JP2017080049A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of optimally executing a performance related to game media that a player acquires.SOLUTION: The game machine rewrites an already-set determinate quantity and an estimated determinate-quantity value on the basis of a fact that a determinate quantity is newly set, and stores them in a determinate quantity/estimated number of determinate quantity storage area so as to set a new determinate quantity and a new estimated determinate-quantity value (S3200-S3206). A value being 90% of the set determinate value is set to the estimated determinate-quantity value. The estimated determinate-quantity value is a value smaller than the determinate quantity and is a value of the number MY of difference between out balls and safe balls when the number MY of difference therebetween is to reach the determinate quantity before long. When the number MY of difference therebetween reaches the estimated determinate quantity (Yes in S3212), the game machine executes a determinate quantity forenotice performance S 3214 for suggesting that the number MY of difference therebetween is close to the determinate quantity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 32

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  Conventionally, in gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and pachislot gaming machines (slot machines), games are played using predetermined gaming media (pachinko balls and medals). The difference between the game media awarded as a prize by the game and the game media used for the game becomes the player's own game media (acquired game media), and therefore how to increase the game media to be acquired. Is a real pleasure of the game (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-207936 A

  However, in the gaming machine described above, an effect related to the game medium acquired by the player has not been suitably performed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably performing effects related to game media acquired by a player. There is.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following application examples. Note that the reference numerals in parentheses and supplementary explanations in this section show the main correspondence with the embodiments described later in order to help understanding of the present invention, and limit the present invention in any way. is not.

[Application Example 1]
The gaming machine of the present invention (application example 1) has a counting means (out ball detection switch 338, out ball counter OC) for counting the number of used media (OC: number of out balls) used in the game, and a prize is given by the game. Counting means (the payout (safe) ball detection switch 382, safe ball counter SC) for counting the number of assigned media (SC: the number of payout (safe) balls) and the number of used media are subtracted from the number of given media. Difference number calculating means (S2908) for calculating the value of the difference number (MY: difference ball number MY = SC-OC) between the number of applied media and the number of used media, and the result of the calculation by the difference number calculating means A gaming machine (gaming machine 100) provided with difference number effect means (difference ball number effect display device 180, difference ball number related information effect processing of FIG. 34) for performing a corresponding effect, by the difference number calculation means As a result of the calculation, the value of the difference number is When reaching the set upper limit value, it is provided with notifying means (difference ball number effect display device 180, S3230, S3432) for notifying that the value of the difference number has become a fixed amount, When the result of the calculation by the difference number calculation means reaches a predetermined value before reaching the upper limit value, a quantitative notice effect (the quantification in FIG. 36) suggesting that the value of the difference is close to the quantification. (Scheduled production)

[Application Example 2]
In addition, in the gaming machine according to the application example 2, in the gaming machine according to the application example 1, when the result of the calculation by the difference calculating means reaches a predetermined value before reaching the upper limit value, the difference number The gist of the present invention is to provide external output means (game information output terminal plate 319, S3230) for outputting a signal indicating that the value of the value is close to the fixed amount to the outside of the gaming machine.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suitably perform an effect related to the game medium acquired by the player, and as a result, the interest of the game is improved.

It is a front view of the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the random number table from which various random numbers are acquired in the gaming machine 100 which concerns on this embodiment. 1 is a block diagram of an entire gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the operation principle of the launching mechanism part 400 of the launching handle apparatus 103 which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a structure of the difference ball number effect display apparatus 180 which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a structure of the fixed quantity setting switch 320 which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the game information output terminal board 319 attached to the relay board | substrate 700 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the game information output terminal board 319 and the relay board 700 according to the present embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows the output timing of the firing ball signal which concerns on this embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows the output timing of the out sphere signal concerning this embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows the output timing of the real winning ball signal which concerns on this embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows the output timing of the difference ball signal concerning this embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows the output timing of the prize ball schedule signal which concerns on this embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows the output timing of the fixed quantity signal and fixed quantity scheduled signal concerning this embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows the output timing of the firing error signal concerning this embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows the output timing of the prize ball error signal concerning this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the schematic flow of the process performed with the main control board 310 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the main process performed by main CPU310a of the main control board 310 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the prior determination process performed with main CPU310a of the main control board 310 which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the fluctuation pattern concerning the 1st special symbol which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the variation pattern concerning the 2nd special symbol which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the abnormal process performed by main CPU310a of the main control board 310 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the firing error process performed by main CPU310a of the main control board 310 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the prize ball error process performed by main CPU310a of the main control board 310 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the difference ball related information processing performed by main CPU310a of the main control board 310 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the shot ball process performed by main CPU310a of the main control board 310 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the out ball | bowl process performed by main CPU310a of the main control board 310 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the safe ball | bowl process performed by main CPU310a of the main control board 310 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the difference ball process performed by main CPU310a of the main control board 310 which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the difference ball process which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the winning ball schedule process performed by main CPU310a of the main control board 310 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fixed_quantity | quantitative_assay scheduled process performed by main CPU310a of the main control board 310 which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the schematic flow of the process performed with the production | presentation control board 340 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the difference ball related information effect process performed by sub CPU340a of the effect control board 340 which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the difference ball number fluctuation | variation effect process performed by sub CPU340a of the production control board 340 which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the fixed quantity scheduled effect process performed by sub CPU340a of the production control board 340 which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the quantitative effect process, the stop effect process, and the game state transition effect process performed by the sub CPU 340a of the effect control board 340 according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the player change judgment process performed by main CPU310a of the main control board 310 which concerns on other embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the player change judgment process which concerns on other embodiment.

<Configuration of gaming machine>
First, the configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment. The gaming machine 100 fires pachinko balls (game balls) as game media based on the player's launch operation, and when a game ball wins a specific winning device, a predetermined number of game balls are played based on the win. It is a pachinko machine that is paid out to the player.

  The gaming machine 100 includes an outer frame 160 attached to an island facility of a game store, an inner frame 170 rotatably supported by the outer frame 160 on the front side of the outer frame 160, and a front side of the inner frame 170. The inner frame 170 and the glass frame 150 rotatably supported are provided. The inner frame 170 is provided with main mechanisms and components constituting the gaming machine 100, various boards described later, and the like, and a game board 102 in which a game area 106 where game balls flow down is formed is detachably provided. ing. The glass frame 150 includes a launch handle device 103 that launches a game ball toward the game area 106 by being rotated, an audio output device 132 including a speaker, and an effect lighting device 134 having a plurality of lamps. A first effect button 135, a second effect button 136, and the like for changing the effect mode by a pressing operation are provided.

Further, the glass frame 150 is provided with a tray 140 for storing a plurality of game balls. The tray 140 has a downward slope so that the game balls flow down in the direction of the launch handle device 103. . A receiving entrance (not shown) for receiving a game ball is provided at the end of the downward slope of the tray 140, and the game ball received at the entrance is sent to the launch rail 104 indicated by a broken line and fired. It stops at the end of the downward slope of the rail 104. Then, when the player rotates the operation handle 107 of the launch handle device 103, a game ball is launched into the game area 106 with a predetermined launch intensity according to the turning amount.
As will be described later, the launch handle device 103 includes a launch ball detection switch 337 (see FIG. 3) that detects and counts the fired launch balls (including so-called foul balls that have not reached the game area 106). Is provided. In addition, the firing handle device 103 is provided with an effect handle device 362 (vibrator motor 363, air sending fan 364, flash LED 365, see FIG. 3) for executing a big hit confirmation notice effect.

  Further, the glass frame 150 has a number of award balls (a payout ball detection switch 382 (a payout ball detection switch 382)) that is paid out as a prize from a payout device (not shown) provided on the back side by winning a game ball in a winning device to be described later. The number of game balls (safe balls) detected and counted by (see FIG. 3) and the number of game balls (flow-out detection switch 338 (see FIG. 3) used in the game flowing down the game area 106) A difference ball number effect display device 180 that performs an effect display relating to the number of difference balls (the number of safe balls minus the number of out balls), that is, the number of balls possessed by the player, As shown in FIG. 1, the game area 106 is provided so as to substantially surround the periphery (the periphery of the glass). The difference ball number effect display device 180 will be described in detail later.

  The game ball fired as described above rises between the outer rail 105a and the inner rail 105b from the launch rail 104 and reaches the game area 106 when the ball return prevention piece 105c is exceeded, and then falls within the game area 106 To do. At this time, the game ball falls unpredictably by a plurality of nails and windmills (not shown) provided in the game area 106.

  A first start winning device 112 having a start area in which a game ball can enter is provided in an area below the center of the game area 106. This first start winning device 112 is a general winning device type winning device, and is provided with a first start winning device detection switch 312 (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball. When the first start winning device detection switch 312 detects the entry of a game ball, a “special symbol lottery” (hereinafter also referred to as “hit lottery”), which will be described later, is performed and a predetermined prize ball (for example, 3 game balls) are paid out.

  Further, below the first start winning device 112, a second start winning device 115 having a start area in which a game ball can be entered is provided. The second start winning device 115 is a so-called tulip-type electric accessory having a pair of movable pieces 115b. The first mode in which the pair of movable pieces 115b is maintained in a closed state and the pair of movable pieces 115b. Is variably controlled to the second mode in which is opened. When the second start winning device 115 is controlled to the first mode, it is impossible to receive game balls (in FIG. 1, the second start winning device 115 is controlled to the first mode). Shows the time). On the other hand, when the second start winning device 115 is controlled to the second mode, the pair of movable pieces 115b function as a receiving tray, and the winning of the game ball to the second start winning device 115 becomes easy. That is, when the second start winning device 115 is in the first mode, there is no game ball winning opportunity, and when it is in the second mode, the game ball winning opportunity is increased.

  Further, the second start winning device 115 is provided with a second start winning device detection switch 315 (see FIG. 3) for detecting the entering of a game ball. Then, when the second start winning device detection switch 315 detects the entry of a game ball, the “special symbol lottery” described later (hereinafter also referred to as “hit lottery”), similar to the first start winning device 112 described above. And the same prize balls (for example, three game balls) as the first start winning device 112 are paid out.

  In the area on the left side of the game area 106, a normal symbol operation gate 113a having a normal area through which a game ball can pass is provided. The normal symbol operation gate 113a is provided with a gate detection switch 330a (see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of the game ball. When the gate detection switch 330a detects the passage of the game ball, the “normal symbol of the normal symbol” will be described later. “Lottery” (hereinafter also referred to as “winning lottery”) is performed. Even if a game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 113a, a prize ball based on the passage will not be paid out.

  In the area on the right side of the game area 106, in order from the top, the normal symbol operating gate 113b having a normal area through which the game ball can pass, the big winning device 117 into which the game ball can enter, and the second start of the game ball A guide plate 116 that guides to the winning device 115 is provided. The normal symbol operation gate 113b is provided with a gate detection switch 330b (see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of a game ball, and has the same function as the normal symbol operation gate 113a.

  The grand prize winning device 117 is a so-called attacker-type electric accessory, and has an open / close door 117b that can be erected from the game board surface side to the glass plate side, and the open / close door 117b is on the game board surface side. It is controlled to move between an open state standing up to a closed state and a closed state buried in the game board surface (FIG. 1 shows the time when the open / close door 117b is controlled in the open state). When the open / close door 117b is erected on the game board surface, it functions as a tray for guiding the game ball into the big prize device 117, and the game ball can enter the big prize device 117. Further, the big prize device 117 is provided with a big prize device detection switch 317 (see FIG. 3). When this big prize device detection switch 317 detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 15 pieces). Game balls).

  The guide plate 116 is a plate-like member projecting on the game board surface side, and drops the game ball that has reached the guide plate 116 by dropping the area on the right side of the game area 106 in the direction of the second start winning device 115. It has a downward slope to roll and guide the sphere. That is, the guide plate 116 is a member that facilitates winning of a game ball to the second start winning device 115 when the second start winning device 115 is in the second mode.

In the lowermost part of the game area 106, an out port for discharging game balls that have not won any of the first start winning device 112, the second start winning device 115, and the big winning device 117 from the game board 102. 111 is provided.
Also, the gaming machine 100 is out of the first starting prize device 112, the second starting prize device 115, the big prize device 117, and the game ball that has entered the out port 111 (that is, the game ball launched into the game area 106). An out-ball detection switch 338 (see FIG. 3) for detecting as a sphere is provided, and a game ball detected by the out-ball detection switch 338 passes through a ball discharge passage (not shown) provided at the lower back side of the inner frame 170. It passes through and is discharged out of the gaming machine 100.

  A main display device 131 made up of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like is provided in a substantially central portion of the game area 106, and this main display device 131 displays an image during standby when no game is being performed. Or displaying an image according to the progress of the game. Among them, based on the winning game balls of the first start winning device 112 and the second starting winning device 115, a plurality of effect symbols for notifying the lottery result of the special symbol as a symbol matching game are variably displayed. When the combination of effect symbols (for example, 777) is stopped and fixedly displayed, the big hit is notified as a special symbol lottery result.

  That is, the special symbols displayed on the first special symbol display device 120 and the second special symbol display device 122, which will be described later, when the game ball wins the first start winning device 112 and the second start winning device 115, respectively. The display is changed in accordance with the change display of the special symbol, and is stopped and displayed in accordance with the stop display of the special symbol after a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed. That is, the timing of the variation display of the effect symbol by the main display device 131 and the variation display of the special symbol by the first special symbol display device 120 and the second special symbol display device 122 are synchronized. In addition, by displaying various images, characters, etc. during the change display of the effect symbol (during the symbol matching game), the player is given a high expectation that he may win a big hit. Yes.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a sub display device 139 is provided at a substantially upper center portion of the main display device 131, and the sub display device 139 relates to an image displayed on the main display device 131. Thus, an auxiliary image of the display image of the main display device 131 is effect-displayed. The sub display device 139 is not limited to the illustrated position, and may be disposed anywhere near the main display device 131. For example, the sub display device 139 may be configured to be movable to the front of the screen of the main display device 131. Good. In this embodiment, the main display device 131 and the sub display device 139 are used as liquid crystal display devices. However, a plasma display or an organic EL display may be used, a projector, a so-called 7-segment LED, or a dot matrix. Alternatively, a display device such as a rotating drum may be used.

  Furthermore, a gimmick 109 as a movable accessory used for various effects is provided on the back of the game board 102. The gimmick 109 is configured to be movable with respect to the game board 102, and performs various effects by moving in a predetermined operation according to the progress of the game by the player. The gimmick 109 is initially arranged on the back of the game board 102 and is configured to be movable to the front of the screen of the main display device 131.

  On the lower right side of the inner rail 105 b of the game board 102, there are a normal symbol display device 118, a first special symbol display device 120, a second special symbol display device 122, a normal symbol hold indicator 119, and a first special symbol hold indicator 123. A second special symbol hold indicator 124 is provided. The first and second special symbol display devices 120 and 122 indicate that a game ball has entered the first and second start winning device 112 and 115 (first and second start winning device detection switches 312 and 315 to be described later). This is a notification of the jackpot lottery result that was triggered by the fact that a game ball was detected), and is composed of 7-segment LEDs. That is, a plurality of special symbols corresponding to the jackpot lottery result are provided, and the lottery result is displayed by displaying the special symbols corresponding to the jackpot lottery result on the first and second special symbol display devices 120 and 122. The player is notified. For example, “7” is displayed when a big win is won, and “−” is displayed when the player wins.

  Here, “special symbol lottery” means that when a game ball enters the first and second start winning devices 112 and 115, a random number for determining a special symbol is acquired, and the acquired random number is determined in advance. This is a process for determining whether or not a big hit is made by comparing with a value corresponding to the given “big hit”. The jackpot lottery result is not immediately notified to the player, but the special symbols are displayed on the first and second special symbol display devices 120 and 122, and when the predetermined variation time has passed, A special symbol corresponding to the lottery result is fixedly displayed after the stop, and the lottery result is notified to the player. Further, in the main display device 131, as described above, the symbol matching game is performed in which the effect symbols are displayed in a synchronized manner in synchronization with the special symbol variation display of the first and second special symbol display devices 120 and 122. The game informs the player of the lottery result more effectively.

  The normal symbol display device 118 performs normal symbol lottery triggered by the passing of the game ball through the normal symbol operation gates 113a and 113b (the gate detection switches 330a and 330b described later detect the entry of the game ball). The result is notified, and is composed of one LED (“◎” in the figure). In other words, the normal symbol display device 118 informs the player of the lottery result by turning on the LED when the normal symbol lottery is won. Note that the normal symbol display device 118 is not limited to one LED, and is composed of, for example, a display capable of lighting a predetermined symbol display (for example, a lamp capable of alternately lighting “O” and “X”). May be. If the normal symbol lottery is won, the second start winning device 115 is controlled to the second mode (the movable piece 115b is in the open state) for a predetermined time.

