JP2016154907A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine, even when the power goes off due to electric outage or the like, capable of executing a display performance matching a game state by executing control to make the display performance to be displayed on a display device match the game state, and preventing the player from suffering a disadvantage by causing the player to easily recognize return to a normal jackpot state.SOLUTION: Second control means includes: command holding means that, when the power goes off after having received a discrimination command to allow discrimination between a first special game state and a second special game state and then the power is restored, stores a specific display command to be transmitted from first control means; and determination performance means that, when receiving no display performance command in a period from when receiving a display performance command until a prescribed time elapses, after the lapse of the prescribed time, uses a command that the command holding means holds, for the display performance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 25

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

In conventional gaming machines, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to generate a big hit on the condition of entering a game ball, etc., a big hit is generated based on the lottery result, and the jackpot probability is set to a high probability as a gaming state after the big hit By reducing the probability variation state and the normal symbol variation time, the number of game balls entering will increase as the start winning opening becomes easy to open within a predetermined period, so that the number of game balls will not decrease. Some have a short time state that can repeat the variation.
Furthermore, in recent years, in order to improve the game's preference, for example, unlike the conventional jackpot opening process found in the conventional jackpot “normal jackpot”, the existing jackpot is opened for a short period of time to open the jackpot. There are those that have a “special jackpot” as seen in a sudden jackpot or the like that makes it difficult for a player to recognize the occurrence and suddenly has a short time. In such a gaming machine, the display effect time during the big win state is generally greatly different between the normal jackpot and the special jackpot according to the opening time of the big prize opening, and the display contents are also generally different.
Furthermore, in such a gaming machine, the control command from the main control board that controls the display effect at the time of jackpot is distinguished between the normal jackpot and the special jackpot due to the memory usage reduction of the gaming machine. There are no common control commands.

By the way, the gaming machine as described above has a main control board that performs overall control of the gaming state, and a sub-control board that controls a lottery result displayed on the display device, a display effect of the big hit state, and the like. It is configured to share. In such gaming machines, the main control board is generally provided with backup means, but the sub-control board is generally not provided with backup means.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-87768

In the gaming machine configured as described above, the main control board is equipped with a backup means, and therefore the opening / closing process of the big prize opening associated with the jackpot controlled by the main control board is continued from the time when a power failure occurs. However, since the sub-control board is not provided with backup means, the sub-control board alone cannot maintain the state of the jackpot display effect at the time of power failure. For example, even if a control command for performing a display effect of a round condition at the time of jackpot is transmitted from the main control board to the sub-control board at the time of power recovery after a power failure during jackpot, the control command at the time of jackpot is usually Since the jackpot and the special jackpot are common control commands, the sub-control board side cannot determine which jackpot round display effect should be performed only by the received control command. Therefore, there is a possibility that the relationship between the opening / closing process of the grand prize opening controlled by the main control board and the round display effect controlled substantially in synchronism with the opening / closing process of the above big prize opening by the sub-control board may not match. Will arise. For example, even though the main control board suddenly opens and closes the big prize opening for a very short time as a short and large jackpot, the sub control board usually has a risk of a round display effect longer than the opening and closing time of the big prize opening as a big hit There is sex. In addition, the player may suffer a disadvantage due to the discrepancy in the display effects. It should be noted that such a disagreement of display effects is not so serious that the disadvantage experienced by the player is particularly problematic because the display effect time is extremely short in the case of sudden time and big hits. However, usually with a big jackpot, the display effect time is long, so the disadvantage experienced by the player is extremely large and becomes a particularly important problem.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a display effect displayed on the display device regarding “normal jackpot” that greatly affects the player's profit enjoyment when a power failure such as a power failure occurs during the jackpot and then the power is restored. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can match a gaming state and does not give a disadvantage to a player by causing a display effect.

The gaming machine according to the present invention is
A first control means having a backup function for comprehensively controlling the gaming state;
A variable winning device whose opening and closing is controlled by the first control means;
A display device capable of dynamically displaying a plurality of types of identification information;
A second control means that is connected to the first control means and controls the display device based on a display effect command from the first control means, and has no backup function;
With
The first control means includes
Special game state lottery means for deciding whether or not to shift to a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game, triggered by the game ball entering the starting port,
Special game state type lottery means for determining the type of the above-mentioned special game state triggered by the game ball entering the starting port,
Including
As a mode of the plurality of special game states, a first special game state in which at least the variable winning device that has been closed during the normal game is opened for a first opening time to allow a game ball to enter, and during a normal game A second special game state in which the variable winning device that has been closed is opened for a second opening time shorter than the first opening time, and
The display effect command is shared by at least the first special game state and the second special game state, and the display effect time of the effect display executed according to the command is from the case of the first special game state. In a gaming machine with a specific display command that is shorter in the case of the second special gaming state,
The second control means includes
The specific display command transmitted from the first control means when a power interruption occurs after receiving a determination command enabling discrimination between the first special gaming state and the second special gaming state and then the power is restored. Command holding means for storing
When a display effect command is not received during a period of time that is longer than the display effect time related to the second special gaming state executed by the specific display command after the reception of the specific display command, A determination effect means for using a command held by the command holding means after the predetermined time has passed for display effect;
It is characterized by providing.

The present invention has the following effects.
(1) A power interruption such as a power failure occurs during the special game state, and when the power is restored after that, only the first special game state (normal jackpot) is controlled by the first control means and the second game state. The jackpot display effect controlled by the control means can be combined. The reason why the display effect is restored only in the first special game state and the game state is matched with the display effect is as follows. In other words, the role of the second special gaming state (suddenly short-term bonus) is not the acquisition of a prize ball by entering the big winning opening, but the role of a trigger for suddenly generating a short-time state. further,
The period of the second special game state is much shorter than that of the first special game state (usually a big hit). Therefore, it is the role of the trigger, the profit from the prize ball can not be expected, and even if the display effect of the second special game state with a short game state display effect time is not restored, the disadvantage experienced by the player is small and the problem It is thought that it does not become. On the other hand, since the first special gaming state has a long period during the special gaming state and aims to acquire a prize ball by entering the big prize opening, the display effect of the first special gaming state is correctly restored. This is because making the player recognize the jackpot can greatly contribute to the player's benefit.
(2) Further, it is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged by matching the display effects.
(3) Further, since it is not necessary to provide a new control command for the power recovery process, the control program can be simplified, the data capacity can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

The front view of a pachinko machine. The perspective view of a pachinko machine. The front view which shows the structure of a game board. Schematic diagram around the big prize opening The rear view of a pachinko machine. The block diagram which shows the electrical constitution of a pachinko machine. The schematic diagram of the display screen of a decoration symbol display apparatus. The figure which showed the outline | summary of the various counters in a main controller. The flowchart which showed the main process performed by MPU in a main controller. The flowchart which showed the normal process performed by MPU in a main controller. The flowchart which showed the special symbol fluctuation | variation process performed in the normal process of FIG. The flowchart which showed the change start process performed in the special symbol change process of FIG. The flowchart which showed the timer interruption process. 14 is a flowchart showing a start winning process executed in the timer interruption process of FIG. The flowchart which showed NMI interruption processing. The flowchart which showed the main process performed by MPU in a sub control apparatus. The flowchart which showed the normal process performed by MPU in a sub control apparatus. The flowchart which shows the display control process performed by MPU in a display control apparatus. The flowchart which showed the main process of the payout control apparatus. The flowchart which showed payout control processing. The flowchart which showed the prize ball control process. The flowchart which showed the ball rental control process. The figure which showed the flow of the command transmitted from the main control apparatus 261 to the sub control apparatus 262 at the time of a special game state. The figure which showed the timing which receives a power supply return command. The block diagram which showed the function required for the display effect return process. The flowchart of the main process of a display effect return process. The flowchart at the time of the flag setting of a display effect return process. The flowchart in the timer process of a display effect return process. The flowchart of the process in flag setting in a 3rd form. The flowchart in the timer process in a 4th form. The functional block diagram in a 4th form.

In describing the present invention, the meaning of names will be described.
The “special game state” includes not only a normal jackpot but also a jackpot with time reduction.
The “normal state” means a state excluding a special state such as a special game state.

Of the gaming machine hand stage 1:
A first control means having a backup function (main control device 261 in the embodiment) for comprehensively controlling the gaming state;
A variable winning device (variable winning device 32 in the embodiment) whose opening and closing is controlled by the first control means;
A display device (decorative symbol display device 42 in the embodiment) capable of dynamically displaying a plurality of types of identification information;
Second control means connected to the first control means and controlling the display device based on a display effect command from the first control means and having no backup function (sub-control device in the embodiment) 262),
With
The first control means includes
A special game state lottery means (a big hit random number counter C1 in the embodiment) for determining whether or not to shift to a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than a normal game when the game ball enters the starting port ,
A special game state type lottery means (a jackpot symbol counter C2 in the embodiment) for determining the type of the special game state when the game ball enters the starting port,
Including
As a mode of the plurality of special game states, a first special game state in which at least the variable winning device that has been closed during the normal game is opened for a first opening time to allow a game ball to enter (normal in the embodiment) And a second special gaming state (sudden short-time bonus in the embodiment) that opens the variable winning device that was closed during the normal game for a second opening time shorter than the first opening time. ,
The display effect command is shared by at least the first special game state and the second special game state, and the display effect time of the effect display executed according to the command is from the case of the first special game state. In a gaming machine with a specific display command that is shorter in the case of the second special gaming state,
The second control means includes
When a power interruption occurs after reception of a discrimination command (a variation pattern command, a stop symbol command, etc. in the embodiment) that makes it possible to discriminate between the first special gaming state and the second special gaming state, and then the power is restored, Command holding means (command holding unit 1205 in the embodiment) for storing the specific display command transmitted from the first control means;
When a display effect command is not received during a period of time that is longer than the display effect time related to the second special gaming state executed by the specific display command after the reception of the specific display command, A determination effect unit (display return control unit 1204 in the embodiment) that uses, as a display effect, a command held by the command holding unit after the lapse of the predetermined time;
It is characterized by providing.

“The specific display command in which the display effect time of the effect display executed in response to the command is shorter in the second special game state than in the first special game state” means the following: .
(1) When the specific display command is an open command, for example, in the first special game state, the time that the player substantially takes to enter a predetermined number of game balls into the variable prize winning device in order to digest one round This is a specific display command having a shorter display effect time due to the opening command in the second special gaming state.
(2) When the specific display command is other than the open command This means that the display effect time in the second special game state is shorter than the display effect time in the first special game state.

The “second control means” may be configured by the sub-control device 262 and the display control device 45 of the embodiment, or may be a single configuration means having both functions. .

According to the above configuration, when the power is restored from the power interruption that occurred after receiving the determination command that can determine the type of the special gaming state, the determination effect means receives the specific display command transmitted from the first control means. The time is measured from the time, and the predetermined special time that can be distinguished from the first special gaming state without receiving the display effect command during measurement, in other words, the second special gaming state executed by the received specific display command. When a time longer than the display production time elapses,
It can be determined that the received specific display command is valid as a command in the first special gaming state. Because, if the occurrence of power interruption is in the second special gaming state, the next display effect command is received by the time when the predetermined time elapses, while the next display effect command is not received, This means that it is in the first special gaming state, and therefore it is possible to determine that the jackpot at the time of power interruption is not the second special gaming state but the first special gaming state.
When the specific display command can be determined as a valid command in this way, the specific display command is used to execute a display effect in accordance with the first special gaming state. With respect to one special gaming state (usually a big hit), it is possible to match the display effect displayed on the display device with the gaming state.
The reason why the predetermined time is not set to be shorter than the display effect time related to the second special gaming state is as follows. That is, regarding the set time of the predetermined time, if the predetermined time is set to a time shorter than the display effect time related to the second special game state executed by the specific display command, in any special game state, This is because the display effect command that follows the specific display command is always received after the lapse of a predetermined time, and all are determined to be in the first special game state and cannot be correctly determined.
The reason why the predetermined time is not set to be the same as the display effect time related to the second special gaming state is as follows. That is, when the predetermined time is set to be the same as the display effect time related to the second special gaming state executed by the specific display command, the measurement end of the predetermined time and the second special gaming state following the specific display command are related. This is because the reception of the display effect command occurs at the same time, and the special gaming state cannot be normally determined.

In the above configuration, since it can be executed only by the display effect command transmitted from the first control means, the backup device for holding information such as the jackpot symbol that can determine the type of the special gaming state is controlled by the second control. There is no need to provide a new means. Further, by combining the game state after the power return and the display effect, the player can easily recognize the return of the big hit state, and can smoothly perform the ball entry work to the big winning opening. As a result, a winning ball due to the jackpot can be obtained with certainty, which has the effect of suppressing the player's feeling of loss.
In addition, by using the conventional command, it is not necessary to provide a new control command for power recovery processing and an opening start signal for each special gaming state, and it is possible to reduce the data of the command and the like. There is no need to transmit a command indicating a jackpot symbol from the first control device again, and the effect of reducing the development cost of the gaming machine can be achieved.

Mean 2: In the gaming machine of means 1,
Both the first special game state and the second special game state are game states in which one round of one game from the open state to the closed state of the variable winning device is repeated a predetermined number of times. To do.

By configuring the special game state in a plurality of rounds, various jackpot display effects can be performed.

Mean 3: In the gaming machine of means 1 or means 2,
The determination effect means is
Time measurement means that starts from the reception of the specific display command, measures until the predetermined time elapses, and outputs a notification signal that notifies the elapse of the predetermined time (time measurement unit 1203, timer TM, etc. in the embodiment) )When,
Measurement stop means (set / reset unit 12 in the embodiment) for stopping the measurement operation of the time measurement means when the next display effect command is received before the predetermined time elapses.
02)
When a notification signal is input from the time measuring means, the determining means (step S in the embodiment) determines that the command held by the command holding means is valid and outputs a valid signal.
1800, step S1801, etc.)
When a valid signal is input from the determination means, the special game at the time of power interruption is determined as the first special game state, and the first special game state corresponding to the specific display command held in the command holding means Display effect executing means for executing the display effect (display effect executing unit 1207 in the embodiment),
It is characterized by having.

With the above configuration, when a notification signal is input from the time measuring unit, the determining unit determines that the command held by the command holding unit is valid and outputs a valid signal. As a result, it is possible to determine that the special game at the time of power-off occurrence is the first special game state, and it is possible to execute the display effect of the first special game state. As a result, it is possible to prevent a disagreement between the jackpot display effects.
As described above, when the notification signal is input from the time measuring means, the reason why it is possible to determine that the special game at the time of power interruption is the first special game state is as follows. That is, the occurrence of power interruption
If it is in the special game state (sudden short-term bonus), the display effect command related to the second special game state following the specific display command until the display effect time of the second special game state related to the specific display command has elapsed. In such a case, the measurement stop means stops the measurement operation of the time measurement means, so the notification signal is not output from the time measurement means, while the notification signal is not output from the time measurement means. The output means that such a display effect command is not received, so the command held by the command holding means is valid, and the jackpot is not in the second special game state, but the first special game. State(
This is because it is possible to determine that it is a normal jackpot).

