38 that can be converted into a state where a game ball is not accepted and a state where it is easy to accept depending on the result of the special figure changing display game is arranged below the normal variable winning device 37. Yes.

  The special variable winning device 38 has an attacker-type opening / closing door that can be opened by rotating in a direction in which the upper end side is tilted toward the front side. The winning opening is closed (blocked state unfavorable for the player) to the open state (state advantageous to the player).

  That is, the special variable prize winning device 38 includes, for example, a big prize opening opened and closed by an open / close door driven by a big prize opening solenoid 38b (see FIG. 3) as a driving device. Is converted from a closed state to an open state, thereby facilitating the inflow of game balls into the special winning opening, and a predetermined game value (prize ball) is given to the player.

  In addition, a count switch 38a (see FIG. 3) as a detecting means for detecting a game ball that has entered the special winning opening is disposed inside the special winning opening (winning area).

  Below the special variable winning device 38, there is provided an out port 39 for collecting game balls that have not won a winning port.

  Also, outside the game area 32 (for example, at the top of the game board 30), the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game that form the special figure fluctuation display game, and the winning for the normal figure start gate 34 are awarded. A collective display device 50 is provided for executing a universal map display game with a trigger at one location.

  The collective display device 50 includes a first special figure fluctuation display unit (special figure 1 display) 51 and a second special figure for a first special figure fluctuation display game configured by a 7-segment display (LED lamp) or the like. A second special figure fluctuation display unit (special figure 2 display) 52 for a fluctuation display game is provided. In addition, a fluctuation display section (common figure display) for a general-purpose variable display game configured by LED lamps, a memory display section for informing the start memory number of each variable-display game also configured by LED lamps, and a game state There is provided an LED display unit 53 including a display unit for notifying, an error display unit for displaying an error, and a round display unit for displaying the number of rounds at the time of a big hit (the number of opening / closing of the special variable winning device 38).

  The special figure fluctuation display game in the special figure 1 display and the special figure 2 display is, for example, while the fluctuation display game is being executed, that is, while the decoration special figure fluctuation display game is being performed on the display device 41, the central segment is displayed. Display blinking drive to indicate that it is changing. When the result of the game is “out of”, for example, the central segment is turned on as a result mode of out of game, and when the result of the game is “win”, the result of out of game (special result mode) is not. A game result is displayed with a result mode other than the result mode (for example, a number such as “3” or “7”) in a lit state.

  In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, a game is played by launching a game ball (pachinko ball) from a launcher (not shown) toward the game area 32. The launched game balls flow down the game area 32 while changing the rolling direction by means of direction change members such as obstacle nails and windmills arranged at various locations in the game area 32, and the normal start gate 34 and the general winning opening 35 The winning prize opening 36, the normal variable prize winning device 37 or the special variable prize winning device 38 is won, or it flows into the out port 39 provided at the bottom of the game area 32 and is discharged from the game area. When a game ball wins the general winning opening 35, the start winning opening 36, the normal variation winning apparatus 37, or the special variable winning apparatus 38, the number of winning balls corresponding to the type of the winning opening is awarded by the payout control apparatus 200. It is discharged from the controlled dispensing unit to the upper plate 21 or the lower plate 23 of the front frame 12.

  On the other hand, a gate switch 34a (see FIG. 3) including a non-contact type switch for detecting a game ball that has passed through the general diagram start gate 34 is provided in the general diagram start gate 34. When a game ball that has been driven into the area 32 passes through the usual figure start gate 34, it is detected by the gate switch 34a and a usual figure change display game is played.

  In addition, the normal variation display game cannot be started, for example, the normal variation display game has already been played and the normal variation display game has not been completed, When 37 is converted to the open state and the game ball passes through the general figure start gate 34, if it is less than the upper limit of the normal figure start memory number, the general figure start memory number is added (+1) and the general figure start memory number is increased. One figure start memory is stored. The number of memorized start prizes is displayed on the memory display unit for notifying the number of start prizes in the LED display unit 53 of the collective display device 50.

  In addition, in the normal chart start memory, a random number value for hit determination for determining a hit error of the normal figure fluctuation display game is stored, and when the random number value for hit determination coincides with the determination value In addition, a specific result mode (specific result) is derived by hitting the common map fluctuation display game.

  The general-purpose variable display game is executed by a variable display unit (standard map display) of the LED display unit 53 provided in the collective display device 50. The general-purpose indicator is composed of LEDs indicating normal identification information (normal diagrams, normal symbols) in the lit state, and indicating a shift in the unlit state, and the normal identification information is displayed by blinking this LED. Fluctuation display is performed, and after a predetermined fluctuation display time has elapsed, the LED is turned on or off to display the result.

  Note that, for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, and the like may be used as the normal identification information, which is displayed by variably displaying for a predetermined time and then stopped. If the stop display of the usual figure change display game is a specific result, the pair of movable members 37b of the normal fluctuation winning device 37 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds). It becomes a state. This makes it easier for the game ball to win the second start winning opening inside the normal fluctuation winning device 37, and the number of times the second special figure changing display game is executed increases.

  When the common random number value extracted at the time of detecting passage to the general figure start gate 34 is a winning value, the normal symbol displayed on the normal figure display of the LED display unit 53 stops in the winning state and enters the winning state. At this time, the normal variation winning device 37 is in a state in which the movable member 37b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds) by driving the built-in general-purpose solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3). It is converted and the winning of the game ball is allowed.

  The winning ball to the starting winning port 36 and the winning ball to the normal variation winning device 37 are respectively detected by the starting port 1 switch 36a and the starting port 2 switch 37a provided inside. The game ball that has won the start winning opening 36 is detected as the start winning ball of the first special figure variable display game, is stored up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4), and is awarded to the normal variable winning device 37. The played game balls are detected as start winning balls for the second special figure variation display game, and stored with a predetermined upper limit number (for example, four) as a limit.

  In addition, when the starting winning ball is detected, a big hit random number value, a big hit symbol random number value, and each variation pattern random number value are extracted, and the extracted random number value is stored in a special figure memory in the game control device 100 (see FIG. 3). Each area (a part of the RAM) is stored as a special figure start memory for a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of four times). The number stored in the special chart start memory is displayed on the memory display section for notifying the start winning number of the collective display device 50 and also displayed on the display device 41 of the center case 40.

  The game control device 100 is configured to display a special figure 1 display or a special figure 2 display (variation) provided in the collective display device 50 based on a winning at the start winning opening 36 or the normal variation winning award device 37, or their start memory. The first or second special figure variation display game is played on the display device.

  The first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game are performed by variably displaying a plurality of special symbols (special figures, identification information) and then stopping and displaying a predetermined result form. In addition, a decorative special figure fluctuation display game for displaying a plurality of types of identification information (for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, etc.) corresponding to each special figure fluctuation display game on the display device 41 is executed. ing.

  As a result of the special figure variation display game, when the display form of the special figure 1 display or the special figure 2 display becomes a special result form, it becomes a big hit and a special game state (so-called big hit state). Become. Correspondingly, the display mode of the display device 41 is also a special result mode.

  In the decorative special symbol variation display game on the display device 41, for example, the decorative special symbol (identification information) composed of the above-described numbers is left (first special symbol), right (second special symbol), middle (third special symbol). The variation display is started in the order of symbols), the symbols that have been varied after a predetermined time are sequentially stopped, and the result of the special symbol variation display game is displayed. In addition, the display device 41 performs a variable display game with a decorative special symbol corresponding to the number of special figure starting memories, and various effect displays such as the appearance of a character are performed to improve interest.

  Note that the special figure 1 display and the special figure 2 display may be separate displays or the same display, but each special figure variation display game is not to be executed independently or simultaneously. Is displayed. In addition, the display device 41 may use different display devices and different display areas in the first special map variable display game and the second special map variable display game, or use the same display device and display area. However, the decoration special figure variation display game is displayed so as not to be executed independently or simultaneously. Further, the special game variable display game may be executed only by the display device 41 without providing the game machine 10 with the special map 1 display and the special map 2 display.

  Further, the second special figure variation display game is executed with priority over the first special figure variation display game. That is, if there is a start memory of the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game, and the execution of the special figure fluctuation display game becomes possible, the second special figure fluctuation display game is It is supposed to be executed.

  In addition, in the state where the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) can be started and the number of start memories is zero, the start winning opening 36 (or the normal fluctuation prize winning device 37) is entered. When the game ball wins, the start memory is stored as the start right is generated, the start memory number is incremented by 1, and the first special figure variation display game (second special figure) is immediately added based on the start memory. (Variable display game) is started, and at this time, the start memory number is decremented by one.

  On the other hand, a state in which the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) cannot be started immediately, for example, the first or second special figure fluctuation display game has already been performed, and the special figure fluctuation display game has ended. If the game ball is won in the start winning opening 36 (or the normal variable prize winning device 37) in a state that is not in the special game state or in the special game state, the start memory number is 1 if the start memory number is less than the upper limit number. By adding, one start memory is stored. Then, in a state where the starting memory number becomes 1 or more, a state in which the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) can be started (the end of the previous special figure fluctuation display game or the special game state) (End), the start memory number is decremented by 1, and the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) is started based on the stored start memory.

  In the following description, when the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as a special figure fluctuation display game.

  Although not particularly limited, the starting port 1 switch 36a in the starting winning port 36, the starting port 2 switch 37a in the normal variable winning device 37, the gate switch 34a, the general winning port switches 35a to 35n, the count The switch 38a is a non-contact type magnetic proximity sensor (hereinafter referred to as a proximity switch) that includes a magnetic detection coil and detects a game ball using a phenomenon in which a magnetic field changes when a metal approaches the coil. Has been. A micro switch having a mechanical contact is used for the front frame opening detection switch 63 provided on the glass frame 15 or the like of the gaming machine 10 or the game frame opening detection switch 64 provided on the front frame (game frame) 12 or the like. be able to.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control system of the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The gaming machine 10 includes a game control device 100. The game control device 100 is a main control device (main board) for comprehensively controlling games, and a gaming microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a gaming microcomputer) 111 is provided. The CPU unit 110 includes an input unit 120 having an input port, an output unit 130 having an output port, a driver, and the like, and a data bus 140 connecting the CPU unit 110, the input unit 120, and the output unit 130.

  The CPU section 110 receives signals (starting winning detection signals) from a gaming microcomputer (CPU) 111 called an amusement chip (IC) and a proximity switch interface chip (proximity I / F) 121 in the input section 120. An inversion circuit 112 composed of an inverter or the like that is logically inverted and input to the gaming microcomputer 111 and an oscillator such as a crystal oscillator are provided to generate a clock for a CPU operation clock, a timer interrupt, and a random number generation circuit. An oscillation circuit (crystal oscillator) 113 is included. The game control device 100 and electronic components such as a solenoid and a motor driven by the game control device 100 are supplied with a predetermined level of DC voltage such as DC32V, DC12V, and DC5V generated by the power supply device 400 so as to be operable. Is done.

  The power supply apparatus 400 includes a normal power supply including an AC-DC converter that generates the DC 32V DC voltage from a 24V AC power source, a DC-DC converter that generates a lower level DC voltage such as DC 12V and DC 5V from the DC 32V voltage, and the like. Unit 410, backup power supply unit 420 for supplying power supply voltage to the internal RAM of gaming microcomputer 111 in the event of a power failure, and a power failure monitoring circuit and an initialization switch to inform gaming control device 100 of the occurrence and recovery of power failure A control signal generation unit 430 that generates and outputs control signals such as a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal is provided.

  In this embodiment, the power supply device 400 is configured separately from the game control device 100, but the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generation unit 430 are integrated on a separate board or the game control device 100, that is, the main control device 100. You may comprise so that it may provide on a board | substrate. Since the game board 30 and the game control device 100 are to be replaced when the model is changed, the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generation unit 430 are provided on a board different from the power supply apparatus 400 or the main board as in the embodiment. By providing, it can remove from the object of replacement | exchange and can aim at cost reduction.

  The backup power supply unit 420 can be composed of one large-capacity capacitor such as an electrolytic capacitor. The backup power is supplied to the game microcomputer 111 (particularly, the built-in RAM) of the game control device 100, and the data stored in the RAM is held even during a power failure or after the power is shut off. The control signal generation unit 430 monitors the voltage of 32V generated by the normal power supply unit 410, for example, detects the occurrence of a power failure when the voltage drops below 17V, for example, changes the power failure monitoring signal, and resets the signal after a predetermined time. Is output. In addition, a reset signal is output after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the power is turned on or the power is restored.

  The initialization switch signal is a signal generated when the initialization switch is turned on, and forcibly initializes information stored in the RAM 111C in the gaming microcomputer 111 and the RAM in the payout control device 200. . Although not particularly limited, the initialization switch signal is read when the power is turned on, and the power failure monitoring signal is repeatedly read in the main loop of the main program executed by the gaming microcomputer 111. The reset signal is a kind of forced interrupt signal and resets the entire control system.

  The game microcomputer 111 constitutes a game control means for comprehensively controlling the game. Specifically, the gaming microcomputer 111 includes a CPU (central processing unit: microprocessor) 111A, a read-only ROM (read-only memory) 111B, and a RAM (random access memory) 111C that can be read and written as needed.

  The ROM 111B stores invariant information (programs, fixed data, various random number judgment values, etc.) for game control in a nonvolatile manner, and the RAM 111C stores a work area for the CPU 111A and various signals and random number values during game control. Used as As the ROM 111B or the RAM 111C, an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM may be used.

  In addition, the ROM 111B stores a variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern that defines, for example, the execution time of the special figure variation display game, the production contents, and the presence or absence of the reach state.

  The variation pattern table is a table for the CPU 111A to determine the variation pattern by referring to the variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 stored as the start memory. Further, the fluctuation pattern table includes a loss fluctuation pattern table selected when the result is lost, a big hit fluctuation pattern table selected when the result is per 15R or 2R, and the like. Further, these pattern tables include a second half variation pattern table and a first half variation pattern table.

  Reach (reach state) has a display device whose display state can change, and the display device derives and displays a plurality of display results at different times, and the plurality of display results are predetermined. In the gaming machine 10 in which the gaming state becomes a gaming state advantageous to the player (special gaming state) when the special result mode is entered, the game is already derived at the stage where some of the plurality of display results are not yet derived and displayed. This means a display state in which the displayed display result satisfies the condition for the special result mode. In other words, the reach state is deviated from the display condition that is the special result mode even when the display device's variable display control progresses and reaches the stage before the display result is derived and displayed. There is no display mode. For example, a state where so-called full-rotation reach is performed in a variable display region while maintaining a state in which special result modes are aligned (so-called full rotation reach) is also included in the reach state. The reach state is a display state at the time when the display control of the display device has progressed to reach a stage before the display result is derived and displayed, and is determined before the display result is derived and displayed. The display state in the case where at least a part of the display results of the plurality of variable display areas satisfies the condition for the special result mode.

  Thus, for example, a decorative special figure fluctuation display game displayed on a display device corresponding to a special figure fluctuation display game fluctuates a plurality of identification information for a predetermined time in each of the left, middle, and right fluctuation display areas on the display device. After displaying, when the display of the result mode is stopped in the order of left, right, and middle, the condition that becomes the special result mode is satisfied in the left and right variable display areas (for example, The state in which the variable display is stopped with the same identification information) is the reach state. In addition to this, when the variable display of all the variable display areas is temporarily stopped, the condition that the special result mode is satisfied in any two of the left, middle, and right variable display areas (for example, the same The state in which the identification information is obtained (except for the special result mode) may be set as the reach state, and the remaining one variable display area may be variably displayed from the reach state.

  This reach state includes a plurality of reach productions, and the possibility that a special result mode is derived (different reliability) includes normal reach, special 1 reach, special 2 reach, special 3 reach, Premier reach etc. are set. The reliability increases in the order of no reach <normal reach <special 1 reach <special 2 reach <special 3 reach <premier reach. In addition, this reach state is included in a variable display mode at least in a case where a special result mode is derived in a special figure variable display game (when a big hit is achieved). That is, when it is determined that the special result mode is not derived in the special figure variable display game (when it is out of date), it may be included in the variable display mode. Therefore, the state in which the reach state has occurred is a state that is more likely to be a big hit than the case in which the reach state does not occur.

  The CPU 111A executes a game control program in the ROM 111B, generates control signals (commands) for the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300, and generates and outputs drive signals for the solenoid and the display device, thereby playing the gaming machine. 10 overall control is performed.

  Although not shown, the game microcomputer 111 is a jackpot determining random number for the special figure variation display game, a big hit symbol random number for determining the big hit symbol, a variation pattern in the special figure variation display game (various reach and reach). A random number generation circuit for generating a variation pattern random number for determining a variation display game in a variation display without a game), a random number for determining a hit of a normal variation display game, and the like from the oscillation circuit 113 Based on the oscillation signal (original clock signal), a clock generator is provided that generates a timer interrupt signal for a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) for the CPU 111A and a clock that gives the update timing of the random number generation circuit.

  In addition, the CPU 111A stores a plurality of variation pattern tables stored in the ROM 111B in a start port switch monitoring process (step A1) and a special figure routine process (step A9) in a special figure game process (see FIG. 13) described later. Any one variation pattern table is acquired from the inside. Specifically, the CPU 111A determines the game result (big hit or miss) of the special figure fluctuation display game, the probability state (normal probability state or high probability state) of the special figure fluctuation display game as the current game state, and the current game. Based on the operation state (normal operation state or short-time operation state) of the normal variation winning device 37 as a state, the number of start memories, etc., one of the variation pattern tables is selected and acquired. To do.

  Although not shown, the payout control device 200 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input interface, an output interface, and the like, and drives a payout motor of the payout unit in accordance with a prize ball payout command (command or data) from the game control device 100. , Control for paying out a prize ball. In addition, the payout control device 200 drives the payout motor of the payout unit based on the ball rental request signal from the card unit, and performs control for paying out the ball.

  The input unit 120 of the gaming microcomputer 111 includes a start port 1 switch 36a in the start winning port 36, a start port 2 switch 37a in the normal variation winning device 37, a gate switch 34a in the usual start gate 34, and a general winning port. An interface which is connected to the switches 35a to 35n and the count switch 38a and receives a negative logic signal such as a high level of 11V and a low level of 7V supplied from these switches, and converts it into a positive logic signal of 0V-5V. A chip (proximity I / F) 121 is provided. Proximity I / F 121 seems to be floating because the input range is 7V-11V, the lead wire of the proximity switch is improperly shorted, the switch is disconnected from the connector, or the lead wire is disconnected. An abnormal state can be detected, and an abnormality detection signal is output.

  All the outputs of the proximity I / F 121 are supplied to the second input port 122 and read into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140, and also supplied from the main board 100 to the test firing test apparatus (not shown) via the relay board 70. It is like that. In addition, the detection signals of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a among the outputs of the proximity I / F 121 are input to the gaming microcomputer 111 via the inverting circuit 112 in addition to the second input port 122. It is configured. The inversion circuit 112 is provided because the signal input terminal of the gaming microcomputer 111 detects that a signal from a micro switch or the like is input, and detects negative logic, that is, low level (0 V) as an effective level. Because it is designed to do.

  Therefore, when a micro switch is used as the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a, the detection signal can be directly input to the gaming microcomputer 111 without providing the inverting circuit 112. That is, when it is desired to directly input negative logic signals from the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a to the gaming microcomputer 111, the proximity switch cannot be used. As described above, the proximity I / F 121 has a signal level conversion function. In order to enable such a level conversion function, the proximity I / F 121 is supplied with a voltage of 12 V from the power supply device 400 in addition to a voltage such as 5 V required for normal IC operation. It has become.

  Further, the input unit 120 includes a start winning opening 36 converted by signals from the fraud detection magnetic sensor switch 61 and the vibration sensor switch 62 provided on the front frame 12 of the gaming machine 10 and the proximity I / F 121. The start port 1 switch 36a in the inside, the start port 2 switch 37a in the normal variation winning device 37, the gate switch 34a, the general winning port switches 35a to 35n, and the signals from the count switch 38a are taken in via the data bus 140. A second input port 122 for supplying to the microcomputer 111 is provided. The data held by the second input port 122 is read by asserting the enable signal CE1 (changing to an effective level) by the gaming microcomputer 111 decoding the address assigned to the second input port 122. be able to. The same applies to other ports described later.

  Further, the input unit 120 receives signals and payouts from the front frame opening detection switch 63 provided on the glass frame 15 and the like of the gaming machine 10 and the game frame opening detection switch 64 provided on the front frame (game frame) 12 and the like. A status signal indicating a payout abnormality from the control device 200, a shot ball break switch signal indicating a shortage of game balls before payout, and an overflow switch signal indicating overflow are fetched and supplied to the game microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. One input port 123 is provided. The overflow switch signal is a signal that is output when it is detected that a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the lower plate 23 (full).

  Further, the input unit 120 is provided with a Schmitt trigger circuit 124 for inputting signals such as a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal from the power supply device 400 to the gaming microcomputer 111 and the like. The circuit 124 has a function of removing noise from these input signals. Of the signals from the power supply device 400, the power failure monitoring signal and the initialization switch signal are once inputted to the first input port 123 and taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. That is, it is treated as a signal equivalent to the signal from the various switches described above. This is because the number of terminals receiving external signals provided in the gaming microcomputer 111 is limited.

  On the other hand, the reset signal RST from which noise has been removed by the Schmitt trigger circuit 124 is directly input to a reset terminal provided in the gaming microcomputer 111 and is supplied to each port of the output unit 130. Further, the reset signal RST is directly output to the relay board 70 without going through the output unit 130, thereby turning off the test test signal held in the port (not shown) of the relay board 70 for output to the test board. It is configured as follows. Further, the reset signal RST may be configured to be output to the test firing test apparatus via the relay board 70.

  The reset signal RST is not supplied to the ports 122 and 123 of the input unit 120. Data set to each port of the output unit 130 by the gaming microcomputer 111 immediately before the reset signal RST is input needs to be reset to prevent malfunction of the system, but each data of the input unit 120 is input immediately before the reset signal RST is input. This is because the data read by the gaming microcomputer 111 from the port is discarded when the gaming microcomputer 111 is reset.

  The output unit 130 is connected to the data bus 140 and outputs a 4-bit data signal output to the payout control device 200, a control signal (data strobe signal) indicating validity / invalidity of the data, and a data strobe signal SSTB output to the effect control device 300. 1 and a second output port 132 for generating an 8-bit data signal to be output to the effect control device 300. Data is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300 by parallel communication.

  In addition, the data strobe signal from the first output port 131 is input to the output unit 130 in order to prevent a signal from being input to the game control apparatus 100 from the side of the effect control apparatus 300, that is, in order to guarantee one-way communication. A unidirectional buffer 133 that outputs an 8-bit data signal from the SSTB and the second output port 132 is provided. A buffer may be provided for a signal output from the first output port 131 to the payout control device 200.

  In addition, the output unit 130 is connected to the data bus 140 via a relay board 70 for data indicating special symbol information of the variable display game to a test firing test apparatus of an accredited organization (not shown) and a signal indicating the probability status of jackpot. The output buffer 134 is configured to be mountable. This buffer 134 is a component that is not mounted on a game control device (main board) of a pachinko gaming machine as an actual machine (mass production product) installed in the game store. A detection signal output from the proximity I / F 121, such as a start port switch, that is not required to be processed is supplied to the test firing test apparatus via the relay board 70 without passing through the buffer 134.

  On the other hand, detection signals such as the magnetic sensor switch 61 and the vibration sensor switch 62 that cannot be supplied to the test fire testing device as they are are once taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 and processed into other signals or information. An error signal indicating that the control is not possible is supplied from the data bus 140 to the trial test apparatus via the buffer 134 and the relay board 70. The relay board 70 is provided with a port that takes in the signal output from the buffer 134 and supplies it to the test test apparatus, a connector that relays and transmits a signal line of a switch detection signal that does not pass through the buffer, and the like. ing. A chip enable signal CE output from the gaming microcomputer 111 is also supplied to the port on the relay board 70, and the signal of the port selected and controlled by the signal CE is supplied to the test firing test apparatus.