  Here, “ordinary symbol lottery” means that when a game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gates 113a and 113b, a random number for determining a normal symbol is acquired, and the acquired random number is a predetermined “winning”. This is a process for determining whether or not the game is successful by comparing with a value corresponding to. The lottery result of the normal symbol does not immediately notify the lottery result after the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gates 113a and 113b, and the normal symbol display device 122 displays a fluctuation display such as blinking of the normal symbol. When the predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, the normal symbol corresponding to the normal symbol lottery result is fixedly displayed (lit or extinguished) after the stop, and the lottery result is notified to the player.

  In addition, while the first special symbol display device 120 or the second special symbol display device 122 is displaying the variation of the special symbol, a game ball enters the first and second start winning devices 112 and 115 and immediately wins a big win. If this is not possible, the right to win the jackpot will be held under certain conditions. More specifically, the random numbers for special symbol determination acquired when a game ball enters the first and second start winning devices 112 and 115 are suspended and stored.

  For this hold, the upper limit hold number is set to four, and the hold number is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 123 and the second special symbol hold indicator 124, respectively. Here, in the first and second special symbol hold indicators 123 and 124, when there is one hold, the left LED is lit, when there are two hold, the left and right LEDs are lit, and there are three holds. The left LED blinks and the right LED lights, and when there are four holds, the left and right LEDs blink. The display mode of the first and second special symbol hold indicators 123 and 124 is not limited to this. For example, four LEDs are arranged in a horizontal row, and the LEDs on the left side are lit in order from the occurrence of the hold. Also good.

  As with the special symbol, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gates 113a and 113b and the winning lottery cannot be performed immediately during the normal symbol variation display, The right to draw will be held. More specifically, a random number for determining a normal symbol acquired when a game ball enters the normal symbol operating gates 113a and 113b is held and stored. For this hold, the upper limit hold number is set to four, and the hold number is displayed on the normal symbol hold indicator 119. In addition, the display mode of the normal symbol hold | maintenance display device 119 is based on the display mode of the 1st, 2nd special symbol hold | maintenance display devices 123 and 124 mentioned above, and description here is abbreviate | omitted.

  The first effect button 135 mainly functions as a “decision button”, and the second effect button 136 mainly functions as a “select button”. The first effect button 135 is provided with a first effect button detection switch 335 (see FIG. 3) that detects one pressing operation, and the second effect button 136 includes a second effect that detects a plurality of pressing operations. Button detection switches 336a to 336e (see FIG. 3) are provided. When the player's pressing operation is detected from the first effect button detection switch 335 or the second effect button detection switches 336a to 336e, the image displayed on the main display device 131 is changed. In the present embodiment, the first effect button 135, the first effect button detection switch 335, the second effect button 136, and the second effect button detection switches 336a to 336e are collectively referred to as “input device 137”.

<Description of game content>
Next, with reference to FIG. 1, the main flow of the game in the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. First, in order to obtain a normal symbol hit and a special symbol jackpot in the normal game state (a game state other than the jackpot game state, the short-time game state, and the high probability game state, which will be described later), As shown in FIG. 2, the left turn is performed by reducing the amount of rotation of the operation handle 107, and the normal symbol operation gate 113a located at the upper left of the game area 106 and the so-called “knee” at the approximate center of the game area 106 are located. A game ball is launched aiming at the first start winning device 112.

  In this normal game state, “right-handed” which increases the amount of rotation of the operation handle 107 is not performed because the normal symbol operation gate 113b located at the upper right of the game area 106 passes, This is because it is difficult to win the first starting prize-winning device 112 located at the “nose”. In this state, the second start winning device 115 (hereinafter also referred to as electric Chu 115) is in the first mode in which a game ball cannot be won.

  When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 113a, the normal symbol display on the normal symbol display device 118 is started based on the passage, and the symbol matching game related to the lottery of the normal symbol is performed. When the game ball wins the first start winning device 112, the special symbol variation display is started on the first special symbol display device 120 based on the winning, and the main display is synchronized with the special symbol variation display. A variation display of the effect symbol is started on the device 131, and a symbol matching game related to the special symbol jackpot drawing is performed.

  With reference to FIG. 2, here, main random numbers used in the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a random number table from which a big hit random number, a big hit symbol random number, a reach random number, a hit random number, and a hit symbol random number are acquired among various random numbers in the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a random symbol table, (b) is a jackpot symbol random number table, (c) is a reach random number table, (d) is a bonus random number table, and (e) is an example of a bonus symbol random number table. The special symbol (effect symbol) is generated based on the jackpot random number acquired from the jackpot random number table shown in FIG. 2 (a) and the jackpot symbol random number acquired from the jackpot symbol random number table shown in FIG. 2 (b). In addition, the normal symbol is generated based on the hit random number acquired by the hit random number table shown in FIG. 2D and the hit symbol random number acquired by the hit symbol random number table shown in FIG. .

  In the jackpot random number table shown in FIG. 2 (a), one random number value is acquired from 300 random numbers from "0" to "299", for example, when the first start winning device 112 and the electric chew 115 are won. The In the case of the jackpot random number table, in the low probability gaming state (the gaming state in which the jackpot probability is low), the jackpot ratio is set to 1/300, for example, and the acquired jackpot random number value is “3” A big hit is determined.

  On the other hand, in the high-probability gaming state (the gaming state in which the jackpot probability is high), the jackpot ratio is set to 10/300, which is 10 times the low-probability gaming state, and the acquired jackpot random number value is “3”, A big hit is determined when “7”, “37”, “67”, “97”, “127”, “157”, “187”, “217”, “247”.

  In addition, in the big hit random number table, a lottery for small hits is also performed. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the ratio of small hits is set to 6/300, and the acquired big hit random numbers are “0”, “50”, “100”, “150”, “200”, “250”. "Is determined to be a small hit. When this small hit is made, the opening mode of the big winning device 117 operates in the same manner as the opening mode of the big winning device 117 for the probability variation 2R big hit described later.

  In the jackpot symbol random number table shown in FIG. 2B, one random number value is acquired from 250 random numbers from “0” to “249”. And based on the acquired jackpot symbol random number, any one jackpot is determined from a plurality of kinds of jackpots. In the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, three types of big hits are usually prepared as a plurality of types of big hits: 8R big hit (with time reduction), probability variation 16R big hit (with time reduction), and probability variation 2R big hit (no time reduction). There are four or more types of jackpots, such as those with different numbers of rounds and those with different opening / closing modes of the door 117b of the big winning device 117 (for example, different opening / closing times and prescribed winning numbers). May be.

  Normally, the number of rounds at the time of a big hit game is 8 rounds, and the open / close door 117b of the big prize device 117 in the round has a predetermined time (for example, 29.5 seconds) or a predetermined number of prizes (max 9). It is a big hit that is released until the ball wins, and the payout of the outgoing ball as a winning ball is not expected very much (eg 1000), but after the big hit game ends, the special symbol changes until a predetermined number of times (eg 100 times) It is a big hit that grants short duration games for a period.

  The probability variation 16R jackpot has 16 rounds at the time of the jackpot game, and the open / close door 117b of the big winning device 117 in the round is a game with a predetermined time (for example, 29.5 seconds) or a prescribed winning number (max 9). It is a big hit that is released until the ball wins, and you can expect payout of the outgoing ball as a prize ball (for example, 2000), and after the big hit game, both high probability games and short-time games until the next big hit It is a jackpot to grant.

  Probability 2R jackpot has a small number of rounds at the time of jackpot game as few as two rounds, and the opening time of the door 117b of the big winning device 117 in the round is extremely short (for example, 0.2 seconds, but the maximum number of winning prizes is 9) Although it is a big hit, it is almost a big hit that gives a high probability game until the next big hit after the big hit game is finished, though it is almost impossible to expect the payout of the ball as a winning ball (almost no winning).

  The opening mode of the big winning device 117 in the probability variation 2R big hit is the same operation as the small hit, and since the short-time game is not given after the big hit game is finished, the player apparently has the probability variation 2R big hit and the small hit. A distinction cannot be made. Therefore, it is difficult for the player to determine whether or not the gaming state has a high probability internally after the jackpot game of the probability variation 2R jackpot, that is, the probability variation 2R jackpot corresponds to a so-called “latent probability variation jackpot”. To do.

  Further, in the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the ratio at which the big hit is selected is different between when the game ball enters the first start winning device 112 and when the game ball enters the electric chew 115. It is configured. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), if the big hit symbol random number obtained when the game ball wins the first start winning device 112 is “0” to “99”, the normal 8R big hit is selected. The ratio in this case is 100/250, and if it is “100” to “174”, the probability variation 16R big hit is selected, and the ratio in this case is 75/250, and if it is “175” to “249”, Probability 2R jackpot is selected, and the ratio in this case is 75/250.

  On the other hand, if the big hit symbol random number acquired when the game ball is won by the electric chew 115 is “0” to “99”, the 8R big hit is usually selected. In this case, the ratio is 100/250, and “100” to “100” 249 ”, the probability variation 16R big hit is selected, and the ratio in this case is 150/250. The probability variation 2R jackpot is not selected when winning the electric Chu 115.

  Comparing the type of jackpot selected at the time of winning the first start winning device 112 and the time of winning the electric Chu 115, the ratio of the probability variation 16R jackpot at the time of winning the first start winning device 112 is 75/250. When the electric Chu 115 wins, the ratio of the probability variation 16R big hit is 150/250, and when the electric Chu 115 wins, the ratio at which the probability variation 16R big hit is selected is higher. Furthermore, when the first start winning device 112 is won, the ratio of the probable 2R jackpot is 75/250, whereas when the electric Chu 115 prize is won, the ratio of the probable 2R jackpot is 0/250 (note that the first As shown in the pie chart of FIG. 2 (b), the distribution of the probability variation big hit (or normal big hit) selected at the time of winning the 1 start winning device 112 and the electric Chu 115 is the same (the ratio of the probability variation big hit is 150/250, usually the ratio of big hits is 100/250)).

  That is, the electric chew 115 is configured to be more advantageous for the player than the first start winning device 112. With this configuration, when the game state shifts to the so-called electric-chu-support game state (short-time game state) in which the winning rate of the game ball to the electric chew 115 is high, the probability of consecutive winning of the probability variation 16R jackpot increases. Therefore, it can be expected that a large number of balls will be obtained, and a highly interesting game can be provided.

  In the reach random number table shown in FIG. 2 (c), when the game ball is won by the start winning device (the first start winning device 112 or the electric Chu 115), among 250 random numbers from “0” to “249”. One random value is acquired. In the case of the reach random number table, the reach ratio is set to 22/250, for example, and it is determined that the reach is present when the acquired reach random number value is “0” to “21”. On the other hand, the ratio of no reach is set to 228/250, and it is determined that there is no reach when the acquired reach random number values are “22” to “249”. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not a reach effect is performed when a special symbol lottery is lost.

  In the hit random number table for drawing the random numbers of normal symbols shown in FIG. 2D, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gates 113a and 113b, the ten random numbers from “0” to “9” are selected. One random value is acquired. In the case of a winning random number table, in a gaming state other than a short working time (hereinafter also referred to as a short working time gaming state), the winning ratio is set to 1/10, for example, and the winning random number value is “7”. Determined. On the other hand, in the short-time gaming state, the winning ratio is set to 9/10 that is nine times that of the non-short-time gaming state, and it is determined that the winning number is “0” to “8”.

  In the hit design random number table shown in FIG. 2E, one random number value is acquired from three random numbers from “0” to “2”. Then, based on the acquired winning design random number, any one of a plurality of types of winning is determined. In the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, two types of hits, short and long, are prepared as a plurality of types.

  Short wins per short period (for example, a single open of 0.5 seconds, a maximum number of winnings of 9 max), which is controlled to the second mode in which the electric Chu 115 is opened when a win is won by a normal symbol lottery. On the other hand, the long win is per long time during which the electric chew 115 is controlled to the second mode (for example, a single opening of 6 seconds and a maximum number of winning prizes of 9). In the case of the winning symbol random number table, the ratio per short is set to 2/3, for example, and when the acquired winning symbol random number value is “0” or “1”, it is determined that the hit is short. The ratio is set to 1/3, for example, and when the acquired winning symbol random number value is “2”, it is determined to be long hit.

  In the short hit, since the time for which the electric Chu 115 is controlled to the second mode is short open, it is difficult to win a game ball to the electric Chu 115, and therefore it is almost possible to expect the payout of the outgoing ball as a prize ball. In addition, the special symbol jackpot lottery based on the winning is almost impossible to expect.

  On the other hand, in the long win, since the time for which the electric chew 115 is controlled in the second mode is long open, it is possible to expect a plurality of game balls (upper limit is 9) to win the electric chew 115. As a result, it is possible to expect a payout of a special ball as well as a special symbol jackpot lottery based on the winnings. In addition, as described above, the rate of selection of the probability variation 16R big hit is higher when the electric Chu 115 wins than when the first start winning device 112 wins. Winning the electric Chu 115 is an extremely important item in the game, and this improves the game preference.

  In addition, this winning symbol random number table is used only for the short-time gaming state. When the gaming state is short, when the normal symbol lottery is won, The time controlled in the mode of 2 and the release mode are all performed in accordance with the above long (for example, a single release of 5 seconds, a specified maximum number of winnings of 9).

  Returning to FIG. 1, when the player is “left-handed” in the normal gaming state, the symbol matching game related to the normal symbol lottery is started, and the normal symbol display device 118 changes the normal symbol. When the normal symbol stops and lights up or turns off after a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed since the start of the blinking operation as a display, it is confirmed and displayed, and if this confirmed normal symbol is lit, it becomes a win (see FIG. 2 (d) When the winning random number value obtained in the winning random number table is “7”, the winning probability is 1/10), and the electric Chu 115 is controlled to the second mode (the movable piece 115b is in the open state) in which the winning chance of the game ball is increased. Is done.

  At this time, when the normal symbol hit is short hit (the ratio 2/3 when the hit symbol random number value obtained by the hit symbol random number table of FIG. Since the opening time is short (single opening of 0.5 seconds) and it is not easy to win this electric Chu 115, the player has left-handed as it is as shown by the arrow A in FIG. The state will be maintained. As a result, the game ball rarely wins the electric chew 115 if lucky.

  On the other hand, when the normal symbol hit is long hit (the rate is 1/3 when the hit symbol random number value obtained in the symbol random number table of FIG. Is long (single opening for 6 seconds), and when the electric chew 115 is in the open state, the player increases the amount of rotation of the operation handle 107 and performs “right-handed”.

  When the “right strike” is performed, the game ball falls on the right side of the main display device 131 in the game area 106 as shown by an arrow B in FIG. Then, the game ball that has reached the guide plate 116 is guided to roll on the guide plate 116 and win a prize to the open electric chew 115. Thereby, a large number of game balls easily win the electric chew 115.

  Then, when a game ball wins the electric chew 115, the special symbol variation display on the second special symbol display device 122 and the production symbol variation display on the main display device 131 are started based on the winning, and the special symbol jackpot is displayed. A symbol matching game related to the lottery is performed. Note that when the electric chew 115 is in the open state due to a long hit, the game ball wins the electric chew 115 even if the player does not “right hit” and does “left hit” as it is. Although it is possible, the winning efficiency is low compared to the case where the right board is used and the guide plate 116 is not used, and there is a high probability of being disadvantageous for the player.

  Thus, when the game ball is won in the first start winning device 112 or the electric chew 115 and the symbol matching game related to the special symbol jackpot drawing is performed, the main display device 131 displays the first effect button 135 and the second Reach effect that makes the player operate the effect button 136 and operates the gimmick 109 on the front of the screen of the main display device 131 in a predetermined manner (a big hit acquired from the big hit random number table in FIG. 2A) When the random number value is “3”, the ratio is 1/300, or when the reach random number value acquired from the reach random number table of FIG. 2C is “0” to “21”, the ratio is 22/250. Various productions are to be executed.

  Further, when a game ball is won in the first start winning device 112 or the electric chew 115 and a symbol matching game related to a special symbol jackpot lottery is performed, an effect mode is set on the screen of the main display device 131. In this production mode, for example, a plurality of types with different backgrounds, special symbol scrolls, lottery lines, stages, zones, and the like are provided. Then, as the effect mode set in the main display device 131 in accordance with the execution of the symbol matching game related to the big win, one of these effect types is selected for a predetermined period (for example, an out ball detection switch). 338 until a predetermined number of out-balls are detected by 338).