Means 4: In the gaming machine of means 3,
A plurality of the specific display commands are provided,
The time measuring means includes
A plurality of timer means associated with the plurality of specific display commands, wherein each timer means uses the predetermined time as a timer set time and outputs a notification signal when the set time elapses. (Time measuring unit 1203, timer TM, etc. in the embodiment);
Timer activation means (timer activation unit 1 in the embodiment) that activates the timer means corresponding to the specific display command among the plurality of timer means upon reception of the specific display command
200),
It is characterized by having.

As described above, a plurality of specific display commands and a plurality of timer means corresponding to the plurality of specific display commands are provided, and a timer means corresponding to the specific display command among the plurality of timer means when receiving the specific display command By activating, it is possible to prevent a mismatch between the game state and the display effect after the power return from any point in time when the power is restored in the jackpot state, and display effects that match the game state are possible.

Means 5: In the gaming machine of means 3,
A plurality of the specific display commands are provided,
The time measuring means includes
Timer means for outputting a notification signal to notify that when the timer set time has elapsed;
Time holding means respectively corresponding to the plurality of specific display commands, each holding a predetermined time;
Timer starting means for starting the timer means with the predetermined time corresponding to the specific display command derived from the time holding means as a timer setting time when receiving the specific display command;
It is characterized by having.

According to the above-described configuration, as in the case of the means 3, even when the power is restored from any point in the big hit state, it is possible to prevent a mismatch between the gaming state and the display effect after the power is restored, and to provide a display effect that matches the gaming state.

Means 6: In the gaming machines of means 1 to means 4,
The predetermined time is a time obtained by adding a minute time to the display effect time related to the second special gaming state executed by the specific display command received when the power is restored.

The set time is the time when the minute time is added. If the set time is only the display effect time, the display effect command related to the second special game state following the end of the measurement of the predetermined time and the specific display command. Will occur at the same time. In order to avoid this, a delay of a minute time is provided so that the special gaming state can be normally determined. The “minute time” is a process in which, when a display effect command related to the second special gaming state following the specific display command is received, the measurement stop means stops the measurement operation of the time measurement means from the time of reception. This is the time during which an operation can be performed.

Means 7: In the gaming machines of means 1 to means 6,
The command holding means is
The specific display command transmitted from the first control means is stored when a power interruption occurs during a big hit and then the power is restored.

Even when power is restored after a power loss during a big hit, it is possible to perform a return process for a display effect during a big hit without having to receive a discrimination command by holding the transmitted specific display command. Become.

Means 8: In the gaming machines of means 1 to means 6,
The discrimination command is a stop symbol command for designating a stop symbol of a plurality of types of identification information.

With the above configuration, the jackpot type can be determined only with this stop symbol command.
All display effect commands related to the jackpot display effect can be shared, and the memory usage can be reduced.

Means 9: In the gaming machines of means 1 to means 6,
The determination command is a jackpot opening command for instructing a start effect of the special gaming state.

If the jackpot opening command received after the return is a discrimination command even if the power is turned off just before the jackpot display effect is started, the power is turned off after receiving the stop symbol command such as means 8. Even if there is, the display effect can be restored. In addition, it is possible to share the display effect command received after the jackpot opening command,
Memory usage can be reduced.

Means 10: In the gaming machines of means 4 to 9,
The plurality of specific display commands are an open command for instructing start of a round effect and an ending command for instructing an end effect of a special gaming state.

Most of the time points during the jackpot state are set as the specific display command, the opening command that commands the start of the display effect of the round that occupies the majority of the jackpot, and the ending command that commands the end of the jackpot display effect Therefore, it is possible to return the display effect accurately from the power recovery.

Means 11: In the gaming machines of means 4 to 9,
The plurality of specific display commands are a jackpot opening command for instructing the start effect of the special gaming state, an open command for instructing the start of the round effect, and an ending command for instructing the end effect of the special gaming state. And

A jackpot opening command indicating a jackpot start effect as a command sent to the second control means when the jackpot is reached, an open command commanding a display effect of a round game occupying most of the jackpot, and a jackpot end There are three types of ending commands that command the production.
In the means 9, for example, when a power interruption occurs after receiving the discrimination command and before receiving the jackpot opening command, even if the jackpot opening command is transmitted after the power is restored, it is not a specific display command. The game state can no longer be determined,
It is not possible to respond to power interruptions before the big hit.
Therefore, by making the jackpot opening command for performing the start effect of the special gaming state as the specific display command, the display effect can be returned from any point in the jackpot state.

Means 12: In the gaming machines of means 2 to means 11,
A game standby screen is displayed after the power is restored until it is determined whether or not the specific display command held in the command holding means is valid.

Generally, the player determines the gaming state by looking at the images displayed on the display device. Therefore, after the power is restored, the player returns to the power source if nothing is displayed on the display device for a long time. It is not possible to determine whether the game is being performed normally, and the game will be anxious. In order not to give the player anxiety in this way, the second control means displays a game standby screen (for example, a customer standby effect demonstration screen) on the display device immediately after the start of measurement of the display effect time. By doing so, the player can immediately recognize that the power has been restored normally, and there is an effect of giving a sense of security that the game can be continued.

Means 13: In the gaming machine of means 2 to means 12,
An acoustic device electrically connected to the second control means (the acoustic device 13 in the embodiment)
02), and
The second control means includes
Audio sound signal generation means (acoustic / audio signal generation section 1300 in the embodiment), audio information holding means (audio information holding section 1301 in the embodiment),
Further comprising
When the voice sound signal generation means receives a notification signal from the time measurement means,
It is determined that the special game state at the time of power interruption is the first special game state, and the audio and sound data of the first special game state corresponding to the command held in the display signal holding unit is read from the voice information holding unit Then, after generating a sound sound signal based on the sound sound data, the generated sound sound signal is transmitted to the sound device.

As for the effect related to the jackpot, it is common to perform an acoustic effect using music and voice in addition to the display effect. The effect by power return is different from the normal time, for example, even if it is a big hit effect from the middle of the round, by performing the sound effect according to the type of jackpot together with the display effect, The player can enjoy an effect similar to the jackpot effect in normal times. As a result, it is possible to reduce the recognition that the jackpot continuation since the power is restored, and to reduce the player's feeling of loss.

Means 14: A gaming machine of means 2 to means 13,
A display effect return process by the command holding means, the time measuring means, the measurement stop means, and the display effect executing means is started on condition that a power supply return command is received.
When the power is restored after the power is cut off, a power restoration signal is transmitted from the first control means to the second control means. For example, in the case of a return from a power failure in a big hit state, a power return signal is transmitted first, and then a display effect command is transmitted. That is, without filtering various commands transmitted to the second control means, it is possible to simply perform display effect return processing triggered by this power return signal, simplifying the control program and reducing development costs. Is done.
Means 15:
A main control device having a backup function for overall control of the gaming state;
A grand prize opening whose opening and closing is controlled by the main control device;
A decorative symbol display device capable of dynamically displaying a plurality of types of identification information;
A sub-control device that is connected to the main control device and does not have a backup function for controlling the decorative design display device based on a display effect command from the main control board;
With
The main controller is
A jackpot random number counter that determines whether or not to shift to a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game, triggered by the game ball entering the starting port,
A jackpot symbol counter that determines the type of the above-mentioned special gaming state triggered by the game ball entering the starting port,
Including
As an aspect of the plurality of special game states, the game winning ball can be entered by releasing the large winning opening that was closed during the normal game for a first opening time, and reaching from the open state to the closed state. The first special game state in which one round of the game up to one is repeated a predetermined number of times, and the big winning opening that was closed during the normal game is opened for a second opening time shorter than the first opening time. A second special gaming state in which one round is repeated a predetermined number of times,
The display effect command includes a jackpot opening command for instructing start of display effect in the special gaming state, an open command for instructing start of round display effect, and an ending command instructing the end effect of the special gaming state. In addition, among the jackpot opening command, the releasing command, and the ending command, the opening command and the ending command are used in common in the case of the first special gaming state and the second special gaming state, respectively. In the gaming machine in which the display effect time of the effect display executed by is shorter in the second special game state than in the first special game state,
The sub-control device
A display effect return state flag indicating a return start state of the display effect;
A command holding unit for storing received display effect commands;
A timer that sends a notification signal immediately after the set time has elapsed;
A time holding unit that stores a display effect time corresponding to the display effect command;
A set / reset unit for setting and resetting the timer;
A timer starter for starting the timer;
A display effect execution unit for executing a display effect according to the display effect command;
A display return control unit for comprehensively controlling display effect return;
With
The display return control unit sets a display effect return state flag and performs flag processing when a power failure occurs during a jackpot and then a power return command indicating power return is received.
When the opening command is received while the flag is set, the received command is stored in the command holding unit, and then the display effect time relating to the sudden time and big hit corresponding to the opening command is displayed. Read from the time holding unit, then let the timer set a predetermined time obtained by adding a minute time to the display effect time read by the set / reset unit,
Next, a timer setting start process for starting a timer by the timer starting unit is performed,
When a release command or an ending command following the open command held in the command holding unit is received after the timer is started and before the display return control unit receives the notification signal from the timer When the timer measurement operation is stopped by the set / reset unit and a notification signal is input from the timer, the big hit state at the time of power interruption is determined as a normal big hit and is held in the command holding unit. The display effect is performed by causing the display effect execution unit to execute a normal jackpot display effect corresponding to the open command being performed, and a determination effect execution process for turning off the display effect return state flag is performed.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, the best mode of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, pachinko gaming machines (hereinafter simply referred to as “pachinko machines”) are given as gaming machines, but the design can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention.

(Configuration of front side of pachinko machine)
FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10.
And an inner frame 12 supported on one side of the outer frame 11 so as to be openable and closable. Below, the structure of the outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12 is demonstrated separately.

The outer frame 11 is formed in a rectangular shape as a whole by a wooden plate material, and each plate material is assembled by a detachable fastener such as a small screw. The outer frame 11 may be made of a light metal such as resin or aluminum. This is because such a configuration can reduce the weight of the pachinko machine.

On the other hand, the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set so as to extend vertically on the opposite side (left side of the pachinko machine 10 in FIG. 1) from the position where the handle (game ball launching handle 18 described later) is installed as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10. The inner frame 12 can be sufficiently opened to the front side with the opening / closing axis as the axis. If the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is in the vertical direction on the handle installation location side (the right side of the pachinko machine 10 in FIG. 1), the game ball launching handle is opened when the inner frame 12 is opened. This is because the 18 heads and the like interfere with adjacent pachinko machines and card units (ball lending units), and the inner frame 12 cannot be fully opened. Inner frame 1
2 is a synthetic resin, specifically, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin. By doing so, the advantages of high viscosity and high impact resistance and low cost production are exhibited.

The inner frame 12 is roughly divided into a lower pan unit 13 attached to the lowermost portion thereof, and a vertical opening / closing axis on the left side of the inner frame 12 in the range above the lower pan unit 13 as an axis. The front frame set 14 is attached so as to be openable and closable, a resin base (not shown), and a game board 30 (described later) attached to the rear side of the resin base. Each of these configurations will be described in detail below.

The lower plate unit 13 is fixed to the inner frame 12 with a fastener such as a screw. On the front side of the lower plate unit 13, there are a lower plate 15, a ball release lever 17, and a game ball launch handle 1.
8, an ashtray 22 and a sound output port 24 are provided. The lower tray 15 as a ball receiving tray is provided at the substantially central portion of the lower tray unit 13, and the discharge port 16 is used when the upper tray described later becomes full.
There is a role to stop the game balls that are discharged more. The ball removal lever 17 is for removing a game ball in the lower tray 15, and by moving the ball removal lever 17 to the left in FIG. 1, a predetermined location on the bottom surface of the lower tray 15 is opened. The game ball stopped in the lower plate 15 can be discharged to the player's ball storage box (dollar box) through the opening on the bottom surface of the lower plate 15. The game ball launching handle 18 is disposed so as to protrude to the front side on the right side of the lower plate 15. In accordance with the operation of the game ball launching handle 18 by the player, the game ball is driven toward a game board 30 described later by a game ball launching device having a launch solenoid. The sound output port 24 is an output port for outputting sound from a speaker provided in the lower plate unit 13 or on the back surface. The ashtray 22 is provided on the left side of the lower plate 15. Ashtray 2
The right side of the lower plate 15 is supported by the lower plate 15 so as to rotate about the axis in the left-right direction (horizontal direction).

Note that most of the lower dish unit 13 is molded of ABS resin in the same manner as the inner frame 12. By doing so, it is highly viscous and resistant to impact, and can be manufactured at low cost. In particular, lower plate 1
5 and the front panel portion at the back of the lower dish are molded with flame-retardant ABS resin. For this reason, this part is hard to burn.

On the other hand, an upper plate 19 as a receiving tray for game balls is provided integrally with the front frame set 14 at a lower portion of the front frame set 14 (above the lower plate 15 described above). The upper plate 19 is a ball tray for temporarily storing the game balls and guiding them to a game ball launching device (not shown) while aligning them in a line. In the conventional pachinko machine, a front decorative frame that can be opened and closed with respect to the inner frame is provided below the front frame set, and the upper decorative frame is provided on the front decorative frame. The upper plate 19 is provided directly to the front frame set 14 and is omitted. Similar to the lower plate 15, the upper plate 19 has a structure in which the surface layer is formed of flame-retardant ABS resin. Also,
On the lower left side of the upper plate 19, an effect button 79 is provided for the player to perform operations such as changing the background of the decorative symbol display device 42.

In addition, the front frame set 14 is provided with light emitting means such as various lamps around it (for example, a corner portion). These light emitting means play a role of enhancing the effect of the game during the game by changing and controlling the light emission mode such as lighting and blinking according to the change of the game state in the big hit game state or the like. For example, at the periphery of the window portion 101, an annular illumination portion 102 containing a light emitting means such as an LED is provided symmetrically, and lighting or blinking in the big hit gaming state, it is in a big hit gaming state It is the structure which alert | reports.

In addition, a ball lending operation unit 120 is disposed below the window unit 101, and the ball lending operation unit 120 is provided with a ball lending button 121, a return button 122, and a frequency display unit 123.
When the ball lending operation unit 120 is operated with a bill or a card inserted in a card unit (ball lending unit) (not shown) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, a game ball is lent according to the operation. Done. The ball lending button 121 is operated to obtain a lending ball based on information recorded on a card or the like (recording medium), and the lending ball is supplied to the upper plate 19 as long as there is a remaining amount on the card or the like. Is done. The return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit. The frequency display unit 123 displays remaining amount information such as a card. Note that the ball lending operation unit 120 is not required for a pachinko machine in which a game ball is directly rented from the ball lending device unit to the upper plate without using a card unit, that is, a so-called cash machine. Therefore, a decorative seal or the like is attached to the installation portion of the ball rental operation unit 120. Thereby, the common use of the lending operation unit of the pachinko machine using the card unit and the cash machine can be achieved.

Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the configuration of the game board 30, and FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the vicinity of the special winning opening 61. The game board 30 has a first start port 33 and a second start port 412 (through gates) comprising a general winning port 31, a variable winning device 32, an upper starting port 33a and a lower starting port 33b (configured by an operation chuck 33b). And a special symbol display device 38, a normal symbol display device 41, a decorative symbol display device 42, and the like. The general winning port 31, the variable winning device 32, the first starting port 33, the second starting port 34, the variable display unit 35 and the like are respectively provided in the through holes formed by the router processing in the game board 30. The game board 30 is attached from the front side with a wood screw or the like. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a pair of opening and closing blades 60 are provided at the entrance of the lower start opening 33b, and an open position for guiding the game ball and a blockage that prevents the game ball from entering the lower start opening 33b. Can take a position. The opening / closing blade 60 is a solenoid SL1 disposed on the back side of the game board 30 (see FIG. 6).
Driven by. In addition, a big winning opening 61 is disposed below the lower start opening 33b. The big prize opening 61 is normally closed by the shutter 62 and is opened when the special game state is entered. The shutter 62 is driven by a solenoid SL2 (see FIG. 6) disposed on the back side of the game board 30.
A game ball enters the aforementioned general winning opening 31, variable winning apparatus 32 and first starting opening 33,
The received ball is detected by a detection switch (a winning port switch, a count switch, an operating port switch, etc.) described later, and a predetermined number of prize balls are placed on the upper plate 19 (or the lower plate 15) based on the output of the detection switch. To be paid out. In addition, the game board 30 is provided with an out port 36, and game balls that have not entered the various winning devices etc. are guided through the out port 36 to a ball discharge path (not shown). It has become. A number of nails are implanted in the game board 30 in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game balls, and various members (instruments) are arranged.

The special symbol display device 38 variably displays a special symbol as identification information with a winning at the first start port 33 as a trigger, and the decorative symbol display device 42 varies a decorative symbol corresponding to the variation display of the special symbol. The normal symbol display device 41 variably displays the normal symbol with the passage of the second start port 34 as a trigger.

The special symbol display device 38 is composed of two-color LEDs 38a and 38b, and display contents are controlled by a main control device 261 described later. Each of the LEDs 38a and 38b can be variably displayed in red and blue, for example.

The decorative design display device 42 is configured as a liquid crystal display device, and display contents are controlled by a display control device to be described later. The decorative symbol display device 42 includes, for example, upper, middle and lower 3
A symbol as identification information is displayed at the location. These symbols are scrolled and variably displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42. In the present embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 42 (liquid crystal display device) includes a large liquid crystal display of, for example, 10 inches.

The normal symbol display device 41 includes lamps 41a and 41b for normal symbols. In this embodiment, the normal symbol lamp 41a is provided, for example, above the display surface of the decorative symbol display device 42, and its external shape is a “◯” shape, while the normal symbol lamp 41b.
Is provided adjacent to the upper right side of the lamp 41a, and its external shape is an “x” shape. The normal symbol display device 41 is, for example, a lamp 41 every time a game ball passes through the second start port 34.
The display symbols (ordinary symbols) by a and 41b fluctuate. Specifically, when the lamps 41a and 41b shine alternately and stop at the lamp 41a, the lower start port 33b of the first start port 33 is kept for a predetermined time. It is configured to be activated (opened). The number of times that the game ball has passed through the second starting port 31 is held up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of times of holding is displayed on the hold lamp 801a. The lamps 41a and 41b may be a plurality of display units that are variably displayed on a part of the decorative symbol display device 42.

The variable winning device 32 is normally in a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won or difficult to win, and is repeatedly operated in an open state and a normal closed state in which a game ball is easy to win in a big win. It has become. More specifically, the special game state is provided on the condition that the special symbol display device 38 is in a specific display mode (the fixed symbol after the decoration symbol display device 42 is stopped is a combination of specific symbols set in advance). Will occur. The large winning opening 61 of the variable winning device 32 is in a predetermined open state, and the game ball is configured to be in a state where it is easy to win (a big hit state). Specifically, the special winning opening 61 of the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly opened a predetermined number of times with a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 9) of winnings as one round. The number of times that the game ball has passed through the first start port 33 is held up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of times of holding is displayed on the hold lamp 800a. The hold lamp 800a is
A configuration in which a part of the decorative symbol display device 42 is variably displayed may be used.

The game board 30 is provided with a rail unit 50 for guiding the game ball launched from the game ball launching device to the upper part of the game board 30 and is fired as the game ball launching handle 18 is rotated. The game balls are guided to a predetermined game area through the rail unit 50. The rail unit 50 is formed of a ring-shaped resin molded product (for example, a molded product added with fluororesin), and has an inner rail 51 and an outer rail 52 that are integrally formed in an inner and outer double. . In addition, since the rail unit 50 is shape | molded by adding a fluororesin, it can reduce the frictional resistance of a game ball. The inner rail 51 is formed in a substantially annular shape except for about ¼ of the upper portion, and an outer rail 52 is formed so that a part (mainly the left side) faces the inner rail 51. In such a case, a guide rail is constituted by the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52, and a spherical guide passage is formed by a portion (the left portion facing) where the rails 51 and 52 are parallel to each other at a predetermined interval. In addition, the ball guide passage is a game board 30.
Are formed in a groove shape having an abutting surface, that is, a groove shape in which the front side is opened.

A return ball preventing member 53 is attached to the front end portion of the inner rail 51 (the upper left portion in the lower diagram of FIG. 3). Thereby, the game board 30 is temporarily removed from the ball guide passage between the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52.
A situation in which the game ball guided to the upper part of the ball returns to the ball guide passage again is prevented. The outer rail 52 has a position corresponding to the maximum flight portion of the game ball (
In the lower right part of FIG. 3, the return rubber 54 is attached to the upper right part: a part corresponding to the tip of the outer rail 52. Therefore, the game ball fired at a predetermined momentum or more hits the return rubber 54 and is bounced back.

An arc-shaped flange 56 projecting outward is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the rail unit 50. The flange 56 constitutes a mounting surface for the game board 30. When the rail unit 50 is attached to the game board 30, the flange 56 is brought into contact with the game board 30, and in this state, screws or the like are inserted into a plurality of through holes formed in the flange 56. The rail unit 50 is fastened to 30.

A convex portion 57 is formed at the entrance of the ball guide passage between the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 so as to close a part of the ball guide passage. The convex portion 57 is provided in a substantially vertical direction from the inner rail 51 to the lower end portion of the rail unit 50, and serves to guide a foul ball that does not reach the game area and flows backward in the ball guide passage to a foul ball passage (not shown). Make.

The game area is partitioned and formed in a substantially circular shape by the peripheral portion (inner and outer rails) of the rail unit 50. In particular, in the present embodiment, a game castle partitioned on the board surface of the game board 30 is conventionally used. It is much larger than that.

(Back view of pachinko machine)
Next, the configuration of the back surface of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10.

First, an overall outline of the rear configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. On the back surface of the pachinko machine 10 (actually, the back surface of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30), various control boards are arranged so as to be lined up and down, left and right, or stacked in front and back,
A game ball supply device (payout mechanism) for supplying game balls, a protective cover made of resin, and the like are attached. In this embodiment, various control boards are divided into two mounting bases to form two control board units, and these control board units are individually attached to the inner frame 12 or the back of the game board 30. ing. In this case, main control board (device), power monitoring board (device)
The sub-control board (device) is mounted on one mounting base to form a unit, and the dispensing control board (device), launch control board (device), and power supply board (device) are mounted on the other mounting base. Unitized. Here, for convenience, the former unit is referred to as “first control board unit 201”.
The latter unit is referred to as “second control board unit 202”.

Further, since the dispensing mechanism and the protective cover are also integrated as one unit, and the resin portion is generally referred to as a back pack, the unit is referred to as “back pack unit 20”.
3 ”. The detailed configuration of each unit 201 to 203 will be described later.

First control board unit 201, second control board unit 202, and back pack unit 2
03 is configured to be detachable without using any tools or the like in units of units, and in addition to this, a structure that can be opened and closed with respect to the inner frame 12 or the back of the game board 30 by providing a support shaft part in part. It has become. This is also a device for making it possible to easily check a hidden configuration or the like even if the units 201 to 203 and other configurations are arranged one behind the other.

Here, the first control board unit 201 includes a main control board that controls the progress of the game, a power supply monitoring board that controls power supply monitoring, and the decorative symbol display device 42 according to instructions from the main control board.
And a sub-control board for controlling the sound lamp control. The main control board and the power supply monitoring board are accommodated in a board box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The board box 263 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected to each other by a sealing unit 805, which will be described later. As a result, the substrate box 263 is sealed.

Any configuration can be applied to the sealing unit as long as the box base and the box cover are connected so as not to be opened, and the sealing process by the sealing unit prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing. Even if an unauthorized opening is performed, such a situation can be detected early and easily.

Next, the second control board unit 202 includes a payout control board, a launch control board, a power supply board, and a card unit connection board. The payout control board controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls, the launch control board controls the launch solenoid according to the operation of the game ball launch handle 18 by the player, and the power supply board requires various control devices and the like. A predetermined power supply voltage is generated and output. Also, the card unit connection board is electrically connected to the ball rental operation unit 120 (see FIG. 1) on the front surface of the pachinko machine and a card unit (not shown), and receives a command for a ball rental operation by a player and pays it out. Output to the substrate. Note that a card unit connection board is not required in a cash machine in which game balls are lent directly to the upper plate from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit.

The payout control board is housed in a payout control board case 280 made of a transparent resin material or the like, and the power supply board is housed in a power supply board case 281 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The card unit connection board is housed in a card unit connection board case 314 made of a transparent resin material or the like, and the firing control board is housed in a firing control board case (not shown) made of a transparent resin material or the like. In particular, in the payout control board, the box base and the box cover constituting the board case (encapsulating means) are connected to each other by the sealing unit (sealing means) so as not to be opened, like the main control board described above. Is sealed.

The payout control board is electrically connected to the state return switch 321. For example, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball clogging in the payout motor unit, the payout motor is slowly adjusted to the normal state. It is rotated to eliminate clogging (return to normal state).

Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. The back pack unit 203 is a unit in which a resin-formed back pack 351 and a game ball payout mechanism 352 are integrated.

The back pack 351 is integrally formed of, for example, ABS resin, and has a substantially flat base portion 3.
53 and a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine and has a horizontally long, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 354 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the electric accessory unit (center accessory) (however, in this embodiment) The above-described sub control board is also enclosed.) A large number of ventilation holes 354 a are provided on the back surface of the protective cover portion 354. This ventilation hole 354a
Are each formed in a long hole shape, and the respective vent holes 354a are provided adjacent to each other at relatively close positions. Therefore, by cutting the resin portion between the adjacent vent holes 354a,
The back surface of the back pack 351 can be easily opened. That is, a predetermined test or the like can be easily performed by cutting the resin portion between the vent holes 354a and exposing the display control device or the like inside the resin portion.

Further, the payout mechanism unit 35 is provided in the base unit 353 so as to bypass the protective cover unit 354.
2 is disposed. That is, the tank 35 opened upward is provided at the top of the back pack 351.
5 is provided, and the tank 355 is sequentially replenished with game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall. Below the tank 355, for example, a tank rail 356 having two rows (two rows) of spherical passages and having a gentle inclination toward the downstream side is connected.
A case rail 357 is connected to the downstream side of 6 in the vertical direction. The payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 357, and a required number of game balls are paid out appropriately according to a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor. The game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are supplied to the upper plate 19 through a payout passage or the like (not shown).

The tank rail 356 and the vibrator 360 for applying vibration to the tank rail 356 are unitized so as to be integrated, and if the ball clogging occurs near the tank rail 356, the vibrator 360 is driven. The ball clogging is now eliminated.

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

An inner frame opening detection switch 388 for detecting that the inner frame 12 is opened with respect to the outer frame 11 is provided on the upper right side of the inner frame 12, and when the inner frame 12 is opened, the inner frame 12 is opened. The signal is output from the open detection switch 388 to the computer for the hall (in the pachinko parlor). Further, a front frame opening detection switch 389 is provided on the left side of the inner frame opening detection switch 388. When the front frame set 14 is opened, the front frame opening detection switch 389 is used for the inside of the hall (in a pachinko shop). Output to computer.

(Electric configuration of pachinko machine and various control processes)
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The pachinko machine 10 includes a power supply device 313, a power supply monitoring device 540, a main control device 261, a sub control device 262, a payout control device 311, a display control device 45, and the like. In the following, these devices will be described in detail individually. The power supply monitoring device 540 and the main control device 261 are sealed by a sealing unit.

Next, the configuration of the main controller 261 will be described. The main controller 261 is equipped with an MPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic unit. The MPU 501 includes a ROM 5 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 501 and fixed value data.
02, a RAM 503 which is a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control program stored in the ROM 502, and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit. Built in.

The RAM 503 is configured to be able to hold (backup) data by supplying a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the pachinko machine 10 is powered off (including power interruption due to a power failure or the like). A volatile memory area for temporarily storing the data is provided. Specifically, as data to be backed up, information that can identify the gaming state (normal gaming state, special gaming state, special variable gaming state, etc.) when the power is cut off,
Further, if the power interruption occurs in the special gaming state, the number of rounds at the time of power interruption, the round elapsed time, the number of times of opening / closing the special winning opening, the data related to the execution of the control program, and the like can be cited. These backed up data are used to restore the gaming state to the state when the power was turned off when the power is restored.

Note that the power failure signal SG1 from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the MPU 501 when the power is interrupted due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. NMI as a power failure process
Interrupt processing (see FIG. 15) is immediately executed.

An input / output port 505 is connected to the MPU 501 of the main control device 261 via a bus line 504 including an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 505 has
RAM erase switch circuit 543 in power supply monitoring device 540, payout control device 311, launch control device 312, sub-control device 262, special symbol display device 38, normal symbol display device 41, special symbol hold display device 800, normal symbol hold display The device 801 and other switch groups (not shown) are connected. The special symbol display device 38 is composed of the special symbol display lamps 38a and 38b as described above, and the normal symbol display device 41 is composed of the normal symbol display lamps 41a and 41b as described above. As described above, the hold display device 800 includes the hold lamp 800a that displays the number of hold balls related to the special symbol, and the normal symbol hold display device 801 holds the number of hold balls related to the normal symbol as described above. The lamp 801a is configured.

The payout control device 311 controls payout of prize balls and rental balls by a payout motor 358a. The arithmetic unit MPU 511 includes a ROM 512 that stores a control program executed by the MPU 511 and fixed value data, and an RA used as a work memory.
M513.

The RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 is configured to hold (backup) data by supplying a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is shut off, like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261. The RAM 513 includes a volatile memory area for temporarily storing various data.

As with the MPU 501 of the main controller 261, the power failure signal SG1 is also input to the NMI terminal of the MPU 511 from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 when the power is interrupted due to the occurrence of a power failure. When input to the MPU 511, an NMI interrupt process as a power failure process is immediately executed.

An input / output port 515 is connected to the MPU 511 of the payout control device 311 via a bus line 514 including an address bus and a data bus. A main controller 261 and a payout motor 358a are connected to the input / output port 515, respectively.

The launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of the game ball by the launch solenoid, and the launch solenoid is permitted to drive when a predetermined condition is met. In particular,
The payout control device 311 outputs a connection signal indicating that it is connected to the card unit, detects that the player is touching the game ball launch handle 18 by a sensor signal, The launch control device 312 outputs a launch permission signal to the main control device 261 on condition that the launch stop switch for stopping is not operated. The main controller 261 that has input the firing permission signal outputs a firing solenoid control signal to the firing controller 312. As a result, the launch control device 312 drives the launch solenoid in response to the launch solenoid control signal, and as a result, the game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the amount of operation of the game ball launch handle.

The sub control device 262 controls the ringing control of the effect speaker 810 and the like in accordance with the change display of the decoration symbol based on the command from the main control device 261, the lighting (flashing) control of the effect lamp 811, and the main control device 261. The function to edit the command to the display control device 45 based on the command from and send it to the display control device 45 is achieved. The MPU 550 of the sub-control device 262 includes a ROM 551 that stores a control program executed by the MPU 550, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 552 that is used as a work memory or the like. An input / output port 554 is connected to the MPU 550 via a bus line 553 composed of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 554 is connected to a speaker, a lamp, an effect button 79 for executing a predetermined display effect during variable display on the decorative symbol display device 42, and a main control device 261. Production button 79
For example, a display effect button such as a step-up notice for notifying that the possibility of a big hit state is large depending on the manner in which predetermined characters appear sequentially. In addition,
When the effect button 79 is pressed, an effect designation command for executing a predetermined effect is generated and transmitted to the decorative symbol display device 42. The main structural difference from the main controller 261 is that it is not connected to the power failure monitoring circuit 542 and does not have a backup function. That is, when a power failure such as a power failure occurs, the command for display effect transmitted from the main control device 261, the edited contents of the command, the command for transmission to the display control device 45, etc. cannot be saved. When the power is restored, the gaming state at the time of power-off cannot be reproduced only by the sub-control device 262 itself.

The display control device 45 controls the variation display of the decorative symbols on the decorative symbol display device 42. The display control device 45 includes an MPU 521 having a RAM 523 used as a work RAM, a ROM (program ROM) 522, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, an image controller 526, an input port 527, and an output port 52.
9 and.

The MPU 521 receives a symbol display command (stop symbol command, variation pattern command, confirmation command, etc.) transmitted from the sub-control device 262 via the input port 527, analyzes the received command, or based on the received command. A predetermined calculation process is performed to control the image controller 526 (specifically, generation of an internal command for the image controller 526). The program ROM 522 is a memory for storing various control programs executed by the MPU 521 and fixed values, and also stores and holds JPEG format image data for background images. The RAM 523 is a memory for temporarily storing work data, flags, and the like that are used when the MPU 521 executes various programs.

The image controller 526 is configured by a VDP (Video Display Processor). The VDP is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates an LCD driver (liquid crystal driving circuit) incorporated in the decorative design device 42, and since it is made into an IC chip, it is also called a “drawing chip”. It can be said to be a microcomputer chip with dedicated software. The image controller 526 adjusts the timing of each of the MPU 521, the video RAM 524, etc. to intervene in reading and writing data, and reads the display data stored in the video RAM 524 from the character ROM 525 at a predetermined timing, and sets the output port 529. And output to the decorative symbol display device 42.

The video RAM 524 is a memory for storing display data displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42, and the decorative symbol display device 4 is rewritten by rewriting the contents of the video RAM 524.
2 is changed. The character ROM 525 serves as an image data library for storing character data such as symbols displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42. The character ROM 525 holds bitmap image data of various display patterns, a color palette table to be referred to when determining the expression color of each dot of the bitmap image, and the like. In particular, a symbol code (symbol number) is assigned to each symbol image data in the bitmap format, and at the command level, each symbol image can be managed only by the symbol code. A plurality of character ROMs 525 are provided, and each character ROM
It is also possible to store image data and the like in a shared manner to 525. Program R
A configuration in which JPEG format image data for the background image stored in the OM 522 is stored in the character ROM 525 is also possible.

The power supply device 313 includes a power supply unit 541 for supplying power to each unit of the pachinko machine 10. The power supply unit 541 is connected to the main control device 261 and the payout control device 31 through a power supply path.
The necessary operating voltage is supplied to each of the first and the like. As its outline, the power supply unit 541 takes in a voltage of 24 volts AC supplied from the outside, drives a switch, a motor, etc., has a voltage of 12 volts, a voltage of 5 volts for logic, and a RAM backup. A backup voltage or the like is generated, and the 12 volt voltage, the 5 volt voltage, and the backup voltage are supplied to the power supply monitoring device 540, the sub control device 262, the payout control device 311, and the display control device 4.
Supply to 5 etc. The main control device 261 is supplied with operating voltages (voltages of 12 volts and 5 volts) via the power supply monitoring device 540. Also, the launch control device 312
Are supplied with operating voltages (12 volts and 5 volts) via the main controller 261.

The power failure monitoring device 540 includes a power failure monitoring circuit 542 that monitors power interruption due to a power failure or the like, and a reset circuit 544 that outputs a reset signal.
The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is connected to the MPU of the main controller 261 when the power is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like.
501 and a circuit for outputting a power failure signal SG1 to each NMI terminal of the MPU 511 of the payout control device 311. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors a DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541, and when this voltage becomes less than 22 volts, a power failure (
The power failure signal SG1 is sent to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 31.
Output to 1. By the output of the power failure signal SG1, the main controller 261 and the payout controller 31
1 recognizes the occurrence of a power failure and executes an NMI interrupt process. Note that the power supply unit 541 outputs a voltage of 5 volts, which is a drive voltage of the control system, for a time sufficient to execute the NMI interrupt processing even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Is maintained at a normal value. Therefore, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 can normally execute and complete the NMI interrupt process.

The RAM erase switch circuit 543 is a circuit that outputs a RAM erase signal SG2 for clearing backup data to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 when the RAM erase switch is pressed. When the RAM erase signal SG2 is input when the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 clear the respective backup data.

The reset circuit 544 includes a main control device 261, a payout control device 311, and a sub control device 262.
, And a circuit that outputs a reset signal to initialize the display control device 45. In addition,
The reset signal from the reset circuit 544 is directly supplied to the main control device 261, but is supplied to the payout control device 311, the sub control device 262, and the display control device 45 via the power supply device 313. It is like that.

Here, the display contents of the special symbol display device 38, the normal symbol display device 41, and the decorative symbol display device 42 will be described. In the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, a special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 38 as a symbol for showing the occurrence of the jackpot to the player, and a decorative symbol displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42. Two types are provided. The decorative symbol is a symbol that changes in synchronization with the special symbol. The decorative symbol starts changing at the same time (or almost at the same time) as the special symbol starts to change, and at the same time (or almost at the same time) as the special symbol changes. To stop the fluctuation. This decorative design is provided in order to provide a player with a variety of display effects so that the player is not bored.

First, the display contents of the special symbol display device 38 will be described. The special symbol variation display is represented by a change in lighting pattern such as a color change (red / blue change) or blinking of the special symbol display lamps 38a and 38b. The variation display of the special symbol is started based on the winning of the game ball at the start port 32, and the variation display of the special symbol is simultaneously stopped after a certain time. After the stop, if the special symbols are aligned, that is, if the special symbol display lamps 38a, 38b are in the same color lighting state, it is a big hit, and if the special symbols are not aligned when the variable display is stopped, When the special symbol display lamps 38a and 38b are turned on in different colors, the special symbol display lamps 38a and 38b are disengaged and the variable display is performed again based on the winning at the start port 32. The number of times that the game ball has won the start opening 32 is held up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of times the game ball is held is displayed on the hold lamp 801a of the special symbol hold display device 801.

Next, display contents of the decorative symbol display device 42 will be described. On the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 42, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, three decorative symbol rows Z1 to Z3 are displayed in three display areas divided into an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage. These decorative symbol rows Z1 to Z3 are scroll-displayed from right to left. The decorative symbol is composed of, for example, a main symbol composed of numbers “1” to “9” with characters and a sub symbol smaller than the main symbol, and a symbol string of the decorative symbol is formed by each of the main symbol and the sub symbol. The In each symbol row formed with decorative symbols, the main symbols are arranged in ascending or descending order of numbers, and sub-designs are arranged between the main symbols. When a winning at the starting port 32, that is, when a starting prize is generated, the decorative symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and the variable display is stopped after a predetermined time according to the changing pattern, and the decorative symbol display device 42 is displayed.
Nine decorative symbols of 3 × 3 are displayed as display results. In the variable display won in the jackpot lottery, the same main symbols (numbered symbols with characters) will stop together (usually at the big jackpot) on the vertical or diagonal line of the nine decorative symbols, or the symbols Stops at a specific combination of main symbols that are not determined in advance (
Control is performed by the display control device 45 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the variable display out of the jackpot lottery, it is predetermined that three of the nine main symbols do not stop in the vertical or diagonal direction, and the same main symbols do not stop or do not stop. Control is performed by the display control device 45 so as to stop other than a specific combination of main symbols (a combination of stop symbols at the time of sudden shortage and shortage), and the player is shown the occurrence of detachment.

Next, display contents of the normal symbol display device 41 will be described. The change display of normal symbols is
The normal symbol display lamp 41a (appearance is ◯ shape) and the normal symbol display lamp 41b (appearance is X shape) are alternately lit. This variation of the normal symbol is the second game ball
Is started on the condition that it passes through the starting port 34, and the fluctuation display of the normal symbol stops after a certain period of time. And when it stops by the display lamp 41a, it is comprised so that the 1st starting port 32 will be in an operation state only for the predetermined time (it is opened). The number of times that the game ball has passed through the second starting port 34 is held up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of times of holding is displayed on the hold lamp 800a of the normal symbol hold display device 800.

Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described. In the present embodiment, the MPU 501 in the main control device 261 uses various counter information during the game to perform jackpot lottery, setting of symbol display of the special symbol display device 38, and the like. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, a counter group related to a special symbol and a counter group related to a normal symbol are provided. First, a counter group related to special symbols will be described. As a group of counters related to special symbols, a jackpot random number counter C1 used for a jackpot lottery,
The jackpot symbol counter C2 (special gaming state type lottery means in the claims) used for selection of the jackpot symbol of the special symbol display device 38, and the selection of the stop pattern when the special symbol display device 38 changes and changes (decoration pattern variation) The stop pattern selection counter C3 used for the reach lottery or the random hit counter C
1 includes an initial value random number counter CINI1 used for setting an initial value of 1, and variation type counters CS1 to CS3 for determining a type used for variation pattern selection.

Here, the variation pattern means each pattern (form) in a case where features having common features of variation display are divided.

Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI1, CS1 to CS3 is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value every time it is updated, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503. The RAM 503 is provided with a holding ball storage area 700 including one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth areas). In each of these areas, a game ball to the start port 32 is provided. The jackpot random number counter C
1, each value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the stop pattern selection counter C3 is stored.

  Next, the specific contents of each counter will be described in detail.

The jackpot random number counter C1 is configured such that, for example, 1 is sequentially added within a range of 0 to 738, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 738), it returns to 0. Especially jackpot random number counter C
When 1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI1 at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI1 is configured as a loop counter that is updated in the same range as the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 0).
738), and is updated once for each timer interrupt and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of the normal processing. The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in the present embodiment), and the reserved ball storage area 7 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the start port 32.
Stored in 00. There are two numbers of random numbers that are jackpots, and the values are “373,727”.
It is.

The jackpot symbol counter C2 determines a symbol at the time of a jackpot when the special symbol display device 38 stops changing the special symbol. For example, the jackpot symbol counter C2 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 4, and the maximum value (that is, 4 ), And then it returns to 0. For example, when the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 is “0”, “1”, “3”, “4”, the special symbol display lamps 38a and 38b are both stopped in blue, and the stop symbol in this case Usually means a jackpot symbol.

On the other hand, when the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 is “2”, it is a sudden bonus for a short time. In this case, the special symbol display lamps 38a and 38b both stop in red. Note that in the case of a sudden win / short win, the decorative symbol is a predetermined off-line symbol (for example, “1,2,
, 3 ", etc., but the symbol that is a big hit is displayed.

The jackpot symbol counter C2 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in the present embodiment), and the reserved ball storage area 700 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the start port 32.
Stored in

The stop pattern selection counter C3 is incremented by 1 in order within a range of 0 to 238, for example.
After reaching the maximum value (that is, 238), it returns to 0. In the present embodiment, the special symbol variation display is configured to be expressed by the two display lamps 38a and 38b. Therefore, in the case of the special symbol, there is no concept of reach, and a stop pattern corresponding to reach is displayed. It is decided by the stop pattern selection counter C3. On the other hand, in the case of a decorative symbol, since three decorative symbols are stopped, there is a reach. Therefore, in the case of a decorative design, the reach lottery is determined by the stop pattern selection counter C3. That is, in the case of a decorative symbol, after the reach has occurred, the final stop symbol is shifted by one before and after the reach symbol and stopped.
Similarly, “rear out of front / rear” and “reach out of front / rear out of front” where the final stop symbol stops other than before and after the reach symbol after the occurrence of reach, and “complete out” which does not cause reach. For example, the stop pattern selection counter C3 = 0 to 201 corresponds to complete detachment, the stop pattern selection counter C3 = 202 to 208 corresponds to anteroposterior detachment reach, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 = 209 to 238 lies other than detachment anteroposterior. Applicable.
However, in the case of a sudden shortage, the decorative pattern stop mode is completely out of order, so the value of the stop pattern selection counter C3 is always used from 0 to 201 of “complete out”.

Here, “reach” means that after the decorative symbol displayed on the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 42 starts variable display, the combination of symbols that stop first is the same symbol (in a decorative symbol having a plurality of effective lines). The combination of jackpot symbols, suggesting to the player that the jackpot will be a big win depending on the display result of the symbols that are the same symbol on any active line) and satisfy the jackpot condition. Is a display that makes a player expect the game, and is a type of entertainment production. An interesting effect is that a predetermined symbol represented by reach is displayed on the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 42 in the middle of variable display, a specific sound is output from a speaker, or a vibration motor is used. This is an effect that causes the player to expect that the display result after the change display will be a big hit with the change display, such as vibrating the game ball launch handle 18.

Note that the stop pattern selection counter C3 is periodically (in this embodiment, 1 per timer interrupt).
Updated) and stored in the reserved ball storage area 700 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the start opening 32.

The variation type counter CS1 is, for example, incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 198, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198). The variation type counter CS2 is, for example, incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 240, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 240). The variation type counter CS3 is, for example, 1 in order within a range of 0 to 162, for example.
Each is added, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 162), it returns to 0.
By the variation type counter CS1, a rough symbol variation mode such as the reach type such as normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc. is determined, and the variation type counter CS2
Thus, for example, a more detailed symbol variation mode such as normal reach A, normal reach B, etc. is determined, and the variation type counter CS2 determines, for example, the addition or subtraction of the variation time in the case of slip stop variation. Therefore, a variety of variation patterns can be easily realized by combining these variation type counters CS1 to CS3.