  In addition, the output unit 130 is connected to the data bus 140 and is connected to the data bus 140 to open a special variation winning device 38 (a large winning opening solenoid) 38b and a solenoid (normal electric solenoid) 37c to open a movable member 37b of the normal variation winning device 37. The third output port 135 for outputting the opening / closing data of the LED and the ON / OFF data of the digit line to which the cathode terminal of the LED of the collective display device 50 is connected. A fourth output port 136 for outputting ON / OFF data of the segment line connected to the anode terminal, and a fifth output port 137 for outputting information related to the gaming machine 10 such as jackpot information to the external information terminal 71 are provided. It has been. The information regarding the gaming machine 10 output from the external information terminal 71 is transmitted to, for example, a game hall management device installed in a game store.

  Further, the output unit 130 receives the opening / closing data signal of the big prize opening solenoid 38b output from the third output port 135, and receives the solenoid driving signal and the opening / closing data signal of the power solenoid 37c to generate the solenoid driving signal. A first driver (drive circuit) 138a for outputting, a second driver 138b for outputting an on / off drive signal for a digit line on the current drawing side of the collective display device 50 outputted from the third output port 135, and a fourth output port 136 The external information signal supplied to the external device such as the management device from the third driver 138c and the fifth output port 137 for outputting the ON / OFF drive signal of the segment line on the current supply side of the collective display device 50 output from the external information A fourth driver 138d for outputting to the terminal 71 is provided.

  The first driver 138a is supplied with DC32V from the power supply device 400 as a power supply voltage so that a solenoid operating at 32V can be driven. Also, DC12V is supplied to the third driver 138c that drives the segment lines of the collective display device 50. Since the second driver 138b for driving the digit line is for extracting the digit line corresponding to the display data with a current, the power supply voltage may be either 12V or 5V. A dynamic drive method is achieved by flowing current to the anode terminal of the LED through the segment line by the third driver 138c that outputs 12 V, and drawing the current from the cathode terminal through the segment line by the second driver 138b that outputs the ground potential. The power supply voltage flows through the LEDs sequentially selected in step 1 so that the LEDs are lit. The fourth driver 138d that outputs the external information signal to the external information terminal 71 is supplied with DC12V in order to give the external information signal a level of 12V. Note that the buffer 134, the third output port 135, the first driver 138a, and the like may be provided on the output board 130 of the game control device 100, that is, on the relay board 70 side instead of the main board.

  Further, the output unit 130 is provided with a photocoupler 139 for transmitting information such as an identification code and a program of each gaming machine to the external inspection device 500. The photocoupler 139 is configured to be capable of bi-directional communication so that the gaming microcomputer 111 can transmit and receive data to and from the inspection device 500 through serial communication. Note that such data transmission / reception is performed using a serial communication terminal of the gaming microcomputer 111 as in the case of a general general-purpose microprocessor, and therefore, ports such as the input ports 122 and 123 are not provided.

  Next, the configuration of the effect control device 300 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The effect control device 300 includes a main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 formed of an amusement chip (IC), as with the game microcomputer 111, and a video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 that performs video control exclusively under the control of the 1st CPU 311. , VDP (Video Display Processor) 313 as a graphic processor that performs image processing for video display on the display device 41 in accordance with commands and data from the 2nd CPU 312 and various melody and sound effects are reproduced from the speakers 19a and 19b. The sound source LSI 314 for controlling the sound output is provided.

  The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 are connected to program ROMs 321 and 322 each composed of a PROM (programmable read only memory) storing a program executed by each CPU. Is connected to an image ROM 323 storing character images, video data, and command lists, and the sound source LSI 314 stores compressed audio data, sequences necessary for phrase reproduction processing, command sequences for simple access, and the like. A ROM 324 is connected.

  The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 analyzes the command from the game microcomputer 111, decides the contents of the presentation, instructs the video control microcomputer 312 about the contents of the output video, and instructs the sound source LSI 314 about the reproduced sound. Then, processing such as lighting of the decoration lamp, motor drive control, and production time management is executed. RAMs that provide work areas for the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 are provided in the respective chips. Among these, the RAM 311a of the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 can retain data even when the power is shut off by the backup power source 420 of the power supply device 400. Note that the RAM that provides the work area may be provided outside the chip.

  Although not particularly limited, the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 and the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 312 and the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 and the sound source LSI 314 are serially connected. Data transmission / reception is performed, and data transmission / reception is performed in parallel with the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 312 and between the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 and the VDP 313. By transmitting and receiving data in parallel, commands and data can be transmitted in a shorter time than in the case of serial. The VDP 313 includes an ultrahigh-speed VRAM (video RAM) 305 used for developing and processing image data such as characters read from the image ROM 323, and a drawing circuit for drawing image data. 306, a display circuit 308 for generating a video signal to be transmitted to the display device 41 by an LVDS (small amplitude signal transmission) method, and the like are provided. The VDP 313 will be described in detail later.

  A vertical synchronization signal VSYNC is input from the VDP 313 to the main control microcomputer 311 in order to synchronize the image of the display device 41 and the lighting of the decorative lamps provided on the front frame 12 and the game board 30. In addition, the VDP 313 notifies the video control microcomputer 312 that it is waiting to receive an interrupt signal INT0-n and a command or data from the video control microcomputer 312 in order to notify the processing status such as the end of drawing in the VRAM. A wait signal WAIT is input. Further, the video control microcomputer 312 receives from the main control microcomputer 311 a synchronization signal SYNC that informs that the video control microcomputer 312 is operating normally and gives command transmission timing. A call signal CTS and a response signal RTS are exchanged between the main control microcomputer 311 and the tone generator LSI 314 in order to transmit and receive commands and data in the handshake method.

  Note that the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 312 uses a CPU that is faster or more expensive than the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311. By providing a video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 312 separately from the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 and sharing the processing, it is possible to display a fast moving image on a large screen that is difficult to achieve with the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 alone. It is possible to display on the display device 41, and it is possible to suppress an increase in cost compared to the case where two CPUs having processing capabilities equivalent to the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 are used. Also, by providing two CPUs, it becomes possible to separately develop the control programs for the two CPUs in parallel, thereby shortening the development period of the new model.

  In addition, the effect control device 300 is provided with an interface chip (command I / F) 331 that receives the effect control command transmitted from the game control device 100. A variation start command, a customer waiting demo command, a fanfare command, a probability information command, an error designation command, and the like transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 via the command I / F 331 are used as an effect control command signal. Receive. Since the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 operates at DC 5V and the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 of the effect control device 300 operates at DC 3.3V, the command I / F 331 has a signal level conversion function. Is provided.

  In this embodiment, the effect control command is composed of 16 bits, and this is transmitted by an 8-bit data bus and a strobe signal SSBT. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Dividing into 8-bit first half command (MODE) and second half command (ACTION), the strobe signal SSBT is sent up by raising it twice, and the receiving side takes in the command in synchronization with the rise of SSB. .

  The effect control device 300 includes a panel decoration LED control circuit 332 for driving and controlling a panel decoration device 42 having LEDs (light emitting diodes) provided on the game board 30 (including the center case 40), and the front frame 12. Frame decoration LED control circuit 333 for driving and controlling a frame decoration device (for example, the frame decoration device 18 and the like) having LEDs (light emitting diodes) and board effects provided on the game board 30 (including the center case 40). A board effect motor / SOL control circuit 334 for driving and controlling a device (for example, an electric accessory that enhances effect effects in cooperation with effect display on the display device 41), and a motor (for example, the moving device) provided on the front frame 12 A frame effect motor control circuit 335 for driving and controlling the light 45 is provided. Note that these control circuits 332 to 335 that drive and control lamps, motors, solenoids, and the like are connected to a main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 via an address / data bus 304.

  Furthermore, the effect control device 300 is provided on the front frame 12 and can be detected by a switch detection signal built in the effect button 25a or select button 25b of the input operation unit 25 that can be operated by the player, or on the back side of the gaming machine. A main control microcomputer (1st CPU) is provided with a signal from a brightness setting unit 47 that is provided and cannot be operated by the player, and a detection signal indicating an on / off state of an effect motor switch that detects the initial position of the motor in the board effect device 44. A switch input circuit 336 for inputting to 311 is provided.

  As described above, the present embodiment is configured such that the player can adjust the light emission amount of the frame decoration device 18 and the panel decoration device 42 by operating the input operation unit 25. Specifically, for example, a brightness adjustment function is selected from various functions displayed on the display device 41 using the select button 25b, and a brightness adjustment screen as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. On this brightness adjustment screen, the select button 25b is operated to move the cursor (thick frame) to one of the function buttons F1 and F3 displaying “−” or “+” displayed at the bottom of the screen. To select the desired button. Then, after the volume level is selected by operating the effect button 25a, the select button 25b is operated to move to the function button F2 on which “OK” is displayed, and the volume is determined by operating the effect button 25a. This can be realized by configuring as described above. FIG. 13 shows an example of a brightness adjustment screen in the case where the brightness can be set at 9 levels according to the operation of the input operation unit 25.

  Therefore, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes a light emitting device (frame decoration device 18 and panel decoration device 42) that can emit light for production, and a luminance setting unit (input operation unit) that can change the light emission amount of the light emitting device. 25 and a brightness setting device 47) and an effect control device 300 as effect control means for performing light emission control in the light emitting device based on a control command signal from the game control device 100 as game control means for managing the progress of the game. Will be provided.

The gaming machine according to the present embodiment has, as the brightness setting means, a first brightness setting means (47) that is provided on the back surface of the gaming machine and cannot be set by the player during the game, and a front face of the gaming machine. A second luminance setting means (25) provided and operable by the player during the game,
Production control device 300 as production control means
A function of controlling the light emission amount of the light emitting device based on the setting by the luminance setting means; and in the luminance setting operation by the second luminance setting means, the luminance set by the first luminance setting means is It can be seen that the present invention includes an invention in which the upper limit of the brightness that can be set by the second brightness setting means is set and the brightness can be set in a range below the upper limit.

  According to this invention, even if the brightness setting means is provided on each of the front and back surfaces of the gaming machine, the brightness change by the second brightness setting means (25) that can be operated by the front player of the gaming machine is performed on the back surface of the gaming machine. By being restricted so that it can be changed within the range of brightness set by the first brightness setting means (47) provided in the game, the brightness is set so that the game store does not intend by brightness adjustment by the player. Can be avoided. In addition, this makes it possible to reliably execute business in the power saving mode with reduced power consumption.

  The normal power supply unit 410 of the power supply apparatus 400 drives a motor or a solenoid to supply a desired level of DC voltage to the effect control apparatus 300 having the above-described configuration and electronic components controlled thereby. DC32V for driving the display device 41 composed of a liquid crystal panel, DC5V serving as the power supply voltage for the command I / F 331, DC18V for driving the LED and speaker, and a reference for these DC voltages It is configured to generate a voltage of NDC 24V used to turn on the monitor lamp. Further, when an LSI that operates at a low voltage such as 3.3 V or 1.2 V is used as the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 or the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312, DC 3. The effect control device 300 is provided with a DC-DC converter for generating 3V or DC 1.2V. The DC-DC converter may be provided in the normal power supply unit 410.

  The reset signal RST generated by the control signal generation unit 430 of the power supply apparatus 400 includes a main control microcomputer 311, a video control microcomputer 312, a VDP 313, a sound source LSI 314, control circuits 332 to 335 for driving and controlling lamps and motors, speakers, and the like. Are supplied to the amplifier circuits 337a and 337b, which are in a reset state. In this embodiment, the general-purpose port of the video control microcomputer 312 is used to generate and supply a reset signal to the VDP 313. Thereby, the cooperation of the operations of the video control microcomputer 312 and the VDP 313 can be improved.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the LED control device 332 (333) and the panel decoration device 42 that configure the effect control device 300.

  The panel decoration device 42 includes four light emitting diodes (LEDs) connected in series, three connected in series, and two connected in series, and each diode row is the same. LED power supply voltage Vled is applied. While the brightness of an LED varies depending on the flowing current, the voltage drop per diode is constant (forward voltage Vf). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, when the same voltage Vled is simply applied to the diode rows having different numbers of connections, a larger current flows in the diode row having a smaller number, and the brightness per diode changes. . Therefore, in this embodiment, series resistors R0 to R15 are provided in each diode row, and the resistance value is changed according to the number of connected diodes.

  Specifically, a variation adjusting resistor R0 having a resistance value Rt is connected to the four diode arrays (LED0) having the largest number, and a resistor having a resistance value Rt + Rd is connected to the three diode arrays (LED15). A resistor having a resistance value of Rt + 2Rd was connected to the two diode arrays (LED1, LED2). The resistance value Rd is a resistance value having a magnitude of Rd × I0 = Vf, where I0 is a flowing current. When such a resistor is connected to each diode row, the voltage drop caused by the diode and the resistor is the same for all diode rows. That is, when the same voltage Vled is applied, the current I0 having the same magnitude can be caused to flow in each diode row, and thereby the brightness per diode can be made equal. The same applies to the frame decoration device 18.

  The LED control device 332 (333) is transmitted from the driver circuit 341 including the open drain current drawing transistors Q0, Q1, Q2,... Q15 connected to the diode arrays and the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311. A filter 342 that removes noise from the incoming control data, a main control circuit 343 that receives the noise-removed data and performs corresponding processing, a reset signal RESET from the power supply device 400, and a reset signal for the main control circuit 343 and the like A reset signal generation circuit 344 that generates the brightness, a brightness adjustment register 345 that holds brightness adjustment data output from the main control circuit 343, and an output setting register 346 that holds output setting data indicating whether or not each diode row is to be lit. Brightness adjustment register 345 and The output control circuit 347 generates and outputs a drive signal for the driver circuit 341 based on the data of the force setting register 346, and the oscillation circuit 348 generates an operation clock signal required by the output control circuit 347. . Although not particularly limited, the output control circuit 347 of this embodiment performs brightness adjustment control of the LED by a PWM (pulse width modulation) method. However, brightness adjustment may be performed by controlling the current flowing through the LED by amplitude control.

  The brightness adjustment register 345 and the output setting register 346 are each composed of 16 bits. The maximum 16 diode arrays are controlled to be turned on and off, and the brightness of the diode array that is selectively turned on is controlled. Adjustment can be made in 16 stages.

  Further, when there are 17 or more diode arrays whose luminance is to be controlled, as shown in FIG. 6, two or more LED control devices 332A, 332B... Are provided and controlled in groups of 16 each. Good. In this embodiment, the LED control devices 332A, 332B... In FIG. 6 are provided with a function for discriminating the addresses assigned to them, and the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 receives the address together with the control data DATA. Information ADD is transmitted. Instead of transmitting the address information ADD, activation control may be performed by supplying device selection signals CE0 and CE1 as indicated by broken lines.

  FIG. 7 shows a first modification of the LED control device 332 (333) and the panel decoration device 42 shown in FIG.

  In this modification, instead of changing the resistance value of each diode array, a normal diode that is not a light emitting diode is connected in series as the dummy diode DMD in series with the light emitting diode LED, and the total forward voltage of all the diode arrays is It is comprised so that it may become the same. Even if the forward voltage of the dummy diode DMD is not the same as that of the light emitting diode LED, the total voltage of each diode array may be made the same by adjusting the number.

  FIG. 8 shows a second modification of the LED control device 332 (333) and the board decoration device 42 shown in FIG.

  In this modification, the main control circuit 343 constituting the LED control device 332 (333) is configured so that the diode rows having different numbers of diodes connected in series are not selected, that is, the data set in the output setting register 346 is stored. A signal or data indicating how many columns of diodes are selected is provided to the LED power supply 349 that generates the LED power supply voltage Vled, and the LED power supply 349 depends on the number of diodes. The voltage Vled is output.

  In this modification, for example, the LED power supply 349 generates a voltage of Vled≈4Vf when four diode strings are selected, and generates a voltage of Vled≈3Vf when three diode strings are selected. When two diode strings are selected, a voltage Vled≈2Vf is generated, and when one diode string is selected, a voltage Vled≈Vf is generated.

  Note that only the variation adjusting resistor Rt is connected to each diode row of the panel decoration device 42. In addition, a detection voltage proportional to the current flowing through each diode (for example, a voltage obtained by current-voltage conversion by a sense resistor (not shown)) is fed back to the LED power supply device 349, and the LED power supply device 349 keeps the LED drive current constant. Thus, control is performed to drive the LED with a constant current. At this time, the detection voltage from any one of the plurality of diode arrays having the same number of diodes can be fed back to the LED power supply device 349. Moreover, you may make it provide the LED power supply device from which an output voltage differs for every thing in which the number of diodes in series differs.

  Next, game control performed in the game control apparatus 100 will be described.

  The CPU 111A of the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 extracts a random number for determining the hit of the usual figure based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the gate switch 34a provided in the usual figure start gate 34, and the ROM 111B. Is compared with the determination value stored in, and a process for determining whether or not the normal-game fluctuation display game is hit is performed. Then, in the LED display unit 53, after the identification symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined time, a process for displaying a general symbol variation display game to be stopped is performed. When the result of the normal figure fluctuation display game is a win, a special result mode is displayed on the LED display unit 53, the general electric solenoid 37c is operated, and the opening / closing members 37b and 37b of the normal fluctuation winning device 37 are kept for a predetermined time. The opening control is performed as described above (for example, for 0.3 seconds).

  In the present embodiment, when the result of the normal fluctuation display game is out of order, control is performed to display the outage result mode on the LED display unit 53.

  Further, a start winning (starting memory) is stored based on an input of a detection signal of a game ball from a starting port 1 switch 36a provided in the starting winning port 36, and based on this start memory, the first special figure variation display game is stored. The random number value for jackpot determination is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in the ROM 111B, and a process for determining whether or not the first special figure variation display game is missed is performed. Therefore, the CPU 111A functions as a random value acquisition condition detection unit and a random value acquisition unit.

  In addition, the start memory is stored based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the start port 2 switch 37a provided in the normal variation winning device 37, and based on this start memory, for the big hit determination of the second special figure variable display game A random number value is extracted and compared with a determination value stored in the ROM 111B, and a process of determining whether or not the second special figure variation display game is missed is performed.

  Then, the CPU 111 </ b> A of the game control device 100 outputs control information (production control command) including the determination results of the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game to the presentation control device 300. Then, after the identification symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined time on the special figure 1 display or the special figure 2 display of the collective display device 50, a process for displaying a special figure fluctuation display game to stop display is performed. Therefore, the CPU 111A functions as a game result determination unit that determines a random number value and performs a determination process related to the game.

  Further, the effect control device 300 performs a process of displaying a decoration special figure variation display game corresponding to the special figure variation display game on the display device 41 based on the control signal from the game control device 100.

  Furthermore, in the production control device 300, based on the control signal from the game control device 100, the sound output from the speakers 19a and 19b, the process of controlling the light emission of various LEDs, and the like are performed.

  Then, when the result of the special figure variation display game is a win, the CPU 111A of the game control device 100 displays a special result mode on the special figure 1 display or the special figure 2 display and generates a special game state. I do.

  In the process of generating the special game state, the CPU 111A performs control for allowing the game ball to flow into the special winning opening by, for example, opening the open / close door 38c of the special variable winning apparatus 38 by the special winning opening solenoid 38b. .

  Then, a condition that either a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins the grand prize opening or a predetermined time (for example, 25 seconds or 1 second) elapses from the opening of the big prize opening is achieved. Opening the grand prize opening until one is made is defined as one round, and control (cycle game) is performed to continue (repeat) this for a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 times or 2 times).

  When the result of the special figure variation display game is out of control, the special figure 1 display or the special figure 2 display is controlled to display the result of the deviation.

  In addition, the game control device 100 can generate a probability change state as a game state after the special game state ends based on the result mode of the special figure variation display game.

  This probability variation state is a state (high probability state) in which the probability of a hit result in the special figure variation display game is higher than the normal probability state. In addition, the first special figure variation display game and the second special figure variation display game, regardless of which one of the first special figure variation display game and the second special figure variation display game results in a certain variation state. Both display games are in a probable state.

  In addition, the game control device 100 can generate a short time state as a game state after the special game state is ended based on the result mode of the special figure variation display game.

  In this time-short state, control is performed so that the normal-variation display game and the normal variation winning device 37 are in the time-short operation state. Specifically, in the short-time state, the execution time of the above-described usual-variable display game is controlled to be a second variable display time shorter than the first variable display time (for example, 10 seconds is 1 second). Thus, the number of times of opening of the normal variation winning device 37 per unit time is controlled to be substantially increased. Further, in the short time state, when the normal variation winning device 37 is released as a result of the normal variation display game being won, the release time becomes a second release time longer than the first release time in the normal state. (For example, 0.3 seconds is 1.7 seconds). In the short-time state, the number of times of opening of the normal variation winning device 37 is not the first opening number of one time but a plurality of times of two or more times (for example, (3 times) the second number of times of opening.

  It should be noted that the execution time of the normal variation display game is set to the second variation display time (for example, 1 second), and the release mode of the normal variation winning device 37 is the second release time (for example, 1.7). Second), and the number of times of opening with respect to one hit result of the normal variation display game is the second number of times of opening (for example, 3 times), either one or both may be performed. May be. In the short-time operation state, control may be performed so that the probability of a hit result of the normal-variable display game is higher than that in the normal operation state.

  As a result, the game ball can easily win the normal variation winning device 37, and the second special figure variation display game can be easily started.

  In addition, the time variation operation state of the probability variation state, the normal variation display game, and the normal variation prize winning device 37 can be generated independently, and both can be generated at the same time, or only one can be generated. Is possible.

Hereinafter, processing executed by the gaming microcomputer (gaming microcomputer) 111 of the gaming control apparatus 100 that executes gaming control as described above will be described. Control processing by the gaming microcomputer 111 mainly includes main processing shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 and timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 11 performed at a predetermined time period (for example, 4 msec).
[Main processing]
First, the main process will be described. The main process is started when the power is turned on. In this main process, as shown in FIG. 9, first, an interrupt prohibition process (step S1) is performed, and then an interrupt vector setting process (step S1) for setting a jump destination vector address to be executed when an interrupt occurs. S2), a stack pointer setting process (step S3) for setting a stack pointer that is the start address of an area in which a value of a register or the like is saved when an interrupt occurs, and an interrupt mode setting process (step S4) for setting an interrupt processing mode. )I do.

  Next, in order to wait for the program of the payout control apparatus (payout board) 200 to start up normally, for example, a time of 4 msec is waited (step S5). As a result, when the power is turned on, the game control device 100 rises first and sends the command to the payout control device 200 before the payout control device 200 starts up, thereby avoiding the payout control device 200 from losing the command. be able to. Thereafter, access to a readable / writable RWM (read / write memory: RAM 111C) such as a RAM or EEPROM is permitted, and all output ports are set to OFF (no output) (steps S6 and S7). In addition, the serial port ((port previously installed in the gaming microcomputer 111) is not used in this embodiment because it is in parallel communication with the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300). Processing is performed (step S8).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the initialization switch in the power supply device 400 is turned on (step S9). If it is determined that the initialization switch is off (step S9; No), it is checked whether the value of the power failure inspection area 1 in the RWM is normal power interruption inspection area check data (step S10). (Step S11; Yes), it is checked whether the value of the power failure inspection area 2 in the RWM is normal power interruption inspection area check data (Step S12). Next, if the value of the power failure inspection area 2 is normal (step S13; Yes), the checksum of the predetermined area in the RWM is calculated (step S14), and the calculated checksum and the checksum at the time of power interruption are calculated. Compare (step S15) and determine whether they match (step S16). And when it corresponds (step S16; Yes), it transfers to step S17 of FIG. 10, and performs the process at the time of recovering normally from a power failure.

  When the initialization switch is determined to be on (step S9; Yes), or when it is determined that the check data in the power failure inspection area is not normal data (step S11; No or step S13; No), the checksum Is determined to be not normal (step S16; No), the process proceeds to step S24 in FIG. 10 to perform initialization processing.

  In step S17 of FIG. 10, all the power failure inspection areas are cleared, the checksum area is cleared (step S18), and the area related to error and fraud monitoring is reset (step S19). Next, an area for storing the gaming state in the RWM is examined to determine whether or not the gaming state is a high probability state (step S20). If it is determined that the probability is not high (step S20; No), steps S21 and S22 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S23.