  Accordingly, the player pays attention to the main display device 131 and the sub display device 139 rather than the first and second special symbol display devices 120 and 122. In this way, by performing an elaborate effect on the main display device 131 and the sub display device 139, the game's preference is improved, and as a result, the player can expect great expectations while fully enjoying these effects. You can face a game with a feeling.

  It should be noted that the first start winning device 112, the electric tuner during the variable display of the special symbol (the effect symbol in the main display device 131) or the big hit or the small hit in the first special symbol display device 120 or the second special symbol display device 122. When a game ball wins in 115, the right to win a big win is reserved and stored (maximum of 4), and the first and second special symbol hold indicators 123 and 124 light in a predetermined manner according to the number of reserved memories. To do.

  Similarly, when a game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gates 113a and 113b during normal symbol fluctuation display or when the electric chew 115 is opened, the right of the winning lottery is held and stored (up to four). The normal symbol hold indicator 119 lights up in a predetermined manner according to the number of reserved memories.

  Thereby, the player can easily confirm how many jackpots and winning lottery rights are currently reserved. In the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the reserved memory related to the special symbol is consumed by the electric chew (second start winning device) 115 in preference to the first start winning device 112. However, the reservation memory may be digested in the order of winning time series.

  Then, in the normal gaming state, the special symbol is stopped and fixedly displayed after a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed from the start of the special symbol variation display on the first and second special symbol display devices 120 and 122. Is a big hit if it matches a predetermined big hit symbol (for example, “7”) (when the big hit random number value obtained in the big hit random number table of FIG. 2A is “3”, the big hit probability is 1/300). The specific display symbol combination (for example, “777” or the like) is also stopped and displayed on the main display device 131, and the player is informed of the big hit as a special symbol lottery result (however, the probability variation 2R big hit is excluded).

  When the big hit is reached, the gaming state shifts from the normal gaming state to a big hit gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state, and the opening / closing door 117b of the big winning device 117 is controlled to open and close in a predetermined manner. Opportunities for winning balls are greatly increased, and the player can play a big hit game that can acquire a large amount of game balls and increase the number of possessed balls. When the big hit game is started, the player turns the operation handle 107 greatly to perform “right-handed”, and the player wins the big winning device 117 with the open / close door 117b located at the lower right of the game area 106 opened. Aim and fire a game ball.

  Here, the big hit symbol random number value obtained from the big hit symbol random number table of FIG. 2 (b) is normally “0” to “99” for both the first start winning device 112 and the electric chew 115, and the ratio 100 / 250), an 8-round jackpot game is played, and after the 8-round jackpot game ends, the gaming state becomes a short-time gaming state until the special symbol changes 100 times.

  In addition, the big hit symbol random number value obtained from the big hit symbol random number table in FIG. 2B is “100” to “174”, the ratio 75/250, the ratio 75/250, the electric hit In the case of 115, in the case of “100” to “249”, the ratio 150/250), a 16-round jackpot game is played, and after the 16-round jackpot game is over, the game state has a high probability until the next jackpot (FIG. 2 ( The big hit random number values acquired in the big hit random number table of a) are “3”, “7”, “37”, “67”, “97”, “127”, “157”, “187”, “217”, “ When “247”, the jackpot probability is 10/300) gaming state and short-time gaming state. That is, the big hit loops. The number of loops of the big hit may be unlimited, and if the big hit is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, five times), the next big hit may be forced to become the normal big hit (so-called limiter function). ).

  On the other hand, the jackpot symbol random value obtained from the jackpot symbol random number table of FIG. 2 (b) based on the winning of the first start winning device 112 is “175” to “249”, the ratio 75/250 ), A combination of specific effect symbols is also stopped and displayed on the main display device 131. In this case, the reach effect is not performed regardless of the value of the reach random number, and the effect symbol combination is not a doublet or the like. For example, a casual combination of numbers such as “359” is stopped and displayed so that the player cannot intentionally determine that the special symbol lottery result has been a promising 2R big hit. Then, a two-round jackpot game is performed, and after the two-round jackpot game ends, it is latent (latent probability mode) that the gaming state is in a high-probability gaming state until the next jackpot.

  As a result of the big hit lottery, the big hit random numbers obtained in the big hit random number table in FIG. 2A are “0”, “50”, “100”, “150”, “200”, “250”. When the small hit probability is 6/300), a combination of specific effect symbols is stopped and displayed on the main display device 131. In this case, as in the case of the probability variation 2R big hit, a combination of casual numbers and the like is stopped and displayed. The player is intentionally prevented from determining that a special symbol lottery result has been won. In other words, this confuses the player with a small hit and a probable 2R jackpot, and hides that the player is in a high-probability gaming state after the probable 2R jackpot (whether a high-probability gaming state or a low-probability gaming state) This makes it difficult for people to understand.

  In this way, the probability variation 16R jackpot that can win more balls is selected when the electric Chu 115 winning is larger than the first start winning device 112 winning (the stop at the probability variation 16R jackpot symbol). Since the probability is high, the player can have great expectation for the symbol matching game related to the special symbol based on the winning of the electric chew 115.

  When the gaming state is the short-time gaming state, the variation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol is shortened, and in the symbol matching game related to the normal symbol mainly performed based on the passage of the normal symbol operating gate 113b, It is a hit with a high probability (when the hit random number value obtained from the hit random number table in FIG. 2D is “0” to “8”, the hit probability is 9/10), and the electric Chu 115 is in the second mode. Since the controlled time and release mode are performed in accordance with the above long game, the winning chance of the game ball is increased, and the player can maintain the current ball without reducing it.

  Therefore, when the short-time game is started, as in the case of the big hit game described above, the player operates the normal symbol located at the upper right of the game area 106 in order to perform the “right stroke” by rotating the operation handle 107 greatly. A game ball is launched aiming at the gate 113b. Regardless of whether or not the normal symbol operation gate 113b passes, the “right-handed” game ball finally reaches the guide plate 116, and the game ball that has reached the guide plate 116 rolls on the guide plate 116. Thus, it is guided to win a prize to the electric Chu 115 that is frequently opened. In other words, in the short-time gaming state, the player frequently wins the electric chew 115 that is more advantageous to the player than the first start winning device 112. In the short-time gaming state after the probability variation 16R jackpot game ends, the jackpot probability is a high-probability gaming state with a high probability, that is, the gaming state is a short-time gaming state and a high-probability gaming state. Therefore, it becomes a very advantageous gaming state for the player. That is, the short-time gaming state or / and the high probability gaming state is a gaming state that is more advantageous for the player than the normal gaming state.

  In the short-time gaming state, even when the player makes “left-handed”, the game ball can pass through the normal symbol operating gate 113a and can win the electric chew 115, but “right-handed” ”, The winning efficiency for the electric chew 115 is worse than when the guide plate 116 is not used, and it becomes easier to win the first starting winning device 112 which is disadvantageous for the player than the electric chew 115. This is disadvantageous for the player. The above is the main flow of the game in the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment.

<Configuration of control means>
Next, control means for controlling the progress of the game will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the gaming machine 100 as a whole. The main control board 310 is main control means for controlling the basic operation of the game, and includes a one-chip microcomputer 310m composed of a main CPU 310a, a main ROM 310b, and a main RAM 310c, and an input port and an output port (not shown) for the main control board. ) And is connected to the effect control board 340, the payout control board 380, and the power supply board 370.

  On the input side of the main control board 310, a first start winning device detection switch 312 that detects that a game ball has entered the first start winning device 112 and outputs a winning signal, and normal symbol operation gates 113a and 113b are connected. Gate detection switches 330a and 330b that detect that a game ball has entered and output a detection signal, and second start winning that outputs a winning signal by detecting that a game ball has entered the second start winning device 115 A device detection switch 315, a large winning device detection switch 317 for detecting that a game ball has entered the grand winning device 117 and outputting a winning signal, and detecting a firing ball emitted from the firing handle device 103 to detect a firing ball signal A launch ball detection switch 337 that outputs a ball, an out ball detection switch 338 that detects a game ball (out ball) used in the game and outputs an out ball signal, etc. It is continued, various signals are input to the main control board 310.

  On the output side of the main control board 310, a second start winning device opening / closing solenoid 316 that opens and closes the pair of movable pieces 115b of the second start winning device 115, and a large winning device opening / closing that operates the open / close door 117b of the large winning device 117 are operated. Solenoid 318, first and second special symbol display devices 120 and 122 that display special symbols, normal symbol display device 118 that displays normal symbols, and first and second special symbol hold displays that display the number of reserved balls of special symbols Devices 123 and 124, a normal symbol hold indicator 119 for displaying the number of reserved balls of the normal symbol, and a game information output terminal board 319 for outputting predetermined game information to the outside of the gaming machine 100 (for example, a hall management computer), are connected. Various signals are output. The configuration of the game information output terminal board 319 will be described in detail later.

  The main CPU 310a of the main control board 310 reads out a program stored in the main ROM 310b based on input signals from the detection switches and timers, performs arithmetic processing, and directly controls each device and display, or Data and commands are transmitted to other boards according to the result of the arithmetic processing.

  The main ROM 310b of the main control board 310 stores a game control program and data and tables necessary for determining various games. For example, a jackpot determination table (see FIG. 2) referred to in the jackpot lottery, a symbol determination table for determining a special symbol stop symbol, a variation pattern determination table for determining a special symbol variation pattern, and the like are stored in the main ROM 310b. .

  The main RAM 310c of the main control board 310 functions as a data work area when the main CPU 310a performs arithmetic processing, and has a plurality of storage areas. For example, the main RAM 310c has a normal / special symbol holding storage area, a normal / special symbol data storage area, a normal / special symbol random value storage area, a round number storage area, a gate / various winning device data storage area, and a game state storage area. , Game state buffer, normal / special stop symbol data storage area, production transmission data storage area, management device transmission data storage area, hall facility transmission data storage area, difference ball number storage area, safe ball number storage area, out A ball number storage area, a shot ball number storage area, a fixed quantity / quantitative scheduled number storage area, a prize ball planned number storage area, various timers and counters, and the like are provided.

In addition, the main control board 310 is provided with a quantitative setting switch 320 that sets the difference ball number, which is the difference between the safe ball number and the safe ball number, to a predetermined amount. The quantitative setting switch 320 is a switch that can be operated only by a person concerned. As will be described in detail later, the quantitative setting switch 320 includes a plurality of dip switches and is directly mounted on the substrate.
Although not shown in the figure, a RAM clear switch for instructing to erase data stored in the main RAM 310c is also directly mounted on the main control board 310 on the board. When the RAM clear switch is turned on in a predetermined manner when the gaming machine 100 is turned on (for example, turned on simultaneously with turning on the gaming machine 100 and then turned on again), a RAM clear signal is sent to the main control board 310. By outputting, the storage in the main RAM 310c is erased.
The main control board 310 may be provided with a RAM clear restriction button for preventing the game history from being erased by a third party in such a manner that only a related person can operate.

  The power supply board 370 is provided with a backup power supply composed of a capacitor, supplies a power supply voltage to the gaming machine 100, monitors a power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine 100, and when the power supply voltage becomes a predetermined value or less, An interruption detection signal is output to the main control board 310. More specifically, when the power interruption detection signal becomes high level, the main CPU 310a becomes operable, and when the power interruption detection signal becomes low level, the main CPU 310a becomes inactive state. The backup power source is not limited to a capacitor, and for example, a battery may be used, and a capacitor and a battery may be used in combination. The power supply board 370 is connected to the effect control board 340, the payout control board 380, and the launch control board 390 in addition to the main control board 310.

  The effect control board 340 mainly controls each effect such as during game or standby. The effect control board 340 includes a sub CPU 340a, a sub ROM 340b, and a sub RAM 340c, and is connected to the main control board 310 so as to be communicable in one direction from the main control board 310 to the effect control board 340. . In addition, a first effect button detection switch 335 and second effect button detection switches 336a to 336e are connected to the effect control board 340.

  The effect control board 340 is equipped with an RTC (real time clock) 340d that outputs the current time. The sub CPU 340a inputs a date signal indicating the current date and a time signal indicating the current time from the RTC 340d, and executes various processes based on the current date and time. The RTC 340d is normally operated by the power source from the gaming machine 100 when power is supplied to the gaming machine 100, and is supplied from the backup power source mounted on the power supply board 370 when the gaming machine 100 is powered off. It operates with a power source that operates. Therefore, the RTC 340d can count the current date and time even when the gaming machine 100 is powered off. Note that the RTC 340d may be provided with a battery on the effect control board 340 and operated by the battery.

  The sub CPU 340a of the effect control board 340 determines the sub CPU 340a based on the data and commands transmitted from the main control board 310, the first effect button detection switch 335 or the second effect button detection switches 336a to 336e, the input signal from the timer, and the like. A program stored in the ROM 340b is read out to perform arithmetic processing, and corresponding data is transmitted to the lamp control board 360 or the image control board 350 based on the processing.

  The sub CPU 340a receives a control signal such as a one-way strobe signal, an image control command signal, and a lamp control command signal from the main CPU 310a of the main control board 310 via the input circuit, and when the strobe signal is input, The CPU 340a is configured to recognize this control command. For example, when a variation pattern designation command indicating a variation pattern of a special symbol is received, the content of the received variation pattern designation command is analyzed, and the main display device 131, the sub display device 139, the audio output device 132, and the effect drive device 361 are analyzed. Then, data for causing the effect handle device 362 and the effect illumination device 134 to execute a predetermined effect is generated, and the data is transmitted to the image control board 350 and the lamp control board 360. The effect driving device 361 gives the player various expectations by driving the gimmick 109 in a predetermined manner.

  The sub ROM 340b of the effect control board 340 stores a program for effect control, data necessary for determining various games, and a table. For example, the sub ROM 340b includes a variation effect pattern determination table for determining an effect pattern based on a variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 310, an effect symbol determination table for determining a combination of effect symbols to be stopped and displayed, and the like. It is remembered.

  The sub RAM 340c of the effect control board 340 functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the sub CPU 340a and has a plurality of storage areas. The sub RAM 340c includes a game state storage area, an effect mode storage area, an effect pattern storage area, an effect symbol storage area, a gate / various winning device data storage area, a date / time information storage area, a login state storage area, a calculation data storage area, various Flag storage area, firing operation information storage area, player information storage area, game history information storage area, code information storage area, difference ball number storage area, safe ball number storage area, out ball number storage area, fixed quantity / quantitative scheduled number A storage area, a jackpot final announcement effect setting storage area, various timers, counters, and the like are provided.

  The payout control board 380 controls the payout of game balls. The payout control board 380 includes a one-chip microcomputer including a payout CPU, a payout ROM, and a payout RAM (not shown). The payout control board 380 is connected to the main control board 310 via a wire (harness), and the ball rental connection board 384 is connected to the payout control board 384. The card unit 300 is also connected. In addition, the payout control board 380 is connected to the main control board 310 and the card unit 300 (ball lending connection board 384) so as to be capable of bidirectional communication.

  Also, on the input side of the payout control board 380, a prize ball paid out based on a winning (winning signal) from a payout device (not shown) for paying out a predetermined number of game balls from the game ball storage unit to the winning device. Alternatively, a payout ball detection switch 382 and a door opening switch 383 for detecting and counting the payout balls to be paid out based on a ball lending signal from a ball lending switch 385 described later are connected. Further, the ball lending connection board 384 is connected with a ball lending switch 385 and a return switch 386, and various input signals of the ball lending switch 385 and the return switch 386 are sent out via the ball lending connection board 384. 380 is input. A payout motor 381 for paying out game balls from the payout device is connected to the output side of the payout control board 380.

The payout CPU reads out a program stored in the payout ROM based on input signals from the payout (safe) ball detection switch 382, the door opening switch 383, the ball lending switch 385, the return switch 386, etc. Process.
For example, when the payout CPU receives a payout number designation command generated when a game ball wins a predetermined winning device from the main control board 310, a predetermined number of game balls according to the contents of the payout number designation command are received. The payout motor 381 is driven to pay out a predetermined game ball. This prize ball control is performed by comparing and collating the number of prize balls designated by the number-of-payout designation command and the number of dispensed balls actually paid out by the payout (safe) ball detection switch 382.
The payout (safe) ball detection switch 382 outputs a safe ball signal indicating that a payout ball paid out as a prize ball has been detected, and the payout CPU is input from the payout (safe) ball detection switch 382. The safe sphere signal is output to the main control board 310.

  Alternatively, the payout CPU performs connection confirmation with the card unit 300 via the ball rental connection board 384 and then inputs a ball loan signal from the ball loan switch 385 via the ball loan connection board 384. While exchanging information, a control (ball lending control) for paying out a specified number of game balls is performed, and a payout motor 381 is driven to pay out a predetermined game ball.