The counters CS <b> 1 to CS <b> 3 are updated once every time a normal process to be described later is executed once, and are repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. Then, the buffer values of the counters CS1 to CS3 are acquired when determining the variation pattern at the start of variation of the special symbol by the special symbol display device 38 and the decorative symbol display device 42.

Next, a counter group related to normal symbols will be described. The counter group related to the normal symbol includes a winning random number counter C4 used for winning lottery and an initial value random number counter CINI2 used for setting an initial value of the winning random number counter C4.

The hit random number counter C4 is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value every time it is updated, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503. RAM
503 is provided with a holding ball storage area 701 including one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth areas). In each of these areas, the second start port 34 is provided. The value of the hit random number counter C4 is stored in accordance with the passing of the game ball.

Next, the specific contents of the winning random number counter C4 and the initial value random number CINI2 will be described in detail. The winning random number counter C4 is, for example, incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 250, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 250). When the winning random number counter C4 makes one round, the value of the winning initial value random number counter CINI2 at that time is read as the initial value of the winning random number counter C4. The initial value random number counter CINI2
Is configured as a loop counter that is updated in the same range as the hit random number counter C4 (value =
0 to 250), it is updated once every timer interrupt and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of the normal processing. The hit random number counter C4 is periodically (in this embodiment, once per timer interrupt)
It is updated and stored in the reserved ball storage area 701 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball passes through the second start port 34. The number of random number values hit by the hit random number counter C4 is 14
9 and the value is “5 to 153”.

In addition, the magnitude | size and range of each counter are only examples, and can be changed arbitrarily. However, if importance is attached to irregularity, the big hit random number counter C1, the stop pattern selection counter C3, the hit random number counter C4, and the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are all different prime numbers and are not synchronized in any case. It is desirable to leave.

Next, referring to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 to 15, the MPU 50 in the main controller 261.
Each control process executed by 1 will be described. The MPU 501 is roughly divided into a main process that is started when the power is turned on, and a timer interrupt process that is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 milliseconds (hereinafter referred to as “ms”)). And power failure signal SG1 to NMI terminal
For convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt process and the NMI interrupt process will be described first, and then the main process will be described.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process. The timer interrupt process is executed by the MPU 501 of the main controller 261 every 2 ms, for example. In the timer interruption process, first, reading process of various winning switches is executed (S601). That is, the state of various switches (except for the RAM erase switch) connected to the main controller 261 is read, and the state of the switch is determined and the detection information (winning detection information) is stored. Next, the random number initial value counter CINI1 and the hit initial value random number counter CINI2 are updated (S6).
02). Specifically, the initial value random number counter CINI1 and the hit initial value random number counter CI
NI2 is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the maximum values (738 and 250 in this embodiment, respectively). And each counter CINI1, C
The updated value of INI2 is stored in the corresponding buffer areas B4 and B9 of the RAM 503.

Further, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, the stop pattern selection counter C3 and the hit random number counter C4 are updated (S603). Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, the stop pattern selection counter C3, and the hit random number counter C4 are each incremented by 1 and their counter values are maximum values (738, 9 in the present embodiment, respectively). , 238, 250) is cleared to 0 respectively. Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer areas B1 to B4 of the RAM 503. Next, a start winning process associated with winning at the start port 32 is executed (S
604). Thereafter, a firing solenoid control signal, a ball feed solenoid control signal, and the like are output to the firing control device 312 to execute a firing control process (S605).

This start winning process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, whether or not the game ball has won the start opening 32 (start winning prize) is determined based on the detection information of the operation opening switch (S
701). When it is determined that the game ball has won the start opening 32 (S701: Yes), it is determined whether or not the number N of the operation reserved balls of the special symbol display device 42 is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). (S702). If there is a winning at the starting port 32 and the number of balls with an operational reserve N <4 (S
702: Yes), 1 is added to the number N of active suspension balls (S703), and the above step S70 is further performed.
The values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the stop pattern selection counter C3 updated in step 3 are stored in the first area among the empty reserved areas in the reserved ball storage area 700 of the RAM 503 (S704). On the other hand, there is no winning at the start port 32 (S701).
: No), or even if there is a winning at the start port 32, if the number N of active suspension balls is not less than 4 (S7)
02: No), skipping each process of S703 and S704, the start winning process is terminated. After the start winning process is completed, the MPU 501 once ends this timer interrupt process.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt process. The NMI interrupt process is executed by the MPU 501 of the main controller 261 when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal SG1 is sent from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 in the power failure monitoring device 540 to the MPU 501 in the main control device 261.
The MPU 501 interrupts the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt process. The NMI interrupt process in the present embodiment will be specifically described. The MPU 501 sets power-off occurrence information (specifically, sets a power failure flag to logic “1”) (S801). When the power failure flag is logic “1”, it indicates that the power supply is cut off (power failure), and when the power failure flag is logic “0”, it indicates that the power supply is not in the power interruption (power failure) state. In the following description, “power interruption occurrence information” means a power failure flag.

Note that the NMI interrupt processing program of FIG. 15 is stored in the ROM 502 of the main controller 261. During the predetermined time after the power failure signal SG1 is output, the backup power is supplied from the power supply device 313 via the power failure monitoring device 540 so that the processing of the main control device 261 can be executed. An NMI interrupt process is executed.

After the NMI interrupt process is performed, the process returns to the normal process. During the normal process, as described later, the process is executed up to the final process program. When disconnection occurrence information is set, the process proceeds to power failure processing. In this way, by setting the power failure flag only for the NMI interrupt processing at the time of a power failure, after confirming the setting of the information on the occurrence of power interruption after executing the normal processing up to the final processing program, the process proceeds to the power failure processing.
Processing compression and simplification of control can be realized.

The above NMI interruption process is executed in the same manner in the payout control apparatus 311. Further, after the power failure signal SG1 is output, the power supply unit allows the process of the payout control apparatus 311 to be executed for a predetermined time. The same applies to power supply.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the MPU 501 in the main controller 261. This main process is started by a reset at power-on. In the main process, first, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed (S101). Next, in order to wait for the payout control device 311 and the sub control device 262 to become operable, a wait process (for example, about 1 second) is executed (S102). After the wait, access to the RAM 503 is permitted (S103).

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch is turned on (specifically, whether or not a RAM erase signal is input from the power monitoring device) (S104).
(S104: Yes), the process proceeds to S113. On the other hand, if the RAM erasure switch is not turned on (S104: No), it is further determined whether or not the power-off occurrence information is set in the RAM 503 (S105), and if not set (S105: No). Also in this case, the process proceeds to S113. When the information on occurrence of power interruption is set (S10
5: Yes), the RAM determination value is calculated (S106), and the calculated RAM determination value is not normal (S107: No), that is, the calculated RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off. If not, the data stored in the RAM (referred to as data in the RAM) has been destroyed, so the process also proceeds to S113 in such a case. As described above, RA
The M determination value is a checksum value at a work area address of the RAM 503, for example. Instead of the RAM determination value, the validity of the RAM data may be determined based on whether or not the keyword written in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 is correctly stored.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 10, when RAM data is initialized when the power is turned on, for example, at the start of business in the hall, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch has been pressed, the routine proceeds to RAM initialization processing (S113). Similarly, when the information on occurrence of power interruption is not set, or when abnormality of the RAM data is confirmed by the RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process proceeds to initialization processing of the RAM 503 (S113 to S117). To do. That is, in the RAM initialization processing from S113, the used area of the RAM 503 is cleared to 0, and the initial value of the RAM 503 is set (S113).
). Next, a payout initialization command is transmitted to the payout control device 311 (S114), then a command at power-on is transmitted (S115), and the counter and timer are initialized (S116). Thereafter, an interrupt is permitted (S117), and the process proceeds to normal processing described later.

On the other hand, if the RAM erasure switch is not turned on (S104: No), the information about occurrence of power interruption is set (S105: Yes), and the RAM judgment value (checksum value etc.) is normal (S107). : Yes), the process proceeds to S108, and the information on the occurrence of power interruption is cleared (the power failure flag is set to “0”). Next, a payout return command is transmitted to the payout control device 311 (S109), and then a power supply return command for notifying the sub-side control device of power supply return is transmitted (S110), and the counter and timer are initialized. Perform (S111). Thereafter, an interrupt is permitted (S112), and the process proceeds to normal processing described later.

Next, normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this normal process, the main process of the game is executed. As an overview, S201-S as periodic processing of 4ms cycle
Each process of 208 is executed, the power failure flag is monitored within the remaining time process, and the process of power-off (S
209 to S216).

In the normal processing, first, output data such as a command updated in the previous processing is transmitted to each control device on the sub side (S201). Specifically, the presence / absence of winning detection information is determined, and if there is winning detection information, a winning ball payout command corresponding to the number of acquired game balls is transmitted to the payout control device 311. In addition, when the decorative symbol display device 42 displays the variation of the decorative symbol, a variation pattern command (a command related to a symbol variation mode such as normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc.), a decorative symbol stop symbol code information designation command (special jackpot designation, unspecified) This command is either designated or undesignated. Hereinafter, it is abbreviated as “decoration stop symbol code information designation command” and sometimes also referred to as a stop symbol command), a production command (
An effect stop command (also referred to as a symbol confirmation command) or the like including an effect time addition designation command or the like is transmitted to the sub-control device 262.

Next, each value of the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 is updated (S202). In particular,
The variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are incremented by 1, and are cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the maximum value (198 in this embodiment). Then, the updated values of the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503. Then
A prize ball counting signal, a payout abnormality signal, and a lower pan full tank signal received from the payout control device 311 are read (S203), and a special symbol variation process for displaying a special symbol by the special symbol display device 38 is executed ( S204). By this special symbol variation processing, in addition to jackpot determination and special symbol variation pattern setting, a variation pattern command for decoration symbol display effect, a decoration stop symbol code information designation command, and an effect time addition designation command Decisions are also made. Details of the special symbol variation process will be described later with reference to FIG.

After the special symbol variation process is finished, the variable winning device 32 is usually in a big win state.
The special prize opening / closing process for opening or closing the special prize opening 61 is executed (S205). That is, the big winning opening 61 is opened for each round of the big hit state, and it is determined whether the maximum opening time of the big winning opening 61 has passed or whether a predetermined number of game balls have been won in the big winning opening 61. When either of these conditions is satisfied, the special winning opening 61 is closed. This is repeated for a predetermined number of rounds.
The predetermined round is usually 15 rounds in the case of a big hit state, and the closing condition of the big prize winning opening 61 is closed after 30 seconds have elapsed or nine balls have been entered.
On the other hand, in the case of sudden hitting of junior college, the predetermined round is 2 rounds and the opening state 1.
It starts in 5 seconds and continues for 2.0 seconds in the closed state and 1.5 seconds in the open state.
In this pachinko machine, there is no specific area (V zone) for continuous opening of the grand prize winning opening 61. Therefore, in the big hit state, it does not end in the middle of the predetermined number of rounds and is always predetermined. All rounds are executed.

Next, in step S206, normal symbol display control by the normal symbol display device 41 is executed. Briefly, the value of the hit random number counter C4 is acquired each time on the condition that the game ball has passed through the second starting port 34, and the display lamps 41a and 41b of the normal symbol display device 41 are used. Normal symbol variation display is implemented. And a random number counter C
When the normal symbol lottery is performed with the value of 4 and the normal symbol hit state (a state where “◯” is displayed) is reached, the first start port 32 is opened for a predetermined time (S207).

Next, it is determined whether or not the information on occurrence of power interruption has been set (S208). If it has been set (S208: Yes), the process proceeds to S213, and interrupt inhibition is set (S2).
12) A power-off notification command indicating that the power has been cut off is transmitted to another control device (S213), and then the output of the control signal is stopped (S216). Next, a RAM determination value is calculated and stored (S215). The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. Thereafter, access to the RAM 503 is prohibited (S216), and the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely shut down and the processing cannot be executed.

If the power-off occurrence information is not set (S208: No), the process proceeds to step S209, whether or not the next normal process execution timing has been reached, that is, a predetermined time from the start of the previous normal process ( In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not 4 ms) has elapsed (S209),
If the predetermined time has already elapsed (S209: Yes), the process returns to step S201.

On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed since the start of the previous normal process (S209: No)
), The initial value random number counter CINI1, the hit initial value random number counter CINI2, and the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are updated within the remaining time until the predetermined time, that is, the next normal processing execution timing. Repeatedly execute (S210, S211)
). First, the initial value random number counter CINI1 and the hit initial value random number counter CINI2 are updated (S210). Specifically, each of counters CINI1 and CINI2 is set to 1.
At the same time, the counter values are cleared to 0 when they reach the maximum values (738 and 250 in this embodiment). Then, the updated values of the counters CINI1 and CINI2 are
The data is stored in the corresponding buffer areas B4 and B9 of the RAM 503, respectively. Next, the counter variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are updated (S211). Specifically, each of the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the maximum value. Then, the update values of the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are set to RA.
The data is stored in the corresponding buffer areas B5, B6, and B7 of M503.

Thus, since the execution time of each process of S201-S209 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the next normal process execution timing is not constant and varies. Therefore, by repeatedly executing the initial value random number counter CINI1 and the hit initial value random number counter CINI2 using the remaining time, the initial value random number counter CINI1 (
That is, the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1) and the hit initial value random number counter CINI2 (
That is, the initial value of the hit random number counter C4) can be updated at random, and similarly, the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 can be updated at random.

Next, the special symbol variation process (S204) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the special symbol variation process, first, it is determined whether or not a big hit is currently being made (S401).
. The jackpot includes a jackpot game displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 when a jackpot is won and a predetermined time after the jackpot game is over. As a result of the determination, if it is a big hit (S401: Yes), this processing is terminated as it is.

If it is not a big hit (S401: No), it is determined whether or not the special symbol change display is being performed by the special symbol display device 38 (S402). If the special symbol change display is not in progress (S40).
2: No), it is determined whether or not the number N of actuated balls of the special symbol display device 38 is greater than 0 (S403). If the number N of active suspension balls is 0 (S403: No), this process is ended as it is. If the number N of activated balls is> 0 (S403: Yes), the number N of activated balls is subtracted by 1 (
(S404), the data stored in the reserved ball storage area 700 is shifted (S405).
. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the reserved first to fourth areas of the reserved ball storage area 700 to the execution area side. The reserved first area → the execution area, the reserved second area Specifically, data in each area is shifted, such as a hold first area, a hold third area, a hold second area, a hold fourth area, and a hold third area. After the data shift process, a special symbol variation start process is executed (S406). The variation start process will be described later with reference to FIG.

In the process of S402, when the special symbol variation display is in progress (S402: Yes)
Then, it is determined whether or not the variation time has elapsed (S407). The variation time of the special symbol is determined according to the variation pattern of the special symbol. If the variation time has not elapsed (S407)
: No), the display pattern of the special symbol is updated (S408), and this process is terminated. Here, “update the display symbol of the special symbol” means that the special symbol display lamps 38a and 38b are changed to a lighting state different from the current lighting state. For example, special symbol display lamps 38a, 38
The case where the lighting color of b is changed corresponds. When the fluctuation time has elapsed (S407: Yes)
), The special symbol stop symbol is set as the display symbol (S409). Here, “special symbol stop symbol is set as display symbol” means that special symbol display lamps 38a and 38b are lit in a stop symbol (normally big hit, sudden short-time big hit and off lighting color respectively). It means to do. Next, an effect pattern stop command is set (S410), and this process ends.