  If it is determined in step S20 that the probability is high (step S20; Yes), the ON information is saved in the high probability notification flag area (step S21), and the high probability notification LED (for example, provided in the batch display device 50) The ON (lighted) data of the error indicator is saved in the segment area (step S22). And the process (step S23) which transmits the command at the time of the power recovery corresponding to the process number prepared in order to rationally perform the below-mentioned special figure game process is performed (step S23), and it progresses to step S29 .

  On the other hand, when jumping from step S9, S11, S13, S16 to step S24, all work areas before the access prohibited area are cleared (step S24), and all stack areas after the access prohibited area are cleared. (Step S25), the initial value at power-on is saved in the area to be initialized (Step S26). And the time value of the period which outputs the external information regarding RWM clear is set (step S27), the command at the time of power-on is transmitted to the effect control apparatus 300 (step S28), and it progresses to step S29.

  In step S29, a process of starting a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) circuit that generates a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal (CTC) in the gaming microcomputer 111 (clock generator) is performed.

  The CTC circuit is provided in a clock generator in the gaming microcomputer 111. The clock generator divides an oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the crystal oscillator 113, and a timer interrupt signal having a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) for the CPU 111A based on the divided signal. And a CTC circuit for generating a signal CTC that gives a trigger for updating a random number to be supplied to the random number generation circuit.

  After the CTC activation process in step S29, a process for activating and setting the random number generation circuit is performed (step S30). Specifically, the CPU 111A performs setting of a code (specified value) for starting the random number generation circuit in a predetermined register (CTC update permission register) in the random number generation circuit. Then, the values of the predetermined registers (soft random number registers 1 to n) in the random number generation circuit at the time of power-on are changed to various initial value random numbers (random numbers for determining the big hit symbol (big hit symbol random number 1, big hit symbol random number 2) Then, after saving the initial value (start value) of a random number (winning random number) for determining the normal hit in a predetermined area of the RWM (step S31), the interruption is permitted (step S32). The random number generation circuit in the CPU 111A used in this embodiment is configured so that the initial value of the soft random number register changes every time the power is turned on. Therefore, this value is used as the initial value (start value) of various initial value random numbers. By doing so, it is possible to break the regularity of random numbers generated by software, making it difficult for a player to obtain illegal random numbers.

  Subsequently, an initial value random number update process (step S33) is performed to update the values of various initial value random numbers to break the regularity of the random numbers. In the present embodiment, although not particularly limited, the big hit random number is configured to be generated using a random number (big hit random number) generated in a random number generation circuit. That is, the big hit random number is a hard random number generated by hardware, and the big hit symbol random number is a soft random number generated by software.

  After the initial value random number update process in step S33, the number of times the power failure monitoring signal input from the power supply 400 is read and checked via the port and the data bus is set (step S34), and the power failure monitoring signal is ON. It is determined whether or not there is (step S35). If the power failure monitoring signal is not ON (step S35; No), the process returns to the initial value random number update process (step S33). That is, when no power failure has occurred, the initial value random number update processing and the power failure monitoring signal check (loop processing) are repeated. By permitting an interrupt before the initial value random number update process (step S33) (step S32), if a timer interrupt occurs during the initial value random number update process, the interrupt process is executed with priority, and the timer interrupt Can be prevented from being interrupted by waiting for the initial value random number update process.

  Note that the initial value random number update process in step S33 includes a method of performing an initial value random number update process in the timer interrupt process in addition to the main process. In order to avoid execution of the value random number update process, when performing the initial value random number update process in the main process, it is necessary to disable the interrupt and then update to cancel the interrupt. If the initial value random number update process in the timer interrupt process is not performed in the main process and only the main process is performed, there is no problem even if the interrupt is canceled before the initial value random number update process. There is an advantage that it is simplified.

  If the power failure monitoring signal is ON (step S35; Yes), it is determined whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is in the ON state for the number of checks set in step S34 (step S36). And when the ON state of the power failure monitoring signal is not continued for the number of checks (step S36; No), the process returns to the determination of whether the power failure monitoring signal is ON (step S35; Yes). Further, when the power failure monitoring signal is ON for the number of checks (step S36; Yes), that is, when it is determined that a power failure has occurred, processing for temporarily prohibiting interruption (step S37), all A process of outputting OFF data to the output port (step S38) is performed.

Thereafter, the power failure recovery inspection region check data 1 is saved in the power failure recovery inspection region 1 (step S39), and the power failure recovery inspection region check data 2 is saved in the power failure recovery inspection region 2 (step S40). Further, after performing the process of calculating the checksum when the RWM is turned off (step S41) and the process of saving the checksum (step S42), the process of prohibiting access to the RWM (step S43) is performed. Wait until the gaming machine is powered off. In this way, the check data is saved in the power failure recovery inspection area and the checksum at the time of power shutdown is calculated, so that whether or not the information stored in the RWM before the power shutdown is correctly backed up can be checked. This can be determined when the power is turned on again.
[Timer interrupt processing]
Next, timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 11 is started when a periodic timer interrupt signal generated by the CTC circuit in the clock generator is input to the CPU 111A.

  When the timer interrupt process is started, a register saving process (step S51) is performed in which a value held in a predetermined register is first transferred to the RWM. In the Z80 microcomputer used as the gaming microcomputer in this embodiment, the processing can be replaced by saving the value held in the front register to the back register. Next, an input process (step S52) for taking in inputs from various sensors (start port 1 switch 36a, start port 2 switch 37a, usual gate switch 34a, count switch 38a, etc.), that is, reading the state of each input port. )I do. Then, based on the output data set in various processes, an output process (step S53) for performing drive control of an actuator such as a solenoid (large winning opening SOL38b, general electric power SOL37c) and the like is performed.

  Next, a command transmission process (step S54), a random number update process 1 (step S55), and a random number update process 2 (steps) for outputting commands set in the transmission buffer in various processes to the effect control device 300, the payout control device 200, and the like. S56) is performed. Thereafter, it is monitored whether a normal signal is input from the start port 1 switch 36a, the start port 2 switch 37a, the usual gate switch 34a, the winning port switch 35a... 35n, and the count switch 38a. A prize opening switch / error monitoring process (step S57) is performed to determine whether the front frame or the glass frame is open. Also, a special figure game process (step S58) for performing a process related to the special figure variable display game and a general figure game process (step S59) for performing a process related to the general map variable display game are performed.

Next, a segment LED editing process (step S60), which is provided in the gaming machine 10 and drives a segment LED that displays various types of information related to display of special figure variation games and games, to display a desired content, magnetic sensor switch 61 And the magnet fraud monitoring process (step S61) which checks the detection signal from the vibration sensor switch 62 and determines whether there is any abnormality is performed. Then, external information editing processing (step S62) is performed in which signals to be output to various external devices are set in the output buffer. Subsequently, a process of clearing the interrupt request and declaring the end of the interrupt (step S63), a process of restoring the register data saved in step S51 (step S64), and a process of permitting the interrupt (step S64) Step S65) is performed, and the timer interrupt process is terminated.
[Command transmission processing]
Next, the details of the command transmission process (step S54) in the above-described timer interrupt process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, the command transmission process includes an effect control command transmission process (step S410) for the effect control apparatus 300 and a payout command transmission process (step S420) for the payout control apparatus 200.

  Details of the effect control command transmission process (step S410) in the command transmission process are shown in FIG. Since the payout command transmission process is not directly related to the present invention, the description thereof is omitted.

  In the effect control command transmission process, as shown in FIG. 12B, first, the value of the light counter that is “+1” when the transmission command is set to RWM, and “+1” when the transmission command is read from the RWM. Is compared with the read counter value to check whether a command is set (step S411). Specifically, if the value of the write counter and the value of the read counter are the same, it is determined that there is no setting command. If the value of the write counter does not match the value of the read counter, an unsent command Is set (step S412).

  If it is determined in step S412 that there is no setting command (step S412; No), the effect control command transmission process is skipped, and a command is set in step S412 (step S412; Yes). If it is determined, the read counter is updated (+1) in the next step S413. Then, the command is loaded from the command transmission area (MODE (upper byte)) corresponding to the value of the read counter (step S414). Then, the area containing the loaded command is reset (step S415). Further, a command is loaded from the command transmission area (ACTION (lower byte)) corresponding to the value of the read counter (step S416). Then, the area containing the loaded command is reset (step S417). Thereafter, the process proceeds to an effect control command output process (step S418).

  In the effect control command output process, the command data output process is executed by preparing an off time of the strobe signal indicating that the command (MODE) is being output. As a result, the first 8 bits (MODE) of the effect control command are output. Thereafter, a command (ACTION) is output, and a command data output process is executed after preparing a strobe signal OFF time indicating that the command (ACTION) is being output.

In the command data output process, first, in order to prevent the state immediately before the port from being lost, after the port state holding data of the output port 131 including the strobe signal of the effect control command output is loaded, the control information The output control command is output to the output port 132, and the signal excluding the strobe signal is held in the previous state and the strobe signal in the off state (for example, low level indicating data reading invalidity) is added to the output port 131. Output.
[Special Figure Game Processing]
Next, details of the special game process (step S58) in the above-described timer interrupt process will be described.

  In the special figure game process, the input of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a is monitored, the entire process related to the special figure variation display game is controlled, and the special figure display is set.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the special figure game process, first, a start switch monitoring process (step A1) for monitoring a winning of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a is performed.

  In the start port switch monitoring process, when a game ball is won in the normal variable winning device 37 that forms the start winning port 36 and the second starting winning port, various random numbers (such as big hit random numbers) are extracted, and a special feature based on the winning is obtained. Prior to the start of the figure variation display game, a game result preliminary determination is performed in which a game result based on a prize is determined in advance.

  Next, a count switch monitoring process (step A2) is performed. In this count switch monitoring process, a process of monitoring the count number of the count switch 38a provided in the special variation winning device 38 is performed.

  Next, the special figure game process timer is updated (-1) to check whether or not the game process timer has expired (step A3), and the special figure game process timer has expired (step A4; If the determination is Yes), a special figure game sequence branch table to be referred to for branching to a process corresponding to the special figure game process number is set in the register (step A5), and the special figure game is used using the table. A process (step A6) of acquiring a branch destination address of the process corresponding to the process number is performed.

  Then, after performing the process of saving the return address after the branch process to the stack area (step A7), the game branch process (step A8) is performed according to the game process number.

  If the game process number is “0” in step A8, the fluctuation start of the special figure fluctuation display game is monitored, the fluctuation start setting of the special figure fluctuation display game, the setting of the effect, and the special figure fluctuation processing are performed. A special figure routine process (step A9) for setting information necessary for the execution is performed.

  If the game process number is “1” in step A8, the special figure changing process for setting the stop display time of the special figure and setting the information necessary for performing the special figure display process is performed. (Step A10) is performed.

  Furthermore, if the game processing number is “2” in step A8, if the game result of the special figure variation display game is a big hit, a fanfare command setting corresponding to the type of big hit (2R big hit or 15R big hit) Special chart display processing (step A11) for setting the fanfare time according to the big winning opening opening pattern of each jackpot (2R jackpot or 15R jackpot), setting information necessary for performing the fanfare / interval processing, etc. Do.

  In step A8, when the game process number is “3”, setting of the opening time of the big prize opening, updating of the number of times of opening, setting of information necessary for performing the processing during opening of the big prize opening, etc. are performed. Processing during fanfare / interval (step A12) is performed.

  In step A8, if the game process number is “4”, an interval command is set if the big hit round is not the final round, while a big hit end screen command is set if the big round is the final round, A large winning opening opening process (step A13) for setting information necessary for performing the winning opening remaining ball processing is performed.

  If the game process number is “5” in step A8, if the big hit round is the final round, a process for setting a time for discharging the remaining balls in the big prize opening and a big hit end process are performed. A big winning opening remaining ball process (step A14) for setting information necessary for the execution is performed.

  If the game process number is “6” in step A8, a big hit end process (step A15) for setting information necessary for performing the special figure routine process (step A9) is performed.

  Thereafter, each data of the table prepared in each branch process is saved in the work area (step A16). And after preparing the table for controlling the fluctuation | variation of the special figure 1 indicator 51 (step A17), the symbol fluctuation | variation control process (step A18) which concerns on the special figure 1 indicator 51 is performed. Then, after preparing the table for controlling the fluctuation | variation of the special figure 2 indicator 52 (step A19), the symbol fluctuation | variation control process (step A20) which concerns on the special figure 2 indicator 52 is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step A4 that the special figure game process timer has not expired (step A4; No), the process proceeds to step A17, and the subsequent processes are performed.

  Next, the control executed by the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 of the effect control device 300 will be described.

  The control process by the main control microcomputer 311 includes a 1st main process shown in FIG. 14 and a command reception interrupt process performed every predetermined time (for example, every 2 msec). In the first main process, the entire program is controlled.

  First, the 1st main process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the 1st main process, first, a process for prohibiting interruption (step B1) is performed, and then an initialization process (step B2) of the 1st CPU 311 is performed.

  Next, data in a predetermined area of the RAM is checked to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the RAM 311a (step B3). If it is determined that there is an abnormality in the RAM (Yes), the process of clearing the RAM to 0 in step B4 is performed, then the process of setting an initial value in the RAM (step B5) is performed, and the brightness setting unit 47 (FIG. 4). The process (step B6) for obtaining the brightness adjustment value (set value) set in (see) is performed, and the process proceeds to step B8. On the other hand, if it is determined in step B3 that there is no abnormality in the RAM (No), the process proceeds to step B7 and the brightness adjustment value stored in the RAM (if adjusted by a front-side effect button as described later) If the brightness is not adjusted, the setting value of the brightness setting unit 47 is stored), and the process proceeds to step B8. Since the RAM 311a is backed up by the backup power source 420 (see FIG. 4), it is possible to control the light emission of the decoration device with the brightness set or adjusted before the power is shut off. Even when the RAM is cleared, the brightness adjustment value set by the brightness setting unit 47 is acquired. A power failure flag is provided so that the brightness adjustment value stored in the RAM is acquired only when a power failure occurs, and the brightness adjustment value set by the brightness setting unit 47 is acquired when the power is turned on at the normal start of business. May be.

  Next, in step B8, random number initialization processing is performed to initialize a random number value, that is, a random number counter value. Thereafter, processing for starting various interrupt timers (step B9) is performed, and interrupts are permitted (step B10). Thereafter, the main control microcomputer 311 performs main loop processing steps B11 to B21.

  In this main loop process, first, a process (step B11) for clearing the watchdog timer (WDT) is performed. Then, an input process (step B12) from the effect button SW25a is performed, and a game control command analysis process (step B13) is performed. The effect button input process (step B12) will be described in detail later.

  In the game control command analysis process of step B13, it is determined whether or not the command related to the game transmitted from the game control apparatus 100 has been correctly received. If the command has been correctly received, the process of determining the command is performed. One command transmitted from the game control device 100 is composed of a pair of data of a first command (MODE) and a second command (ACTION).

  Then, when the combination of the received first command (MODE) and the second command (ACTION) is not inconsistent (for example, when received in the order of MODE → ACTION), it is determined that the command is correctly received, and the first command (MODE) ) And the second command (ACTION) are inconsistent (for example, when received in the order of ACTION → ACTION or in the order of MODE → MODE → MODE), it is determined that the command reception is abnormal. .

  Subsequently, after performing a test mode process (step B14), a scene control process (step B15) for performing a process related to the special figure variation display game is performed.

  Next, a gaming machine error monitoring process (step B16) for monitoring the occurrence of errors such as opening of the front frame (inner frame) 12 and the glass frame 15, an effect command editing process (step B17) related to effects in the special figure variation display game, Sound control processing (step B18) which is processing related to audio output (speaker 19a, 19b driving processing), decoration control processing (step B18) for controlling light emission of the frame decoration device 18 and the panel decoration device 42 provided on the front frame 12. B19), motor / SOL control processing (step B20) related to the control of the board effect motor / SOL control circuit 334 for driving the accessory provided in the center case 40, and the variation mode (variation pattern) of the decorative special figure variation display game Perform random number update processing (Step B21) to update random numbers that determine details such as watchdog timer Back to the clear processing (step B11).

  Next, a method for adjusting the brightness of the decorative lamp (board decoration device and frame decoration device) in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the brightness of the decorative lamp can be adjusted by the player in addition to the staff of the game store. Specifically, the brightness setting device 47 as the brightness setting means described above is provided on the back side of the gaming machine, and the player can adjust the brightness of the decorative lamp by operating the input operation unit 25. ing. However, priority is given to the setting by the luminance setting unit 47, that is, the setting value by the luminance setting unit 47 on the back side of the gaming machine is set as the upper limit, and the luminance level can be set by operating the “effect SW” on the front side. ing. Note that in any case of adjustment by any means, in order to support the adjustment, an image displaying a luminance level as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the display device 41 on the front side of the gaming machine. .

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the present embodiment, the brightness of the decorative lamp can be adjusted in 9 steps by 10% within a range of 20% to 100%. Specifically, when the luminance adjustment mode is selected by operating the input operation unit 25, as shown in FIG. 15, the luminance level display and function buttons F1, F2, and the like such as “−”, “+”, and “Determine” are displayed. F3 is displayed. When the player operates the select button 25b of the input operation unit 25 to move the cursor (displayed with a thick frame) and inputs a command by operating the effect button 25a while viewing this screen, the desired brightness is set. It is like that.

  15A and 15B, when the setting value by the luminance setting unit 47 is 100% brightness, the setting is changed to 50% or 70% brightness by the operation of the input operation unit 25. The state of the luminance level displayed on the display device 41 at the time is shown. In FIG. 15C, when the setting value by the brightness setting unit 47 is 80% brightness, when the setting is changed to 70% brightness by the operation of the input operation unit 25, the display device 41 is displayed. The state of the displayed brightness level is shown. In this luminance level display, if the setting of the luminance setting unit 47 is “100”, for example, as shown in FIG. 15A, the maximum luminance level is displayed up to “100”. If the setting of the luminance setting unit 47 is “80”, for example, as shown in FIG. 15C, it can be seen that the maximum luminance level is up to “80” by not displaying 90 or more bars. It is trying to display.

  In the present embodiment, the effect control device 300 executes the display of the brightness adjustment screen on the display device 41 at the time of brightness adjustment of the decorative lamp performed by the player operating the input operation unit 25. The effect button input process (step B12) and the decoration control process (step B19) during the main process are performed. Hereinafter, these processes will be described in detail.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of a specific procedure of the effect button input process (step B12).

  As shown in FIG. 16, in this effect button input process, first, it is determined whether or not a luminance adjustment selection input has been made by an operation of the input operation unit 25 (step B111). If it is determined that there is no luminance adjustment selection input (No), steps B112 and B113 are skipped and the effect button input process is exited. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a selection input for the brightness adjustment mode (Yes), the process proceeds to step B112, where the brightness adjustment value corresponding to the selected brightness setting is acquired, and the acquired brightness adjustment value is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 311a. Store (step B113). Since the RAM 311a is backed up by the backup power source 420 (see FIG. 4), even if the power source is shut off, it is possible to control the light emission of the decoration device with the brightness adjusted before the power source is shut off. Here, the brightness adjustment value is “0” when the selected brightness setting is “100”, “10” when the selected brightness setting is “90”, and the selected brightness setting is “80”. ”Is determined as“ 20 ”...

  Although not shown, not only the processing of steps B111 to B113 but also the control corresponding to the input of the effect button 25a during the execution of the variable display game is received in the effect button input process. Processing to be executed is also included.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of a specific procedure of the decoration control process (step B19).

  As shown in FIG. 17, in this decoration control process, it is first determined whether or not it is the frame update timing of the display device 41 (step B161). Here, when it is determined that the frame update timing is not reached (No), the decoration control process is exited without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is determined in step B161 that the frame update timing is (Yes), the process proceeds to step B162, and is given to a plurality of effect patterns such as a variation pattern and a big hit scene prepared in advance in the variation display game. The current brightness data table (see FIG. 18) is acquired from the ROM on the basis of the effect number corresponding to the current effect among the effect numbers being displayed.

  Then, luminance data corresponding to the current number of frames (frame number) is acquired from the luminance data table (step B163). Then, it is determined whether or not the acquired luminance data is equal to or lower than a preset lower threshold value (lower limit value) (step B164). If it is determined that the acquired luminance data is equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (Yes), the process proceeds to step B168, and the acquired luminance data is written in the luminance adjustment register 345 (see FIG. 5). Instruct to proceed to step B171. The frame in the decoration control process may correspond to the frame in the display control process of the display device 41 on a 1: 1 basis, or in the decoration control process with respect to n frames in the display control process of the display device 41. One frame may be associated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step B164 that the acquired luminance data is not equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (No), the process proceeds to step B166, and RAM is acquired from the acquired luminance data in step B113 of the effect button input process. The brightness adjustment value stored in is subtracted.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the luminance after subtraction is equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (step B167). If it is determined that the acquired luminance data is equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (Yes), the process proceeds to step B169 to instruct to write the luminance data corresponding to the lower threshold value into the luminance adjustment register 345, and to step B171. Proceed to

  If it is determined in step B167 that the luminance after subtraction is not equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (No), the process proceeds to step B170 to instruct to write the luminance data of the calculation result in the luminance adjustment register 345, and to step B171. move on.

  In step B171, the lighting data designating the diode row to be lit is acquired, the lighting data is instructed to be written in the output setting register 346 (see FIG. 5), and the decoration control process is exited. The above processing is performed for the diodes to be controlled (LED0 to LED15 in FIG. 5).

  FIG. 18 shows an example of a luminance data table. In FIG. 18, a frame corresponds to a frame in the display device 41. The luminance setting data and lighting data of each frame in the luminance data table of FIG. 18 correspond to the display frame in pairs from left to right. Are read out and set in the brightness adjustment register 345 and the output setting register 346, the corresponding light emitting diodes in the frame decoration device 18 and the panel decoration device 42 are controlled to be lit. FIG. 18 relates to the diode LED0, and although not shown, such a table is prepared for each diode row (LED0 to LED15 in FIG. 5).

  18, (A) is the table data before the brightness setting is changed by the decoration control process shown in FIG. 17, and (B1) and (B2) are the brightness settings by the decoration control process shown in FIG. Shows the table data after the change.

  FIG. 19 shows a timing chart in the case where the lighting control of the light emitting diode is performed according to the luminance setting data and lighting data of each frame of the luminance data table by executing the decoration control process of FIG.

  19, (A) is a timing chart when the data of the luminance data table before the luminance setting is changed by the decoration control processing shown in FIG. 17, and (B) is a decoration shown in FIG. The timing chart at the time of using the data of the brightness | luminance data table after the setting of a brightness | luminance was changed by control processing is shown. In FIG. 19B, the luminance range indicated by the symbol a corresponds to the first range in the claims, and the luminance range indicated by the symbol b corresponds to the second range. In this embodiment, even if a brightness adjustment operation is performed, the brightness is not adjusted in the first range and the brightness is adjusted only in the second range without adjusting the brightness. For example, in the second range, the brightness is adjusted. The amount of brightness adjustment may be changed between the first range and the second range, such as increasing the adjustment value and decreasing the adjustment value in the first range.

  Also, by making the second range wider than the first range, the range of brightness that can be adjusted by the player can be widened, and the player can select a brightness that suits his / her preference. Can do.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since the lower threshold (“20” in FIG. 19) is set in the luminance adjustment, the luminance adjustment is “50” as in the sixth frame (T6). (The adjustment value is “50”), even if the luminance level before the change is “30”, it is limited to “20” after the adjustment (“0” if there is no lower threshold) . As a result, when the brightness is changed to a low level by the player's brightness adjustment, the brightness becomes too low, which may make it difficult to understand what effect or notification is being made. Can be avoided. In addition, it is possible to prevent the entertainment of the game from deteriorating due to an unintended effect produced by the frame decoration device or the board decoration device as the light emitting device.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the luminance level is changed in synchronization with the display frame (see step B161 in FIG. 17), and therefore, for example, in the middle of the sixth frame (T6), for example, as shown in FIG. Even when the brightness adjustment setting is changed from “50” to “70”, the setting is reflected from the next frame. Therefore, the frame decoration device 18 or the panel decoration is synchronized with the switching of the display frame of the display device 41. The luminance of the light emitting diode in the device 42 is changed. As a result, there is an advantage that when the luminance of the light emitting device is changed, the player's vision is not uncomfortable.