The lamp control board 360 is a motor for controlling the lighting of the difference ball number effect display device 180 provided on the glass frame 150 and the effect lighting device 134 provided on the game board 102 and changing the light irradiation direction. Or drive control.
For example, the difference ball number effect display device 180, which will be described in detail later, performs effect display that is sequentially turned on / off according to the difference ball number (safe ball number-out ball number), that is, the number of balls held by the player. .
In addition, the effect lighting device 134 changes the light irradiation direction and emission color of each lamp to perform the effect by illumination. In addition, the lamp control board 360 controls the energization of the drive source of the effect driving device 361 such as a solenoid or a motor that operates the gimmick 109 in a predetermined manner so that the effect by the gimmick 109 is performed.

Further, the lamp control board 360 performs drive control on the vibrator motor 363, the air sending fan 364, and the flash LED 365 that constitute the rendering handle device 362 provided in the firing handle device 103.
This is a drive control that executes a jackpot finalizing announcement effect that is executed when the lottery result of the jackpot lottery related to winning of the first start winning device 112 or the electric Chu 115 is determined to be a big hit, In order to notify in advance that the result of the symbol matching game will be a big hit (single notification), the vibrator motor 363 is driven and controlled at a predetermined timing to vibrate the gripping portion of the launching handle device 103, or to send air The fan 364 is driven and controlled to send air from the gripping portion of the firing handle device 103, or the flash LED 365 is driven and controlled to emit light in a predetermined manner (high-speed flash or flashing at high speed). Or flash).
The lamp control board 360 is connected to the effect control board 340, and performs the above-described controls based on various commands transmitted from the effect control board 340.

The image control board 350 is connected to the main display device 131, the sub display device 139, and the sound output device 132, and based on various commands transmitted from the effect control board 340, the main display device 131 and the sub display device 139. The display control of the image and the output control of the sound in the sound output device 132 are performed.
The image control board 350 is a host CPU for performing image display control of the main display device 131 and the sub display device 139, a host RAM having a temporary storage area functioning as a work area for the host CPU, and a control process for the host CPU. A host ROM storing programs and the like, a CGROM storing image data, a VRAM having a frame buffer for drawing image data, a VDP serving as an image processor, and a sound control circuit for controlling sound are provided.

  The host CPU instructs the main display device 131 and the sub display device 139 to display the image data stored in the CGROM in the VDP based on the effect pattern designation command received from the effect control board 340. The VDP draws image data stored in the CGROM in the frame buffer of the VRAM based on an instruction from the host CPU. Next, a video signal (RGB signal or the like) is generated based on the image data stored in the display frame buffer in the VRAM, and the generated video signal is output to the liquid crystal display device.

The sound control circuit includes an audio ROM that stores a large number of audio data. The sound control circuit reads out a predetermined program based on a command transmitted from the effect control board 340 and also outputs the audio output device 132. Audio output control at.
For example, the audio output device 132 outputs BGM (background music), SE (sound effect), and the like, and performs effects by sound.
In addition, the audio output device 132 is adapted to the predetermined sound effect (for example, “Cuen, An announcement sound such as “Queen” indicating the confirmation of a big hit is also performed.

  The launch control board 390 controls the launch of game balls. The launch control board 390 has a touch sensor 391 and a launch volume 392 connected to the input side, and a launch solenoid 393 and a ball feed solenoid 394 connected to the output side. The firing control board 390 inputs a touch signal from the touch sensor 391 and performs control for energizing the firing solenoid 393 and the ball feed solenoid 394 based on the voltage supplied from the firing volume 392.

  The touch sensor 391 is provided inside the firing handle device 103, and is configured by a capacitive proximity switch that utilizes a change in capacitance caused by the player touching the operation handle 107. When the touch sensor 391 detects that the player has touched the operation handle 107, the touch sensor 391 outputs a touch signal that permits energization of the firing solenoid 393 to the firing control board 390. The firing control board 390 is configured to prevent the game ball from being fired to the game area 106 unless a touch signal is input from the touch sensor 391.

  The firing volume 392 is provided directly connected to a rotating portion around which the operation handle 107 rotates, and is composed of a variable resistor. The firing volume 392 divides a constant voltage (for example, 5V) applied to the firing volume 392 by a variable resistor, and supplies the divided voltage to the firing control board 390 (the voltage to be supplied to the firing control board 390). Variable). The launch control board 390 energizes the launch solenoid 393 based on the voltage divided by the launch volume 392 and rotates the launching member of the launch solenoid 393 to launch the game ball into the game area 106. .

Here, the operation principle of the firing handle device 103 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation principle of the firing mechanism unit 400 of the firing handle device 103.
The firing mechanism section 400 is provided on the end of the firing rail 104 that is inclined downward, and includes a firing solenoid 393 including a rotary solenoid and a ball feed solenoid 394 (see FIG. 3). Further, a launching member 402 is directly connected to the firing solenoid 393, and the launching member 402 is divided into a forked shape into a spear 404 for launching a game ball and a magnetic first magnet portion 406. Furthermore, a stopper 408 for stopping the game ball and a second magnet unit 410 having a magnetic force different from the first magnet unit 406 are provided above the end of the downward slope of the launch rail 104. .

When the player rotates the operation handle 107, the touch sensor 391 detects that the operation handle 107 and the player are in contact with each other, and at the same time, a firing volume 392 consisting of a variable resistor directly connected to the operation handle 107 ( (See FIG. 3) also rotates.
The firing control board 390 receives at least a touch signal from the touch sensor 391 and a voltage value corresponding to the firing volume 392, generates a current value based on the input voltage value, and uses the generated current value to generate a launch solenoid. 393 is energized. The firing control board 390 does not energize the firing solenoid 393 unless at least a touch signal is input.

When the firing solenoid 393 is not energized, the firing solenoid 393 stands by at the origin position, and in this state, the game ball set at the firing position at the lower end of the firing rail 104 is not fired. When the firing solenoid 393 is energized, the launching member 402 directly connected to the firing solenoid 393 rotates as indicated by the arrow D in FIG. 3, and a game ball is launched by the heel 404 of the launching member 402. A game ball is launched toward the area 106.
When the firing solenoid 393 is not energized, the launch member 402 returns to the original origin position due to the magnetic force attracted by the first magnet unit 406 and the second magnet unit 410 in addition to the weight of the collar 404. As described above, when the launch control board 390 energizes the launch solenoid 393, the game ball is launched.

Here, on the upper end side of the launch rail 104 and in the vicinity of the launch position, a launch ball detection switch 337 is provided. The launch ball detection switch 337 is provided with a game ball by the spear 404 of the launch member 402. Each time it is launched, the game ball that has been launched, that is, a launch ball, is detected and a launch ball signal is transmitted to the main control board 310. The main CPU 310a can count the number of shot balls (including the number of so-called foul balls that did not reach 106 in the game area) by detecting the shot ball signal input from the shot ball detection switch 337. It becomes possible.
In addition, what is necessary is just to comprise this launch ball detection switch 337 by the proximity sensor (an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, etc.) etc. which can be detected, for example, without contacting a detection target object (game ball). Further, the place where the firing ball detection switch 337 is provided may be on the lower end side of the firing rail 104.

  Accordingly, the rotational speed of the firing solenoid 393 is set to about 100 (times / minute) based on the frequency based on the output period of the crystal oscillator provided on the firing control board 390. As a result, the number of shot balls in one minute is about 100 (pieces / minute, shot ball) because one shot is fired each time the firing solenoid 393 rotates. That is, one game ball is fired about every 0.6 seconds, and this fired ball is detected by the fired ball detection switch 337 every about 0.6 seconds.

<Difference Ball Number Effect Display Device 180>
Next, the configuration of the difference ball number effect display device 180 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the difference ball number effect display device 180.
As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the difference ball number effect display device 180 is formed of a dot matrix display 500, in which the minimum unit constituting the difference ball number effect display device 180 is composed of one block having a substantially rectangular shape. In addition, by connecting a predetermined number of dot matrix displays 500 integrally, a substantially inverted U-shaped difference ball number effect display device 180 as shown in FIG. 5B is formed (see FIG. 5B). See also FIG. 1).
Note that the dot matrix display 500 is a display that is configured by using liquid crystal, LEDs, or the like and that can change and display images, figures, characters, and the like.

  The difference ball number effect display device 180 is an effect display device that performs effect display that is sequentially turned on / off according to the difference ball number (safe ball number-out ball number), that is, the number of balls held by the player. In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, there are hundred unit display units 510a to 510j in which the difference ball number corresponds to every 100, and thousand unit display units 520a to 520j in which the difference ball number corresponds to every 1000. Is provided.

As shown in the enlarged view of 510c in FIG. 5B, the display units of the hundred unit display units 510a to 510j are divided into 9 blocks in a scale shape, and each block corresponds to 100 difference balls. . That is, the hundred unit display units 510a to 510j are configured to light up by one block every time the difference ball number increases by 100, or to turn off by one block every time the difference ball number decreases by 100.
Here, the example shown in the figure (enlarged view of 510c) shows a state where five blocks are lit (hatched portion in the figure). Therefore, this indicates that the number of difference balls is 500. In FIG. 5B, the description has been made by taking the hundred unit display unit 510c as an example, but this configuration is the same for the other hundred unit display units 510a to 510b and dj. Further, in a state where the hundred unit display portion 510c is lit even in one block, the hundred unit display portions 510a and 510b are fully lit (all blocks are lit).

As shown in FIG. 5B, the thousand unit display portions 520a to 520j are formed to be approximately half the size of the hundred unit display portions 510a to 510j. Thus, the display unit is not partitioned, and the entire display unit corresponds to the difference ball number 1000. That is, the thousand unit display units 520a to 520j are configured to be turned on every time the difference ball number increases by 1000 or turned off every time the difference ball number decreases by 1000.
That is, as shown in FIG. 5B, in the thousand unit display portions 520a to 520j, 520a is the difference ball number 1000, 520b is the difference ball number 2000, 520c is the difference ball number 3000, 520d is the difference ball number 4000, 520e. Is the difference ball number 5000, 520f is the difference ball number 6000, 520g is the difference ball number 7000, 520h is the difference ball number 8000, 520i is the difference ball number 9000, and 520j is the difference ball number 10,000.

Here, the example of FIG. 5B shows a state in which the thousand unit display portions 520a and 520b are turned on (hatched portion in the figure), and the hundred unit display portions 510a to 510j display the hundred unit display as described above. Therefore, in this state, the difference ball number display device 180 has a difference ball number, that is, the player's ball number (acquired ball number) is 2500 in this state. It is shown that.
Incidentally, in FIG. 1, the difference ball number effect display device 180 shows a state in which the hundred unit display units 510a to 510j and the thousand unit display units 520a to 520j are all lit. It shows that it is 10,000. This state indicates that the difference ball number has reached a fixed amount set by a fixed amount setting switch 320 described later.
Thus, in this embodiment, as will be described later, when the number of difference balls reaches a fixed amount, a process of forcibly ending the game of the player playing the game machine 100 (so-called stop) is performed. It has come to be. That is, the difference ball number effect display device 180 indicates that the difference ball number has reached the fixed amount or the difference ball number is likely to reach the fixed amount (quantitative notice) together with the effect display related to the difference ball number. And halls).

As described above, the difference ball number effect display device 180 is connected to the lamp control board 360 (see FIG. 3), and the lamp control board 360 controls the lighting in a predetermined manner. For example, the thousand unit display units 520a to 520j change the lighting color of each display unit and increase the color tone or lighten the gradation (gradation) from the display unit 520a to the display unit 520j. The color tone and gradation may be changed.
Further, when the number of difference balls reaches a multiple of 1000 and the corresponding display unit of the thousand unit display units 520a to 520j is turned on, it may be flashed rapidly at the initial lighting stage. Furthermore, each display unit of the thousand unit display units 520a to 520j may also have a function of directly displaying the number of difference balls (“1000” to “10000”). For example, numerical display of the lighting color and the difference ball number may be alternately displayed according to the blinking display timing.
Further, each display unit of the hundred unit display units 510a to 510j is not limited to the above 9 block (one memory corresponds to the difference ball number 100), for example, 4 blocks (one memory corresponds to the difference ball number 200). Moreover, the number of display units of the thousand unit display units 520a to 520j is not limited to ten as described above, and may be five (one display unit corresponds to 2000 units), for example.

  The display change in the difference ball number effect display device 180 is because the difference ball number effect display device 180 is composed of the dot matrix display 500 as shown in FIG. The display control by the control board 360 makes it possible to change the display of the difference ball number effect display device 180 very easily. As a result, when the quantitative setting is changed by the quantitative setting switch 320 described later, the display mode of the thousand unit display units 520a to 520j and the hundred unit display units 510a to 510j may be changed accordingly. It can be done very easily.

<Quantitative setting switch 320>
Next, the configuration of the quantitative setting switch 320 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the quantitative setting switch 320, and FIG. It is a table | surface which shows the relationship with (number).
The fixed amount setting switch 320 has four dip switches 320a to 320d mounted directly on the main control board 310, and is provided so that it can be turned on and off (ON-OFF) as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, the fixed amount setting switch 320 sets the fixed amount as the difference ball number (safe ball number-out ball number) to an unset value by turning on / off the dip switches 320a to 320d. Or in the range of 1000-1500. That is, the fixed amount setting switch 320 can set a fixed amount according to the situation of the hall, such as a change of the fixed amount setting, and as a result, the degree of freedom of the fixed amount setting is increased. The relationship between the dip switches 600a to 600d and the fixed amount (difference ball number) is as follows.

  Dip switch 320a-d off → quantity not set, Dip switch 320a on, 320b-d off → quantitative 1000, Dip switch 320b on, 320a, c, d off → quantitative 2000, Dip switch 320a, b on, 320c, d OFF → quantitative 3000, DIP switch 320c ON, 320a, b, d OFF → quantitative 4000, DIP switch 320a, c ON, 320b, d OFF → quantitative 5000, DIP switch 320b, c ON, 320a, d OFF → quantitative 6000, Dip switches 320a-c on, 320d off → fixed 7000, Dip switches 320d on, 320a-c off → fixed 8000, Dip switches 320a, d on, 320b, c off → fixed 9000, Dip switches 320b, d on, 3 0a, c off → fixed amount 10000, dip switch 320a, b, d on, 320c off → fixed amount 11000, dip switch 320c, d on, 320a, b off → fixed amount 12000, dip switch 320a, c, d on, 320b off → Fixed amount 13000, dip switches 320b to d on, 320a off to fixed amount 14000, dip switches 320a to d on to fixed amount 15000 (see FIG. 6B)

The setting of the fixed amount (difference ball number) by the fixed amount setting switch 320 (dip switches 600a to 600d) is preferably performed mainly before opening the store, but can also be appropriately performed during business. Then, when setting (setting change) is performed by the quantitative setting switch 320, the display change in the difference ball number effect display device 180 according to the set quantitative value is controlled by the lamp control board 360 according to the above. It is executed by.
Note that a display such as a segment display for displaying the setting of the quantitative setting switch 320 (DIP switches 600a to 600d) with numerals or the like may be provided in the vicinity of the quantitative setting switch 320. In this way, the setting of the quantitative setting switch 320 can be easily confirmed only by looking at the number indicated by the display, and the setting error of the quantitative setting switch 320 can be suppressed.
Further, the quantitative setting switch 320 (four dip switches 320a to 320d) is configured to be provided on the main control board 310, but it may be configured to be provided on the payout control board 380.

<Game information output terminal board 319>
Next, the configuration of the game information output terminal board 319 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the relay board 700 and the game information output terminal board 319 attached to the relay board 700, and FIG. 7B is output from the game information output terminal board 319 to the outside. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the various signals and the connector 705 for external device connection. In the description of FIG. 3 described above, the description of the relay board 700 is omitted, but various output signals indicating predetermined game information from the main control board 310 are transmitted through the relay board 700 to the game information output terminal board 319. To be input.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the relay board 700 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and a game information output terminal board 319 is attached to the approximate center thereof. A gaming machine connector 701 to which a signal line (harness) electrically connected to the main control board 310 is connected is provided at the right end of the relay board 700.
In addition, the lower end portion of the relay board 700 is electrically connected to a signal output from the game information output terminal board 319 to an external device (a hall computer, a gaming machine information display device such as a calling lamp device provided for each gaming machine). A photocoupler 702 for removing typical noise and a resistor 703 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the game information output terminal board 319 is provided with an external device connection connector 705. The external device connection connector 705 corresponds to the type of game information to be output to the outside. A plurality of terminal members 706 are provided.
In the present embodiment, since the photocoupler 702 is interposed between the main control board 310 and the external device, the upper and lower terminal members 706 form a pair. In the figure, reference numeral 707 denotes an insertion hole for electrically connecting a signal line (harness) from an external device, that is, a terminal installed in two insertion holes 707 adjacent to each other in the vertical direction in the insertion hole 707. The members 706 correspond to each other, and in this embodiment, 15 sets of a pair of terminal members 706 are provided in total.