Next, the variation start process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Fluctuation start processing (
In S406), first, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is based on the values of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the jackpot symbol counter C2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area 700 (S501). Whether or not the jackpot is determined is based on the relationship between the jackpot random number counter value and the mode at that time. As described above, among the values 0 to 738 of the jackpot random number counter C1, “
“373,727” is the winning value.

When it is determined that it is a normal jackpot (S501: normal jackpot), the symbol corresponding to the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area 700, that is, the jackpot symbol is the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 And a normal jackpot symbol is set as a stop symbol (S502). Then
The jackpot effect pattern is determined by checking the count values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 (S503).

Next, the value of the variation type counter CS3 is confirmed to determine the effect time addition (S504).
Next, an effect pattern designation command (also referred to as a variation pattern designation command) is set according to the jackpot effect pattern determined in step S503 (S505), and step S50.
The decoration stop symbol code information command is set according to the stop symbol set in 2 (S506).
When the effect time addition is determined in step S504, an effect time addition designation command is set (S507). In this way, in steps S501 to S507, an effect pattern designation command, a decoration stop symbol code information command, and an effect time addition designation command in the case of a normal jackpot are set.

If it is determined in the process of S501 that there is a sudden time bonus (S501: sudden time bonus), similarly, the symbol corresponding to the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area 700, that is, The jackpot symbol is obtained based on a table (not shown) representing the correspondence between the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the symbol, the sudden and short jackpot symbol is set as the stop symbol (S508), and the sudden and short jackpot effect pattern is determined (S509). . Then, an effect pattern designation command, a decoration stop symbol code information command, and an effect time addition designation command are set by the processes of steps S504 to S507.

If it is determined in the process of S501 that it is not a big hit (S501: miss), the miss symbol is set as a stop symbol (S510), and a miss effect pattern is determined (S511). Then, an effect pattern designation command, a decoration stop symbol code information command, and an effect time addition designation command in the case of not being a big hit are set by the processing of steps S504 to S507, respectively.

In addition, the decoration stop symbol code information command in step S506 is a command with a content for designating a specific deviation in the case of a sudden shortage. That is, in the case of a normal jackpot, the decoration stop symbol code information command in step S506 is a command having the contents of a normal jackpot designation (for example, three symbols such as “2, 2, 2”). However, in the case of a sudden loss of time and junior college, a specific off-designation is used in order to make a specific out-of-design (for example, “1,2,3”, etc. a symbol that is not available but a big hit) as a decoration stop symbol. It becomes a dedicated command. Whether or not it is a sudden win / short win is determined based on the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2. That is, among the values 0 to 4 of the jackpot symbol counter C2, as described above, “0, 1, 3, 4” is the normal jackpot value, and “2” is the sudden and short jackpot value. Based on the value of C2, it can be determined whether or not it is a sudden shortage.

Next, each process executed by the MPU 550 of the sub control device 262 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a main process of the sub-control device 262, and this main process is started by a reset at power-on.

The main process of the sub-control device 262 first executes an initial setting process associated with power-on (S9).
11) Initialize I / O and timer, and set each interrupt such as timer interrupt. Then
It is determined whether or not all the power-off processes have been completed, that is, whether all the lamps are turned off or the speaker is muted (S912). When all power-off processing is complete (
In S912: Yes), the process proceeds to S914. If all the power-off processes are not completed (S912: No), the RAM 552 may be destroyed.
It is determined whether or not 2 is destroyed (S913). Specifically, the RAM 552 has RA.
The M destruction check data is set in advance, and the determination is made based on the RAM destruction check data. When it is determined that the RAM 552 is not destroyed (S91)
3: No), the process proceeds to step S917. On the other hand, when it is determined that the RAM 552 is destroyed (S913: Yes), a read / write check is performed on each area of the RAM 552 (S914), and whether or not the RAM 552 functions normally based on the result of the read / write check is determined. It is determined (S915). When the RAM 552 is not normal (S915: No), a predetermined lamp is turned on to notify the RAM abnormality (S921).

On the other hand, if the RAM 552 is normal (S915: Yes), RAM destruction check data is set in the RAM 552 (S916). Next, it is determined whether or not the power is turned on after the power is turned off (S917). If the power is not turned on after the power is turned off (S917: No), the area other than the uninitialized area in the RAM 522 is cleared (S918). Thereby, all the commands transmitted from the main controller 261 other than the power command are cleared. Next, interrupts such as timer interruption and command reception processing from the main control device 261 are permitted (S919). Next, the initial value of the RAM 522 is set (S920), and thereafter, the process proceeds to normal processing described later. On the other hand, if the power is turned on after the power is turned off in step S917, the process proceeds to step S919.
Move on.

Next, normal processing of the sub-control device 262 will be described with reference to FIG. First 1
It is determined whether or not ms has elapsed (S1031). If it is before 1 ms has elapsed (S103)
1: No), a random number for generating a lost symbol, a jackpot symbol, a notice symbol, etc. related to the decorative symbol is updated (S1040). Specifically, jackpot decorative design (usually for jackpot design)
Counters, jackpot decorative symbols (for sudden and short jackpot symbols) counters, reach decorative symbol counters, complete detachment decorative symbol counters, presentation symbol counters such as warning symbols, etc. are provided, and counter values related to these decorative symbols are set Update. Note that the values of these counters are updated randomly. That is, by using the value of the R register built in the MPU 550, the values of these counters are updated at random. That is, when updating these counters, the lower 2 bits of the R register are added to the previous value, and if the addition result exceeds the maximum value,
6 "is subtracted to determine the current value.

After the random number update process (S1040), a command is received from the main controller 261, and a process corresponding to each command is performed (S1041). Here, if the command from the main control device 261 is a command related to the display of decorative symbols, the command to the display control device 45 is edited based on the command, and the edited command is sent to the display control device 45. Send. More specifically, as a display command from the main controller 261, a variation pattern designation command (
A command that is generated based on the stop pattern selection counter C3 and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2, and that designates a symbol variation mode such as normal reach, super reach, and premium reach. May be referred to as a variation pattern command), a decoration stop symbol code information command (a command for jackpot designation, specific off designation, or out designation. Hereinafter, it may also be referred to as a stop symbol command), a production command (fluctuation) A change time change command generated based on the type counter CS3), an all stop command (decorated symbol stop command, so-called fixed command, sometimes referred to as a symbol fixed command), and the like.

If the command from the main control device 261 is a command related to a round display effect in the special gaming state, the command is transmitted to the display control device 45 as it is. Specifically, jackpot opening command (command indicating start of jackpot effect display), open command (command indicating start of effect display of each jackpot round), ending command (command indicating end of jackpot effect display), etc. It is. The processing of the command related to the round effect in the special game state described above is related to power recovery during the special game, which is the main point of the present invention, and will be described in detail later.

On the other hand, the sub-control device 262 transmits the variation pattern designation command from the main control device 261 as it is to the display control device 45, but the decoration stop symbol code information command is specific for each of the jackpot designation, specific off designation, and out designation. Edit the decorative symbol (stop symbol) to the determined command. In this editing, the stop symbol is determined by the decorative symbol counter in the MPU 550. In addition, the production command from the main control device 261 is edited into a command including designation of various productions in addition to the change of the variation time. Then, the sub control device 262 transmits these commands to the display control device 45. As a result, the display control device 45 analyzes the received command, generates an image of a decorative symbol in accordance with the command, and outputs the image to the decorative symbol display device 42, whereby the decorative symbol display device 42 displays a predetermined effect display. In this way, the variable display is executed.

Thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not the RAM 552 is destroyed (S1042). If it is not destroyed (S1042: No), the process returns to step S1031. If it is destroyed (
S1042: Yes), it becomes an infinite loop process.
On the other hand, if 1 ms or more has elapsed in step S1031, (S1031: Yes).
), A lamp lighting pattern corresponding to the effect pattern of the decorative symbol display device 42 is output to the effect lamp 811, and the effect lamp 811 is turned on (S1032). The creation of the lamp lighting pattern is specifically performed by the process of step S1037 described later. Then
In response to the power-on command, the predetermined lamp is lit for 30 seconds and notified (S1033). Next, a customer waiting effect command for switching between the title of the decorative symbol and the still image is generated and transmitted to the display control device 45 (S1034). Next, when displaying the reserved number of special symbols on the decorative symbol display device 42, a command for that purpose is generated and transmitted to the display control device 45 when the reserved number display is updated (S1035).

Next, the input operation of the effect button 79 is confirmed. When there is an input operation, an effect command is generated so that a predetermined effect corresponding to the effect button 79 is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42, It transmits to the display control apparatus 45 (S1036). Next, the lamp lighting pattern corresponding to the effect pattern of the decorative design display device 42 is edited (S1037), the sound pattern of the speaker 810 corresponding to the effect pattern of the decorative design display device 42 is edited, and the sound pattern is displayed on the speaker 810. It outputs (S1038).

Next, various time managements for executing the display effects of the decorative symbol display device 42 are performed (S
1039). After that, through steps S1040, S1041, and S1042,
Return to 1031.
In this way, in the sub-control device 262, the ringing control of the effect speaker 810 and the lighting (flashing) control of the effect lamp 811 according to the variation display of the decorative design, and the main control device 2 are performed.
Based on the command from 61, the command to the display control device 45 is edited and the display control device 4
Send to 5

Next, display control in the display control device 45 will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing display control processing executed by the MPU 521 in the display control device 45. MP
The U 521 executes display control of the decorative symbol display device 42 while processing various commands provided from the sub-control device 262 according to the procedure shown in FIG.

First, it is determined whether or not a display-related command (hereinafter referred to as a display command) has been received from the sub-control device 262 (S1151). If not received (S1151: No),
Wait until some command is received. When a display command is received (S11
51: Yes), the contents of the display command are stored in the RAM 523 (S1152). Next, various arithmetic processes such as generating an internal command for the image controller 526 are started based on the information stored in the RAM 523 (S1153).
As a result, the image controller 526 starts drawing processing in response to a command (internal command) from the MPU 521. Display commands such as “variation pattern command” and “symbol confirmation command” that display changes in symbols, and “waiting for customers effect command” that displays a demo screen that is displayed when a game is not being played. In addition, there are a “big hit opening command” that tells the start of a big hit when a big hit occurs, a “round open command” that shows the start of each round of big hits, and the image controller 526 needs to display from the character ROM 525 according to each command The image data is read and drawing is started.
In addition, the round display screen for the big hit is different between the case of the normal big hit and the case of the sudden short and big hit, and the image data for round display of the big hit is stored in the character ROM.

Of the display commands, once the variation pattern command is received, until the confirmation command is received thereafter, the symbol variation display is continued under the cooperation of the MPU 521 and the image controller 526. Meanwhile, the MPU 521 performs the control of the image controller 526 and the command reception process shown in FIG. 18 in parallel.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a confirmation command is received from the sub-control device 262 (S115).
4). Then, on the condition that the confirmation command has been received, the process proceeds to step S1155, and the image controller 526 is instructed to display the confirmation with the stop symbol. As a result, the image controller 526 displays the changed symbol as a stop symbol. In this way, one round of display processing is performed from the start of change of the symbol to the stop of change (definite display). Display control device 45
Is controlled by the sub-control device 262 at the time of starting and stopping the change of the symbol, but the continuous change of the symbol during that time is performed by independent image control by the MPU 521 and the image controller 526 in the display control device 45. It is secured.

Next, payout control executed by the MPU 511 in the payout control device 311 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a main process of the payout control device 311. This main process is started by a reset at power-on.

First, initial setting processing accompanying power-on is executed (S1201). Specifically, a predetermined value set in advance in the stack pointer and an interrupt mode are set. Next, RA
M access is permitted (S1202) and an external interrupt vector is set (S1203).
).

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the occurrence information of power interruption is stored in the RAM 513 (S12).
04) If not stored (S1204: No), the process proceeds to S1210. R
If the occurrence information of power interruption is stored in the AM 513 (S1204: Yes), the RAM judgment value is calculated (S1205), and the calculated RAM judgment value is not normal (S1206: No).
) That is, if the calculated RAM determination value does not match the RAM determination value stored at the time of power-off,
Since the data stored in the RAM 513 is destroyed, the processing is performed in this case as well.
Move to 210. As described above, the RAM determination value is a checksum value at a work area address of the RAM 513, for example. Instead of the RAM determination value, the RAM 51 is determined depending on whether or not the keyword written in a predetermined area of the RAM 513 is correctly stored.
The validity of the data stored in 3 may be determined.

In the RAM initialization process from step S1210, the used area of the RAM 513 is cleared to 0 (S1210), and the initial value of the RAM 513 is set (S1211). Then MP
The U511 peripheral device is initialized (S1208) and interrupts are permitted (S1
209), the process proceeds to a payout control process described later.

On the other hand, if the power-off occurrence information is set (S1204: Yes) and the RAM judgment value (checksum value etc.) is normal (S1206: Yes), the process at the time of power recovery (at the time of power-off restoration) Process). That is, the initial value of the RAM 513 is set (S1207), and the MP
The U511 peripheral device is initialized (S1208) and interrupts are permitted (S1
209), the process proceeds to a payout control process described later.

Next, payout control processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This payout control process is executed following the main process of the payout control device 311. In the payout control process,
A command from the main controller 261 is acquired and stored as the total number of winning balls (S1301).
Here, if the command from the main control device 261 is a regular command, all the payouts are permitted. If the command from the main control device 261 is a prize ball command, a payout return command, or a payout initialization command, processing corresponding to the command is performed.
Next, it is determined whether or not a payout permission command transmitted from the main controller 261 is received (S1302: No). When a payout permission command is received (S1302:
Yes) If the state return switch 321 is checked, if it is determined that the state return operation has started, the state return operation is executed (S1303).

Thereafter, the setting of the lower plate full state or the lower plate full state is executed according to the change in the state of the lower plate 15 (S1304). That is, when the lower plate 15 is full based on the detection signal of the lower plate full switch, when the lower plate is full, the setting of the lower plate full state is executed. , Set the lower pan full release state. Further, the setting of the tank ball absence state or the tank ball absence release state is executed according to the change of the tank ball state (S1305).
In other words, the tank ball no switch state is determined based on the detection signal of the tank ball no switch, and when there is no tank ball, the setting of the tank ball no state is executed. Perform configuration. Thereafter, the presence / absence of the state to be notified is determined, and if there is a state to be notified, the 7-segment LED provided in the payout control device 311 is notified (S1).
306).