From the above description, in the above embodiment,
A light emitting device provided on the front of the gaming machine;
Luminance setting means capable of changing the setting of the light emission amount of the light emitting device;
Game control means for managing the progress of the game;
In a gaming machine provided with an effect control means for performing light emission control in the light emitting device based on a control command signal from the game control means,
The production control means includes
Effect data storage means for storing effect data including luminance data defining the light emission amount of the light emitting device;
Light emission control means for performing light emission control of the light emitting device based on the luminance data stored in the predetermined luminance data storage means when a predetermined update timing is reached;
Brightness adjustment means for determining an adjustment amount based on a set value set by the brightness setting means and adjusting the brightness data;
A first range and a second range are set as ranges for adjusting the luminance data,
The adjustment of the luminance data differs depending on whether the luminance data is located in either the first range or the second range,
The luminance data in the first range is adjusted within the first range, the luminance data in the second range is adjusted within the second range, and the adjusted luminance data is stored in the luminance data storage means. It can be seen that the invention as described above is included.

  According to this invention, it becomes possible for the player to adjust the light emission amount of the light emitting device, so that the player can enjoy the performance by the light emitting device with brightness according to his / her preference, while the player By adjusting the amount of light emission, it is possible to prevent the entertainment of the game from being reduced due to an unintended effect by the light emitting device.

  In the above embodiment, the second range is set to a range having higher luminance than the first range, and when the luminance data is located in the second range, the luminance data is When the adjustment amount is subtracted, and the subtraction result is less than or equal to a threshold value that defines the upper limit of the first range, the threshold value is stored as the luminance data in the luminance data storage means, and the subtraction result is stored in the first range. An invention in which the subtraction result is stored in the luminance data storage means when the threshold value is larger than a threshold value that defines the upper limit is included.

  According to this invention, when the luminance data is located in the second range, the adjustment amount is subtracted from the luminance data, and when the subtraction result is less than or equal to the threshold value that defines the upper limit of the first range, the threshold value is set. Is stored in the luminance data storage means as luminance data, so that the luminance data higher than the threshold value is not changed below the threshold value by the player, so the player adjusted the light emission amount of the light emitting device. Thus, it is possible to prevent an unintended effect by changing to a low luminance close to a light-off state at an unintended timing of the light-emitting device, and to prevent the entertainment of the game from deteriorating.

  In the above embodiment, when the luminance data is located in the first range, the luminance data is stored in the luminance data storage means without adjusting the luminance data based on the adjustment amount. Invented inventions are included.

According to this invention, when the luminance data is located in the first range, the luminance data is stored in the luminance data storage means without adjusting the luminance data based on the adjustment amount. By adjusting the light emission amount of the light-emitting device, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a situation in which the low-brightness effect executed in the light-emitting mode having a low luminance in the light-emitting device cannot be seen at all and the entertainment of the game is reduced. be able to.
(Second embodiment)
Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment of the gaming machine configured to be capable of adjusting the luminance of the light emitting diode.

  In the first embodiment described above, a lower threshold value (for example, “20”) is provided at the time of luminance adjustment to limit the adjustment so that the lower threshold value cannot be adjusted. In addition to the above lower threshold value, an upper threshold value (for example, “80”) is provided to limit the adjustment so that the lower threshold value cannot be adjusted.

  FIG. 20 shows an example of a flowchart of the decoration control process in the second embodiment that enables the limitation of the brightness adjustment range as described above. The only difference from the flowchart of FIG. 17 is that the flowchart of FIG. 20 includes Step B165 that is not included in the flowchart of FIG.

  In the decoration control process of FIG. 20, it is first determined whether or not it is the frame update timing of the display device 41 (step B161). Here, when it is determined that the frame update timing is not reached (No), the decoration control process is exited without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is determined in step B161 that it is the frame update timing (Yes), the process proceeds to step B162, and it corresponds to the current effect among the effect numbers assigned to the plurality of effect patterns prepared in advance. Based on the production number, the current luminance data table (see FIG. 18) is acquired.

  Then, luminance data corresponding to the current number of frames (frame number) is acquired from the luminance data table (step B163). Then, it is determined whether or not the acquired luminance data is equal to or lower than a preset lower threshold value (lower limit value) (step B164). If it is determined that the acquired luminance data is equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (Yes), the process proceeds to step B168, and the acquired luminance data is written in the luminance adjustment register 345 (see FIG. 5). Instruct to proceed to step B171.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step B164 that the acquired luminance data is not less than or equal to the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (No), the process proceeds to step B165, and the luminance data acquired in step B163 is set to the upper threshold value (upper limit) Value) or more. If it is determined in step B165 that the acquired luminance data is greater than or equal to the above threshold (Yes), the process proceeds to step B168, and an instruction is given to write the acquired luminance data into the luminance adjustment register 345 (see FIG. 5). Proceed to step B171.

  If it is determined in step B165 that the acquired brightness data is not equal to or higher than the upper threshold (No), the process proceeds to step B166, and the brightness data acquired in step B163 is stored in the RAM in step B113 of the effect button input process. Subtract the brightness adjustment value.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the luminance after subtraction is equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (step B167). If it is determined that the acquired luminance data is equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (Yes), the process proceeds to step B169 to instruct to write the luminance data after subtraction into the luminance adjustment register 345. Proceed to B171.

  If it is determined in step B167 that the luminance after subtraction is not equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (No), the process proceeds to step B170 to instruct to write the luminance data of the calculation result in the luminance adjustment register 345. To step B171.

  In step B171, the lighting data designating the diode row to be lit is acquired, the lighting data is instructed to be written in the output setting register 346 (see FIG. 5), and the decoration control process is exited. The above process is performed for the diodes to be controlled (LED0 to LED15 in FIG. 5).

  FIG. 21 shows a timing chart in the case where lighting control of the light emitting diode is performed according to the luminance setting data and lighting data of each frame of the luminance data table by executing the decoration control process of FIG. In FIG. 21, the luminance range denoted by the symbol a corresponds to the first range in the claims, the luminance range denoted by the symbol b corresponds to the second range, and the symbol c is The attached luminance range corresponds to the third range.

  In the timing chart of FIG. 21, the luminance data of the first frame, the second frame, the seventh frame, and the ninth frame are not adjusted because they are equal to or higher than a preset upper threshold value (upper limit value). Since the luminance data of the 4th frame and the 6th frame are below a preset lower threshold (lower limit value), the original luminance remains unchanged. On the other hand, the luminance data of the fifth frame is changed from “70” (broken line) to “20” (solid line) by setting the setting to “50” by luminance adjustment, and the luminance data of the eighth frame is The setting is changed from “70” (broken line) to “40” (solid line) by setting the setting to “70” in the brightness adjustment. Also in this embodiment, the luminance is changed in synchronization with the frame.

  In this embodiment, even if the brightness adjustment operation is performed, the brightness is not adjusted in the first and third ranges, and the brightness is adjusted only in the second range without changing the brightness. The amount of brightness adjustment may be changed, for example, by increasing the adjustment value in the range, and decreasing the adjustment value in the first and third ranges.

  In addition, by making the second range wider than the first range and the third range, the range of adjustment that can be adjusted by the player can be widened, and the player is more liking his / her preference. The brightness can be selected.

From the above description, in the above embodiment,
A light emitting device provided on the front of the gaming machine;
Luminance setting means capable of changing the setting of the light emission amount of the light emitting device;
Game control means for managing the progress of the game;
In a gaming machine provided with an effect control means for performing light emission control in the light emitting device based on a control command signal from the game control means,
The production control means includes
Effect data storage means for storing effect data including luminance data defining the light emission amount of the light emitting device;
Light emission control means for performing light emission control of the light emitting device based on the luminance data stored in the predetermined luminance data storage means when a predetermined update timing is reached;
Brightness adjustment means for determining an adjustment amount based on a setting value set by the brightness setting means and adjusting the brightness data;
A first range, a second range, and a third range are set as ranges for adjusting the luminance data,
The adjustment of the luminance data differs depending on whether the luminance data is located in the first range, the second range, or the third range,
The brightness data in the first range is adjusted in the first range, the brightness data in the second range is adjusted in the second range, the brightness data in the third range is adjusted in the third range, It can be seen that the invention includes an invention in which adjusted luminance data is stored in the luminance data storage means.

  And according to this invention, since it becomes possible for a player to adjust the light emission amount of a light-emitting device, a player can enjoy the effect by a light-emitting device with the brightness according to his liking. It is possible to prevent the entertainment of the game from deteriorating due to the effect of the light emitting device becoming an unintended effect due to the person adjusting the light emission amount.

  In the above-described embodiment, the second range is set to have a higher luminance than the first range, and the third range has a higher luminance than the second range. Is set, and the luminance data is in the second range, the adjustment amount is subtracted from the luminance data, and the subtraction result is equal to or lower than the upper threshold that defines the upper limit of the first range. The upper threshold value is stored in the luminance data storage unit as the luminance data, and the subtraction result is stored in the luminance data storage unit when the subtraction result is larger than the upper threshold value that defines the upper limit of the first range. Invented inventions are included.

  According to this invention, when the luminance data is located in the second range, the adjustment amount is subtracted from the luminance data, and when the subtraction result is less than or equal to the threshold value that defines the upper limit of the first range, the threshold value is set. Is stored in the luminance data storage means as luminance data, so that the luminance data higher than the threshold is not changed below the threshold at the time of adjustment of the luminance by the player, so that the player has adjusted the light emission amount, It is possible to prevent the entertainment of the game from deteriorating due to an unintended performance that is changed to a low luminance close to a light-off state at an unintended timing of the light-emitting device.

  In the embodiment, when the luminance data is located in the first range and the third range, the luminance data is stored in the luminance data without adjusting the luminance data based on the adjustment amount. The invention stored in the means is included.

According to this invention, when the luminance data is located in the first range and the third range, the luminance data is stored in the luminance data storage means without adjusting the luminance data based on the adjustment amount. Therefore, when the player adjusts the amount of light emission, the low-brightness effect executed in the light-emitting mode with a low luminance in the light-emitting device cannot be seen at all, and there is a situation in which the interest of the game is reduced. It is possible to avoid such a problem that the brightness of the high-brightness effect executed in the light-emitting mode with high brightness in the light-emitting device is reduced and the player or the store clerk misses the notification due to the high-brightness effect. be able to.
(Modification)
FIG. 22 shows a timing chart in the first modification of the first embodiment. In this modification, when an error occurs in a gaming machine and is detected, an error notification such as blinking the light emitting device is performed based on an error command transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300. In addition, not only the brightness adjustment setting by the operation of the input operation means (effect button 25a), but also the flashing light emission with the maximum brightness “100” regardless of the setting state of the brightness setting device 47 on the back of the gaming machine, The period of T0 is an error notification period.

  Therefore, for example, even if the brightness adjustment setting is changed to “20” or the like in the period T3 immediately before the error occurs, the setting is ignored during the notification period, and blinking is performed at the maximum brightness “100”. Note that FIG. 22 shows a case where this error notification is also performed in synchronization with the frame, but at least the blinking start may be performed without synchronizing with the frame. This modification can also be applied to the second embodiment.

Therefore, in the above embodiment,
The game control device 100 as the game control means or the effect control device 300 as the effect control means includes an error detection means for detecting an error state in the gaming machine,
When the production control unit controls the light emission amount of the panel decoration device 42 or the frame decoration device 18 as the light emitting device based on the setting by the luminance setting unit 47 or the input operation unit 25 as the luminance setting unit, the error control unit When an error is detected by the detection means, the light emitting device is set to the maximum brightness regardless of the setting state by the brightness setting unit 47 as the first brightness setting means or the input operation unit 25 as the second brightness setting means. It can be seen that the present invention includes an invention that can be controlled so as to emit light with a light emission amount.

According to such an invention, even if the brightness setting means is adjusted so that the brightness of the light emitting device is lowered, control is performed so that the light emitting device emits light at the maximum brightness when an error is detected. By doing so, it is possible to surely inform the player or the staff of the game store that an error has occurred.
(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment is shown in FIGS. In the case of the above-described first embodiment (FIGS. 16 and 17), the brightness data is adjusted every time when each frame is updated and reflected in the light emission control. The embodiment is a batch processing method in which brightness data is adjusted in a batch when the brightness adjustment setting is changed by operating the input operation means (effect button 25a).

  FIG. 23 shows a flowchart of the effect button input process in the third embodiment. This effect button input process replaces FIG.

  In the effect button input process of FIG. 23, first, it is determined whether or not a luminance adjustment selection input has been made by an operation of the input operation unit 25 (step B111). If it is determined that there is no luminance adjustment selection input (No), steps B112 and B113 are skipped and the effect button input process is exited. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a selection input for the brightness adjustment mode (Yes), the process proceeds to step B112, where the brightness adjustment value corresponding to the selected brightness setting is acquired, and the acquired brightness adjustment value is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM. Store (step B113). Here, the brightness adjustment value is “0” when the selected brightness setting is “100”, “10” when the selected brightness setting is “90”, and the selected brightness setting is “10”. In the case of “80”, “20”... Thereafter, a luminance change process (step B114) is executed.

  FIG. 25 shows a flowchart of the brightness changing process of step B114 during the effect button input process of FIG.

  Steps B141 to B148 of this brightness change process are the same procedure as steps B162 to B170 of the decoration control process of FIG. That is, first, the current brightness data table (see FIG. 18) is acquired from the ROM based on the effect number corresponding to the current effect among the effect numbers assigned to the plurality of effect patterns prepared in advance (see FIG. 18). Step B141).

  Next, luminance data corresponding to the current number of frames (frame number) is acquired from the luminance data table (step B142). Then, it is determined whether or not the acquired luminance data is equal to or lower than a preset lower threshold value (lower limit value) (step B143). If it is determined that the acquired luminance data is equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (Yes), the process proceeds to step B146, and the acquired luminance data is written in the luminance adjustment register 345 (see FIG. 5). Instruct to proceed to step B149.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step B143 that the acquired luminance data is not less than or equal to the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (No), the process proceeds to step B144, and step B113 of the effect button input process of FIG. 23 is performed from the acquired luminance data. To subtract the brightness adjustment value stored in the RAM.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the luminance after subtraction is equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (step B145). If it is determined that the acquired luminance data is equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (Yes), the process proceeds to step B147 to instruct to write the luminance data corresponding to the lower threshold value into the luminance adjustment register 345, and to step B149. Proceed to

  If it is determined in step B167 that the luminance after subtraction is not equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (No), the process proceeds to step B148 to instruct to write the calculated luminance data in the luminance adjustment register 345, and then to step B149. move on.

  In step B149, the number of frames (frame number) is updated by “+1”, and in the next step B150, it is determined whether or not the number of updated frames exceeds the maximum value. If it is determined that the number of frames does not exceed the maximum value (No), the process returns to the first step B141 and the above processes B141 to 149 are repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step B150 that the number of updated frames has exceeded the maximum value (Yes), the process proceeds to step B149, where the effect number is updated by “+1”. In the next step B152, the updated effect number is It is determined whether the maximum value has been exceeded. And if it determines with the production | presentation number not exceeding the maximum value (No), it will return to the first step B141 and will repeat the said process B141-149. If it is determined in step B152 that the updated effect number has exceeded the maximum value (Yes), the process goes out of the luminance change process.

  By performing the control as described above, the luminance data can be adjusted in a batch.

  FIG. 24 shows a flowchart of the decoration control process in the third embodiment.

  In the decoration control process of FIG. 24, steps B164 to B170 of the decoration control process of FIG. 17 are omitted, and only the steps B161, B162, B163, and B171 are performed. Further, in step B162, not the luminance data table in the ROM but the luminance data table stored in the RAM in steps B146 to B148 in FIG. 25 is acquired.

  In the decoration control process of FIG. 24, it is first determined whether or not it is the frame update timing of the display device 41 (step B161). Here, when it is determined that the frame update timing is not reached (No), the decoration control process is exited without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is determined in step B161 that it is the frame update timing (Yes), the process proceeds to step B162, and it corresponds to the current effect among the effect numbers assigned to the plurality of effect patterns prepared in advance. Based on the production number, the current luminance data table (see FIG. 18) is acquired from the RAM.

  Then, luminance data corresponding to the current number of frames (frame number) is acquired from the luminance data table (step B163). Then, the process proceeds to step B171, where lighting data specifying a diode row to be lit is acquired and the lighting data is instructed to be written in the output setting register 346 (see FIG. 5), and the decoration control process is exited.

  Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiments, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the effect button 25a and the select button 25b provided on the front surface of the gaming machine are also used as the brightness setting means, but a dedicated setting switch such as a slide type setting switch or a dial type setting switch is used. The brightness adjustment switch may be provided. Also, the brightness setting device 47 on the back of the gaming machine may be a slide type setting switch or a dial type setting switch.

  Further, instead of providing a brightness setting means (effect button) that can be operated by the player, it is configured as a gaming machine that reads a card information held by the player or information transmitted from a portable terminal to play a game. In the system, information relating to the luminance of the light emitting device is included in information unique to the player, and the luminance control of the light emitting device is performed based on the information relating to the luminance read by the effect control device of the gaming machine by the program. You may do it.

  In the above embodiment, the LED lamp or the decoration device incorporating the LED is used as the light emitting device. However, the light emitting device is not limited to the LED, but a liquid crystal device having a backlight, an organic EL panel, or a filament type. Alternatively, it may be a cathode tube lamp or a decoration device incorporating them.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described as applied to a pachinko gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and is a gaming machine such as an arrange ball gaming machine, a sparrow ball gaming machine, and a slot machine. It is also applicable to.

10 gaming machine 16 lighting device 18 frame decoration device (light emitting device)
19 Speaker 21 Upper plate 23 Lower plate 25 Input operation unit (luminance setting means)
25a Production button 25b Select button 30 Game board 41 Display device 42 Panel decoration device (light emitting device)
47 Brightness setter (Brightness setting means)
100 Game control device (game control means, control command transmission means)
300 effect control device (effect control means, light emission control means, brightness adjustment means, display control means, error detection means)
311a RAM (luminance data storage means)
321 PROM (effect data storage means)
332 Panel decoration LED control circuit 333 Frame decoration LED control circuit 345 Brightness adjustment register (luminance data storage means)

The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a light-emitting equipment provided on the front surface of the gaming machine.

Conventionally, a pachinko gaming machine has been known in which a light emitting device such as a plurality of light emitting diodes is provided over a wide range on a game board or the like, and the light emission mode is changed according to the gaming state to enhance the player's visual interest. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1 ).

JP 2003-190410 A

However, in the conventional gaming machine, and Tsu-inside in what can adjust the brightness of the light emitting device by the player's operation.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object is to the adjustable capacity of the brightness of the light emitting device by the player's operation.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1
A light emitting device provided on the front of the gaming machine ;
Based on a control command signal from Yu skill control means to manage the progress of the game, the gaming machine and a presentation control means for controlling the light emission in the light-emitting device,
A brightness setting means that can be set by a player and can change the setting of the light emission amount of the light emitting device,
The effect control means,
Determining an adjustment amount based on a set value set by the luminance setting means, and adjusting luminance data defining a light emission amount of the light emitting device based on the adjustment amount ;
When the predetermined update timing is reached, the light emission control of the light emitting device is performed based on the adjusted luminance data .

Here, the “game control means” and the “production control means” can each be constituted by a CPU and a program executed by the CPU. The “brightness setting means capable of changing the setting of the light emission amount of the light emitting device” may be a program as well as hardware.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the player can adjust the light emission amount of the light emitting device, the player can enjoy the effect by the light emitting device with brightness according to his / her preference. On the other hand, when the player adjusts the amount of light emission, the effect of the light-emitting device becomes an unintended effect, thereby preventing the interest of the game from being lowered.

According to the present invention, Ru can pollock Rukoto adjust the brightness of the light emitting device by the player's operation.

It is a front view which shows one Embodiment of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a front view which shows the structural example of the game board in the game machine of embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control system and game control apparatus which are provided in the back surface of the game machine of embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the presentation control apparatus in the game machine of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the detail of the LED control apparatus which comprises an effect control apparatus. It is a configuration explanatory view showing how to configure the LED control device in the effect control device when the light emitting diode of the panel decoration device is added. It is a block diagram which shows the 1st modification of the LED control apparatus and board decoration apparatus which are shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the 2nd modification of the LED control apparatus and board decoration apparatus which are shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the first half part of the specific procedure of a main process among the game control performed by the game microcomputer of the game control apparatus of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the latter half part of the specific procedure of a main process among the game controls performed by the game microcomputer of the game control apparatus of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the specific procedure of a timer interruption process among the game controls performed by the game microcomputer of the game control apparatus of embodiment. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific procedure of command transmission processing and effect control command transmission processing executed during the timer interrupt processing of FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific procedure of special figure game processing executed during the timer interrupt processing of FIG. 11; It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of 1st main process among the presentation control performed by the presentation control apparatus of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the brightness | luminance setting screen displayed on a display device when an input operation means (effect switch) is operated. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the effect button input process performed during the 1st main process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the decoration control process performed during the 1st main process of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the brightness | luminance data table referred during the decoration control process of FIG. It is a timing chart which shows the operation | movement timing in the case of performing lighting control of a light emitting diode according to the brightness setting data and lighting data of each flame | frame of a brightness | luminance data table by performing the decoration control process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the decoration control process in a 2nd Example. FIG. 21 is a timing chart showing an operation timing in the case where lighting control of the light emitting diode is performed according to the luminance setting data and lighting data of each frame of the luminance data table by executing the decoration control process of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 20. It is a timing chart which shows the operation timing in the case of carrying out lighting control of the light emitting diode according to the brightness setting data and lighting data of each frame of the brightness data table in the 1st modification of the 1st example. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the production | presentation button input process in a 3rd Example. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the decoration control process in a 3rd Example. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the brightness | luminance change process in the effect button input process of FIG.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment includes a front frame 12, and the front frame 12 is assembled to a main body frame (outer frame) 11 via a hinge 13 so as to be openable and closable. The game board 30 (see FIG. 3) is stored in a storage portion (not shown) formed on the front side of the front frame 12. Further, a glass frame 15 having a cover glass (transparent member) 14 covering the front surface of the game board 30 is attached to the front frame (inner frame) 12.

  Further, an illuminating device (moving light) 16 having a built-in lamp and motor and a lamp (LED: light-emitting diode) 17 for notifying a dispensing abnormality are provided in the upper part of the glass frame 15. Further, on the left and right sides of the glass frame 15, a frame decoration device 18 having a light emitting source such as a light emitting diode built in and having a transparent or translucent member on the front surface for emitting light for decoration or production, sound (for example, , A sound effect) is provided. Further, a speaker (lower speaker) 19 b is also provided below the front frame 12.

  In addition, at the lower part of the front frame 12, an upper plate 21 for supplying game balls to a not-shown hitting ball launcher, and game balls paid out from a ball payout device provided on the back side of the gaming machine 10 flow out. There are provided a dish tray outlet 22, a lower dish 23 for storing game balls paid out in a state in which the upper dish 21 is full, an operation unit 24 of a ball striking device, and the like. Furthermore, an input operation unit 25 having an effect button 25a and a select button 25b incorporating operation switches for receiving an operation input from a player is provided on the upper edge of the upper plate 21. Further, a key 26 for opening and locking the front frame 12 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 12.

  In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when the player rotates the operation unit 24, the hitting ball launching device directs the game ball supplied from the upper plate 21 toward the game area 32 on the front surface of the game board 30. And fire. Further, when the player operates the effect button 25a, an effect or the like in which the player's operation is intervened is performed in the variable display game (decoration special map variable display game) on the display device 41 (see FIG. 2). Can do.