Therefore, a signal line (harness) that electrically connects the main control board 310 and the relay board 700 and a harness that electrically connects the external device and the game information output terminal board 319 are also one set of two. It becomes. Further, since one photocoupler 702 and one resistor 703 are provided for each pair of terminal members 706, a total of 15 photocouplers 702 and resistors 703 are provided.
In addition, it is desirable that the terminal members 706 corresponding to the insertion holes 707 adjacent in the vertical direction have the same shape and the same color. Furthermore, the installation positions (vertical and front / rear positions) of the terminal members 706 adjacent to the left and right may be aligned every other. If it does in this way, the wiring mistake at the time of connecting to the insertion hole 707 can be reduced.

Here, the electrical configuration of the game information output terminal board 319 and the relay board 700 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the game information output terminal board 319 and the relay board 700.
As described above, the relay board 700 is provided with the photocoupler 702, and as shown in FIG. 8, the input side electrically connected to the input / output port 800 (not shown in FIG. 3) of the main control board 310 And an output side electrically connected to an external device such as a hall computer are electrically insulated. Then, only when a signal is output from the main control board 310, the photocoupler 702 is turned on. To be sent to an external device.
The input / output port 800 of the main control board 310 and the relay board 700 may not be directly connected via the signal line, and other boards may be interposed.

  Also, between the game information output terminal board 319 and the main control board 310, instead of the photocoupler 702, an input side to which wiring from the main control board 310 side is connected and wiring from an external device are connected. A relay (such as a photo interrupter) that electrically insulates the output side may be interposed, or a diode may be provided so that current flows only from the main control board 310 to the external device side. Alternatively, the photocoupler 702 and the relay substrate 700 itself can be omitted.

  The game information output terminal plate 319 is attached to the gaming machine 100 so that the longitudinal direction is the left-right direction, but may be attached so that the longitudinal direction is the up-down direction, for example. In addition, although a pair of terminal members 706 are provided on the top and bottom, a pair of terminal members 706 may be provided on the left and right.

  Further, the signal sent to the game information output terminal board 319 is not necessarily limited to the signal outputted from the main control board 310, but is sent from the other boards (for example, the payout control board 380 and the effect control board 340). A configuration in which a signal is output to the game information output terminal plate 319 without using the control board 310 may be employed. In this case, the photocoupler 702 or the relay or the like may be interposed between the other board and the game information output terminal board 319 instead.

  Furthermore, in the game information output terminal board 319 or the relay board 700, a light emitting diode electrically connected to a wiring from an external device or a signal line from the main control board 310 may be provided. In this case, it is possible to check whether or not the wiring connection work relating to the game information output terminal board 319 has been appropriately performed. In addition, it is possible to check whether or not there is a fraudulent act such that a signal is not sent from the main control board 310 to an external device by disconnecting the cable.

  Next, the relationship between the type of signal output from the game information output terminal board 319 to the outside of the machine and the terminal member 706 of the external device connector 705 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, for convenience, the pair of upper and lower terminal members 706 shown in FIG. 7A are arranged in order from the left side, the first terminal, the second terminal, the third terminal, the fourth terminal, the fifth terminal, the sixth terminal, Also referred to as 7 terminal, 8th terminal, 9th terminal, 10th terminal, 11th terminal, 12th terminal, 13th terminal, 14th terminal, 15th terminal. In FIG. 7A, each terminal member 706 is numbered 1 to 15 indicating the first to fifteenth terminals.

In this embodiment, the game information output terminal board 319 outputs the game information as game information to the outside of the aircraft, such as a launch ball signal, an out ball signal, a real prize ball signal (safe ball signal), a difference ball signal, a prize ball scheduled signal, There are 15 types of signals: a fixed quantity / quantitative scheduled signal, a firing error signal, a prize ball error signal, a door opening signal, a first start signal, a second start signal, a symbol determination signal, a jackpot signal, a time reduction signal, and a probability change signal.
As shown in FIG. 7B, the launch ball signal is the first terminal, the out ball signal is the second terminal, the real ball signal (safe ball signal) is the third terminal, and the difference ball signal is the fourth terminal. The schedule signal is the fifth terminal, the fixed quantity / quantitative schedule signal is the sixth terminal, the launch error signal is the seventh terminal, the prize ball error signal is the eighth terminal, the door opening signal is the ninth terminal, and the first start signal is the tenth terminal. The second start signal is output to the external device via the eleventh terminal, the symbol confirmation signal is output to the twelfth terminal, the jackpot signal is output to the thirteenth terminal, the time reduction signal is output to the fourteenth terminal, and the probability variation signal is output to the external device.

Among the above signals, the fire ball signal is a signal indicating the number of fire balls (including so-called foul balls that did not reach 106 in the game area) fired by the firing handle device 103.
FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing the output timing of the shot ball signal. The fire ball signal is output as one pulse every time ten game balls are fired. That is, each time the shot ball detection switch 337 detects ten game balls, the number of game balls passing through the shot ball detection switch 337 is added to the shot ball signal, and the addition result becomes 10. It is a signal that is output after being turned on for 0.2 seconds every time.

The out ball signal is a signal indicating the number of game balls used in the game after flowing down the game area 106 (that is, the number of game balls obtained by subtracting the number of foul balls from the number of shot balls).
FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing the output timing of the out-sphere signal. The out ball signal is output as one pulse every time ten game balls are used in a game. That is, the out-ball signal is added every time the out-ball detection switch 338 detects 10 game balls, in other words, the number of game balls passing through the out-ball detection switch 338 is added, and the addition result becomes 10. It is a signal that is output after being turned on for 0.2 seconds every time.
However, as shown in FIG. 10, when the out ball detection switch 338 detects ten game balls while the out ball signal is on for 0.2 seconds, that is, the out ball detection switch 338 is turned on. When the number of game balls passing through is added and the addition result reaches 10 continuously, the out ball signal is turned on for 0.2 seconds, then turned off for 0.2 seconds, and then turned on for 0.2 seconds. It is configured as follows.

The actual prize ball signal (safe ball signal) is a signal indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out as a prize from a payout device (not shown).
FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing the output timing of the actual winning ball signal. The real prize ball signal is output as one pulse every time ten game balls are paid out as prizes. That is, each time the payout (safe) ball detection switch 382 detects 10 game balls, the actual prize ball signal adds the number of game balls that pass through the payout (safe) ball detection switch 382. Each time the addition result becomes 10, the signal is output after being turned on for 0.1 second.

In addition, the difference ball signal is obtained by subtracting the number of game balls (out ball number) used in the game from the number of prize balls (safe ball number) paid out as a prize, that is, the number of safe balls-the number of out balls. It is a signal which shows the number of balls of a player.
FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing the output timing of the difference ball signal. The difference ball signal is obtained by subtracting the number of game balls detected by the out ball detection switch 338 from the number of game balls detected by the payout (safe) ball detection switch 382, so that the number of game balls is brass 10 (+10) or minus 10 (− One pulse is output every time 10). As will be described in detail later, when the difference ball number (safe ball number-out ball number) becomes minus (negative value), the difference ball number is reset to 0, and in this case, minus 10 (−10). No difference ball signal is output.

That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the difference ball signal has a difference ball number obtained by subtracting the number of game balls detected by the out ball detection switch 338 from the number of game balls detected by the payout (safe) ball detection switch 382 +10 This is a signal that is turned on for 0.1 second each time and becomes on for 0.2 seconds every time it becomes −10, on condition that the difference ball number does not become negative. The external device recognizes whether it is +10 or -10 based on the difference in the output width of the difference sphere signal (0.1 seconds and 0.2 seconds).
However, when the difference ball number becomes -10 while the difference ball signal is on for 0.2 seconds, that is, when the calculation result of the difference ball number continuously reaches -10. The difference ball signal is configured to be turned on for 0.2 seconds, then turned off for 0.2 seconds, and then turned on for 0.2 seconds.
In FIG. 12, even if the difference ball number becomes -10, the difference ball number is negative (because the difference ball number is reset to 0), so that the difference ball signal of -10 (0. “On for 2 seconds” shows an example in which no output is made.

The award ball schedule signal is a signal indicating the number of award balls scheduled to be paid out as a prize from a payout device (not shown).
FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing the output timing of the winning ball schedule signal. The winning ball schedule signal is a detection switch (first start winning device detection switch 312, second detection device) that detects winning in all winning devices (first start winning device 112, second start winning device 115, big winning device 117). The number of prize balls to be paid out by the start winning device detection switch 315 and the big winning device detection switch 317) is added.
However, as shown in FIG. 13, when the addition result of the detection switch for detecting a winning reaches 10 while the winning ball scheduled signal is on for 0.2 seconds, that is, the addition result is continuous. In this case, the winning ball scheduled signal is configured to be turned on for 0.2 seconds, then turned off for 0.2 seconds, and then turned on for 0.2 seconds.

The fixed amount / quantitative scheduled signal is a signal indicating that the above-mentioned difference ball number (the number of player's balls) has reached the fixed amount or fixed amount schedule set by the fixed amount setting switch 320.
FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing the output timing of the quantitative signal and the scheduled quantitative signal. When the difference ball number reaches the fixed amount count when the payout (safe) ball detection switch 382 detects the game ball, for example, when the difference ball number reaches 90% of the fixed amount, When the ball count reaches the lower limit of the fixed amount, in other words, when the difference ball count reaches the predetermined value before reaching the upper limit limit), it is turned on for 5 seconds. Output signal.
The fixed amount signal is a signal that is turned on for 10 seconds and output when the number of difference balls reaches a fixed amount when the payout ball (safe) ball detection switch 382 detects a game ball. The external device discriminates between the scheduled signal and the fixed signal based on the difference in the signal output width (5 seconds and 10 seconds).

The firing error signal is a signal indicating that the difference between the number of balls to be fired and the number of balls out has been out of a predetermined range. The predetermined range can be set as appropriate. For example, −30 <SH1 <30 (SH1 = predetermined range) is an example.
FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing the output timing of the firing error signal. When the difference between the number of shot balls detected by the shot ball detection switch 337 and the number of out balls detected by the out ball detection switch 338 is out of a predetermined range, the firing error signal is output after being turned on for 30 seconds. Is a signal to be transmitted.

The prize ball error signal is a signal indicating that the difference between the number of actual prize balls (the number of safe balls) and the number of prize balls to be paid out falls outside a predetermined range. The predetermined range can be set as appropriate. For example, −50 <SH2 <50 (SH2 = predetermined range) is an example.
FIG. 16 is a timing chart showing the output timing of the prize ball error signal. The prize ball error signal includes the number of actual prize balls detected by the payout (safe) ball detection switch 382 and a detection switch for detecting a prize (first start prize-winning device detection switch 312, second start prize-winning device detection switch 315, large This is a signal that is turned on for 30 seconds and output when the difference from the number of prize balls to be paid out by the winning device detection switch 317) is out of a predetermined range.

In addition, the timing chart which shows an output timing is abbreviate | omitted about a door opening signal, a 1st start signal, a 2nd start signal, a symbol determination signal, a big hit signal, a time reduction signal, and a probability variation signal, and it demonstrates easily below.
The door opening signal is a signal that is turned on and outputted while the glass frame 150 or the inner frame 170 is opened (the door opening switch 383 is turned on).
The first start signal is a signal that is turned on and output for 0.2 seconds when a game ball wins the first start winning device 112 (the first start winning device detection switch 312 is turned on). However, if a game ball wins the first start winning device 112 while the first start signal is on for 0.2 seconds, the first start signal is 0.2 after turning on for 0.2 seconds. Turn off for seconds, then turn on for 0.2 seconds.

  The second start signal indicates that the game ball wins the second start winning device 115 during the period from the operation of the second starting winning device (electric Chu as an ordinary electric accessory) 115 until 10 seconds elapses after the operation ends ( When the second start winning device detection switch 315 is turned on), the signal is output after being turned on for 0.2 seconds. However, when a game ball wins the second start winning device 115 while the second start signal is on for 0.2 seconds, the second start signal is 0.2 after turning on for 0.2 seconds. Turn off for seconds, then turn on for 0.2 seconds.

The symbol determination signal is a signal that is output after being turned on for 1 second from the stop of the fluctuation of the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol).
The jackpot signal is a signal that is turned on and outputted while the gaming state is a jackpot (during operation of the accessory continuous operation device).
The time reduction signal is a signal that is turned on and output while the gaming state is shorter.
The probability change signal is a signal that is turned on and output while the gaming state is changed.

As described above, among the signals output from the game information output terminal board 319, the out ball signal, the difference ball signal, the winning ball scheduled signal, the first start signal, and the second start signal are turned on. Therefore, in this embodiment, a signal corresponding to the continuous generation is output. Although it is conceivable to shorten the on-time of the signal so that it cannot be continuously generated, shortening the on-time increases the probability of an error (such as noise or signal loss). It is desirable to set.
On the other hand, other external output signals (launch ball signal, real prize ball signal (safe ball signal), quantitative signal, launch error signal, prize ball error signal, door open signal, symbol confirmation signal, jackpot signal, time reduction signal, probability change With respect to (signal), since there is normally no possibility of continuous occurrence, it is not configured to output a signal corresponding to continuous occurrence.
For example, since the fire ball is fired at intervals of 0.6 seconds as described above, the fire signal is not turned on again while the fire signal is on for 0.2 seconds.
With this configuration, useless processing can be omitted.

Further, the content and number of information indicated by the signal output from the game information output terminal board 319 are not particularly limited. For example, the game information may be included in the above various signals depending on the model of the gaming machine 100 or the like. There may be a signal that is not set to be output from the output terminal board 319, or a signal indicating other information is output from the game information output terminal board 319 in addition to or in place of the above various signals. You may comprise as follows.
For example, signals output from the game information output terminal board 319 other than those described above include a gate passing signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gates 113a and 113b, and when the power is turned on by the RAM clear switch. A RAM clear signal indicating that the main RAM 310c has been initialized, a large winning signal indicating that a game ball has been won in the big winning device 117 by the detection of the gaming ball by the big winning device detection switch 317, and other sensors for detecting abnormalities. Examples include a security signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred due to a radio wave detection sensor, a switch disconnection / short circuit detection sensor, or the like.

Of the signals output from the game information output terminal plate 319 to the outside, signals that do not occur simultaneously may be output from the same terminal. That is, a plurality of types of signals are output from one terminal.
For example, among the above signals, the big hit signal and the time-short signal, and the big hit signal and the probability variation signal may be output from the same terminal. If comprised in this way, the number of the terminal members 706 of the connector 705 for external apparatus connection can be reduced.

  As is clear from the above description, signals indicating various game information related to the gaming machine 100 are output from a large number of gaming machines 100 to an external device (a hall computer, a gaming machine information display device, etc.). It has become. As a result, the external device collects, calculates, and analyzes the game information input from each of these gaming machines 100, thereby providing useful information to the player or providing useful information useful for the management of the game hall. Can be generated.

In addition, in the game hall (hall), many hundreds to thousands of gaming machines 100 are installed, and the game information output terminal plate 319 of each of these numerous gaming machines 100 is enormous. Since a number of game information signals are output, the external device on the receiving side becomes a very heavy burden (load) when these game information signals are concentrated.
In this regard, in the present embodiment, among the game information output from the game information output terminal board 319 described above, particularly frequently generated launch ball signals, out ball signals, real prize ball signals (safe ball signals), difference balls Each time these events occur, the signal and the scheduled game ball signal are not output in real time (immediately), but the number of the game information output is totaled and reaches a predetermined size (10). Then, it is configured to convert and output a single signal (one pulse) at each timing.

Here, the shot ball signal, the out ball signal, the actual prize ball signal (safe ball signal), the difference ball signal, and the prize ball scheduled signal are used for the number of prize balls (safe ball number) to be paid out as a prize and the game. It is a signal indicating information (related) related to the number of difference balls from the number of game balls (number of out balls). That is, in the present embodiment, the output of the signal indicating the difference ball number related information that occurs frequently is output every time the value related to the difference ball number related information reaches a predetermined fluctuation range (one pulse per 10). It has a configuration.
With this configuration, although an external device such as a hall computer has a slight time lag, the burden (load) when receiving a game information signal output from the game information output terminal board 319 can be greatly reduced. It has a remarkable effect. Note that the configuration of outputting each time the predetermined fluctuation range is reached is not particularly limited, and for example, 5 pulses or 20 pulses may be output.
In addition, the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, which will be described in detail later, processes the difference ball number related information in the gaming machine 100 (in-machine output) and produces an effect display or predetermined notification related to the difference ball number related information. In this case, the difference ball number related information is processed in real time.