Next, a prize ball payout process is executed by each process of S1307, S1308, and S1315. That is, if the prize ball cannot be paid out and the total number of prize balls stored in the process of S1301 is not 0 (S1307: No, S1308: No), the prize ball control process shown in FIG. 21 is started (S1315). . On the other hand, if the prize ball cannot be paid out (S1307: Yes) or if the total number of prize balls is 0 (S1308: Yes), the process proceeds to the lending and payout process. The prize ball control process will be described later.

In the lending payout process of S1309, S1310, and S1316, if a lending payout request from the card unit is not received and a lending payout request is received from the card unit (S1309: No, S13)
10: Yes), the ball lending control process shown in FIG. 22 is started (S1316). The ball rental control process will be described later.

On the other hand, if it is not in the lending-out state of the lending ball and has not received a lending-out request from the card unit (S1309: No, S1310: No), or if it is in the lending state of lending (S1309: Yes). ), Vibrator control (vibrating motor control) is executed for releasing the ball clogging state (S1311). After that, it is determined whether or not a power failure has occurred (S1312),
If a power failure has not occurred (S1312: No), the process returns to step S1301. If a power outage has occurred (S1312: Yes), information on the occurrence of power interruption is set (S1313), a RAM determination value is created (S1314), and then an infinite loop is entered to wait for input of a reset signal.

Next, the prize ball control process shown in FIG. 21 will be described. In the winning ball control process, first, the payout motor 358a is driven to rotate in the forward direction, and the paying of the winning ball is executed (S1401). Dispensing motor 35
Whether or not the rotation of 8a is normal is determined by the detection result of the payout rotation sensor (S1402). If not normal (S1402: No), the payout motor 358a is driven to execute a retry process and the payout motor 358a is stopped. The process is executed (S1403), and then the process returns to the payout control process of FIG.

If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal (S1402: Yes), it is determined from the detection result of the payout count switch whether or not the game ball is being counted normally (
S1404). If the game ball count is not normal (S1404: No), the payout motor 3
58a is driven to execute retry processing and stop processing of the payout motor 358a (S1405). Thereafter, the process returns to the payout control processing of FIG.

Further, if the game ball count is normal (S1404: Yes), it is determined whether or not the game ball count by the payout count switch has reached the total number of prize balls and the payout is completed (S1).
406) If the payout has been completed (S1406: Yes), the payout motor 358a is stopped (S1407), and then the payout control process of FIG. 20 is returned. On the other hand, if the payout is not completed (S1406: No), the process returns to the payout control process of FIG.

Next, the lending control process shown in FIG. 22 will be described. In the ball lending control process, first, the payout motor 358a is driven to rotate in the forward direction to pay out a lending ball (S1501). Dispensing motor 35
Whether the rotation of 8a is normal is determined based on the detection result of the payout rotation sensor (S1502). If not normal (S1502: No), the payout motor 358a is driven to execute a retry process and the payout motor 358a is stopped. The process is executed (S1503), and then the process returns to the payout control process of FIG.

If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal (S1502: Yes), it is determined from the detection result of the payout count switch whether or not the game ball is being counted normally (
S1504). If the game ball count is not normal (S1504: No), the payout motor 3
58a is driven to execute a retry process and a stop process for the payout motor 358a is executed (S1505). Thereafter, the process returns to the payout control process of FIG.

Further, if the game ball count is normal (S1504: Yes), it is determined whether or not the game ball count by the payout count switch has reached a predetermined number (25) and the payout is completed ( If the payout is completed (S1506: Yes), the payout motor 3
The stop process of 58a is executed (S1507), and then the process returns to the payout control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the payout has not been completed (S1506: No), the process returns to the payout control process of FIG.

(Details of control related to display effects in special gaming state)
In describing the details of the present invention, first, the flow of commands transmitted from the main control device 261 to the sub-control device 262 when a special game state occurs in the gaming machine will be described with reference to FIG.
We have already mentioned that there are multiple types of special gaming states (usually big wins and sudden bonuses), but from the viewpoint of display production, “normal jackpot” with a long round production time and “sudden time reduction” with a very short round production time. “Big jackpot”
FIG. 23A shows a flow of commands received by the sub-control device 262 at the time of “normal jackpot”, and FIG. 23B shows a flow at the time of “sudden emergency jackpot”. In both cases, the types and order of commands received by the sub-control means are the same. Specifically, when a variation pattern command specifying the variation pattern of the decorative symbol is received, the variation starts, and a symbol to be stopped is determined by a stop symbol command received later. Then, after the fluctuation according to the fluctuation pattern command is performed, the big hit symbol is stopped by the symbol confirmation command, and the jackpot state is entered.
Also, as commands relating to the subsequent jackpot effect, a jackpot opening command indicating the start of the jackpot, an open command indicating the start of the round, and an ending command indicating the end of the jackpot are received.
The reception order of the commands is the same, but there are two differences in the commands related to the jackpot effect.

The first is that command reception intervals are different. In the case of FIG. 23 (a), about 30 seconds from when the opening command for the first round is received to when the opening command for the second round is received, or when nine game balls have entered the big prize opening. However, in the case of FIG.
Seconds. In other words, the time required for “round sudden big jackpot” to process one round is much shorter than “normal jackpot”. Similarly, FIG.
The release command for the second round of a) is about 30 seconds (or when nine game balls have entered the big prize opening), but that of FIG. 23B is about 1.5 seconds. In addition, there is a difference in the time interval between “normal jackpot” and “sudden time jackpot” in the interval between the jackpot opening command and the opening command, and the interval between the ending command and the next command (variation pattern command, etc.). "Time and big hit" is extremely shorter (about 0.5 seconds).
The above time intervals are preset for each command, the time required for “normal jackpot” and the time required for “sudden emergency jackpot”, and two types of time intervals corresponding to each command are stored as a table. Yes.

Second, the jackpot opening commands are “normal jackpot” and “suddenly short-term jackpot”
The command identifiers are different, and the open command and the ending command received thereafter are common command identifiers. In other words, the jackpot opening command at the time of “normal jackpot” and the jackpot opening command at the time of “sudden emergency jackpot” both belong to the type of jackpot opening command, but the command identifiers are for “normal jackpot” and “sudden bonus jackpot” (See Table 1). Specifically, the received command is composed of 4 bytes, the command identifier for “normal jackpot” is F20EH, and that for “sudden time jackpot” is F201H, which can be distinguished. Other open commands and ending commands are “normal jackpot” and “
It is a common command identifier for "Sudden time and big hit".

As for the open command, since the open command for all rounds in the case of “Sudden time jackpot” is shared with the open command in the case of “normal jackpot”, the first round is being released accurately. Only the command and the second round opening command are shared. For example, both the first round opening commands indicate F101H, the second round opening commands both indicate F102H, and the ending commands are both F211H.
Indicates.

Therefore, in the case of the command system as described above, as shown in FIG. 24A, the sub-control device 262 has a power failure such as a power failure before receiving the jackpot opening command, and then recovers the power by receiving the power recovery command. Even if a jackpot opening command is transmitted from the main control device 261 after this is done, it is possible to identify “normal jackpot” and “suddenly short jackpot” with this command alone. However, as shown in FIG. 24 (b), when a power failure occurs after receiving the jackpot opening command and then the power is restored, the command transmitted from the main controller 261 after the jackpot opening command is in the first round release. It is a command. As described above, since the first round opening command is a common command for “normal jackpot” and “suddenly short-time jackpot”, the sub-control unit 262 only wins the first round opening command alone. It becomes impossible to judge.

In addition, the timing of power-off during a big hit state can be broadly divided into cases before a big hit, after receiving a big hit opening command, after receiving an open command, and after receiving an ending command. There are cases where the type of jackpot can be determined only on the control device 262 side, and there are cases where it cannot be determined, and details thereof will be described later.
By the way, even if a gaming machine has a jackpot opening command and an open command that is shared by all of the first to fifteenth rounds, the power-off before receiving the discrimination command such as the above-mentioned variation pattern command or stop symbol command etc. If so, the jackpot symbol can be determined by any of these determination commands, so the timing of power recovery does not matter.

Based on the fact that the gaming machine in this embodiment has the command system related to the jackpot display effect as described above, the return process of the display effect of “normal jackpot” and “sudden emergency jackpot” at the time of power return will be described below. To do.

(Configuration of characteristic portions of the present invention)
The structure of the characteristic part of the present invention will be described. FIG. 25 is a functional block diagram related to display return processing according to the present invention.
The sub-control device 262 displays a display return processing state flag 1201 which is set upon reception of the power return command and indicates that the display return processing state is in progress, and a predetermined display effect command (first display command required for the display return processing during the display return processing). A command holding unit 1205 that stores the contents of the received display effect command when receiving the command for releasing the first round, a command for releasing the second round, or an ending command), and starts when the predetermined display effect command is received The time measuring unit 1203 that outputs until the predetermined time elapses and outputs a notification signal that notifies the predetermined time elapses, the display return control unit 1204 that controls the display return process, and the command holding unit 1205 A display effect execution unit 1207 that performs a display effect based on the contents of a predetermined display effect command. Having.
The display return control unit 1204 outputs a set signal that prompts activation of the time measurement unit 1203 or a reset signal that stops the measurement operation of the time measurement unit 1203.
Have

The time measuring unit 1203 also outputs a timer TM that outputs a notification signal for notifying when the timer set time has elapsed, a time holding unit 1206 that holds a predetermined time respectively corresponding to a predetermined display effect command, Time holding unit 1 when receiving a predetermined display effect command
A timer activation unit 1200 that activates the timer TM with a predetermined time corresponding to the predetermined display effect command derived from 206 as a timer setting time. Here, the time holding unit 12
The predetermined time held in 06 is a time (T + Ta) obtained by adding a minute time Ta to the display effect time T related to the sudden shortage and big hit executed by a predetermined display effect command. Such a predetermined time is set as the timer setting time of the timer TM. If the setting time is only the display effect time, the timer TM is timed up, and the display effect command is received regarding the sudden time and big jackpot after the timer TM is activated. At the same time, the output of the notification signal of the timer TM and the resetting of the timer TM are performed at the same time. In order to avoid this, the delay of the minute time Ta as described above is provided. Note that the minute time Ta is a time during which the set / reset unit 1202 can reset the timer TM from the time of reception when a display effect command related to a sudden time and big hit following a predetermined display effect command is received. For example, it is about 0.1 ms to 0.2 ms.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the display return control unit 1204 showing details of step S1041 of FIG.
It is determined whether or not a power return command is received from main controller 261 (S1600).
When the power recovery command is received (S1600: Yes), the display recovery processing status flag 12
01 is set (S1604). That is, the display return processing state flag 1201 is set to the theoretical value “1”. If the power recovery command has not been received in step S1600 (S160)
0: No), confirm whether the display return processing status flag 1201 is on (theoretical value “1”),
If it is in the on state (S1601: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1605 and proceeds to the main process of the display return process. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the timer TM activated in step S1605 (described later) is operating (S1606). If it is activated (S1606: Yes), the timer TM is determined.
A process during activation is executed (S1607). If the timer TM is not running (S1606: No)
) And move to the original normal processing. On the other hand, when the flag 1201 is “0” (S1601: N
o) Since there is no need to execute display return processing, processing of other commands from the main controller 261 is performed as usual (S1602, S1603).
Since the flag 1201 is turned off (theoretical value “0”) at the time when the display return process is completed, a command received after the display return process is completed is changed to a received command by the processes in steps S1602 and S1603. Corresponding processing is executed.

Next, the contents of step S1605 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, it is determined whether or not a common open command or jackpot ending command (hereinafter also referred to as an ending command) has been received (S1700). If the command is received (S1700: Yes), The received command is stored in the command holding unit 1205 (S1702). Then, it is determined whether or not the timer TM is running (
S1703) When the timer TM is not started (S1703: No), the timer setting time is set and the timer TM is started (S1704). Specifically, the timer starting unit 1200 in the time measuring unit 1203 reads a predetermined time related to the sudden time juncture executed by the received command from the time holding unit 1206, and sets the read predetermined time as a set time to the timer TM. Set to and start. The display effect time at this time is 3.5 seconds when the received command is the first round opening command, and 1.5 seconds when the received command is the second round opening command, If the received command is a jackpot ending command, the time is 0.5 seconds. On the other hand, when the timer TM is running (S170
3: Yes), the process proceeds to normal processing.

If the command received in step S1700 is not an open command or jackpot ending command (S1700: No), the process proceeds to step S1701, and other commands that are not the display effect command (common open command or jackpot ending command) are processed. (For example, a variation pattern command for determining a variation pattern of a decorative design) (S1701: Yes), it is not in a jackpot state or the jackpot state can be determined only by the received command, so the flag 1201 is set. After resetting (setting the logical value “0”) (S1705), the timer TM is further stopped (S1706), and this display return processing is terminated.

Next, the contents of the above-described timer activation processing in step S1606 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, it is determined whether or not the timer TM has exceeded a set time (S1800). Specifically, it is determined by whether or not a notification signal from the timer TM has been received.

In step S1800, if the timer TM has not exceeded the set time (S18)
00: No), it is determined whether or not the next common open command or ending command has been received (S1801). If an open command or an ending command has been received (S1801: Yes), it is determined that it is a sudden shortage of time (S180).
2) The timer TM is stopped (S1803), the flag 1201 is reset (S1804), and this process is terminated.
On the other hand, if no open command or ending command is received in step S1801 (S1801: No), it is determined whether another command has been received (S1805).
), When another command is received (S1805: Yes), the timer TM is stopped (S18).
03), the flag 1201 is reset (S1804), and this process is terminated. Step S
If no other command is received in 1805 (S1805: No), the process proceeds to normal processing.

In step S1800, when the timer TM has exceeded the set time (S180)
0: Yes) is determined to be “normal jackpot” (S1806), and the display effect execution unit 1207 executes the display effect for “normal jackpot” based on the content of the received command stored in the command holding unit 1205. (S1807). That is, the display return control unit 1204 sends a display signal to the display effect execution unit 1207, and the display effect execution unit 1207 normally uses the open command or the ending command stored in the command holding unit 1205 as a valid command for round processing for big hits. The middle display effect is started. After execution of the process in step S1807, the timer TM is stopped (S1803) and the flag 1201 is reset (S1804) in order to end the display return process.

In this way, the display effect time related to the sudden jackpot that is executed by the received command (3.5 seconds if the received command is the first round opening command, the received command is the second round opening) A predetermined time of 1.5 seconds for a command and 0.5 seconds if the received command is a jackpot ending command is set in the timer TM and started, and continues until the timer set time elapses. When a display effect command (open command, ending command or other command) is received, the measurement operation of the timer TM is stopped, and when a notification signal is input from the timer TM, a special message when a power interruption occurs It is possible to determine that the game is usually a big hit. Because, if the occurrence of a power interruption suddenly hits a short time, the next display effect command is received and the measurement operation of the timer TM is stopped by the time when the set time of the timer TM elapses. The notification signal is not output, while the notification signal is output from the timer TM means that such a subsequent display effect command is not received. This is because it is possible to determine that it is a big hit.