Further, in this embodiment, by operating the input operation unit 25, the brightness in the board decoration device 42 (see FIG. 4) incorporating a light emitting source such as a light emitting diode provided in the frame decoration device 18 or the game board. The (light emission) can be adjusted. Further, a multi-stage brightness setting unit 47 (see FIG. 4) that can be operated with the front frame opened (the player cannot operate) is provided on the back side of the gaming machine. The light emitting amount of the frame decoration device 18 and the panel decoration device 42 can be adjusted according to the set state. That is, there are provided brightness setting means (brightness adjusting switches) on both the front and back sides of the gaming machine.
Further, on the front surface of the glass frame 15 above the upper plate 21, a prepaid card is discharged from a ball lending button 27 operated when a player receives a ball lending from an adjacent ball lending machine, and a card unit of the ball lending machine. For this purpose, a discharge button 28 to be operated, a balance display unit (not shown) for displaying the balance of the prepaid card, and the like are provided.

Next, an example of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 30 of the present embodiment.
On the surface of the game board 30, a substantially circular game area 32 surrounded by the guide rail 31 is formed. The game area 32 is surrounded by resin side cases 33 and guide rails 31 provided at the four corners of the game board 30. In the game area 32, a center case 40 provided with a display device 41 is disposed substantially at the center. The display device 41 is attached to a recessed portion provided in the center case 40 at a position deeper than the front surface of the center case 40. That is, the center case 40 surrounds the display area of the display device 41 and is formed to protrude forward from the display surface of the display device 41.

  The display device 41 is configured by a device having a display screen such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (CRT). A plurality of pieces of identification information (special symbols), a character that produces a special figure variation display game, a background image that enhances the effect, and the like are displayed in an area (display area) in which an image of the display screen can be displayed. On the display screen of the display device 41, a plurality of special symbols assigned as identification information are variably displayed (variably displayed), and a decorative special figure variation display game corresponding to the special diagram variation display game is played. In addition, an image for an effect based on the progress of the game (for example, a jackpot display image, a fanfare display image, an ending display image, etc.) is displayed on the display screen.

On the left side of the center case 40 in the game area 32, a normal symbol start gate (ordinary start gate) 34 is provided. Three general winning openings 35 are arranged on the lower left side of the center case 40, and one general winning opening 35 is arranged on the lower right side of the center case 40.
In each of the general winning ports 35,..., Winning port switches 35a to 35n (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball that has entered each of the general winning ports 35 are arranged.
A start winning opening 36 is provided below the center case 40 for giving a start condition for the special figure variation display game, and a game ball easily flows into the upper portion by opening a reverse “C” shape at the top. An ordinary variable winning device (general power) 37 having a pair of movable members 37b and 37b for converting into a state and having a second start winning port is disposed therein.

The pair of opening / closing members 37b, 37b of the normal variation winning device 37 always holds a closed state (a disadvantageous state for the player) with an interval of about the diameter of the game ball. However, since the start winning port 36 is provided above the normal variation winning device 37, the game ball cannot be won in the closed state.
When the result of the normal variation display game becomes a predetermined stop display mode, it is opened in a reverse “C” shape by a general electric solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3) as a driving device, and a normal variation prize is awarded. The device 37 can be changed to an open state (a state advantageous to the player) in which a game ball easily flows.
Further, a special variable winning device (large winning mouth) 38 that can be converted into a state where a game ball is not accepted and a state where it is easy to accept depending on the result of the special figure changing display game is arranged below the normal variable winning device 37. Yes.

The special variable winning device 38 has an attacker-type opening / closing door that can be opened by rotating in a direction in which the upper end side is tilted toward the front side. The winning opening is closed (blocked state unfavorable for the player) to the open state (state advantageous to the player).
That is, the special variable prize winning device 38 includes, for example, a big prize opening opened and closed by an open / close door driven by a big prize opening solenoid 38b (see FIG. 3) as a driving device. Is converted from a closed state to an open state, thereby facilitating the inflow of game balls into the special winning opening, and a predetermined game value (prize ball) is given to the player.

In addition, a count switch 38a (see FIG. 3) as a detecting means for detecting a game ball that has entered the special winning opening is disposed inside the special winning opening (winning area).
Below the special variable winning device 38, there is provided an out port 39 for collecting game balls that have not won a winning port.
Also, outside the game area 32 (for example, at the top of the game board 30), the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game that form the special figure fluctuation display game, and the winning for the normal figure start gate 34 are awarded. A collective display device 50 is provided for executing a universal map display game with a trigger at one location.

  The collective display device 50 includes a first special figure fluctuation display unit (special figure 1 display) 51 and a second special figure for a first special figure fluctuation display game configured by a 7-segment display (LED lamp) or the like. A second special figure fluctuation display unit (special figure 2 display) 52 for a fluctuation display game is provided. In addition, a fluctuation display section (common figure display) for a general-purpose variable display game configured by LED lamps, a memory display section for informing the start memory number of each variable-display game also configured by LED lamps, and a game state There is provided an LED display unit 53 including a display unit for notifying, an error display unit for displaying an error, and a round display unit for displaying the number of rounds at the time of a big hit (the number of opening / closing of the special variable winning device 38).

  The special figure fluctuation display game in the special figure 1 display and the special figure 2 display is, for example, while the fluctuation display game is being executed, that is, while the decoration special figure fluctuation display game is being performed on the display device 41, the central segment is displayed. Display blinking drive to indicate that it is changing. When the result of the game is “out of”, for example, the central segment is turned on as a result mode of out of game, and when the result of the game is “win”, the result of out of game (special result mode) is not. A game result is displayed with a result mode other than the result mode (for example, a number such as “3” or “7”) in a lit state.

  In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, a game is played by launching a game ball (pachinko ball) from a launcher (not shown) toward the game area 32. The launched game balls flow down the game area 32 while changing the rolling direction by means of direction change members such as obstacle nails and windmills arranged at various locations in the game area 32, and the normal start gate 34 and the general winning opening 35 The winning prize opening 36, the normal variable prize winning device 37 or the special variable prize winning device 38 is won, or it flows into the out port 39 provided at the bottom of the game area 32 and is discharged from the game area. When a game ball wins the general winning opening 35, the start winning opening 36, the normal variation winning apparatus 37, or the special variable winning apparatus 38, the number of winning balls corresponding to the type of the winning opening is awarded by the payout control apparatus 200. It is discharged from the controlled dispensing unit to the upper plate 21 or the lower plate 23 of the front frame 12.

On the other hand, a gate switch 34a (see FIG. 3) including a non-contact type switch for detecting a game ball that has passed through the general diagram start gate 34 is provided in the general diagram start gate 34. When a game ball that has been driven into the area 32 passes through the usual figure start gate 34, it is detected by the gate switch 34a and a usual figure change display game is played.
In addition, the normal variation display game cannot be started, for example, the normal variation display game has already been played and the normal variation display game has not been completed, When 37 is converted to the open state and the game ball passes through the general figure start gate 34, if it is less than the upper limit of the normal figure start memory number, the general figure start memory number is added (+1) and the general figure start memory number is increased. One figure start memory is stored. The number of memorized start prizes is displayed on the memory display unit for notifying the number of start prizes in the LED display unit 53 of the collective display device 50.

In addition, in the normal chart start memory, a random number value for hit determination for determining a hit error of the normal figure fluctuation display game is stored, and when the random number value for hit determination coincides with the determination value In addition, a specific result mode (specific result) is derived by hitting the common map fluctuation display game.
The general-purpose variable display game is executed by a variable display unit (standard map display) of the LED display unit 53 provided in the collective display device 50. The general-purpose indicator is composed of LEDs indicating normal identification information (normal diagrams, normal symbols) in the lit state, and indicating a shift in the unlit state, and the normal identification information is displayed by blinking this LED. Fluctuation display is performed, and after a predetermined fluctuation display time has elapsed, the LED is turned on or off to display the result.

  Note that, for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, and the like may be used as the normal identification information, which is displayed by variably displaying for a predetermined time and then stopped. If the stop display of the usual figure change display game is a specific result, the pair of movable members 37b of the normal fluctuation winning device 37 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds). It becomes a state. This makes it easier for the game ball to win the second start winning opening inside the normal fluctuation winning device 37, and the number of times the second special figure changing display game is executed increases.

  When the common random number value extracted at the time of detecting passage to the general figure start gate 34 is a winning value, the normal symbol displayed on the normal figure display of the LED display unit 53 stops in the winning state and enters the winning state. At this time, the normal variation winning device 37 is in a state in which the movable member 37b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds) by driving the built-in general-purpose solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3). It is converted and the winning of the game ball is allowed.

  The winning ball to the starting winning port 36 and the winning ball to the normal variation winning device 37 are respectively detected by the starting port 1 switch 36a and the starting port 2 switch 37a provided inside. The game ball that has won the start winning opening 36 is detected as the start winning ball of the first special figure variable display game, is stored up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4), and is awarded to the normal variable winning device 37. The played game balls are detected as start winning balls for the second special figure variation display game, and stored with a predetermined upper limit number (for example, four) as a limit.

  In addition, when the starting winning ball is detected, a big hit random number value, a big hit symbol random number value, and each variation pattern random number value are extracted, and the extracted random number value is stored in a special figure memory in the game control device 100 (see FIG. 3). Each area (a part of the RAM) is stored as a special figure start memory for a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of four times). The number stored in the special chart start memory is displayed on the memory display section for notifying the start winning number of the collective display device 50 and also displayed on the display device 41 of the center case 40.

The game control device 100 is configured to display a special figure 1 display or a special figure 2 display (variation) provided in the collective display device 50 based on a winning at the start winning opening 36 or the normal variation winning award device 37, or their start memory. The first or second special figure variation display game is played on the display device.
The first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game are performed by variably displaying a plurality of special symbols (special figures, identification information) and then stopping and displaying a predetermined result form. In addition, a decorative special figure fluctuation display game for displaying a plurality of types of identification information (for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, etc.) corresponding to each special figure fluctuation display game on the display device 41 is executed. ing.
As a result of the special figure variation display game, when the display form of the special figure 1 display or the special figure 2 display becomes a special result form, it becomes a big hit and a special game state (so-called big hit state). Become. Correspondingly, the display mode of the display device 41 is also a special result mode.

  In the decorative special symbol variation display game on the display device 41, for example, the decorative special symbol (identification information) composed of the above-described numbers is left (first special symbol), right (second special symbol), middle (third special symbol). The variation display is started in the order of symbols), the symbols that have been varied after a predetermined time are sequentially stopped, and the result of the special symbol variation display game is displayed. In addition, the display device 41 performs a variable display game with a decorative special symbol corresponding to the number of special figure starting memories, and various effect displays such as the appearance of a character are performed to improve interest.

  Note that the special figure 1 display and the special figure 2 display may be separate displays or the same display, but each special figure variation display game is not to be executed independently or simultaneously. Is displayed. In addition, the display device 41 may use different display devices and different display areas in the first special map variable display game and the second special map variable display game, or use the same display device and display area. However, the decoration special figure variation display game is displayed so as not to be executed independently or simultaneously. Further, the special game variable display game may be executed only by the display device 41 without providing the game machine 10 with the special map 1 display and the special map 2 display.

Further, the second special figure variation display game is executed with priority over the first special figure variation display game. That is, if there is a start memory of the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game, and the execution of the special figure fluctuation display game becomes possible, the second special figure fluctuation display game is It is supposed to be executed.
In addition, in the state where the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) can be started and the number of start memories is zero, the start winning opening 36 (or the normal fluctuation prize winning device 37) is entered. When the game ball wins, the start memory is stored as the start right is generated, the start memory number is incremented by 1, and the first special figure variation display game (second special figure) is immediately added based on the start memory. (Variable display game) is started, and at this time, the start memory number is decremented by one.

On the other hand, a state in which the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) cannot be started immediately, for example, the first or second special figure fluctuation display game has already been performed, and the special figure fluctuation display game has ended. If the game ball is won in the start winning opening 36 (or the normal variable prize winning device 37) in a state that is not in the special game state or in the special game state, the start memory number is 1 if the start memory number is less than the upper limit number. By adding, one start memory is stored. Then, in a state where the starting memory number becomes 1 or more, a state in which the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) can be started (the end of the previous special figure fluctuation display game or the special game state) (End), the start memory number is decremented by 1, and the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) is started based on the stored start memory.
In the following description, when the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as a special figure fluctuation display game.

  Although not particularly limited, the starting port 1 switch 36a in the starting winning port 36, the starting port 2 switch 37a in the normal variable winning device 37, the gate switch 34a, the general winning port switches 35a to 35n, the count The switch 38a is a non-contact type magnetic proximity sensor (hereinafter referred to as a proximity switch) that includes a magnetic detection coil and detects a game ball using a phenomenon in which a magnetic field changes when a metal approaches the coil. Has been. A micro switch having a mechanical contact is used for the front frame opening detection switch 63 provided on the glass frame 15 or the like of the gaming machine 10 or the game frame opening detection switch 64 provided on the front frame (game frame) 12 or the like. be able to.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control system of the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment.
The gaming machine 10 includes a game control device 100. The game control device 100 is a main control device (main board) for comprehensively controlling games, and a gaming microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a gaming microcomputer) 111 is provided. The CPU unit 110 includes an input unit 120 including an input port, an output unit 130 including an output port and a driver, and the like.

  The CPU section 110 receives signals (starting winning detection signals) from a gaming microcomputer (CPU) 111 called an amusement chip (IC) and a proximity switch interface chip (proximity I / F) 121 in the input section 120. An inversion circuit 112 composed of an inverter or the like that is logically inverted and input to the gaming microcomputer 111 and an oscillator such as a crystal oscillator are provided to generate a clock for a CPU operation clock, a timer interrupt, and a random number generation circuit. An oscillation circuit (crystal oscillator) 113 is included. The game control device 100 and electronic components such as a solenoid and a motor driven by the game control device 100 are supplied with a predetermined level of DC voltage such as DC32V, DC12V, and DC5V generated by the power supply device 400 so as to be operable. Is done.

  The power supply apparatus 400 includes a normal power supply including an AC-DC converter that generates the DC 32V DC voltage from a 24V AC power source, a DC-DC converter that generates a lower level DC voltage such as DC 12V and DC 5V from the DC 32V voltage, and the like. Unit 410, backup power supply unit 420 for supplying power supply voltage to the internal RAM of gaming microcomputer 111 in the event of a power failure, and a power failure monitoring circuit and an initialization switch to inform gaming control device 100 of the occurrence and recovery of power failure A control signal generation unit 430 that generates and outputs control signals such as a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal is provided.

  In this embodiment, the power supply device 400 is configured separately from the game control device 100, but the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generation unit 430 are integrated on a separate board or the game control device 100, that is, the main control device 100. You may comprise so that it may provide on a board | substrate. Since the game board 30 and the game control device 100 are to be replaced when the model is changed, the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generation unit 430 are provided on a board different from the power supply apparatus 400 or the main board as in the embodiment. By providing, it can remove from the object of replacement | exchange and can aim at cost reduction.

  The backup power supply unit 420 can be composed of one large-capacity capacitor such as an electrolytic capacitor. The backup power is supplied to the game microcomputer 111 (particularly, the built-in RAM) of the game control device 100, and the data stored in the RAM is held even during a power failure or after the power is shut off. The control signal generation unit 430 monitors the voltage of 32V generated by the normal power supply unit 410, for example, detects the occurrence of a power failure when the voltage drops below 17V, for example, changes the power failure monitoring signal, and resets the signal after a predetermined time. Is output. In addition, a reset signal is output after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the power is turned on or the power is restored.

  The initialization switch signal is a signal generated when the initialization switch is turned on, and forcibly initializes information stored in the RAM 111C in the gaming microcomputer 111 and the RAM in the payout control device 200. . Although not particularly limited, the initialization switch signal is read when the power is turned on, and the power failure monitoring signal is repeatedly read in the main loop of the main program executed by the gaming microcomputer 111. The reset signal is a kind of forced interrupt signal and resets the entire control system.

The game microcomputer 111 constitutes a game control means for comprehensively controlling the game. Specifically, the gaming microcomputer 111 includes a CPU (central processing unit: microprocessor) 111A, a read-only ROM (read-only memory) 111B, and a RAM (random access memory) 111C that can be read and written as needed.
The ROM 111B stores invariant information (programs, fixed data, various random number judgment values, etc.) for game control in a nonvolatile manner, and the RAM 111C stores a work area for the CPU 111A and various signals and random number values during game control. Used as As the ROM 111B or the RAM 111C, an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM may be used.

In addition, the ROM 111B stores a variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern that defines, for example, the execution time of the special figure variation display game, the production contents, and the presence or absence of the reach state.
The variation pattern table is a table for the CPU 111A to determine the variation pattern by referring to the variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 stored as the start memory. Further, the fluctuation pattern table includes a loss fluctuation pattern table selected when the result is lost, a big hit fluctuation pattern table selected when the result is per 15R or 2R, and the like. Further, these pattern tables include a second half variation pattern table and a first half variation pattern table.

  Reach (reach state) has a display device whose display state can change, and the display device derives and displays a plurality of display results at different times, and the plurality of display results are predetermined. In the gaming machine 10 in which the gaming state becomes a gaming state advantageous to the player (special gaming state) when the special result mode is entered, the game is already derived at the stage where some of the plurality of display results are not yet derived and displayed. This means a display state in which the displayed display result satisfies the condition for the special result mode. In other words, the reach state is deviated from the display condition that is the special result mode even when the display device's variable display control progresses and reaches the stage before the display result is derived and displayed. There is no display mode. For example, a state where so-called full-rotation reach is performed in a variable display region while maintaining a state in which special result modes are aligned (so-called full rotation reach) is also included in the reach state. The reach state is a display state at the time when the display control of the display device has progressed to reach a stage before the display result is derived and displayed, and is determined before the display result is derived and displayed. The display state in the case where at least a part of the display results of the plurality of variable display areas satisfies the condition for the special result mode.

  Thus, for example, a decorative special figure fluctuation display game displayed on a display device corresponding to a special figure fluctuation display game fluctuates a plurality of identification information for a predetermined time in each of the left, middle, and right fluctuation display areas on the display device. After displaying, when the display of the result mode is stopped in the order of left, right, and middle, the condition that becomes the special result mode is satisfied in the left and right variable display areas (for example, The state in which the variable display is stopped with the same identification information) is the reach state. In addition to this, when the variable display of all the variable display areas is temporarily stopped, the condition that the special result mode is satisfied in any two of the left, middle, and right variable display areas (for example, the same The state in which the identification information is obtained (except for the special result mode) may be set as the reach state, and the remaining one variable display area may be variably displayed from the reach state.

  This reach state includes a plurality of reach productions, and the possibility that a special result mode is derived (different reliability) includes normal reach, special 1 reach, special 2 reach, special 3 reach, Premier reach etc. are set. The reliability increases in the order of no reach <normal reach <special 1 reach <special 2 reach <special 3 reach <premier reach. In addition, this reach state is included in a variable display mode at least in a case where a special result mode is derived in a special figure variable display game (when a big hit is achieved). That is, when it is determined that the special result mode is not derived in the special figure variable display game (when it is out of date), it may be included in the variable display mode. Therefore, the state in which the reach state has occurred is a state that is more likely to be a big hit than the case in which the reach state does not occur.

The CPU 111A executes a game control program in the ROM 111B, generates control signals (commands) for the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300, and generates and outputs drive signals for the solenoid and the display device, thereby playing the gaming machine. 10 overall control is performed.
Although not shown, the game microcomputer 111 is a jackpot determining random number for the special figure variation display game, a big hit symbol random number for determining the big hit symbol, a variation pattern in the special figure variation display game (various reach and reach). A random number generation circuit for generating a variation pattern random number for determining a variation display game in a variation display without a game), a random number for determining a hit of a normal variation display game, and the like from the oscillation circuit 113 Based on the oscillation signal (original clock signal), a clock generator is provided that generates a timer interrupt signal for a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) for the CPU 111A and a clock that gives the update timing of the random number generation circuit.

  In addition, the CPU 111A stores a plurality of variation pattern tables stored in the ROM 111B in a start port switch monitoring process (step A1) and a special figure routine process (step A9) in a special figure game process (see FIG. 13) described later. Any one variation pattern table is acquired from the inside. Specifically, the CPU 111A determines the game result (big hit or miss) of the special figure fluctuation display game, the probability state (normal probability state or high probability state) of the special figure fluctuation display game as the current game state, and the current game. Based on the operation state (normal operation state or short-time operation state) of the normal variation winning device 37 as a state, the number of start memories, etc., one of the variation pattern tables is selected and acquired. To do.

  Although not shown, the payout control device 200 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input interface, an output interface, and the like, and drives a payout motor of the payout unit in accordance with a prize ball payout command (command or data) from the game control device 100. , Control for paying out a prize ball. In addition, the payout control device 200 drives the payout motor of the payout unit based on the ball rental request signal from the card unit, and performs control for paying out the ball.

  The input unit 120 of the gaming microcomputer 111 includes a start port 1 switch 36a in the start winning port 36, a start port 2 switch 37a in the normal variation winning device 37, a gate switch 34a in the usual start gate 34, and a general winning port. An interface which is connected to the switches 35a to 35n and the count switch 38a and receives a negative logic signal such as a high level of 11V and a low level of 7V supplied from these switches, and converts it into a positive logic signal of 0V-5V. A chip (proximity I / F) 121 is provided. Proximity I / F 121 seems to be floating because the input range is 7V-11V, the lead wire of the proximity switch is improperly shorted, the switch is disconnected from the connector, or the lead wire is disconnected. An abnormal state can be detected, and an abnormality detection signal is output.

  All the outputs of the proximity I / F 121 are supplied to the second input port 122 and read into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140, and also supplied from the main board 100 to the test firing test apparatus (not shown) via the relay board 70. It is like that. In addition, the detection signals of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a among the outputs of the proximity I / F 121 are input to the gaming microcomputer 111 via the inverting circuit 112 in addition to the second input port 122. It is configured. The inversion circuit 112 is provided because the signal input terminal of the gaming microcomputer 111 detects that a signal from a micro switch or the like is input, and detects negative logic, that is, low level (0 V) as an effective level. Because it is designed to do.

  Therefore, when a micro switch is used as the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a, the detection signal can be directly input to the gaming microcomputer 111 without providing the inverting circuit 112. That is, when it is desired to directly input negative logic signals from the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a to the gaming microcomputer 111, the proximity switch cannot be used. As described above, the proximity I / F 121 has a signal level conversion function. In order to enable such a level conversion function, the proximity I / F 121 is supplied with a voltage of 12 V from the power supply device 400 in addition to a voltage such as 5 V required for normal IC operation. It has become.

  Further, the input unit 120 includes a start winning opening 36 converted by signals from the fraud detection magnetic sensor switch 61 and the vibration sensor switch 62 provided on the front frame 12 of the gaming machine 10 and the proximity I / F 121. The start port 1 switch 36a in the inside, the start port 2 switch 37a in the normal variation winning device 37, the gate switch 34a, the general winning port switches 35a to 35n, and the signals from the count switch 38a are taken in via the data bus 140. A second input port 122 for supplying to the microcomputer 111 is provided. The data held by the second input port 122 is read by asserting the enable signal CE1 (changing to an effective level) by the gaming microcomputer 111 decoding the address assigned to the second input port 122. be able to. The same applies to other ports described later.

  Further, the input unit 120 receives signals and payouts from the front frame opening detection switch 63 provided on the glass frame 15 and the like of the gaming machine 10 and the game frame opening detection switch 64 provided on the front frame (game frame) 12 and the like. A status signal indicating a payout abnormality from the control device 200, a shot ball break switch signal indicating a shortage of game balls before payout, and an overflow switch signal indicating overflow are fetched and supplied to the game microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. One input port 123 is provided. The overflow switch signal is a signal that is output when it is detected that a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the lower plate 23 (full).

  Further, the input unit 120 is provided with a Schmitt trigger circuit 124 for inputting signals such as a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal from the power supply device 400 to the gaming microcomputer 111 and the like. The circuit 124 has a function of removing noise from these input signals. Of the signals from the power supply device 400, the power failure monitoring signal and the initialization switch signal are once inputted to the first input port 123 and taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. That is, it is treated as a signal equivalent to the signal from the various switches described above. This is because the number of terminals receiving external signals provided in the gaming microcomputer 111 is limited.