<List of processing on main control board>
Next, main processes executed by the main control board 310 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic flow of processing executed by the main control board 310.
When the main CPU 310a of the main control board 310 is supplied with power, as a main process, the main RAM 301c is initialized by turning on the power from the power-off, or the game state before the power-off is restored. Execute power recovery processing. Further, the main CPU 301a updates the initial values of various random numbers (for example, jackpot random numbers) as the main process.

<Main processing of main control board>
Details of the main process executed by the main CPU 310a of the main control board 310 will be described here with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the contents of main processing performed by the main CPU 310a of the main control board 310.
Referring to FIG. 18, when power supply to gaming machine 100 is started, a system reset occurs in main CPU 310a, and main CPU 310a performs the following main processing in response to the input of a reset signal. First, in step S1800 (hereinafter, step S is also simply referred to as “S”), the main CPU 310a supplies power to the gaming machine 100 this time when a normal RAM clear switch is turned on (input of a RAM clear signal). Determine whether the power is turned on without turning on the power of the RAM clear switch (input of the RAM clear signal) that starts supplying power after an unexpected power interruption (such as turning on the power at the start of business at an amusement store) To do.

  In S1800, when it is determined that the power is turned on with the RAM clear switch being turned on (S1800: Yes), the main CPU 310a moves the process to S1802, and produces an effect control board as a sub-control means on the sub-side. To 340. When the effect control board 340 receives the RAM clear preparation command, a display and a sound output for turning on the RAM clear switch again are performed, and the RAM clear switch is turned on again. Then, the process proceeds to S1804, and the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the RAM clear switch is turned on again.

  If it is determined in S1804 that the RAM clear switch has been turned on again (S1804: Yes), the main CPU 310a moves the process to S1708. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1704 that the RAM clear switch is not turned on again (S1804: No), the main CPU 310a repeatedly executes the processing of S1804 until the RAM clear switch is turned on again.

  In S1808, the main CPU 310a transmits a power-on command to the effect control board 340, moves the process to S1810, reads the activation program from the main ROM 310b in response to power-on, and sets the main RAM 310c to an access-permitted state. Then, the storage area of the main RAM 310c is cleared, and an initialization process for performing necessary settings is executed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S1800 that the power supply is restored without the RAM clear switch being turned on (S1800: No), the main CPU 310a moves the process to S1820 and transmits a power restoration command to the effect control board 340. . Then, the process proceeds to S1822, and the main CPU 310a performs a predetermined power recovery process. In this power recovery processing, for example, the main RAM 310c is allowed to be accessed in the same manner as when the power is turned on, and data check of the backup RAM area of the main RAM 310c (for example, parity check using check data backed up when the power is turned off), etc. I do. When the processing of S1822 is completed, the register and the storage area of the main RAM 310c are returned to the unexpected power-off state, and the gaming state is restored.

  When the process of S1810 or S1822 is finished, the process proceeds to S1830, and the main CPU 310a updates the initial random number values of specific random numbers, for example, a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number described later, Thereafter, the process of S1830 is repeated until a predetermined interrupt process is performed. Here, the initial random number value is an initial value of each random number that is updated by a timer interrupt process described later. Note that the processing may be stopped until the next interrupt processing is performed without performing the processing of S1830 (HALT instruction).

<Timer interrupt processing of main control board>
Returning to FIG. 17, the timer interrupt processing performed by the main CPU 310a of the main control board 310 is performed when the main control board 310 is turned on or off by a reset clock pulse generation circuit (not shown) provided on the main control board 310. In normal operation except for special cases such as time, the process is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals (for example, 4 ms). The timer interrupt process is executed based on a program stored in the main ROM 310b. Hereinafter, various processes of the timer interrupt process will be described.

  First, the main CPU 310a executes a random number update process. In this random number update process, various random numbers such as a jackpot random number, a jackpot symbol random number, a reach random number, a variation pattern random number, and a normal symbol random number are updated. These random numbers are incremented by “1” every time this process is performed. Each random value is returned to “0” after reaching a preset maximum value.

<Switch processing>
Next, the main CPU 310a performs a switch process. This switch processing is executed when a detection signal from each switch is input. The switch processing includes start winning device switch processing, gate detection switch processing, large winning device detection switch processing, abnormality processing, difference ball related information processing, and the like.

  The main CPU 310a, as a start winning device switch process, receives a big hit random number, a big hit symbol random number, and a reach random number as acquired information when there is a ball in the first start winning device 112 or the second start winning device (electric Chu) 115. And a fluctuation pattern random number is acquired. Here, when the suspension occurs, the acquired information is stored as the suspension information in the special symbol storage area of the main RAM 310c. For example, when the main CPU 310a enters a game ball into the first start winning device 112 and obtains hold information for the first special symbol, the main CPU 310a holds in the hold memory area corresponding to the first special symbol in the special symbol hold memory area. The reserved storage area in which the information is stored is specified, and the reserved information is stored in the reserved storage area that should be preferentially stored next to the reserved storage area. The same process is performed when the hold information for the second special symbol is acquired.

However, if the hold information is stored in the fourth hold storage area, the hold information is not stored. Further, when the special symbol is not being displayed in a variable display or during the big hit game, and the hold information is not stored in the first hold storage area, the hold information is not stored. In this case, the acquisition information is directly stored in the acquisition (holding) information determination area for the first start winning device 112 or the second starting winning device (electric Chu) 115.
Further, the main CPU 310a receives a first start signal from the game information output terminal board (tenth terminal) 319 when a game ball wins the first start winning device 112 (the first start winning device detection switch 312 is turned on). The second start signal is output from the game information output terminal board (eleventh terminal) 319 when the game ball is won (the second start winning device detection switch 315 is turned on). Is output for 0.2 seconds.

<Preliminary judgment processing>
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a pre-determination process executed by the main CPU 310a of the main control board 310. The main CPU 310a executes a pre-determination process during the above-described start winning device switch process. In this pre-determination process, when the first starting winning device 112 and the second starting winning device (electrical chew) 115 are entered, the hold information is stored before the acquired hold information is stored in the special symbol hold storage area. Based on the information, jackpot determination, jackpot symbol determination, reach determination, and variation pattern determination are executed. That is, this pre-determination process is performed as a result of the big hit determination as a result of the big hit determination before the hold information stored in the special symbol hold storage area is shifted to the acquisition (hold) information determination area and the special symbol determination is executed. This is a process for specifying in advance the result of symbol determination, the result of reach determination, and the result of variation pattern determination.

As shown in FIG. 19, the main CPU 310a performs a big hit determination based on the acquired hold information (big hit random number) in the process of S1901, and determines whether or not it is a big hit. When the main CPU 310a determines that it is a big hit (S1901: Yes), it executes a big hit symbol determination in the processing of S1902, specifies a big hit symbol as a special symbol, and then proceeds to the processing of S1904. On the other hand, if the main CPU 310a determines that it is not a big hit (S1901: No), that is, if it is determined that it is a loss, it identifies a lost symbol as a special symbol in the process of S1903, and then proceeds to S1904. To do. Next, in step S1904, the main CPU 310a executes variation pattern determination and identifies the variation pattern. This variation pattern will be described later.
Subsequently, the main CPU 310a generates a hold command in the process of S1905. The hold command includes hold addition information indicating that the hold information is added to the special symbol hold storage area, the specified special symbol (special symbol for advance determination), and the variation pattern (predetermination determined) described above. Variation pattern). The special symbol for preliminary determination and the variation pattern for preliminary determination are also collectively referred to as preliminary determination information.

<Variation pattern>
20 and 21, the main display is synchronized with the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 120 and the second special symbol display device 122. A variation pattern related to the effect symbol displayed on the device 131 will be described. 20A is an explanatory diagram illustrating the special 1 normal time variation pattern table T4A, FIG. 20B is an explanatory diagram illustrating the special 1 hour short time variation pattern table T4B, and FIG. FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing a special 2 normal time fluctuation pattern table T4C, and FIG. 21B is an explanatory view showing a special 2 time short time fluctuation pattern table T4D. “Special 1” is an abbreviation for the first special symbol, and “Special 2” is an abbreviation for the first special symbol.

  The special 1 normal time variation pattern table T4A shown in FIG. 20A is used for the variation of the first special symbol and the production symbol based on the entry to the first start winning device 112 in the normal time (non-time saving gaming state). Is. Further, the special 2 normal time variation pattern table T4C shown in FIG. 21A is used for the variation of the second special symbol and the production symbol based on the entry to the second start winning device (electrical chew) 115 in the normal time. It is. Since the fluctuation pattern tables for normal and short hours are similar for the first special symbol and the second special symbol, they will be described together.

<Variation pattern 1>
The fluctuation pattern 1 is a normal loss fluctuation pattern. The normal losing is so-called “rose losing” (for example, “251”), and is “losing without reach” in which the directing effect is not performed. The variation time is 5 seconds for the first special symbol (effect symbol) and 4 seconds for the second special symbol (effect symbol). It is selected at a ratio of 228/250 at the time of losing (see FIG. 2C).

<Variation pattern 2>
The fluctuation pattern 2 is a fluctuation pattern of normal hit (small hit, probability change 2R big hit). This variation pattern is selected when a small hit or probability variation 2R jackpot is selected, and is selected when a special symbol for small hit or probability variation 2R jackpot is allocated. The effect design is the same disparity as a normal lose, and is “per no reach” where no reach effect is performed. Therefore, even if this variation pattern is performed, it is difficult for the player to distinguish between the small hit and the probable 2R big hit, thereby confuse the small hit with the probable 2R big hit, and a high probability after the probable 2R big hit. Hidden gaming state. The variation time is 5 seconds for the first special symbol (effect symbol) and 4 seconds for the second special symbol (effect symbol).

<Variation pattern 3>
The fluctuation pattern 3 is a normal reach (losing) fluctuation pattern. The variation pattern of the normal reach (losing) is “losing with reach” in which the reach design is performed with the production design. Specifically, the development effect of the reach is not performed, and the middle symbol (final stop symbol) is stopped as it is. Both the first special symbol (effect symbol) and the second special symbol (effect symbol) have a variation time of 10 seconds, and are selected according to 11/250 when lost (see FIG. 2C).

<Fluctuation pattern 4>
The variation pattern 4 is a long reach (losing) variation pattern. The long reach (losing) variation pattern is “losing with reach” in which a reach design is performed with a design pattern. Specifically, after the reach is reached, the development effect is performed, and the middle symbol (final stop symbol) stops as it is. Both the first special symbol (effect symbol) and the second special symbol (effect symbol) have a variation time of 30 seconds and are selected at 11/250 (see FIG. 2C).

<Variation pattern 5>
The fluctuation pattern 5 is a long reach fluctuation pattern (probability variation 16R big hit, usually 8R big hit). This variation pattern is selected at the time of big hit, and is selected when a special symbol of probability variation 16R big hit or normal 8R big hit is allocated. More specifically, when the special symbol for the probability variation 16R jackpot is allocated, the variation pattern 5A is selected. When the special symbol for the normal 8R jackpot is allocated, the variation pattern 5B is selected. The production design will reach after reaching the reach, and the development production will be performed, and it will be a big hit with the same design. Both the first special symbol (effect symbol) and the second special symbol (effect symbol) have a variation time of 30 seconds.

<Variation pattern 6>
The fluctuation pattern 6 is a normal loss fluctuation pattern. The normal losing is so-called “rose losing” (for example, the above-mentioned “2, 5, 1”, etc.). The variation time is 10 seconds for the first special symbol (effect symbol) and 2 seconds for the second special symbol (effect symbol). It is selected at a ratio of 228/250 at the time of losing (see FIG. 2C). The reason why the variation time (effect design) of the first special symbol is as long as 10 seconds is to allow the player to enter the second start winning device (electric Chu) 115 during this period.

<Variation pattern 7>
The fluctuation pattern 7 is a fluctuation pattern of normal hit (small hit, probability change 2R big hit). This variation pattern is selected when a small hit or probability variation 2R jackpot is selected, and is selected when a special symbol for small hit or probability variation 2R jackpot is allocated. The effect design is the same disparity as the normal lose, and is “per no reach” where no reach effect is performed. Therefore, even if this variation pattern is performed, it is difficult for the player to distinguish between the small hit and the probable 2R big hit, thereby confuse the small hit with the probable 2R big hit, and a high probability after the probable 2R big hit. Hidden gaming state. The variation time is 10 seconds for the first special symbol (effect symbol) and 2 seconds for the second special symbol (effect symbol).

<Variation pattern 8>
The fluctuation pattern 8 is a fluctuation pattern of reach failure (losing). The variation pattern of the reach failure (losing) is “losing without reach” in which an effect is given to make it reach with a design symbol. Specifically, the reach is not reached and the middle symbol (final stop symbol) is stopped in a lost manner. Both the first special symbol (effect symbol) and the second special symbol (effect symbol) have a variation time of 8 seconds, and are selected by 15/250 when lost (see FIG. 2C).

<Variation pattern 9>
The variation pattern 9 is a variation pattern of success in reach reach → lack of battle. This variation pattern is “losing with reach”, which is lost in the battle production after successfully reaching the reach with the production design. The battle effect is an effect of a battle between an ally character and an enemy character. When the ally character wins, the battle is won, and when the ally character is defeated, the battle is lost. Both the first special symbol (effect symbol) and the second special symbol (effect symbol) have a variation time of 60 seconds, and are selected by 7/250 when lost (see FIG. 2C).

<Variation pattern 10>
The variation pattern 10 is a variation pattern of success in reach reaching → battle win (probability variation 16R big hit, usually 8R big hit). This variation pattern is selected at the time of big hit, and is selected when a special symbol of probability variation 16R big hit or normal 8R big hit is allocated. More specifically, when the special symbol for the probability variation 16R jackpot is allocated, the variation pattern 10A is selected, and when the special symbol for the normal 8R jackpot is allocated, the variation pattern 10B is selected. After the success of the reach production and the reach, the design symbol wins in the battle production and becomes a big hit with the same design. Both the first special symbol (effect symbol) and the second special symbol (effect symbol) have a variation time of 60 seconds.

<Gate detection switch processing>
Returning to FIG. 17, next, as the gate detection switch process, the main CPU 310a acquires a normal symbol random number as acquisition information when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate gates 113a and 113b. Here, when the hold occurs, the processing is performed according to the case where the hold occurs in connection with the special symbol, and therefore the description here is omitted.

<Big prize device detection switch processing>
Next, the main CPU 310a counts the number of winning game balls to the big winning device 117 per round as the big winning device detection switch process. The grand prize winning device 117 closes the door 117b when a specified number of game balls wins and ends one round game, and when the specified number of seconds elapses even if the specified number of game balls do not enter. The process which closes the opening-and-closing door 117b and complete | finishes one round game is performed.
Next, the main CPU 310a performs abnormality processing and difference ball related information processing. These abnormality processing and difference ball related information processing will be described later.

<Special symbol processing>
After the switch process, the main CPU 310a performs a special symbol process that is a process related to the special symbol. This special symbol process includes a hold information shift process, a jackpot determination process, a jackpot symbol determination process, a reach determination process, a variation pattern setting process, and a variation count counting process.

<Holding information shift process>
When there is the hold information, the main CPU 310 shifts the hold information in the special symbol hold storage area of the main RAM 310c when the change display of the special symbol is finished as the hold information shift process. For example, the main CPU 310a stores the hold information for the first special symbol in the first hold information area and the second hold information area and stores the hold information for the second special symbol in the special symbol hold storage area. When the display of the special symbol is finished in a state where the reserved information is not displayed, the holding information in the second holding information area is shifted to the first holding information area, and the holding information in the first holding information area is obtained from the main RAM 310c (holding). ) Shift to the information determination area. The acquired information acquired when there is no holding information is not stored directly in the acquisition (holding) information determination area, but is temporarily stored as holding information in the first holding information area of the special symbol holding storage area. Alternatively, the information may be shifted to the acquisition (hold) information determination area by the hold information shift process.

<Big hit judgment processing>
Next, the main CPU 310a executes a big hit determination process. Specifically, the main CPU 310a, based on the jackpot random number and the jackpot random number table (see FIG. 2A) included in the acquisition information (hold information) described above stored in the acquisition (hold) information determination area, The big hit judgment is executed. In this case, when the gaming state is the non-probability changing gaming state, the low probability gaming state jackpot determination table is used, and when the gaming state is the probability changing gaming state, the high probability gaming state jackpot determination table is used. Here, the small hit determination is also performed using the small hit determination table.