In the above-described processing, only the normal jackpot display effect is restored for the following reason.
The sudden win / short jackpot role is not the acquisition of a winning ball by entering the big winning opening, but a trigger role for suddenly generating a short time state. Furthermore, the period of sudden jackpot is usually much shorter than the jackpot. Therefore, it is the role of the trigger, it is not expected to profit from the prize ball, and the display effect of the game state display time is also short. This is because returning the target normal jackpot display effect correctly and allowing the player to recognize the jackpot can greatly contribute to the player's benefit.

Next, the display return process will be described with a specific example.
(1) When a power failure occurs during the jackpot opening display process (A) When the jackpot before the power failure occurs is suddenly a short-term big hit When a power failure occurs during the jackpot opening display process, it is received after the power recovery command The command to be performed is the first round opening command, and then the second round opening command is received. Accordingly, in step S1700, since the first round opening command is received (S1700: Yes), the first round opening command is stored (S170).
2) Then, it is determined whether or not the timer TM is being activated (S1703). If the timer TM has not been activated (S1703: No), it is the display effect time during which the first round is opened in the timer TM 3
. The set time is set based on 5 seconds, the timer TM is started (S1704), and the process returns to the main process.

Next, after the timer is started, the process proceeds to the timer starting process (S1607). Then, before the set time of the timer TM elapses, that is, when the notification signal is not sent from the timer TM (S1800: No), it is determined whether or not the second round opening command is received (S1801). . The second round opening command is received at the timing when 3.5 seconds have elapsed since the first round opening command reception, and it is determined Yes in step S1801, and it is possible to determine that this jackpot is suddenly a short time jackpot. (S1802). Then, the measuring operation of the timer TM is stopped (S1803). As a result, the notification signal is not output from the timer TM, so that the processing in steps S1806 and S1807 is not performed. Note that if it is determined in step S1802 that there is a sudden emergency bonus, for example, a sudden emergency bonus flag is set. As a result, when the ending command is received after receiving the second round opening command, it is possible to determine that it is a sudden shortage hit by the sudden shortage hitting flag, so that a return process is performed when the ending command is received. This is because it is no longer necessary.

(B) When the jackpot before the power cut occurs is a normal jackpot In the case of a normal jackpot, the reception interval between the first round opening command and the second round opening command is longer than 3.5 seconds. The measurement operation of the timer TM is not stopped before 5 seconds have elapsed, and a notification signal is always output. Accordingly, the process proceeds from step S1800 to step S1806, where it is determined that the game is a normal jackpot (S1806), and the command holding unit 120 is determined.
The display effect for the normal jackpot based on the first round opening command stored in 5 is executed (S1807). If it is determined in step S1806 that the game is a normal jackpot, for example, a normal jackpot flag is set. Thus, after receiving the first round opening command, when the second round opening command is received, it can be determined that the normal big hit flag is based on the normal big hit flag, so the second round open command is received. This is because there is no need to perform return processing.

(2) When a power failure occurs during the display process during the first round opening (A) When the jackpot before the power interruption occurs suddenly is a short-term big hit When the power failure occurs during the display process during the first round opening, The command received after the power recovery command is the second round opening command, and then receives the ending command. Accordingly, in step S1700, since the second round opening command is received (S1700: Yes), the second round opening command is stored (S1702), and the timer TM is the display effect time during the second round opening. .Set the time of 5 seconds and set the timer T
M is activated (S1704), and the process returns to the main process.

Next, after the timer is started, the process proceeds to the timer starting process (S1607). Then, before the timer set time elapses, that is, when the notification signal is not sent from the timer TM (S1800: No), it is determined whether or not an ending command has been received (S1).
801). The ending command is received at the timing when 1.5 seconds have elapsed from the reception of the second round opening command, and thereby, it is determined Yes in step S1801, and it is possible to determine that this jackpot is suddenly a short time jackpot (S1802). And timer TM
Is stopped (S1803). As a result, the notification signal is not output from the timer TM, so that the processing in steps S1806 and S1807 is not performed.

(B) When the jackpot before the power cut occurs is a normal jackpot When the power cut occurs during the display process during the first round opening, the command received after the power recovery command is the command during the second round opening. In step S1700, since the second round opening command has been received (S1700: Yes), the second round opening command is stored (S1702), and the display effect time during the second round opening is 1.5 in the timer. The second is set and the timer TM is started (S1704), and the process returns to the main process.

Next, after the timer is started, the process proceeds to the timer starting process (S1607). Here, in the case of a normal jackpot, the measurement operation of the timer TM is not stopped 1.5 seconds before the second round opening command reception, and a notification signal is always output. Therefore,
The process moves from step S1800 to step S1806, and is determined to be a normal jackpot (S1806).
), A normal jackpot display effect based on the second round opening command stored in the command holding unit 1205 is executed (S1807). If a power interruption occurs during the second round open display process, the command received after the power recovery command is the third round open command, and it can be determined that the big jackpot is a normal jackpot by this third round open command. Display return processing is not performed. Further, even when the power interruption occurs during the display processing during the 3rd to 14th rounds, the display return process is not performed because it can be determined that the game is normally a big hit by the open command received at the time of return.

(3) When a power failure occurs before receiving an ending command (A) When the jackpot before the power failure occurs is a sudden shortage / big jackpot When a sudden shortage / big jackpot occurs, This means that the power is cut off during the round-open display process. In this case, the command received after the power recovery command is an ending command, and thereafter another command (for example, a variation pattern command) different from the open command and the ending command is received. Therefore, since the ending command is received in step S1700 (S1
700: Yes), save the ending command (S1702), set the timer TM to 0.5 seconds, which is the ending display effect time, and start the timer TM (S1704)
Return to the main process.

Next, after the timer is started, the process proceeds to the timer starting process (S1607). If the notification signal is not sent from the timer TM before the timer set time has elapsed (S1800: No), the process moves from step S1801 to step S1805 to determine whether another command has been received. To do. The other command is received at the timing when 0.5 seconds have elapsed from the reception of the ending command, thereby determining Yes in step S1805 and stopping the measuring operation of the timer TM (S1803). As a result, the notification signal is not output from the timer TM, so that the processing in steps S1806 and S1807 is not performed. This is because when a power interruption occurs during the ending display process, a display effect corresponding to the command received after the power restoration command may be performed, so that no problem occurs.

(B) When the jackpot before the power failure occurs is a normal jackpot In the case of a normal jackpot, the occurrence of a power failure before receiving the ending command means that a power failure occurs during the display processing during the 15th round opening. . In this case, the command received after the power recovery command is an ending command, and thereafter another command (for example, a variation pattern command) different from the open command and the ending command is received. Therefore, since the ending command is received in step S1700 (S17
00: Yes), the ending command is saved (S1702), the set time of the display effect time 0.5 seconds is set in the timer TM, the timer TM is started (S1704), and the process returns to the main process.

Next, after the timer is started, the process proceeds to the timer starting process (S1607). Here, the normal jackpot ending display time is much longer than 0.5 seconds. Therefore, the timer TM measurement operation will not be stopped 0.5 seconds before the ending command is received, and a notification signal is always output. Is done. Therefore, step S1800 to step S1806
, The normal jackpot is determined (S1806), and the display effect for the normal jackpot based on the ending command stored in the command holding unit 1205 is executed (S1807).
).

By performing the above processing, when the power is restored after the power is turned off, only the sub-control unit determines whether the big hit state is “normal big hit” or “suddenly big big hit”, and only “normal big hit” is displayed. Can be restored. In this way, the player can easily recognize that the normal jackpot, whose main purpose is to win a prize ball by entering the grand prize opening, has been restored, and smoothly enter the big prize opening. Can be executed. As a result, a winning ball based on the jackpot can be obtained with certainty, which can greatly contribute to the player's benefit.
[Second form]

In the first embodiment described above, in the gaming machine in which the jackpot opening command is not shared, the processing related to the display return process when the main control device transmits a jackpot opening command and the power is turned off has been described.
In contrast, in the second embodiment, the identifiers of the jackpot opening command, the opening command, and the jackpot ending command are shared, and a discrimination command (a variation pattern command or In a gaming machine that can determine “normal jackpot” or “sudden time jackpot” by a stop symbol command, etc.), when the power cut occurs after this discrimination command has already been transmitted from the main controller, This is related to the display restoration process.

In the gaming machine as described above, even if the sub-control device receives a common jackpot opening command, it is possible to match the display effect and the jackpot gaming state by the same processing as in the first embodiment. It becomes.
This will be specifically described below.

When the power return command is received before the sub control board receives the common jackpot opening command (FIG. 24A), the display effect command received first is the common jackpot opening command. Even though the jackpot opening command has the same command identifier, the time required for the display effect process has different processing times for “normal jackpot” and “sudden time jackpot”. For example, the display effect time of the “normal jackpot” jackpot opening command is 5.0 seconds, and that of the “sudden time jackpot” is 0.5 seconds, which is displayed in the same manner as the opening command or ending command in the first mode. The production time is different. Accordingly, step S in FIG.
The determination of the elapse of the predetermined time in 1800 is performed by determining whether or not the time from the above-mentioned “sudden emergency jackpot” jackpot opening command to the next first round opening command has passed. Similarly, the jackpot state is “
It is possible to determine whether “normal jackpot” or “suddenly short-time jackpot” and to restore the display effect only for “normal jackpot”. In this way, the player can easily recognize that the normal jackpot, whose main purpose is to win a prize ball by entering the grand prize opening, has been restored, and smoothly enter the big prize opening. Can be executed. As a result, a winning ball based on the jackpot can be obtained with certainty, which can greatly contribute to the player's benefit.

Note that the jackpot opening command can be shared between the “normal jackpot” and “sudden time jackpot” as described above, so that the memory capacity to be used can be reduced and the control program can be simplified. There is an effect that the cost can be reduced.
[Third embodiment]

In the above-described embodiment, the processing for the display effect command is performed until the time necessary for determining “normal jackpot” or “sudden time jackpot” elapses, that is, until the set time of the timer TM elapses. Since nothing is displayed, the decorative symbol display device 42 is in a state where nothing is displayed. Generally, a player looks at an image displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 to determine the game situation and the state of the gaming machine. Therefore, when a state in which nothing is displayed on the display device occurs, the player May not be activated or the game has not started, and there is a possibility that the power is not restored normally.

Therefore, a game standby screen is displayed on the display device until a predetermined time set in the timer TM elapses.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 29, it is substantially the same as the processing content of step S1605 in the first embodiment, but after starting the timer TM for measuring the predetermined time (S1703), A process of displaying a demonstration screen (S1705) is executed. In this embodiment, a conventional customer waiting effect command is transmitted to the display control device 45. By performing this process, the ornamental symbol display device 42 has a demonstration of waiting time until the predetermined time in step S1800 of FIG. 28 elapses, that is, until “normal jackpot” or “sudden time jackpot” is determined. A screen will be displayed.

This makes it easier for the player to confirm that the power has been restored than when nothing is displayed, and provides a sense of security that the jackpot game can be continued.
Further, the image data such as the customer waiting effect demonstration screen may generally be pre-installed in the gaming machine and does not need to be newly prepared for the present invention. In addition, by using the display control command of the customer waiting effect demonstration screen provided in the conventional gaming machine, the development man-hour and cost of the gaming machine can be suppressed.
[Fourth form]

In the first to third embodiments, the power-off recovery process is performed only for the display effect, but during the jackpot, it is common to perform the jackpot effect with sound and sound along with the display effect. is there. Therefore, an embodiment will be described in which a jackpot display effect is performed after power is restored and sound and voice are performed.

As shown in FIG. 30, immediately after step S1805 for performing a display effect at the time of a normal jackpot, an audio / sound ringing process S1808 corresponding to the corresponding jackpot is executed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 31, the sub-control device 262 includes an acoustic / audio signal generation unit 1300 and an audio information holding unit 1301. In the case of steps S1806 and S1807 of FIG. 30 processed by the display return control unit 1204, that is, when the notification signal is received from the timer TM and is determined to be a normal jackpot, the display effect command held by the command holding unit 1205 is displayed. The contents are sent to the sound / audio signal generation unit 1300. As a result, the sound / audio signal generator 130
0 reads the sound / audio data at the time of jackpot corresponding to the contents of the display effect command from the audio information holding unit 1301, creates an audio sound signal, and transmits it to the audio device 1302. Display effect at the time of jackpot by these processes (images that announce the start of jackpot, images during round processing, etc.)
At the same time, BGM or the like can be made to flow.

In this way, it is possible to return to the same level as the normal jackpot effect by sounding the sound and sound together with the display effect and returning the jackpot effect, thus suppressing the sense of loss that caused the disadvantage due to the power interruption The effect to do.

(Other matters)
(A) Although the above-mentioned third form and the fourth form are given as separate examples,
You may implement in the form which combined one.
(B) In the above-described embodiment, a gaming machine that has a sudden short-time jackpot as “special jackpot” has been described, but a gaming machine that has a sudden probability variation jackpot or both may be used.
(C) In the above-described embodiment, a gaming machine that normally has a jackpot is described. However, a gaming machine that has a probability jackpot or both may be used.
(D) In the first embodiment, the time measuring unit 1203 includes the command holding unit 1205.
Selects a predetermined time (a time obtained by adding a minute time to the display effect time) corresponding to a predetermined command (a common open command or jackpot ending command) held in, and sets the time to the timer TM and starts it. However, as an alternative configuration, a plurality of timers with a predetermined time already set in the time holding unit 1206 are prepared. The timer activation unit 1200 may select and activate a timer corresponding to a predetermined reception command from the time holding unit 1206.

The present invention has a wide range of applicability as long as it has a plurality of special gaming states as gaming machines, each of which has a different display effect time, and has a backup function in the main control device. It is.

33: Start port 42: Decoration symbol display device C1: Big hit random number counter C2: Big hit symbol counter 1202: Set / reset unit 1203: Time measuring unit 1204: Display return control unit 1205: Command holding unit TM: Timer

Claims (1)

A first control means having a backup function for comprehensively controlling the gaming state;
A variable winning device whose opening and closing is controlled by the first control means;
A display device capable of dynamically displaying a plurality of types of identification information;
A second control means that is connected to the first control means and controls the display device based on a display effect command from the first control means, and has no backup function;
The first control means includes
Special game state lottery means for deciding whether or not to shift to a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game, triggered by the game ball entering the starting port,
And a special game state type lottery means for determining the type of the special game state triggered by the game ball entering the starting port,
As a mode of the plurality of special game states, a first special game state in which at least the variable winning device that has been closed during the normal game is opened for a first opening time to allow a game ball to enter, and during a normal game A second special game state in which the variable winning device that has been closed is opened for a second opening time shorter than the first opening time, and
The display effect command is shared by at least the first special game state and the second special game state, and the display effect time of the effect display executed according to the command is from the case of the first special game state. In a gaming machine with a specific display command that is shorter in the case of the second special gaming state,
The second control means includes
The specific display command transmitted from the first control means when a power interruption occurs after receiving a determination command enabling discrimination between the first special gaming state and the second special gaming state and then the power is restored. Command holding means for storing
When a display effect command is not received during a period of time that is longer than the display effect time related to the second special gaming state executed by the specific display command after the reception of the specific display command, A game machine comprising: determination effecting means for using, as a display effect, a command held by the command holding means after elapse of the predetermined time.