On the other hand, the reset signal RST from which noise has been removed by the Schmitt trigger circuit 124 is directly input to a reset terminal provided in the gaming microcomputer 111 and is supplied to each port of the output unit 130. Further, the reset signal RST is directly output to the relay board 70 without going through the output unit 130, thereby turning off the test test signal held in the port (not shown) of the relay board 70 for output to the test board. It is configured as follows. Further, the reset signal RST may be configured to be output to the test firing test apparatus via the relay board 70.
The reset signal RST is not supplied to the ports 122 and 123 of the input unit 120. Data set to each port of the output unit 130 by the gaming microcomputer 111 immediately before the reset signal RST is input needs to be reset to prevent malfunction of the system, but each data of the input unit 120 is input immediately before the reset signal RST is input. This is because the data read by the gaming microcomputer 111 from the port is discarded when the gaming microcomputer 111 is reset.

The output unit 130 is connected to the data bus 140 and outputs a 4-bit data signal output to the payout control device 200, a control signal (data strobe signal) indicating validity / invalidity of the data, and a data strobe signal SSTB output to the effect control device 300. 1 and a second output port 132 for generating an 8-bit data signal to be output to the effect control device 300. Data is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300 by parallel communication.
In addition, the data strobe signal from the first output port 131 is input to the output unit 130 in order to prevent a signal from being input to the game control apparatus 100 from the side of the effect control apparatus 300, that is, in order to guarantee one-way communication. A unidirectional buffer 133 that outputs an 8-bit data signal from the SSTB and the second output port 132 is provided. A buffer may be provided for a signal output from the first output port 131 to the payout control device 200.

  In addition, the output unit 130 is connected to the data bus 140 via a relay board 70 for data indicating special symbol information of the variable display game to a test firing test apparatus of an accredited organization (not shown) and a signal indicating the probability status of jackpot. The output buffer 134 is configured to be mountable. This buffer 134 is a component that is not mounted on a game control device (main board) of a pachinko gaming machine as an actual machine (mass production product) installed in the game store. A detection signal output from the proximity I / F 121, such as a start port switch, that is not required to be processed is supplied to the test firing test apparatus via the relay board 70 without passing through the buffer 134.

  On the other hand, detection signals such as the magnetic sensor switch 61 and the vibration sensor switch 62 that cannot be supplied to the test fire testing device as they are are once taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 and processed into other signals or information. An error signal indicating that the control is not possible is supplied from the data bus 140 to the trial test apparatus via the buffer 134 and the relay board 70. The relay board 70 is provided with a port that takes in the signal output from the buffer 134 and supplies it to the test test apparatus, a connector that relays and transmits a signal line of a switch detection signal that does not pass through the buffer, and the like. ing. A chip enable signal CE output from the gaming microcomputer 111 is also supplied to the port on the relay board 70, and the signal of the port selected and controlled by the signal CE is supplied to the test firing test apparatus.

  In addition, the output unit 130 is connected to the data bus 140 and is connected to the data bus 140 to open a special variation winning device 38 (a large winning opening solenoid) 38b and a solenoid (normal electric solenoid) 37c to open a movable member 37b of the normal variation winning device 37. The third output port 135 for outputting the opening / closing data of the LED and the ON / OFF data of the digit line to which the cathode terminal of the LED of the collective display device 50 is connected. A fourth output port 136 for outputting ON / OFF data of the segment line connected to the anode terminal, and a fifth output port 137 for outputting information related to the gaming machine 10 such as jackpot information to the external information terminal 71 are provided. It has been. The information regarding the gaming machine 10 output from the external information terminal 71 is transmitted to, for example, a game hall management device installed in a game store.

  Further, the output unit 130 receives the opening / closing data signal of the big prize opening solenoid 38b output from the third output port 135, and receives the solenoid driving signal and the opening / closing data signal of the power solenoid 37c to generate the solenoid driving signal. A first driver (drive circuit) 138a for outputting, a second driver 138b for outputting an on / off drive signal for a digit line on the current drawing side of the collective display device 50 outputted from the third output port 135, and a fourth output port 136 The external information signal supplied to the external device such as the management device from the third driver 138c and the fifth output port 137 for outputting the ON / OFF drive signal of the segment line on the current supply side of the collective display device 50 output from the external information A fourth driver 138d for outputting to the terminal 71 is provided.

  The first driver 138a is supplied with DC32V from the power supply device 400 as a power supply voltage so that a solenoid operating at 32V can be driven. Also, DC12V is supplied to the third driver 138c that drives the segment lines of the collective display device 50. Since the second driver 138b for driving the digit line is for extracting the digit line corresponding to the display data with a current, the power supply voltage may be either 12V or 5V. A dynamic drive method is achieved by flowing current to the anode terminal of the LED through the segment line by the third driver 138c that outputs 12 V, and drawing the current from the cathode terminal through the segment line by the second driver 138b that outputs the ground potential. The power supply voltage flows through the LEDs sequentially selected in step 1 so that the LEDs are lit. The fourth driver 138d that outputs the external information signal to the external information terminal 71 is supplied with DC12V in order to give the external information signal a level of 12V. Note that the buffer 134, the third output port 135, the first driver 138a, and the like may be provided on the output board 130 of the game control device 100, that is, on the relay board 70 side instead of the main board.

  Further, the output unit 130 is provided with a photocoupler 139 for transmitting information such as an identification code and a program of each gaming machine to the external inspection device 500. The photocoupler 139 is configured to be capable of bi-directional communication so that the gaming microcomputer 111 can transmit and receive data to and from the inspection device 500 through serial communication. Note that such data transmission / reception is performed using a serial communication terminal of the gaming microcomputer 111 as in the case of a general general-purpose microprocessor, and therefore, ports such as the input ports 122 and 123 are not provided.

Next, the configuration of the effect control device 300 will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control device 300 includes a main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 formed of an amusement chip (IC), as with the game microcomputer 111, and a video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 that performs video control exclusively under the control of the 1st CPU 311. , VDP (Video Display Processor) 313 as a graphic processor that performs image processing for video display on the display device 41 in accordance with commands and data from the 2nd CPU 312 and various melody and sound effects are reproduced from the speakers 19a and 19b. The sound source LSI 314 for controlling the sound output is provided.

The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 are connected to program ROMs 321 and 322 each composed of a PROM (programmable read only memory) storing a program executed by each CPU. Is connected to an image ROM 323 storing character images, video data, and command lists, and the sound source LSI 314 stores compressed audio data, sequences necessary for phrase reproduction processing, command sequences for simple access, and the like. A ROM 324 is connected.
The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 analyzes the command from the game microcomputer 111, decides the contents of the presentation, instructs the video control microcomputer 312 about the contents of the output video, and instructs the sound source LSI 314 about the reproduced sound. Then, processing such as lighting of the decoration lamp, motor drive control, and production time management is executed. RAMs that provide work areas for the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 are provided in the respective chips. Among these, the RAM 311 a of the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 is capable of holding data even when the power is shut off by the backup power source 420 of the power supply device 400. Note that the RAM that provides the work area may be provided outside the chip.

  Although not particularly limited, the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 and the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 312 and the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 and the sound source LSI 314 are serially connected. Data transmission / reception is performed, and data transmission / reception is performed in parallel with the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 312 and between the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 and the VDP 313. By transmitting and receiving data in parallel, commands and data can be transmitted in a shorter time than in the case of serial. The VDP 313 includes an ultrahigh-speed VRAM (video RAM) 305 used for developing and processing image data such as characters read from the image ROM 323, and a drawing circuit for drawing image data. 306, a display circuit 308 for generating a video signal to be transmitted to the display device 41 by an LVDS (small amplitude signal transmission) method, and the like are provided. The VDP 313 will be described in detail later.

  A vertical synchronization signal VSYNC is input from the VDP 313 to the main control microcomputer 311 in order to synchronize the image of the display device 41 and the lighting of the decorative lamps provided on the front frame 12 and the game board 30. In addition, the VDP 313 notifies the video control microcomputer 312 that it is waiting to receive an interrupt signal INT0-n and a command or data from the video control microcomputer 312 in order to notify the processing status such as the end of drawing in the VRAM. A wait signal WAIT is input. Further, the video control microcomputer 312 receives from the main control microcomputer 311 a synchronization signal SYNC that informs that the video control microcomputer 312 is operating normally and gives command transmission timing. A call signal CTS and a response signal RTS are exchanged between the main control microcomputer 311 and the tone generator LSI 314 in order to transmit and receive commands and data in the handshake method.

  Note that the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 312 uses a CPU that is faster or more expensive than the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311. By providing a video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 312 separately from the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 and sharing the processing, it is possible to display a fast moving image on a large screen that is difficult to achieve with the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 alone. It is possible to display on the display device 41, and it is possible to suppress an increase in cost compared to the case where two CPUs having processing capabilities equivalent to the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 are used. Also, by providing two CPUs, it becomes possible to separately develop the control programs for the two CPUs in parallel, thereby shortening the development period of the new model.

In addition, the effect control device 300 is provided with an interface chip (command I / F) 331 that receives the effect control command transmitted from the game control device 100. A variation start command, a customer waiting demo command, a fanfare command, a probability information command, an error designation command, and the like transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 via the command I / F 331 are used as an effect control command signal. Receive. Since the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 operates at DC 5V and the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 of the effect control device 300 operates at DC 3.3V, the command I / F 331 has a signal level conversion function. Is provided.
In this embodiment, the effect control command is composed of 16 bits, and this is transmitted by an 8-bit data bus and a strobe signal SSBT. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Dividing into 8-bit first half command (MODE) and second half command (ACTION), the strobe signal SSBT is sent up by raising it twice, and the receiving side takes in the command in synchronization with the rise of SSB. .

  The effect control device 300 includes a panel decoration LED control circuit 332 for driving and controlling a panel decoration device 42 having LEDs (light emitting diodes) provided on the game board 30 (including the center case 40), and the front frame 12. Frame decoration LED control circuit 333 for driving and controlling a frame decoration device (for example, the frame decoration device 18 and the like) having LEDs (light emitting diodes) and board effects provided on the game board 30 (including the center case 40). A board effect motor / SOL control circuit 334 for driving and controlling a device (for example, an electric accessory that enhances effect effects in cooperation with effect display on the display device 41), and a motor (for example, the moving device) provided on the front frame 12 A frame effect motor control circuit 335 for driving and controlling the light 45 is provided. Note that these control circuits 332 to 335 that drive and control lamps, motors, solenoids, and the like are connected to a main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 via an address / data bus 304.

  Furthermore, the effect control device 300 is provided on the front frame 12 and can be detected by a switch detection signal built in the effect button 25a or select button 25b of the input operation unit 25 that can be operated by the player, or on the back side of the gaming machine. A main control microcomputer (1st CPU) is provided with a signal from a brightness setting unit 47 that is provided and cannot be operated by the player, and a detection signal indicating an on / off state of an effect motor switch that detects the initial position of the motor in the board effect device 44. A switch input circuit 336 for inputting to 311 is provided.

  As described above, the present embodiment is configured such that the player can adjust the light emission amount of the frame decoration device 18 and the panel decoration device 42 by operating the input operation unit 25. Specifically, for example, a brightness adjustment function is selected from various functions displayed on the display device 41 using the select button 25b, and a brightness adjustment screen as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. On this brightness adjustment screen, the select button 25b is operated to move the cursor (thick frame) to one of the function buttons F1 and F3 displaying “−” or “+” displayed at the bottom of the screen. To select the desired button. Then, after the volume level is selected by operating the effect button 25a, the select button 25b is operated to move to the function button F2 on which “OK” is displayed, and the volume is determined by operating the effect button 25a. This can be realized by configuring as described above. FIG. 13 shows an example of a brightness adjustment screen in the case where the brightness can be set at 9 levels according to the operation of the input operation unit 25.

Therefore, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes a light emitting device (frame decoration device 18 and panel decoration device 42) that can emit light for production, and a luminance setting unit (input operation unit) that can change the light emission amount of the light emitting device. 25 and a brightness setting device 47) and an effect control device 300 as effect control means for performing light emission control in the light emitting device based on a control command signal from the game control device 100 as game control means for managing the progress of the game. Will be provided.
The gaming machine according to the present embodiment has, as the brightness setting means, a first brightness setting means (47) that is provided on the back surface of the gaming machine and cannot be set by the player during the game, and a front face of the gaming machine. A second luminance setting means (25) provided and operable by the player during the game,
Production control device 300 as production control means
A function of controlling the light emission amount of the light emitting device based on the setting by the luminance setting means; and in the luminance setting operation by the second luminance setting means, the luminance set by the first luminance setting means is It can be seen that the present invention includes an invention in which the upper limit of the brightness that can be set by the second brightness setting means is set and the brightness can be set in a range below the upper limit.
According to this invention, even if the brightness setting means is provided on each of the front and back surfaces of the gaming machine, the brightness change by the second brightness setting means (25) that can be operated by the front player of the gaming machine is performed on the back surface of the gaming machine. By being restricted so that it can be changed within the range of brightness set by the first brightness setting means (47) provided in the game, the brightness is set so that the game store does not intend by brightness adjustment by the player. Can be avoided. In addition, this makes it possible to reliably execute business in the power saving mode with reduced power consumption.

  The normal power supply unit 410 of the power supply apparatus 400 drives a motor or a solenoid to supply a desired level of DC voltage to the effect control apparatus 300 having the above-described configuration and electronic components controlled thereby. DC32V for driving the display device 41 composed of a liquid crystal panel, DC5V serving as the power supply voltage for the command I / F 331, DC18V for driving the LED and speaker, and a reference for these DC voltages It is configured to generate a voltage of NDC 24V used to turn on the monitor lamp. Further, when an LSI that operates at a low voltage such as 3.3 V or 1.2 V is used as the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 or the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312, DC 3. The effect control device 300 is provided with a DC-DC converter for generating 3V or DC 1.2V. The DC-DC converter may be provided in the normal power supply unit 410.

  The reset signal RST generated by the control signal generation unit 430 of the power supply apparatus 400 includes a main control microcomputer 311, a video control microcomputer 312, a VDP 313, a sound source LSI 314, control circuits 332 to 335 for driving and controlling lamps and motors, speakers, and the like. Are supplied to the amplifier circuits 337a and 337b, which are in a reset state. In this embodiment, the general-purpose port of the video control microcomputer 312 is used to generate and supply a reset signal to the VDP 313. Thereby, the cooperation of the operations of the video control microcomputer 312 and the VDP 313 can be improved.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the LED control device 332 (333) and the panel decoration device 42 that configure the effect control device 300.
The panel decoration device 42 includes four light emitting diodes (LEDs) connected in series, three connected in series, and two connected in series, and each diode row is the same. LED power supply voltage Vled is applied. While the brightness of an LED varies depending on the flowing current, the voltage drop per diode is constant (forward voltage Vf). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, when the same voltage Vled is simply applied to the diode rows having different numbers of connections, a larger current flows in the diode row having a smaller number, and the brightness per diode changes. . Therefore, in this embodiment, series resistors R0 to R15 are provided in each diode row, and the resistance value is changed according to the number of connected diodes.

  Specifically, a variation adjusting resistor R0 having a resistance value Rt is connected to the four diode arrays (LED0) having the largest number, and a resistor having a resistance value Rt + Rd is connected to the three diode arrays (LED15). A resistor having a resistance value of Rt + 2Rd was connected to the two diode arrays (LED1, LED2). The resistance value Rd is a resistance value having a magnitude of Rd × I0 = Vf, where I0 is a flowing current. When such a resistor is connected to each diode row, the voltage drop caused by the diode and the resistor is the same for all diode rows. That is, when the same voltage Vled is applied, the current I0 having the same magnitude can be caused to flow in each diode row, and thereby the brightness per diode can be made equal. The same applies to the frame decoration device 18.

  The LED control device 332 (333) is transmitted from the driver circuit 341 including the open drain current drawing transistors Q0, Q1, Q2,... Q15 connected to the diode arrays and the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311. A filter 342 that removes noise from the incoming control data, a main control circuit 343 that receives the noise-removed data and performs corresponding processing, a reset signal RESET from the power supply device 400, and a reset signal for the main control circuit 343 and the like A reset signal generation circuit 344 that generates the brightness, a brightness adjustment register 345 that holds brightness adjustment data output from the main control circuit 343, and an output setting register 346 that holds output setting data indicating whether or not each diode row is to be lit. Brightness adjustment register 345 and The output control circuit 347 generates and outputs a drive signal for the driver circuit 341 based on the data of the force setting register 346, and the oscillation circuit 348 generates an operation clock signal required by the output control circuit 347. . Although not particularly limited, the output control circuit 347 of this embodiment performs brightness adjustment control of the LED by a PWM (pulse width modulation) method. However, brightness adjustment may be performed by controlling the current flowing through the LED by amplitude control.

The brightness adjustment register 345 and the output setting register 346 are each composed of 16 bits. The maximum 16 diode arrays are controlled to be turned on and off, and the brightness of the diode array that is selectively turned on is controlled. Adjustment can be made in 16 stages.
Further, when there are 17 or more diode arrays whose luminance is to be controlled, as shown in FIG. 6, two or more LED control devices 332A, 332B... Are provided and controlled in groups of 16 each. Good. In this embodiment, the LED control devices 332A, 332B,... In FIG. Information ADD is transmitted. Instead of transmitting the address information ADD, activation control may be performed by supplying device selection signals CE0 and CE1 as indicated by broken lines.

FIG. 7 shows a first modification of the LED control device 332 (333) and the panel decoration device 42 shown in FIG.
In this modification, instead of changing the resistance value of each diode array, a normal diode that is not a light emitting diode is connected in series as the dummy diode DMD in series with the light emitting diode LED, and the total forward voltage of all the diode arrays is It is comprised so that it may become the same. Even if the forward voltage of the dummy diode DMD is not the same as that of the light emitting diode LED, the total voltage of each diode array may be made the same by adjusting the number.

FIG. 8 shows a second modification of the LED control device 332 (333) and the board decoration device 42 shown in FIG.
In this modification, the main control circuit 343 constituting the LED control device 332 (333) is configured so that the diode rows having different numbers of diodes connected in series are not selected, that is, data set in the output setting register 346 A signal or data indicating how many columns of diodes are selected is provided to the LED power supply 349 that generates the LED power supply voltage Vled, and the LED power supply 349 depends on the number of diodes. The voltage Vled is output.

In this modification, for example, the LED power supply 349 generates a voltage of Vled≈4Vf when four diode strings are selected, and generates a voltage of Vled≈3Vf when three diode strings are selected. When two diode strings are selected, a voltage Vled≈2Vf is generated, and when one diode string is selected, a voltage Vled≈Vf is generated.
Note that only the variation adjusting resistor Rt is connected to each diode row of the panel decoration device 42. In addition, a detection voltage proportional to the current flowing through each diode (for example, a voltage obtained by current-voltage conversion by a sense resistor (not shown)) is fed back to the LED power supply device 349, and the LED power supply device 349 keeps the LED drive current constant. Thus, control is performed to drive the LED with a constant current. At this time, the detection voltage from any one of the plurality of diode arrays having the same number of diodes can be fed back to the LED power supply device 349. Moreover, you may make it provide the LED power supply device from which an output voltage differs for every thing in which the number of diodes in series differs.

Next, game control performed in the game control apparatus 100 will be described.
The CPU 111A of the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 extracts a random number for determining the hit of the usual figure based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the gate switch 34a provided in the usual figure start gate 34, and the ROM 111B. Is compared with the determination value stored in, and a process for determining whether or not the normal-game fluctuation display game is hit is performed. Then, in the LED display unit 53, after the identification symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined time, a process for displaying a general symbol variation display game to be stopped is performed. When the result of the normal figure fluctuation display game is a win, a special result mode is displayed on the LED display unit 53, the general electric solenoid 37c is operated, and the opening / closing members 37b and 37b of the normal fluctuation winning device 37 are kept for a predetermined time. The opening control is performed as described above (for example, for 0.3 seconds).

In the present embodiment, when the result of the normal fluctuation display game is out of order, control is performed to display the outage result mode on the LED display unit 53.
Further, a start winning (starting memory) is stored based on an input of a detection signal of a game ball from a starting port 1 switch 36a provided in the starting winning port 36, and based on this start memory, the first special figure variation display game is stored. The random number value for jackpot determination is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in the ROM 111B, and a process for determining whether or not the first special figure variation display game is missed is performed. Therefore, the CPU 111A functions as a random value acquisition condition detection unit and a random value acquisition unit.

In addition, the start memory is stored based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the start port 2 switch 37a provided in the normal variation winning device 37. A random number value is extracted and compared with a determination value stored in the ROM 111B, and a process of determining whether or not the second special figure variation display game is missed is performed.
Then, the CPU 111 </ b> A of the game control device 100 outputs control information (production control command) including the determination results of the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game to the presentation control device 300. Then, after the identification symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined time on the special figure 1 display or the special figure 2 display of the collective display device 50, a process for displaying a special figure fluctuation display game to stop display is performed. Therefore, the CPU 111A functions as a game result determination unit that determines a random number value and performs a determination process related to the game.

Further, the effect control device 300 performs a process of displaying a decoration special figure variation display game corresponding to the special figure variation display game on the display device 41 based on the control signal from the game control device 100.
Furthermore, in the production control device 300, based on the control signal from the game control device 100, the sound output from the speakers 19a and 19b, the process of controlling the light emission of various LEDs, and the like are performed.
Then, when the result of the special figure variation display game is a win, the CPU 111A of the game control device 100 displays a special result mode on the special figure 1 display or the special figure 2 display and generates a special game state. I do.
In the process of generating the special game state, the CPU 111A performs control for allowing the game ball to flow into the special winning opening by, for example, opening the open / close door 38c of the special variable winning apparatus 38 by the special winning opening solenoid 38b. .

Then, a condition that either a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins the grand prize opening or a predetermined time (for example, 25 seconds or 1 second) elapses from the opening of the big prize opening is achieved. Opening the grand prize opening until one is made is defined as one round, and control (cycle game) is performed to continue (repeat) this for a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 times or 2 times).
When the result of the special figure variation display game is out of control, control is performed to display the result form of the deviation on the special figure 1 display or the special figure 2 display.

In addition, the game control device 100 can generate a probability change state as a game state after the special game state ends based on the result mode of the special figure variation display game.
This probability variation state is a state (high probability state) in which the probability of a hit result in the special figure variation display game is higher than the normal probability state. In addition, the first special figure variation display game and the second special figure variation display game, regardless of which one of the first special figure variation display game and the second special figure variation display game results in a certain variation state. Both display games are in a probable state.

In addition, the game control device 100 can generate a short time state as a game state after the special game state is ended based on the result mode of the special figure variation display game.
In this time-short state, control is performed so that the normal-variation display game and the normal variation winning device 37 are in the time-short operation state. Specifically, in the short-time state, the execution time of the above-described usual-variable display game is controlled to be a second variable display time shorter than the first variable display time (for example, 10 seconds is 1 second). Thus, the number of times of opening of the normal variation winning device 37 per unit time is controlled to be substantially increased. Further, in the short time state, when the normal variation winning device 37 is released as a result of the normal variation display game being won, the release time becomes a second release time longer than the first release time in the normal state. (For example, 0.3 seconds is 1.7 seconds). In the short-time state, the number of times of opening of the normal variation winning device 37 is not the first opening number of one time but a plurality of times of two or more times (for example, (3 times) the second number of times of opening.

It should be noted that the execution time of the normal variation display game is set to the second variation display time (for example, 1 second), and the release mode of the normal variation winning device 37 is the second release time (for example, 1.7). Second), and the number of times of opening with respect to one hit result of the normal variation display game is the second number of times of opening (for example, 3 times), either one or both may be performed. May be. In the short-time operation state, control may be performed so that the probability of a hit result of the normal-variable display game is higher than that in the normal operation state.
As a result, the game ball can easily win the normal variation winning device 37, and the second special figure variation display game can be easily started.
In addition, the time variation operation state of the probability variation state, the normal variation display game, and the normal variation prize winning device 37 can be generated independently, and both can be generated at the same time, or only one can be generated. Is possible.