<Big hit symbol determination processing>
Next, the main CPU 310a executes a jackpot symbol determination process. Specifically, when the jackpot determination ends, the main CPU 310a determines that the jackpot symbol random number included in the acquisition information (holding information) stored in the acquisition (holding) information determination area when the jackpot determination result is a jackpot Based on the jackpot symbol random number table (see FIG. 2B), the jackpot symbol determination is executed to determine the jackpot symbol (special symbol). In this case, when the type of acquisition information (holding information) is the first special symbol, the first start winning device jackpot symbol determination table is used, and the type of acquisition information (holding information) is the second special symbol. Uses the second start winning device jackpot symbol determination table. On the other hand, the main CPU 310a determines a predetermined lost symbol (special symbol) when the big hit determination is lost.

<Reach determination processing>
Next, the main CPU 310a executes reach determination processing. Specifically, the main CPU 310a determines the reach based on the reach random number and the reach random number table (see FIG. 2C) included in the acquisition information (hold information) stored in the acquisition (hold) information determination area. Execute. Although omitted in FIG. 2 (c), in this case, when the gaming state is a non-probability changing gaming state and the type of acquired information (holding information) is the first special symbol, the special 1 normal time reach random number When a table is used and the gaming state is a probability variation gaming state and the type of acquired information (holding information) is the first special symbol, a special one probability variation reach random number table may be used. When the gaming state is a non-probability changing gaming state and the type of acquisition information (holding information) is the second special symbol, the special 2 normal time reach random number table is used, the gaming state is a probability changing gaming state, and the acquisition information When the type of (holding information) is the second special symbol, a special two-variable reach random number table may be used.

<Variation pattern setting process>
Next, the main CPU 310a executes a variation pattern setting process. Specifically, the main CPU 310a first selects which variation pattern table to use from among the four variation pattern tables included in the variation pattern table T4. In this case, when the gaming state is a non-probability changing gaming state and the type of acquired information (holding information) is the first special symbol, the special 1 normal time variation pattern table T4A is used. When the gaming state is the short-time gaming state and the type of acquired information (holding information) is the first special symbol, the special 1-hour short-time variation pattern table T4B is used. When the gaming state is the non-probability changing gaming state and the type of the acquired information (holding information) is the second special symbol, the special 2 normal time variation pattern table T4C is used. When the gaming state is the short-time gaming state and the type of acquired information (holding information) is the second special symbol, the special two-hour short-time variation pattern table T4C is used.

  And main CPU310a is based on the variation pattern random number contained in the acquisition information (holding information) stored in the acquisition (holding) information determination area | region as a result of the jackpot symbol determination, the reach determination, and the selected fluctuation pattern table The variation pattern determination is executed to determine the variation pattern. In this case, for example, when a specific symbol (big hit) is determined as a result of the jackpot symbol determination, a variation pattern corresponding to the effect content of the specific symbol is selected. As a result of reach determination, when it is determined that reach (loss) is to be performed, among the variation patterns in the selected variation pattern table, the variation patterns corresponding to the contents of the effect to perform reach (lack) are selected. select. When determining the variation pattern, the main CPU 310a sets a variation start command including the determined variation pattern.

<Variation count processing>
Next, the main CPU 310a executes a fluctuation count counting process. Specifically, after the variation pattern setting process, the main CPU 310a displays the variation of the special symbol on the first special symbol display device 120 or the second special symbol display device 122, and based on the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination. When the time elapses, the special symbol that is changing is stopped and displayed, and the determination result of the jackpot symbol determination is notified by the special symbol that is stopped and displayed. In this case, the main CPU 310a sets a symbol determination command. Further, the main CPU 310a outputs a symbol determination signal from the game information output terminal board (the twelfth terminal) 319 for one second from the stop of the fluctuation of the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol).

  In addition, in this special symbol processing, the main CPU 301a determines whether or not to turn on the big hit game flag based on the determination result of the big hit symbol determination after stopping and displaying the special symbol that is changing. In such a case, processing for turning on the big hit game flag is executed. The main CPU 310a also turns off the short-time game flag and the probability variable game flag when the short-time variation flag and the probability variable game flag, which will be described later, are ON, and the short-time variation count becomes a predetermined number (for example, 100 times). The process to perform is also executed.

<Normal symbol processing>
Next, the main CPU 310a performs normal symbol processing. This normal symbol process includes a hit determination process, a normal symbol determination process, an operation pattern setting process, and an opening / closing member control process.

<Hit determination process>
When there is normal symbol acquisition information (holding information), the main CPU 310a determines a hit based on a winning random number included in the acquisition information (holding information) and a winning random number table (see FIG. 2D). Execute the process. In this case, when the gaming state is a non-short-time gaming state, a random number table per hour short-time gaming state is used, and when the gaming state is a short-time gaming state, a random number table per hour-short gaming state is used.

<Normal symbol determination processing>
Next, the main CPU 310a executes a normal symbol determination process. Specifically, when the hit determination is completed, the main CPU 310a determines that the hit symbol random number and the hit symbol random number table (FIG. e), a winning symbol determination is executed to determine a winning symbol (ordinary symbol). In this case, when the gaming state is the non-short-time gaming state, the symbol random number table per hour short-time gaming state is used, and when the gaming state is the short-time gaming state, the random number table per hour-short gaming state (illustrated in FIG. (Omitted) is used.

<Operation pattern setting process>
The main CPU 310a performs an operation pattern setting process of the movable piece 115b of the electric chew 115 when it is determined that the normal symbol is determined to be a win. Specifically, in the operation pattern setting process, the main CPU 310a releases 0.5 seconds (specified number of winnings) when the normal symbol display device 118 is in the non-short-time gaming state and per short (see FIG. 2 (e)). action pattern to perform once (max 9), and in the case of non-time-saving gaming state, in the case of long hit (see FIG. 2 (e)), the operation pattern to perform 6 seconds of release (prescribed winning number max 9) once Set. In the case of a short-time gaming state, in the case of winning, there is no distinction between short and long, and an operation pattern is set in which all winnings are released once for 5 seconds (a maximum number of winning prizes is 9). The main CPU 310a does not set the operation pattern when the result of the normal symbol determination is a loss.

<Opening / closing member control processing>
After executing the normal symbol determination, the main CPU 310a causes the normal symbol display device 118 to variably display the normal symbol, and stop and display the normal symbol indicating the determination result of the normal symbol determination. In this case, the variable number of seconds of the normal symbol is set to 12 seconds in the non-short game state, and is set to 3 seconds in the short time game state. The main CPU 310a performs an opening / closing member control process for controlling opening / closing of the movable piece 115b as the opening / closing member based on the operation pattern if the operation pattern is set in the operation pattern setting process after the normal symbol is stopped and displayed. Run.

<Big prize device opening control process>
Subsequently, the main CPU 310a performs a special winning device opening control process.
<Open pattern setting process>
Specifically, the main CPU 310a outputs a jackpot signal from the game information output terminal board (13th terminal) 319 when the jackpot game flag is ON. Further, during the opening effect, an opening pattern setting process for setting an opening pattern of the open / close door 117b of the big winning device 117 is performed based on the result of the big hit symbol determination. When the opening effect ends, the main CPU 310a performs opening / closing control of the open / close door 117b of the special winning device 117 based on the set opening pattern, thereby realizing a round game.

<Game state setting process>
In addition, the main CPU 310a, when the ending effect ends, the processing for turning off the big hit game flag, and after the big hit game ends (ending the ending effect), based on the determination result of the big hit symbol determination and the short-time game flag and the probability variable game flag If it is determined to be turned on, the time-shortage game flag and / or the probability variable game flag are turned on, and the number of time-short variations is set to a predetermined number (100 times). A game state setting process is performed.
The main CPU 310a stops the jackpot signal that was output when the jackpot game flag is turned OFF, and outputs a time-short signal or / and a probability change signal from the game information output terminal board (14th terminal or / and 15 terminal) 319. . In other words, the big hit signal is turned on and output while the gaming state is a big hit (while the accessory continuous operation device is in operation), the short time signal is turned on and outputted while the gaming state is short. It is turned on and output while the state is certain.

<Payment processing>
Subsequently, the main CPU 310a performs a payout process. For example, in the payout process, the main CPU 310a sets the number of prize balls to be paid out according to the number of game balls won in each of the first start prize device 112, the second start prize device (electric Chu) 115, and the big prize device 117. To do. When one game ball is won in the first start winning device 112 and the second start winning device (electric Chu) 115, three game balls are paid out as the winning ball, and the big winning device 117 is paid out. When one game ball wins, 15 game balls are paid out as prize balls.

<Command transmission processing>
Next, the main CPU 310a performs a command transmission process. Specifically, the main CPU 310a outputs control commands to the effect control board 340, the payout control board 380, and the launch control board 390, respectively.
For example, the main CPU 310a sends a payout number designation command indicating the payout amount to the payout control board 380, thereby instructing the payout control board 380 of the payout number, and paying out the winning ball according to the winning of the game ball To control.

  In addition, the main CPU 310a sends various commands (the above change start command, hold command, symbol confirmation command, etc.) set (stored) in the main RAM 310c in the above processing and information necessary for determining the production content to the production control board. By transmitting to 340, the contents of the effects in the gaming machine 100 are determined.

<Abnormal processing>
Next, the abnormality process performed in the timer interrupt process of the main control board 310 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the process performed in the abnormal process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the contents of the abnormality process performed by the main CPU 310a of the main control board 310.
Referring to FIG. 22, main CPU 310a executes a firing error process shown in FIG. 23 described later in S2200, executes a prize ball error process shown in FIG. 24 described later in S2210, and opens a door in S2220. Execute the process.

<Door open error handling>
When the glass frame 150 or the inner frame 170 is opened and the door opening switch 383 is turned on, the main CPU 310a transmits a door opening error start designation command to the effect control board 340, and the main display device 131, the audio output device 132, and the like. Notify that. Thereafter, when the glass frame 150 or the inner frame 170 is closed and the door opening switch 383 is turned off, the main CPU 310a transmits a door opening error end designation command to the effect control board 340 and ends the notification.
Further, the main CPU 310a outputs a door opening signal from the game information output terminal board (9th terminal) 319 while the door opening switch 383 is on.
When the main CPU 310a finishes the door opening error process, the main CPU 310a ends the abnormal process performed in the timer interrupt process.

<Launch error handling>
The firing error process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the contents of the firing error process performed by the main CPU 310a of the main control board 310. In the description here, reference should also be made to FIG.
In the firing error process, first, in S2300, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the fired ball detection switch 337 for detecting the fired fired ball (including a so-called foul ball that has not reached 106 in the game area) is turned on. Determine. If the main CPU 310a determines that the firing ball detection switch 337 is turned on (S2300: Yes), the main CPU 310a moves the process to S2302, and determines that the firing ball detection switch 337 is not turned on (S2300: No). ), The process proceeds to S2304.

  In S2302, the main CPU 310a increments (increments) the firing ball counter HC provided in the main RAM 310c in response to turning on of the firing ball detection switch 337. In other words, the firing ball counter HC is a counter for counting game balls (launching balls) fired from the firing handle device 103, which is incremented by +1 each time it is turned on.

  In S2304, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the out-ball detection switch 338 for detecting a game ball used for the game by flowing down the game area 106 among the shot balls is turned on. If the main CPU 310a determines that the out-sphere detection switch 338 is turned on (S2304: Yes), the main CPU 310a moves the process to S2306, and determines that the out-sphere detection switch 338 is not turned on (S2304: No). ), And the process proceeds to S2308.

  In S2306, the main CPU 310a adds 1 (increments) the out sphere counter OC provided in the main RAM 310c in response to the on sphere detection switch 338 being turned on. That is, the out ball counter OC is a counter for counting the game balls (out balls) used in the game by flowing down the game area 106, which is counted up by +1 every time the player turns on.

  In S2308, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the absolute value of the difference between the count value of the firing ball counter HC and the count value of the out ball counter OC is 30 or more. When the main CPU 310a determines that the absolute value of the difference is 30 or more (S2308: Yes), the process proceeds to S2310, assuming that a firing error has occurred, and the main CPU 310a determines that the absolute value of the difference is less than 30. (S2308: No), the processing is returned to the abnormal processing (S2210: prize ball error processing) of FIG.

  In S2310, the main CPU 310a sets a firing error start designation command for notifying the sub side that a firing error has occurred in the main RAM 310c. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a shifts the processing to S2312. Note that the firing error start designation command set in S2310 is transmitted to the effect control board 340 by the command transmission process of the timer interrupt process described above.

  In S2312, the main CPU 310a starts an external information output timer (30 seconds), moves the process to S2314, and in S2314, there is a launch error from the game information output terminal board (external information terminal (seventh terminal)) 319. A firing error signal indicating that it has occurred is output. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a moves the process to S2316.

  In step S2316, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the external information output timer has expired, that is, whether or not 30 seconds have elapsed since the external information output timer started. If the main CPU 310a determines that the external information output timer has passed 30 seconds (S2316: Yes), it moves the process to S2318, and determines that the external information output timer has not passed 30 seconds (S2318). : No), the process is returned to the abnormality process of FIG. 22 (S2210: prize ball error process).

  In S2318, the main CPU 310a stops the signal output of the firing error signal from the game information output terminal board 319 based on the fact that the external information output timer has passed 30 seconds. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a returns the process to the abnormality process (S2210: prize ball error process) in FIG.

  That is, in the firing error processing shown in FIG. 23, the difference (absolute value) between the count value of the launch ball counter HC and the count value of the out ball counter OC, which should be the same value, is 30 or more. In other words, that is, when the difference between the number of shot balls and the number of shot balls is out of the predetermined range SH1 described above, it is determined that a launch error has occurred, and this is indicated by the launch error start designation command. Is notified to the sub-side and notified (output) to the outside through a game information output terminal board 319 for a predetermined period (30 seconds).

<Prize ball error processing>
The prize ball error process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the contents of a prize ball error process performed by the main CPU 310a of the main control board 310. In the description here, refer also to FIG.
In the prize ball error process, first, in S2400, the main CPU 310a turns on the payout (safe) ball detection switch 382 for detecting the prize ball (safe ball) paid out as a prize from the payout device (not shown). Determine whether or not. If the main CPU 310a determines that the payout (safe) ball detection switch 382 is turned on (S2400: Yes), the main CPU 310a moves the process to S2402, and determines that the payout (safe) ball detection switch 382 is not turned on. If so (S2400: No), the process proceeds to S2304.

In S2402, the main CPU 310a determines a payout (safe) ball detection switch 382.
Is turned on, the safe ball counter SC provided in the main RAM 310c is incremented by one. In other words, the safe ball counter SC is a counter for counting game balls (safe balls) paid out as a prize from a payout device (not shown) that is incremented by +1 each time it is turned on.

  In S2404, the main CPU 310a detects a winning in all winning devices (the first starting winning device 112, the second starting winning device 115, the big winning device 117), that is, the first starting winning device detection switch 312. It is determined whether either the second start winning device detection switch 315 or the big winning device detection switch 317 is turned on. If the main CPU 310a determines that any one of the first start winning device detection switch 312, the second start winning device detection switch 315, or the big winning device detection switch 317 is turned on (S2404: Yes), the process proceeds to S2406. If it is determined that none is turned on (S2404: No), the process proceeds to S2408.

In S2406, the main CPU 310a counts a winning ball scheduled counter SYC provided in the main RAM 310c in response to the first start winning device detection switch 312, the second starting winning device detection switch 315, or the big winning device detection switch 317 being turned on. Up.
That is, when the first start winning device detection switch 312, the second start winning device detection switch 315, or the big winning device detection switch 317 is turned on, the winning ball scheduled counter SYC is changed to the first start winning device 112 and the second start winning device 115. Or, the number of prize balls of the grand prize winning device 117 is counted up (by the way, the number of prize balls of the first starting prize winning device 112 and the second starting prize winning device 115 is 3, and the number of prize balls of the big prize winning device 117 is 15). .
That is, the award ball scheduled counter SYC is a counter for counting game balls to be paid out as a prize from a payout device (not shown).

  In S2408, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the absolute value of the difference between the count value of the safe ball counter SC and the count value of the winning ball scheduled counter SYC is 50 or more. If the main CPU 310a determines that the absolute value of the difference is 50 or more (S2408: Yes), it determines that a prize ball error has occurred, moves the process to S2410, and determines that the absolute value of the difference is less than 50. In the case (S2408: No), the process is returned to the abnormality process of FIG. 22 (S2220: door opening error process).