  Hereinafter, processing executed by the gaming microcomputer (gaming microcomputer) 111 of the gaming control apparatus 100 that executes gaming control as described above will be described. Control processing by the gaming microcomputer 111 mainly includes main processing shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 and timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 11 performed at a predetermined time period (for example, 4 msec).

[Main processing]
First, the main process will be described. The main process is started when the power is turned on. In this main process, as shown in FIG. 9, first, an interrupt prohibition process (step S1) is performed, and then an interrupt vector setting process (step S1) for setting a jump destination vector address to be executed when an interrupt occurs. S2), a stack pointer setting process (step S3) for setting a stack pointer that is the start address of an area in which a value of a register or the like is saved when an interrupt occurs, and an interrupt mode setting process (step S4) for setting an interrupt processing mode. )I do.

  Next, in order to wait for the program of the payout control apparatus (payout board) 200 to start up normally, for example, a time of 4 msec is waited (step S5). As a result, when the power is turned on, the game control device 100 rises first and sends the command to the payout control device 200 before the payout control device 200 starts up, thereby avoiding the payout control device 200 from losing the command. be able to. Thereafter, access to a readable / writable RWM (read / write memory: RAM 111C) such as a RAM or EEPROM is permitted, and all output ports are set to OFF (no output) (steps S6 and S7). In addition, the serial port ((port previously installed in the gaming microcomputer 111) is not used in this embodiment because it is in parallel communication with the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300). Processing is performed (step S8).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the initialization switch in the power supply device 400 is turned on (step S9). If it is determined that the initialization switch is off (step S9; No), it is checked whether the value of the power failure inspection area 1 in the RWM is normal power interruption inspection area check data (step S10). (Step S11; Yes), it is checked whether the value of the power failure inspection area 2 in the RWM is normal power interruption inspection area check data (Step S12). Next, if the value of the power failure inspection area 2 is normal (step S13; Yes), the checksum of the predetermined area in the RWM is calculated (step S14), and the calculated checksum and the checksum at the time of power interruption are calculated. Compare (step S15) and determine whether they match (step S16). And when it corresponds (step S16; Yes), it transfers to step S17 of FIG. 10, and performs the process at the time of recovering normally from a power failure.

When the initialization switch is determined to be on (step S9; Yes), or when it is determined that the check data in the power failure inspection area is not normal data (step S11; No or step S13; No), the checksum Is determined to be not normal (step S16; No), the process proceeds to step S24 in FIG. 10 to perform initialization processing.
In step S17 of FIG. 10, all the power failure inspection areas are cleared, the checksum area is cleared (step S18), and the area related to error and fraud monitoring is reset (step S19). Next, an area for storing the gaming state in the RWM is examined to determine whether or not the gaming state is a high probability state (step S20). If it is determined that the probability is not high (step S20; No), steps S21 and S22 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S23.

  If it is determined in step S20 that the probability is high (step S20; Yes), the ON information is saved in the high probability notification flag area (step S21), and the high probability notification LED (for example, provided in the batch display device 50) The ON (lighted) data of the error indicator is saved in the segment area (step S22). And the process (step S23) which transmits the command at the time of the power recovery corresponding to the process number prepared in order to rationally perform the below-mentioned special figure game process is performed (step S23), and it progresses to step S29 .

  On the other hand, when jumping from step S9, S11, S13, S16 to step S24, all work areas before the access prohibited area are cleared (step S24), and all stack areas after the access prohibited area are cleared. (Step S25), the initial value at power-on is saved in the area to be initialized (Step S26). And the time value of the period which outputs the external information regarding RWM clear is set (step S27), the command at the time of power-on is transmitted to the effect control apparatus 300 (step S28), and it progresses to step S29.

In step S29, a process of starting a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) circuit that generates a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal (CTC) in the gaming microcomputer 111 (clock generator) is performed.
The CTC circuit is provided in a clock generator in the gaming microcomputer 111. The clock generator divides an oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the crystal oscillator 113, and a timer interrupt signal having a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) for the CPU 111A based on the divided signal. And a CTC circuit for generating a signal CTC that gives a trigger for updating a random number to be supplied to the random number generation circuit.

  After the CTC activation process in step S29, a process for activating and setting the random number generation circuit is performed (step S30). Specifically, the CPU 111A performs setting of a code (specified value) for starting the random number generation circuit in a predetermined register (CTC update permission register) in the random number generation circuit. Then, the values of the predetermined registers (soft random number registers 1 to n) in the random number generation circuit at the time of power-on are changed to various initial value random numbers (random numbers for determining the big hit symbol (big hit symbol random number 1, big hit symbol random number 2) Then, after saving the initial value (start value) of a random number (winning random number) for determining the normal hit in a predetermined area of the RWM (step S31), the interruption is permitted (step S32). The random number generation circuit in the CPU 111A used in this embodiment is configured so that the initial value of the soft random number register changes every time the power is turned on. Therefore, this value is used as the initial value (start value) of various initial value random numbers. By doing so, it is possible to break the regularity of random numbers generated by software, making it difficult for a player to obtain illegal random numbers.

  Subsequently, an initial value random number update process (step S33) is performed to update the values of various initial value random numbers to break the regularity of the random numbers. In the present embodiment, although not particularly limited, the big hit random number is configured to be generated using a random number (big hit random number) generated in a random number generation circuit. That is, the big hit random number is a hard random number generated by hardware, and the big hit symbol random number is a soft random number generated by software.

  After the initial value random number update process in step S33, the number of times the power failure monitoring signal input from the power supply 400 is read and checked via the port and the data bus is set (step S34), and the power failure monitoring signal is ON. It is determined whether or not there is (step S35). If the power failure monitoring signal is not ON (step S35; No), the process returns to the initial value random number update process (step S33). That is, when no power failure has occurred, the initial value random number update processing and the power failure monitoring signal check (loop processing) are repeated. By permitting an interrupt before the initial value random number update process (step S33) (step S32), if a timer interrupt occurs during the initial value random number update process, the interrupt process is executed with priority, and the timer interrupt Can be prevented from being interrupted by waiting for the initial value random number update process.

  Note that the initial value random number update process in step S33 includes a method of performing an initial value random number update process in the timer interrupt process in addition to the main process. In order to avoid execution of the value random number update process, when performing the initial value random number update process in the main process, it is necessary to disable the interrupt and then update to cancel the interrupt. If the initial value random number update process in the timer interrupt process is not performed in the main process and only the main process is performed, there is no problem even if the interrupt is canceled before the initial value random number update process. There is an advantage that it is simplified.

  If the power failure monitoring signal is ON (step S35; Yes), it is determined whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is in the ON state for the number of checks set in step S34 (step S36). And when the ON state of the power failure monitoring signal is not continued for the number of checks (step S36; No), the process returns to the determination of whether the power failure monitoring signal is ON (step S35; Yes). Further, when the power failure monitoring signal is ON for the number of checks (step S36; Yes), that is, when it is determined that a power failure has occurred, processing for temporarily prohibiting interruption (step S37), all A process of outputting OFF data to the output port (step S38) is performed.

  Thereafter, the power failure recovery inspection region check data 1 is saved in the power failure recovery inspection region 1 (step S39), and the power failure recovery inspection region check data 2 is saved in the power failure recovery inspection region 2 (step S40). Further, after performing the process of calculating the checksum when the RWM is turned off (step S41) and the process of saving the checksum (step S42), the process of prohibiting access to the RWM (step S43) is performed. Wait until the gaming machine is powered off. In this way, the check data is saved in the power failure recovery inspection area and the checksum at the time of power shutdown is calculated, so that whether or not the information stored in the RWM before the power shutdown is correctly backed up can be checked. This can be determined when the power is turned on again.

[Timer interrupt processing]
Next, timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 11 is started when a periodic timer interrupt signal generated by the CTC circuit in the clock generator is input to the CPU 111A.
When the timer interrupt process is started, a register saving process (step S51) is performed in which a value held in a predetermined register is first transferred to the RWM. In the Z80 microcomputer used as the gaming microcomputer in this embodiment, the processing can be replaced by saving the value held in the front register to the back register. Next, an input process (step S52) for taking in inputs from various sensors (start port 1 switch 36a, start port 2 switch 37a, usual gate switch 34a, count switch 38a, etc.), that is, reading the state of each input port. )I do. Then, based on the output data set in various processes, an output process (step S53) for performing drive control of an actuator such as a solenoid (large winning opening SOL38b, general electric power SOL37c) and the like is performed.

  Next, a command transmission process (step S54), a random number update process 1 (step S55), and a random number update process 2 (steps) for outputting commands set in the transmission buffer in various processes to the effect control device 300, the payout control device 200, and the like. S56) is performed. Thereafter, it is monitored whether a normal signal is input from the start port 1 switch 36a, the start port 2 switch 37a, the usual gate switch 34a, the winning port switch 35a... 35n, and the count switch 38a. A prize opening switch / error monitoring process (step S57) is performed to determine whether the front frame or the glass frame is open. Also, a special figure game process (step S58) for performing a process related to the special figure variable display game and a general figure game process (step S59) for performing a process related to the general map variable display game are performed.

  Next, a segment LED editing process (step S60), which is provided in the gaming machine 10 and drives a segment LED that displays various types of information related to display of special figure variation games and games, to display a desired content, magnetic sensor switch 61 And the magnet fraud monitoring process (step S61) which checks the detection signal from the vibration sensor switch 62 and determines whether there is any abnormality is performed. Then, external information editing processing (step S62) is performed in which signals to be output to various external devices are set in the output buffer. Subsequently, a process of clearing the interrupt request and declaring the end of the interrupt (step S63), a process of restoring the register data saved in step S51 (step S64), and a process of permitting the interrupt (step S64) Step S65) is performed, and the timer interrupt process is terminated.

[Command transmission processing]
Next, the details of the command transmission process (step S54) in the above-described timer interrupt process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 12A, the command transmission process includes an effect control command transmission process (step S410) for the effect control apparatus 300 and a payout command transmission process (step S420) for the payout control apparatus 200.

Details of the effect control command transmission process (step S410) in the command transmission process are shown in FIG. Since the payout command transmission process is not directly related to the present invention, the description thereof is omitted.
In the effect control command transmission process, as shown in FIG. 12B, first, the value of the light counter that is “+1” when the transmission command is set to RWM, and “+1” when the transmission command is read from the RWM. Is compared with the read counter value to check whether a command is set (step S411). Specifically, if the value of the write counter and the value of the read counter are the same, it is determined that there is no setting command. If the value of the write counter does not match the value of the read counter, an unsent command Is set (step S412).

  If it is determined in step S412 that there is no setting command (step S412; No), the effect control command transmission process is skipped, and a command is set in step S412 (step S412; Yes). If it is determined, the read counter is updated (+1) in the next step S413. Then, the command is loaded from the command transmission area (MODE (upper byte)) corresponding to the value of the read counter (step S414). Then, the area containing the loaded command is reset (step S415). Further, a command is loaded from the command transmission area (ACTION (lower byte)) corresponding to the value of the read counter (step S416). Then, the area containing the loaded command is reset (step S417). Thereafter, the process proceeds to an effect control command output process (step S418).

In the effect control command output process, the command data output process is executed by preparing an off time of the strobe signal indicating that the command (MODE) is being output. As a result, the first 8 bits (MODE) of the effect control command are output. Thereafter, a command (ACTION) is output, and a command data output process is executed after preparing a strobe signal OFF time indicating that the command (ACTION) is being output.
In the command data output process, first, in order to prevent the state immediately before the port from being lost, after the port state holding data of the output port 131 including the strobe signal of the effect control command output is loaded, the control information The output control command is output to the output port 132, and the signal excluding the strobe signal is held in the previous state and the strobe signal in the off state (for example, low level indicating data reading invalidity) is added to the output port 131. Output.

[Special Figure Game Processing]
Next, details of the special game process (step S58) in the above-described timer interrupt process will be described.
In the special figure game process, the input of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a is monitored, the entire process related to the special figure variation display game is controlled, and the special figure display is set.
As shown in FIG. 13, in the special figure game process, first, a start switch monitoring process (step A1) for monitoring a winning of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a is performed.
In the start port switch monitoring process, when a game ball is won in the normal variable winning device 37 that forms the start winning port 36 and the second starting winning port, various random numbers (such as jackpot random numbers) are extracted and Prior to the start of the figure variation display game, a game result preliminary determination is performed in which a game result based on a prize is determined in advance.

Next, a count switch monitoring process (step A2) is performed. In this count switch monitoring process, a process of monitoring the count number of the count switch 38a provided in the special variation winning device 38 is performed.
Next, the special figure game process timer is updated (-1) to check whether or not the game process timer has expired (step A3), and the special figure game process timer has expired (step A4; If the determination is Yes), a special figure game sequence branch table to be referred to for branching to a process corresponding to the special figure game process number is set in the register (step A5), and the special figure game is used using the table. A process (step A6) of acquiring a branch destination address of the process corresponding to the process number is performed.

Then, after performing the process of saving the return address after the branch process to the stack area (step A7), the game branch process (step A8) is performed according to the game process number.
If the game process number is “0” in step A8, the fluctuation start of the special figure fluctuation display game is monitored, the fluctuation start setting of the special figure fluctuation display game, the setting of the effect, and the special figure fluctuation processing are performed. A special figure routine process (step A9) for setting information necessary for the execution is performed.

If the game process number is “1” in step A8, the special figure changing process for setting the stop display time of the special figure and setting the information necessary for performing the special figure display process is performed. (Step A10) is performed.
Furthermore, if the game processing number is “2” in step A8, if the game result of the special figure variation display game is a big hit, a fanfare command setting corresponding to the type of big hit (2R big hit or 15R big hit) Special chart display processing (step A11) for setting the fanfare time according to the big winning opening opening pattern of each jackpot (2R jackpot or 15R jackpot), setting information necessary for performing the fanfare / interval processing, etc. Do.

In step A8, when the game process number is “3”, setting of the opening time of the big prize opening, updating of the number of times of opening, setting of information necessary for performing the processing during opening of the big prize opening, etc. are performed. The fanfare / interval processing (step A12) is performed.
In step A8, if the game process number is “4”, an interval command is set if the big hit round is not the final round, while a big hit end screen command is set if the big round is the final round, A large winning opening opening process (step A13) for setting information necessary for performing the winning opening remaining ball processing is performed.

If the game process number is “5” in step A8, if the big hit round is the final round, a process for setting a time for discharging the remaining balls in the big prize opening and a big hit end process are performed. A big winning opening remaining ball process (step A14) for setting information necessary for the execution is performed.
If the game process number is “6” in step A8, a big hit end process (step A15) for setting information necessary for performing the special figure routine process (step A9) is performed.

Thereafter, each data of the table prepared in each branch process is saved in the work area (step A16). And after preparing the table for controlling the fluctuation | variation of the special figure 1 indicator 51 (step A17), the symbol fluctuation | variation control process (step A18) which concerns on the special figure 1 indicator 51 is performed. Then, after preparing the table for controlling the fluctuation | variation of the special figure 2 indicator 52 (step A19), the symbol fluctuation | variation control process (step A20) which concerns on the special figure 2 indicator 52 is performed.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step A4 that the special figure game process timer has not expired (step A4; No), the process proceeds to step A17, and the subsequent processes are performed.

Next, the control executed by the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 of the effect control device 300 will be described.
The control process by the main control microcomputer 311 includes a 1st main process shown in FIG. 14 and a command reception interrupt process performed every predetermined time (for example, every 2 msec). In the first main process, the entire program is controlled.
First, the 1st main process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 14, in the 1st main process, first, a process for prohibiting interruption (step B1) is performed, and then an initialization process (step B2) of the 1st CPU 311 is performed.

Next, data in a predetermined area of the RAM is checked to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the RAM 311a (step B3). If it is determined that there is an abnormality in the RAM (Yes), the process of clearing the RAM to 0 in step B4 is performed, then the process of setting an initial value in the RAM (step B5) is performed, and the brightness setting unit 47 (FIG. 4). The process (step B6) for obtaining the brightness adjustment value (set value) set in (see) is performed, and the process proceeds to step B8. On the other hand, if it is determined in step B3 that there is no abnormality in the RAM (No), the process proceeds to step B7 and the brightness adjustment value stored in the RAM (if adjusted by a front-side effect button as described later) If the brightness is not adjusted, the setting value of the brightness setting unit 47 is stored), and the process proceeds to step B8. Since the RAM 311a is backed up by the backup power source 420 (see FIG. 4), it is possible to control the light emission of the decoration device with the brightness set or adjusted before the power is shut off. Even when the RAM is cleared, the brightness adjustment value set by the brightness setting unit 47 is acquired. A power failure flag is provided so that the brightness adjustment value stored in the RAM is acquired only when a power failure occurs, and the brightness adjustment value set by the brightness setting unit 47 is acquired when the power is turned on at the normal start of business. May be.
Next, in step B8, random number initialization processing is performed to initialize a random number value, that is, a random number counter value. Thereafter, processing for starting various interrupt timers (step B9) is performed, and interrupts are permitted (step B10). Thereafter, the main control microcomputer 311 performs main loop processing steps B11 to B21.

In this main loop process, first, a process (step B11) for clearing the watchdog timer (WDT) is performed. Then, an input process (step B12) from the effect button SW25a is performed, and a game control command analysis process (step B13) is performed. The effect button input process (step B12) will be described in detail later.
In the game control command analysis process of step B13, it is determined whether or not the command related to the game transmitted from the game control apparatus 100 has been correctly received. If the command has been correctly received, the process of determining the command is performed. One command transmitted from the game control device 100 is composed of a pair of data of a first command (MODE) and a second command (ACTION).
Then, when the combination of the received first command (MODE) and the second command (ACTION) is not inconsistent (for example, when received in the order of MODE → ACTION), it is determined that the command is correctly received, and the first command (MODE) ) And the second command (ACTION) are inconsistent (for example, when received in the order of ACTION → ACTION or in the order of MODE → MODE → MODE), it is determined that the command reception is abnormal. .

Subsequently, after performing a test mode process (step B14), a scene control process (step B15) for performing a process related to the special figure variation display game is performed.
Next, a gaming machine error monitoring process (step B16) for monitoring the occurrence of errors such as opening of the front frame (inner frame) 12 and the glass frame 15, an effect command editing process (step B17) related to effects in the special figure variation display game, Sound control processing (step B18) which is processing related to audio output (speaker 19a, 19b driving processing), decoration control processing (step B18) for controlling light emission of the frame decoration device 18 and the panel decoration device 42 provided on the front frame 12. B19), motor / SOL control processing (step B20) related to the control of the board effect motor / SOL control circuit 334 for driving the accessory provided in the center case 40, and the variation mode (variation pattern) of the decorative special figure variation display game Perform random number update processing (Step B21) to update random numbers that determine details such as watchdog timer Back to the clear processing (step B11).

  Next, a method for adjusting the brightness of the decorative lamp (board decoration device and frame decoration device) in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the brightness of the decorative lamp can be adjusted by the player in addition to the staff of the game store. Specifically, the brightness setting device 47 as the brightness setting means described above is provided on the back side of the gaming machine, and the player can adjust the brightness of the decorative lamp by operating the input operation unit 25. ing. However, priority is given to the setting by the luminance setting unit 47, that is, the setting value by the luminance setting unit 47 on the back side of the gaming machine is set as the upper limit, and the luminance level can be set by operating the “effect SW” on the front side. ing. Note that in any case of adjustment by any means, in order to support the adjustment, an image displaying a luminance level as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the display device 41 on the front side of the gaming machine. .

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the present embodiment, the brightness of the decorative lamp can be adjusted in 9 steps by 10% within a range of 20% to 100%. Specifically, when the luminance adjustment mode is selected by operating the input operation unit 25, as shown in FIG. 15, the luminance level display and function buttons F1, F2, and the like such as “−”, “+”, and “Determine” are displayed. F3 is displayed. When the player operates the select button 25b of the input operation unit 25 to move the cursor (displayed with a thick frame) and inputs a command by operating the effect button 25a while viewing this screen, the desired brightness is set. It is like that.

  15A and 15B, when the setting value by the luminance setting unit 47 is 100% brightness, the setting is changed to 50% or 70% brightness by the operation of the input operation unit 25. The state of the luminance level displayed on the display device 41 at the time is shown. In FIG. 15C, when the setting value by the brightness setting unit 47 is 80% brightness, when the setting is changed to 70% brightness by the operation of the input operation unit 25, the display device 41 is displayed. The state of the displayed brightness level is shown. In this luminance level display, if the setting of the luminance setting unit 47 is “100”, for example, as shown in FIG. 15A, the maximum luminance level is displayed up to “100”. If the setting of the luminance setting unit 47 is “80”, for example, as shown in FIG. 15C, it can be seen that the maximum luminance level is up to “80” by not displaying 90 or more bars. It is trying to display.

In the present embodiment, the effect control device 300 executes the display of the brightness adjustment screen on the display device 41 at the time of brightness adjustment of the decorative lamp performed by the player operating the input operation unit 25. The effect button input process (step B12) and the decoration control process (step B19) during the main process are performed. Hereinafter, these processes will be described in detail.
FIG. 16 shows an example of a specific procedure of the effect button input process (step B12).

As shown in FIG. 16, in this effect button input process, first, it is determined whether or not a luminance adjustment selection input has been made by an operation of the input operation unit 25 (step B111). If it is determined that there is no luminance adjustment selection input (No), steps B112 and B113 are skipped and the effect button input process is exited. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a selection input for the brightness adjustment mode (Yes), the process proceeds to step B112, where the brightness adjustment value corresponding to the selected brightness setting is acquired, and the acquired brightness adjustment value is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 311a. Store (step B113). Since the RAM 311a is backed up by the backup power source 420 (see FIG. 4), even if the power source is shut off, it is possible to control the light emission of the decoration device with the brightness adjusted before the power source is shut off. Here, the brightness adjustment value is “0” when the selected brightness setting is “100”, “10” when the selected brightness setting is “90”, and the selected brightness setting is “80”. ”Is determined as“ 20 ”...
Although not shown, not only the processing of steps B111 to B113 but also the control corresponding to the input of the effect button 25a during the execution of the variable display game is received in the effect button input process. Processing to be executed is also included.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a specific procedure of the decoration control process (step B19).
As shown in FIG. 17, in this decoration control process, it is first determined whether or not it is the frame update timing of the display device 41 (step B161). Here, when it is determined that the frame update timing is not reached (No), the decoration control process is exited without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is determined in step B161 that the frame update timing is (Yes), the process proceeds to step B162, and is given to a plurality of effect patterns such as a variation pattern and a big hit scene prepared in advance in the variation display game. The current brightness data table (see FIG. 18) is acquired from the ROM on the basis of the effect number corresponding to the current effect among the effect numbers being displayed.

Then, luminance data corresponding to the current number of frames (frame number) is acquired from the luminance data table (step B163). Then, it is determined whether or not the acquired luminance data is equal to or lower than a preset lower threshold value (lower limit value) (step B164). If it is determined that the acquired luminance data is equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (Yes), the process proceeds to step B168, and the acquired luminance data is written in the luminance adjustment register 345 (see FIG. 5). Instruct to proceed to step B171. The frame in the decoration control process may correspond to the frame in the display control process of the display device 41 on a 1: 1 basis, or in the decoration control process with respect to n frames in the display control process of the display device 41. One frame may be associated.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step B164 that the acquired luminance data is not equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (No), the process proceeds to step B166, and RAM is acquired from the acquired luminance data in step B113 of the effect button input process. The brightness adjustment value stored in is subtracted.

Then, it is determined whether or not the luminance after subtraction is equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (step B167). If it is determined that the acquired luminance data is equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (Yes), the process proceeds to step B169 to instruct to write the luminance data corresponding to the lower threshold value into the luminance adjustment register 345, and to step B171. Proceed to
If it is determined in step B167 that the luminance after subtraction is not equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (No), the process proceeds to step B170 to instruct to write the luminance data of the calculation result in the luminance adjustment register 345, and to step B171. move on.
In step B171, the lighting data designating the diode row to be lit is acquired, the lighting data is instructed to be written in the output setting register 346 (see FIG. 5), and the decoration control process is exited. The above processing is performed for the diodes to be controlled (LED0 to LED15 in FIG. 5).

FIG. 18 shows an example of a luminance data table. In FIG. 18, a frame corresponds to a frame in the display device 41. The luminance setting data and lighting data of each frame in the luminance data table of FIG. 18 correspond to the display frame in pairs from left to right. Are read out and set in the brightness adjustment register 345 and the output setting register 346, the corresponding light emitting diodes in the frame decoration device 18 and the panel decoration device 42 are controlled to be lit. FIG. 18 relates to the diode LED0, and although not shown, such a table is prepared for each diode row (LED0 to LED15 in FIG. 5).
18, (A) is the table data before the brightness setting is changed by the decoration control process shown in FIG. 17, and (B1) and (B2) are the brightness settings by the decoration control process shown in FIG. Shows the table data after the change.

FIG. 19 shows a timing chart in the case where the lighting control of the light emitting diode is performed according to the luminance setting data and lighting data of each frame of the luminance data table by executing the decoration control process of FIG.
19, (A) is a timing chart when the data of the luminance data table before the luminance setting is changed by the decoration control processing shown in FIG. 17, and (B) is a decoration shown in FIG. The timing chart at the time of using the data of the brightness | luminance data table after the setting of a brightness | luminance was changed by control processing is shown. In FIG. 19B, the luminance range indicated by the symbol a corresponds to the first range in the claims, and the luminance range indicated by the symbol b corresponds to the second range. In this embodiment, even if a brightness adjustment operation is performed, the brightness is not adjusted in the first range and the brightness is adjusted only in the second range without adjusting the brightness. For example, in the second range, the brightness is adjusted. The amount of brightness adjustment may be changed between the first range and the second range, such as increasing the adjustment value and decreasing the adjustment value in the first range.
Also, by making the second range wider than the first range, the range of brightness that can be adjusted by the player can be widened, and the player can select the brightness that suits his / her preference. Can do.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the lower threshold (“20” in FIG. 19) is set in the luminance adjustment, the luminance adjustment is “50” as in the sixth frame (T6). (The adjustment value is “50”), even if the luminance level before the change is “30”, it is limited to “20” after the adjustment (“0” if there is no lower threshold) . As a result, when the brightness is changed to a low level by the player's brightness adjustment, the brightness becomes too low, which may make it difficult to understand what effect or notification is being made. Can be avoided. In addition, it is possible to prevent the entertainment of the game from deteriorating due to an unintended effect produced by the frame decoration device or the board decoration device as the light emitting device.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the luminance level is changed in synchronization with the display frame (see step B161 in FIG. 17), and therefore, for example, in the middle of the sixth frame (T6), for example, as shown in FIG. Even when the brightness adjustment setting is changed from “50” to “70”, the setting is reflected from the next frame. Therefore, the frame decoration device 18 or the panel decoration is synchronized with the switching of the display frame of the display device 41. The luminance of the light emitting diode in the device 42 is changed. As a result, there is an advantage that when the luminance of the light emitting device is changed, the player's vision is not uncomfortable.

From the above description, in the above embodiment,
A light emitting device provided on the front of the gaming machine;
Luminance setting means capable of changing the setting of the light emission amount of the light emitting device;
Game control means for managing the progress of the game;
In a gaming machine provided with an effect control means for performing light emission control in the light emitting device based on a control command signal from the game control means,
The production control means includes
Effect data storage means for storing effect data including luminance data defining the light emission amount of the light emitting device;
Light emission control means for performing light emission control of the light emitting device based on the luminance data stored in the predetermined luminance data storage means when a predetermined update timing is reached;
Brightness adjustment means for determining an adjustment amount based on a set value set by the brightness setting means and adjusting the brightness data;
A first range and a second range are set as ranges for adjusting the luminance data,
The adjustment of the luminance data differs depending on whether the luminance data is located in either the first range or the second range,
The luminance data in the first range is adjusted within the first range, the luminance data in the second range is adjusted within the second range, and the adjusted luminance data is stored in the luminance data storage means. It can be seen that the invention as described above is included.

  According to this invention, it becomes possible for the player to adjust the light emission amount of the light emitting device, so that the player can enjoy the performance by the light emitting device with brightness according to his / her preference, while the player By adjusting the amount of light emission, it is possible to prevent the entertainment of the game from being reduced due to an unintended effect by the light emitting device.

In the above embodiment, the second range is set to a range having higher luminance than the first range, and when the luminance data is located in the second range, the luminance data is When the adjustment amount is subtracted, and the subtraction result is less than or equal to a threshold value that defines the upper limit of the first range, the threshold value is stored as the luminance data in the luminance data storage means, and the subtraction result is stored in the first range. An invention in which the subtraction result is stored in the luminance data storage means when the threshold value is larger than a threshold value that defines the upper limit is included.
According to this invention, when the luminance data is located in the second range, the adjustment amount is subtracted from the luminance data, and when the subtraction result is less than or equal to the threshold value that defines the upper limit of the first range, the threshold value is set. Is stored in the luminance data storage means as luminance data, so that the luminance data higher than the threshold value is not changed below the threshold value by the player, so the player adjusted the light emission amount of the light emitting device. Thus, it is possible to prevent an unintended effect by changing to a low luminance close to a light-off state at an unintended timing of the light-emitting device, and to prevent the entertainment of the game from deteriorating.

In the above embodiment, when the luminance data is located in the first range, the luminance data is stored in the luminance data storage means without adjusting the luminance data based on the adjustment amount. Invented inventions are included.
According to this invention, when the luminance data is located in the first range, the luminance data is stored in the luminance data storage means without adjusting the luminance data based on the adjustment amount. By adjusting the light emission amount of the light-emitting device, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a situation in which the low-brightness effect executed in the light-emitting mode having a low luminance in the light-emitting device cannot be seen at all and the entertainment of the game is reduced. be able to.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment of the gaming machine configured to be capable of adjusting the luminance of the light emitting diode.
In the first embodiment described above, a lower threshold value (for example, “20”) is provided at the time of luminance adjustment to limit the adjustment so that the lower threshold value cannot be adjusted. In addition to the above lower threshold value, an upper threshold value (for example, “80”) is provided to limit the adjustment so that the lower threshold value cannot be adjusted.

FIG. 20 shows an example of a flowchart of the decoration control process in the second embodiment that enables the limitation of the brightness adjustment range as described above. The only difference from the flowchart of FIG. 17 is that the flowchart of FIG. 20 includes Step B165 that is not included in the flowchart of FIG.
In the decoration control process of FIG. 20, it is first determined whether or not it is the frame update timing of the display device 41 (step B161). Here, when it is determined that the frame update timing is not reached (No), the decoration control process is exited without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is determined in step B161 that it is the frame update timing (Yes), the process proceeds to step B162, and it corresponds to the current effect among the effect numbers assigned to the plurality of effect patterns prepared in advance. Based on the production number, the current luminance data table (see FIG. 18) is acquired.

Then, luminance data corresponding to the current number of frames (frame number) is acquired from the luminance data table (step B163). Then, it is determined whether or not the acquired luminance data is equal to or lower than a preset lower threshold value (lower limit value) (step B164). If it is determined that the acquired luminance data is equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (Yes), the process proceeds to step B168, and the acquired luminance data is written in the luminance adjustment register 345 (see FIG. 5). Instruct to proceed to step B171.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step B164 that the acquired luminance data is not less than or equal to the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (No), the process proceeds to step B165, and the luminance data acquired in step B163 is the upper threshold value (upper limit) set in advance. Value) or more. If it is determined in step B165 that the acquired luminance data is greater than or equal to the above threshold (Yes), the process proceeds to step B168, and an instruction is given to write the acquired luminance data into the luminance adjustment register 345 (see FIG. 5). Proceed to step B171.

If it is determined in step B165 that the acquired brightness data is not equal to or higher than the upper threshold (No), the process proceeds to step B166, and the brightness data acquired in step B163 is stored in the RAM in step B113 of the effect button input process. Subtract the brightness adjustment value.
Then, it is determined whether or not the luminance after subtraction is equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (step B167). If it is determined that the acquired luminance data is equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (Yes), the process proceeds to step B169 to instruct to write the luminance data after subtraction into the luminance adjustment register 345. Proceed to B171.
If it is determined in step B167 that the luminance after subtraction is not equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (No), the process proceeds to step B170 to instruct to write the luminance data of the calculation result in the luminance adjustment register 345. To step B171.
In step B171, the lighting data designating the diode row to be lit is acquired, the lighting data is instructed to be written in the output setting register 346 (see FIG. 5), and the decoration control process is exited. The above processing is performed for the diodes to be controlled (LED0 to LED15 in FIG. 5).

FIG. 21 shows a timing chart in the case where lighting control of the light emitting diode is performed according to the luminance setting data and lighting data of each frame of the luminance data table by executing the decoration control process of FIG. In FIG. 21, the luminance range denoted by the symbol a corresponds to the first range in the claims, the luminance range denoted by the symbol b corresponds to the second range, and the symbol c is The attached luminance range corresponds to the third range.
In the timing chart of FIG. 21, the luminance data of the first frame, the second frame, the seventh frame, and the ninth frame are not adjusted because they are equal to or higher than a preset upper threshold value (upper limit value). Since the luminance data of the 4th frame and the 6th frame are below a preset lower threshold (lower limit value), the original luminance remains unchanged. On the other hand, the luminance data of the fifth frame is changed from “70” (broken line) to “20” (solid line) by setting the setting to “50” by luminance adjustment, and the luminance data of the eighth frame is The setting is changed from “70” (broken line) to “40” (solid line) by setting the setting to “70” in the brightness adjustment. Also in this embodiment, the luminance is changed in synchronization with the frame.
In this embodiment, even if the brightness adjustment operation is performed, the brightness is not adjusted in the first and third ranges, and the brightness is adjusted only in the second range without changing the brightness. The amount of brightness adjustment may be changed, for example, by increasing the adjustment value in the range, and decreasing the adjustment value in the first and third ranges.
In addition, by making the second range wider than the first range and the third range, the range of adjustment that can be adjusted by the player can be widened, and the player is more liking his / her preference. The brightness can be selected.

From the above description, in the above embodiment,
A light emitting device provided on the front of the gaming machine;
Luminance setting means capable of changing the setting of the light emission amount of the light emitting device;
Game control means for managing the progress of the game;
In a gaming machine provided with an effect control means for performing light emission control in the light emitting device based on a control command signal from the game control means,
The production control means includes
Effect data storage means for storing effect data including luminance data defining the light emission amount of the light emitting device;
Light emission control means for performing light emission control of the light emitting device based on the luminance data stored in the predetermined luminance data storage means when a predetermined update timing is reached;
Brightness adjustment means for determining an adjustment amount based on a setting value set by the brightness setting means and adjusting the brightness data;
A first range, a second range, and a third range are set as ranges for adjusting the luminance data,
The adjustment of the luminance data differs depending on whether the luminance data is located in the first range, the second range, or the third range,
The brightness data in the first range is adjusted in the first range, the brightness data in the second range is adjusted in the second range, the brightness data in the third range is adjusted in the third range, It can be seen that the invention includes an invention in which adjusted luminance data is stored in the luminance data storage means.

  And according to this invention, since it becomes possible for a player to adjust the light emission amount of a light-emitting device, a player can enjoy the effect by a light-emitting device with the brightness according to his liking. It is possible to prevent the entertainment of the game from deteriorating due to the effect of the light emitting device becoming an unintended effect due to the person adjusting the light emission amount.

  In the above-described embodiment, the second range is set to have a higher luminance than the first range, and the third range has a higher luminance than the second range. Is set, and the luminance data is in the second range, the adjustment amount is subtracted from the luminance data, and the subtraction result is equal to or lower than the upper threshold that defines the upper limit of the first range. The upper threshold value is stored in the luminance data storage unit as the luminance data, and the subtraction result is stored in the luminance data storage unit when the subtraction result is larger than the upper threshold value that defines the upper limit of the first range. Invented inventions are included.

  According to this invention, when the luminance data is located in the second range, the adjustment amount is subtracted from the luminance data, and when the subtraction result is less than or equal to the threshold value that defines the upper limit of the first range, the threshold value is set. Is stored in the luminance data storage means as luminance data, so that the luminance data higher than the threshold is not changed below the threshold at the time of adjustment of the luminance by the player, so that the player has adjusted the light emission amount, It is possible to prevent the entertainment of the game from deteriorating due to an unintended performance that is changed to a low luminance close to a light-off state at an unintended timing of the light-emitting device.

In the embodiment, when the luminance data is located in the first range and the third range, the luminance data is stored in the luminance data without adjusting the luminance data based on the adjustment amount. The invention stored in the means is included.
According to this invention, when the luminance data is located in the first range and the third range, the luminance data is stored in the luminance data storage means without adjusting the luminance data based on the adjustment amount. Therefore, when the player adjusts the amount of light emission, the low-brightness effect executed in the light-emitting mode with a low luminance in the light-emitting device cannot be seen at all, and there is a situation in which the interest of the game is reduced. It is possible to avoid such a problem that the brightness of the high-brightness effect executed in the light-emitting mode with high brightness in the light-emitting device is reduced and the player or the store clerk misses the notification due to the high-brightness effect. be able to.

(Modification)
FIG. 22 shows a timing chart in the first modification of the first embodiment. In this modification, when an error occurs in a gaming machine and is detected, an error notification such as blinking the light emitting device is performed based on an error command transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300. In addition, not only the brightness adjustment setting by the operation of the input operation means (effect button 25a), but also the flashing light emission with the maximum brightness “100” regardless of the setting state of the brightness setting device 47 on the back of the gaming machine, The period of T0 is an error notification period.
Therefore, for example, even if the brightness adjustment setting is changed to “20” or the like in the period T3 immediately before the error occurs, the setting is ignored during the notification period, and blinking is performed at the maximum brightness “100”. Note that FIG. 22 shows a case where this error notification is also performed in synchronization with the frame, but at least the blinking start may be performed without synchronizing with the frame. This modification can also be applied to the second embodiment.

Therefore, in the above embodiment,
The game control device 100 as the game control means or the effect control device 300 as the effect control means includes an error detection means for detecting an error state in the gaming machine,
When the production control unit controls the light emission amount of the panel decoration device 42 or the frame decoration device 18 as the light emitting device based on the setting by the luminance setting unit 47 or the input operation unit 25 as the luminance setting unit, the error control unit When an error is detected by the detection means, the light emitting device is set to the maximum brightness regardless of the setting state by the brightness setting unit 47 as the first brightness setting means or the input operation unit 25 as the second brightness setting means. It can be seen that the present invention includes an invention that can be controlled so as to emit light with a light emission amount.
According to such an invention, even if the brightness setting means is adjusted so that the brightness of the light emitting device is lowered, control is performed so that the light emitting device emits light at the maximum brightness when an error is detected. By doing so, it is possible to surely inform the player or the staff of the game store that an error has occurred.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment is shown in FIGS. In the case of the above-described first embodiment (FIGS. 16 and 17), the brightness data is adjusted every time when each frame is updated and reflected in the light emission control. The embodiment is a batch processing method in which brightness data is adjusted in a batch when the brightness adjustment setting is changed by operating the input operation means (effect button 25a).
FIG. 23 shows a flowchart of the effect button input process in the third embodiment. This effect button input process replaces FIG.

  In the effect button input process of FIG. 23, first, it is determined whether or not a luminance adjustment selection input has been made by an operation of the input operation unit 25 (step B111). If it is determined that there is no luminance adjustment selection input (No), steps B112 and B113 are skipped and the effect button input process is exited. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a selection input for the brightness adjustment mode (Yes), the process proceeds to step B112, where the brightness adjustment value corresponding to the selected brightness setting is acquired, and the acquired brightness adjustment value is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM. Store (step B113). Here, the brightness adjustment value is “0” when the selected brightness setting is “100”, “10” when the selected brightness setting is “90”, and the selected brightness setting is “10”. In the case of “80”, “20”... Thereafter, a luminance change process (step B114) is executed.

FIG. 25 shows a flowchart of the brightness changing process of step B114 during the effect button input process of FIG.
Steps B141 to B148 of this brightness change process are the same procedure as steps B162 to B170 of the decoration control process of FIG. That is, first, the current brightness data table (see FIG. 18) is acquired from the ROM based on the effect number corresponding to the current effect among the effect numbers assigned to the plurality of effect patterns prepared in advance (see FIG. 18). Step B141).

Next, luminance data corresponding to the current number of frames (frame number) is acquired from the luminance data table (step B142). Then, it is determined whether or not the acquired luminance data is equal to or lower than a preset lower threshold value (lower limit value) (step B143). If it is determined that the acquired luminance data is equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (Yes), the process proceeds to step B146, and the acquired luminance data is written in the luminance adjustment register 345 (see FIG. 5). Instruct to proceed to step B149.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step B143 that the acquired luminance data is not less than or equal to the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (No), the process proceeds to step B144, and step B113 of the effect button input process of FIG. 23 is performed from the acquired luminance data. To subtract the brightness adjustment value stored in the RAM.

Then, it is determined whether or not the luminance after subtraction is equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (lower limit value) (step B145). If it is determined that the acquired luminance data is equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (Yes), the process proceeds to step B147 to instruct to write the luminance data corresponding to the lower threshold value into the luminance adjustment register 345, and to step B149. Proceed to
If it is determined in step B167 that the luminance after subtraction is not equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (No), the process proceeds to step B148 to instruct to write the calculated luminance data in the luminance adjustment register 345, and then to step B149. move on.

In step B149, the number of frames (frame number) is updated by “+1”, and in the next step B150, it is determined whether or not the number of updated frames exceeds the maximum value. If it is determined that the number of frames does not exceed the maximum value (No), the process returns to the first step B141 and the above processes B141 to 149 are repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step B150 that the number of updated frames has exceeded the maximum value (Yes), the process proceeds to step B149, where the effect number is updated by “+1”. In the next step B152, the updated effect number is It is determined whether the maximum value has been exceeded. And if it determines with the production | presentation number not exceeding the maximum value (No), it will return to the first step B141 and will repeat the said process B141-149. If it is determined in step B152 that the updated effect number has exceeded the maximum value (Yes), the process goes out of the luminance change process.
By performing the control as described above, the luminance data can be adjusted in a batch.

FIG. 24 shows a flowchart of the decoration control process in the third embodiment.
In the decoration control process of FIG. 24, steps B164 to B170 of the decoration control process of FIG. 17 are omitted, and only the steps B161, B162, B163, and B171 are performed. Further, in step B162, not the luminance data table in the ROM but the luminance data table stored in the RAM in steps B146 to B148 in FIG. 25 is acquired.

In the decoration control process of FIG. 24, it is first determined whether or not it is the frame update timing of the display device 41 (step B161). Here, when it is determined that the frame update timing is not reached (No), the decoration control process is exited without doing anything. On the other hand, if it is determined in step B161 that it is the frame update timing (Yes), the process proceeds to step B162, and it corresponds to the current effect among the effect numbers assigned to the plurality of effect patterns prepared in advance. Based on the production number, the current luminance data table (see FIG. 18) is acquired from the RAM.
Then, luminance data corresponding to the current number of frames (frame number) is acquired from the luminance data table (step B163). Then, the process proceeds to step B171, where lighting data specifying a diode row to be lit is acquired and the lighting data is instructed to be written in the output setting register 346 (see FIG. 5), and the decoration control process is exited.

Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiments, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the effect button 25a and the select button 25b provided on the front surface of the gaming machine are also used as the brightness setting means, but a dedicated setting switch such as a slide type setting switch or a dial type setting switch is used. The brightness adjustment switch may be provided. Also, the brightness setting device 47 on the back of the gaming machine may be a slide type setting switch or a dial type setting switch.
Further, instead of providing a brightness setting means (effect button) that can be operated by the player, it is configured as a gaming machine that reads a card information held by the player or information transmitted from a portable terminal to play a game. In the system, information relating to the luminance of the light emitting device is included in information unique to the player, and the luminance control of the light emitting device is performed based on the information relating to the luminance read by the effect control device of the gaming machine by the program You may do it.

In the above embodiment, the LED lamp or the decoration device incorporating the LED is used as the light emitting device. However, the light emitting device is not limited to the LED, but a liquid crystal device having a backlight, an organic EL panel, or a filament type. Alternatively, it may be a cathode tube lamp or a decoration device incorporating them.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and is a gaming machine such as an arrangement ball gaming machine, a sparrow ball gaming machine, and a slot machine. It is also applicable to.

10 gaming machine 16 lighting device 18 frame decoration device (light emitting device)
19 Speaker 21 Upper plate 23 Lower plate 25 Input operation unit (luminance setting means)
25a Production button 25b Select button 30 Game board 41 Display device 42 Panel decoration device (light emitting device)
47 Brightness setter (Brightness setting means)
100 Game control device (game control means, control command transmission means)
300 effect control device (effect control means, light emission control means, brightness adjustment means, display control means, error detection means)
311a RAM (luminance data storage means)
321 PROM (effect data storage means)
332 Panel decoration LED control circuit 333 Frame decoration LED control circuit 345 Brightness adjustment register (luminance data storage means)

Claims (6)

A light emitting device provided on the front of the gaming machine;
Luminance setting means capable of changing the setting of the light emission amount of the light emitting device;
Game control means for managing the progress of the game;
In a gaming machine provided with an effect control means for performing light emission control in the light emitting device based on a control command signal from the game control means,
The production control means includes
Effect data storage means for storing effect data including luminance data defining the light emission amount of the light emitting device;
Light emission control means for performing light emission control of the light emitting device based on the luminance data stored in the predetermined luminance data storage means when a predetermined update timing is reached;
Brightness adjustment means for determining an adjustment amount based on a set value set by the brightness setting means and adjusting the brightness data;
A first range and a second range are set as ranges for adjusting the luminance data,
The adjustment of the luminance data differs depending on whether the luminance data is located in either the first range or the second range,
The luminance data in the first range is adjusted within the first range, the luminance data in the second range is adjusted within the second range, and the adjusted luminance data is stored in the luminance data storage means. A gaming machine characterized by that. In the second range, a range having a higher luminance than the first range is set,
When the luminance data is located in the second range,
The adjustment amount is subtracted from the luminance data, and when the subtraction result is less than or equal to a threshold value that defines the upper limit of the first range, the threshold value is stored as the luminance data in the luminance data storage means, and the subtraction result is 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the subtraction result is stored in the luminance data storage unit when the value is larger than a threshold value that defines an upper limit of the first range. When the luminance data is located in the first range,
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the brightness data is stored in the brightness data storage means without adjusting the brightness data based on the adjustment amount. A display device for executing a variable display game;
The production control means includes
Drawing data to be displayed on the display device is stored in a frame buffer, and display data that can be displayed on the display device is generated based on the drawing data stored in the frame buffer when a predetermined frame update timing is reached And display control means for outputting,
The light emission control means includes
4. The light emission amount of the light emitting device is changed to a light emission amount based on luminance data stored in the luminance data storage means in synchronization with a display frame update timing in the display device. The gaming machine described in 1. The game control means or the effect control means includes error detection means for detecting an error state in the gaming machine,
The production control means includes
When an error is detected by the error detection unit when controlling the light emission amount of the light emitting device based on the setting by the luminance setting unit, the first luminance setting unit or the second luminance setting unit 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the game machine is configured to be controllable so that the light emitting device emits light with a maximum light emission amount regardless of the setting state according to claim 5. The brightness setting means includes
A first luminance setting means which is provided on the back surface of the gaming machine and cannot be set by the player during the game; and a second luminance setting means which is provided on the front surface of the gaming machine and which can be set by the player during the game. Including,
The production control means includes
Having a function of controlling the light emission amount of the light emitting device based on the setting by the luminance setting means;
In the luminance setting operation by the second luminance setting means, the luminance set by the first luminance setting means is set as the upper limit of the luminance that can be set by the second luminance setting means, and the luminance can be set within the range below the upper limit. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the gaming machine is configured as follows.

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