  In S2410, the main CPU 310a sets a prize ball error start designation command for notifying the sub side that a prize ball error has occurred in the main RAM 310c. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a shifts the processing to S2412. The prize ball error start designation command set in S2410 is transmitted to the effect control board 340 by the command transmission process of the timer interrupt process described above.

  In S2412, the main CPU 310a starts an external information output timer (30 seconds), moves the process to S2414, and receives a prize ball error from the game information output terminal board (external information terminal (8th terminal)) 319 in S2314. A prize ball error signal indicating that has occurred is output. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a moves the process to S2416.

  In S2416, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the external information output timer has expired, that is, whether or not 30 seconds have elapsed since the start of the external information output timer. If the main CPU 310a determines that the external information output timer has passed 30 seconds (S2416: Yes), it moves the process to S2418, and determines that the external information output timer has not passed 30 seconds (S2418). : No), the process is returned to the abnormality process of FIG. 22 (S2220: door opening error process).

  In S2418, the main CPU 310a stops outputting the prize ball error signal from the game information output terminal board 319 based on the fact that the external information output timer has elapsed for 30 seconds. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a returns the process to the abnormality process (S2210: prize ball error process) in FIG.

  That is, in the prize ball error processing shown in FIG. 24, the difference (absolute value) between the count value of the safe ball counter SC and the count value of the prize ball scheduled counter SYC that should be the same value is 50 or more. In other words, in other words, when the difference between the safe ball number and the planned number of winning balls is out of the predetermined range SH2 described above, it is determined that a winning ball error has occurred, and the start of the winning ball error is indicated. Notifying from the main side to the sub side by a designated command, and reporting (outputting) to the outside through a game information output terminal board 319 for a predetermined period (30 seconds).

<Difference ball related information processing>
Next, the difference ball related information processing performed in the timer interruption process of the main control board 310 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, processing performed in the difference ball related information processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the contents of difference ball related information processing performed by the main CPU 310a of the main control board 310.
Referring to FIG. 25, main CPU 310a executes a launch ball process shown in FIG. 26, which will be described later, in S2500, performs an out ball process shown in FIG. 27, which will be described later, in S2510, and FIG. 28, which will be described later, in S2520. In S2530, a difference ball process shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 described later is executed in S2530, a prize ball schedule process shown in FIG. 31 described later is executed in S2540, and a later-described figure is displayed in S2550. The quantitative / quantitative scheduled process shown in 32 is executed.

<Launching ball processing>
The firing ball process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the contents of the shot ball processing performed by the main CPU 310a of the main control board 310. In the description here, refer also to FIG.
In the shot ball process, first, in S2600, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the shot ball detection switch 337 is turned on, and if it is determined that the shot ball detection switch 337 is turned on (S2600: Yes), the process is performed. Is transferred to S2602, and when it is determined that the shot ball detection switch 337 is not turned on (S2600: No), the processing is returned to the difference ball related information processing (S2510: out-sphere processing) of FIG.

In step S2602, the main CPU 310a increments the firing ball counter HC provided in the main RAM 310c by 1 when the firing ball detection switch 337 is turned on. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a moves the process to S2604.
Note that the processing of S2600 and S2602 in the firing ball processing is the same processing as S2300 and S2302 of the above-described firing error processing, and is not actually duplicated.

  In S2604, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the count value of the firing ball counter HC has reached a multiple of 10, and determines that the count value of the launch ball counter HC has reached a multiple of 10 (S2604: Yes). ), The process is moved to S2606, and when it is determined that the count value of the firing ball counter HC has not reached a multiple of 10 (S2604: No), the process is processed with the difference ball related information processing (S2510: out-sphere process) of FIG. Return to).

  In S2606, the main CPU 310a starts an external information output timer (0.2 seconds), and moves the process to S2608. In S2608, the game information output terminal board (external information terminal (first terminal)) 319 to 10 is displayed. A fire ball signal indicating that the game balls have been fired is output. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a moves the process to S2610.

  In step S2610, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the external information output timer has expired, that is, whether or not 0.2 seconds have elapsed since the start of the external information output timer. If the main CPU 310a determines that the external information output timer has passed 0.2 seconds (S2610: Yes), the main CPU 310a moves the process to S2612, and determines that the external information output timer has not passed 0.2 seconds. If it is (S2610: No), the process is returned to the difference ball related information processing (S2510: out ball process) of FIG.

  In S2612, the main CPU 310a stops the signal output of the shot ball signal from the game information output terminal board 319 based on the fact that the external information output timer has passed 0.2 seconds. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a returns the processing to the difference ball related information processing (S2510: out ball processing) of FIG.

  That is, in the shot ball processing shown in FIG. 26, as a function of the external output means, the game ball passing through the shot ball detection switch 337 is counted by the shot ball counter HC, and each time the counting result is a multiple of 10, A shot ball signal is output from the game information output terminal board (external information terminal) 319 to the outside for one pulse. That is, the shot ball signal is output to the outside every time the value of the shot ball counter HC that counts up frequently reaches a predetermined fluctuation range. With this configuration, an external device such as a hall computer can significantly reduce the burden (load) when receiving a shot ball signal. Note that the firing ball counter HC can be reset to 0 every time the counting result becomes 10.

<Out ball processing>
The out ball processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the contents of the out ball process performed by the main CPU 310a of the main control board 310. In the description here, refer also to FIG.
In the out sphere process, first, in S2700, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the out sphere detection switch 338 is turned on, and if it is determined that the out sphere detection switch 338 is turned on (S2700: Yes), the process Is transferred to S2702, and if it is determined that the out-sphere detection switch 338 is not turned on (S2700: No), the process returns to the difference sphere-related information processing (S2520: safe sphere process) in FIG.

In S2702, the main CPU 310a increments the out sphere counter OC provided in the main RAM 310c by 1 when the out sphere detection switch 338 is turned on. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a shifts the processing to S2704.
Note that the processing of S2700 and S2702 in the out-sphere processing is the same processing as S2304 and S2306 of the above-described firing error processing, and is not actually performed in duplicate.

  In S2704, the main CPU 310a sets an out sphere increase command for notifying the sub side that the value of the out sphere counter OC has increased (+1) in the main RAM 310c. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a shifts the processing to S2706. The out-ball increase command set in S2704 is transmitted to the effect control board 340 by the command transmission process of the timer interrupt process described above.

  In S2706, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the count value of the out sphere counter OC has reached a multiple of 10, and determines that the count value of the out sphere counter OC has reached a multiple of 10 (S2706: Yes). ), The process proceeds to S2708, and when it is determined that the count value of the out sphere counter OC has not reached a multiple of 10 (S2706: No), the process is processed as the difference sphere related information processing (S2520: safe sphere process) of FIG. Return to).

  In S2708, the main CPU 310a starts an external information output timer (0.2 seconds), and moves the process to S2710. In S2710, the game information output terminal board (external information terminal (second terminal)) 319 to 10 is processed. An out ball signal indicating that the game balls have flowed down the game area 106 and used for the game is output. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a shifts the processing to S2712.

  In S2712, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the external information output timer has expired, that is, whether or not 0.2 seconds have elapsed since the start of the external information output timer. If the main CPU 310a determines that the external information output timer has passed 0.2 seconds (S2712: Yes), the main CPU 310a moves the process to S2714 and determines that the external information output timer has not passed 0.2 seconds. If it is (S2712: No), the process is returned to the difference ball related information processing (S2520: safe ball process) of FIG.

In S2714, the main CPU 310a stops outputting the out-ball signal from the game information output terminal board 319 based on the fact that the external information output timer has passed 0.2 seconds. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a returns the processing to the difference ball related information processing (S2520: safe ball processing) in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10, when the out ball detection switch 338 detects 10 game balls while it is on for 0.2 seconds, the out ball signal is turned on for 0.2 seconds. For 0.2 seconds and then for 0.2 seconds.

That is, in the out ball processing shown in FIG. 27, as a function of the internal output means, every time the game ball passes through the out ball detection switch 338 and the out ball counter OC increases (+1), the main ball is increased in real time (immediately). The control board 310 outputs the fact to the inside of the gaming machine 100 (production control board 340), and as a function of the external output means, the game ball passing through the out ball detection switch 338 is counted by the out ball counter OC, and the count is performed. Every time the result is a multiple of 10, the out-ball signal is output from the game information output terminal board (external information terminal) 319 to one pulse. That is, the out sphere signal is output to the outside every time the value of the out sphere counter OC that frequently counts up reaches a predetermined fluctuation range.
Therefore, the gaming machine 100 can notify the information related to the out ball (difference ball related information) with high accuracy in real time (immediately) by the internal output means, and the external device such as the hall computer can output the out ball. When receiving a spherical signal, the burden (load) can be greatly reduced. The out ball counter OC can be reset to 0 every time the counting result becomes 10.

<Safe ball processing>
The safe sphere process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the contents of safe ball processing performed by the main CPU 310 a of the main control board 310. In the description here, refer also to FIG.
In the safe ball processing, first, in S2800, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the payout (safe) ball detection switch 382 (hereinafter also simply referred to as “safe ball detection switch 382”) is turned on, and safe ball detection is performed. If it is determined that the switch 382 is turned on (S2800: Yes), the process proceeds to S2802, and if it is determined that the safe ball detection switch 382 is not turned on (S2800: No), the process is performed as a difference ball in FIG. Return to the related information processing (S2530: difference ball processing).

In S2802, the main CPU 310a increments the safe sphere counter SC provided in the main RAM 310c by 1 when the safe sphere detection switch 382 is turned on. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a moves the process to S2804.
Note that the processing of S2800 and S2802 in the safe ball processing is the same as the above-described prize ball error processing of S2400 and S2402, and is not actually performed in duplicate.

  In S2804, the main CPU 310a sets a safe ball increase command for notifying the sub side that the value of the safe ball counter SC has increased (+1) in the main RAM 310c. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a moves the process to S2806. Note that the safe ball increase command set in S2804 is transmitted to the effect control board 340 by the command transmission process of the timer interrupt process described above.

  In S2806, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the count value of the safe sphere counter SC has reached a multiple of 10, and determines that the count value of the safe sphere counter SC has reached a multiple of 10 (S2806: Yes). ), The process moves to S2808, and when it is determined that the count value of the safe sphere counter SC has not reached a multiple of 10 (S2806: No), the process is the difference sphere related information processing (S2530: difference sphere process) of FIG. Return to).

  In S2808, the main CPU 310a starts an external information output timer (0.1 second), moves the process to S2810, and actually starts from the game information output terminal board (external information terminal (third terminal)) 319 in S2810. Then, a safe ball signal (actual ball signal) indicating that ten game balls have been paid out as a prize from the payout device (not shown) is output. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a advances the process to S2812.

  In S2812, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the external information output timer has expired, that is, whether or not 0.1 second has elapsed since the start of the external information output timer. If the main CPU 310a determines that the external information output timer has elapsed 0.1 seconds (S2812: Yes), the main CPU 310a moves the process to S2814 and determines that the external information output timer has not elapsed 0.1 seconds. If it is (S2812: No), the process is returned to the difference ball related information processing (S2530: difference ball process) of FIG.

  In S2814, the main CPU 310a stops the signal output of the safe ball signal from the game information output terminal board 319 based on the fact that the external information output timer has passed 0.1 seconds. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a returns the processing to the difference ball related information processing (S2530: difference ball processing) of FIG.

That is, in the safe ball processing shown in FIG. 28, as a function of the internal output means, every time the game ball passes through the safe ball detection switch 382 and the safe ball counter SC increases (+1), the main ball is increased in real time (immediately). The control board 310 outputs the fact to the inside of the gaming machine 100 (production control board 340), and as a function of the external output means, the game balls passing through the safe ball detection switch 382 are counted by the safe ball counter SC, and the counting is performed. Each time the result is a multiple of 10, a safe ball signal is output from the game information output terminal board (external information terminal) 319 to one pulse. That is, the safe sphere signal is output to the outside every time the value of the safe sphere counter SC that counts up frequently reaches a predetermined fluctuation range.
Therefore, the gaming machine 100 can notify the information related to the safe ball (difference ball related information) with high accuracy in real time (immediately) by the internal output means, and the external device such as the hall computer can be safely When receiving a spherical signal, the burden (load) can be greatly reduced. The safe ball counter OC can be reset to 0 every time the counting result becomes 10.

<Difference ball processing>
The difference ball process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the contents of the difference ball processing performed by the main CPU 310 a of the main control board 310. In the description here, refer also to FIG.
In the difference ball process, first, in S2900, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the safe ball detection switch 382 is turned on, and if it is determined that the safe ball detection switch 382 is turned on (S2900: Yes), the process is performed. If it is determined that the safe ball detection switch 382 is not turned on (S2900: No), the process proceeds to S2904.

In S2902, the main CPU 310a increments the safe sphere counter SC provided in the main RAM 310c by 1 when the safe sphere detection switch 382 is turned on. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a shifts the processing to S2904.
Note that the processing of S2900 and S2902 in the difference ball processing is the same processing as S2400 and S2402 of the above-mentioned prize ball error processing and S2800 and S2802 of safe ball processing, and is not actually duplicated.

  In S2904, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the out sphere detection switch 338 is turned on. If it is determined that the out sphere detection switch 338 is turned on (S2904: Yes), the process proceeds to S2906, and the out sphere is detected. If it is determined that the detection switch 338 is not turned on (S2904: No), the process proceeds to S2908.

In S2906, the main CPU 310a adds 1 (increments) the out sphere counter OC provided in the main RAM 310c in response to the on sphere detection switch 338 being turned on. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a moves the process to S2908.
Note that the processing of S2904 and S2906 in the difference ball processing is the same processing as S2304 and S2306 of the above-described firing error processing and S2700 and S2702 of the out-ball processing, and is not actually duplicated.

  In S2908, the main CPU 310a determines the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) obtained by subtracting the count value of the out ball counter OC from the count value of the safe ball counter SC, that is, the number of prize balls that have been paid out as a prize ( Whether the number of game balls used in the game (the number of out balls) subtracted from the number of safe balls) is smaller than “0”, in other words, whether it is negative (negative integer). Determine. If the main CPU 310a determines that the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) is smaller than “0” (S2908: Yes), the process proceeds to S2910, and the value of the difference ball number MY (SC−OC). Is determined not to be smaller than “0” (S2908: No), the process proceeds to S2920. The value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) is stored in the difference ball number storage area of the main RAM 310c.

  In S2910, the main CPU 310a sets the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) to “0” based on the determination that the value of the difference ball number MY (SC−OC) is smaller than “0”. Reset. Then, the main CPU 310a moves the process to S2912, and in S2912, sets a difference ball reset command for notifying the sub-side that the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) has been reset to “0” in the main RAM 310c. To do. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a returns the processing to the difference ball related information processing (S2540: prize ball schedule processing) of FIG. The difference ball reset command set in S2912 is transmitted to the effect control board 340 by the command transmission process of the timer interrupt process described above.

  In S2920, the main CPU 310a changes the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) based on the determination that the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) is not smaller than “0” (brass). A difference ball fluctuation command for notifying the sub-side of 1 (+1) or minus 1 (-1)) is set in the main RAM 310c. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a shifts the processing to S2922, and determines whether or not the variation in the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) has reached the brass 10 (+10) in S2922. If the main CPU 310a determines that the variation in the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) has reached brass 10 (+10) (S2922: Yes), the process proceeds to S2924, and the difference ball number MY (SC When it is determined that the variation in the value of (−OC) has not reached brass 10 (+10) (S2922: No), the process proceeds to S2926.

In S2924, the main CPU 310a starts an external information output timer (0.1 second), and moves the process to S2930.
In S2926, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the variation in the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) has reached minus 10 (-10). If the main CPU 310a determines that the variation in the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) has reached minus 10 (−10) (S2926: Yes), the process proceeds to S2928, and the difference ball number MY ( When it is determined that the variation of the value of (SC-OC) has not reached minus 10 (-10) (S2926: No), the process is returned to the difference ball related information processing (S2540: award ball scheduled process) in FIG.

In S2928, the main CPU 310a starts an external information output timer (0.2 seconds), and moves the process to S2930.
In S2930, the main CPU 310a changes the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) from the game information output terminal board (external information terminal (fourth terminal)) 319 to brass 10 (+10) or minus 10 (-10). ) To output a difference ball signal indicating that the above has been reached. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a moves the process to S2932.

  In S2932, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the external information output timer has expired, that is, whether or not 0.1 second or 0.2 second has elapsed since the start of the external information output timer. If the main CPU 310a determines that the external information output timer has elapsed 0.1 seconds or 0.2 seconds (S2932: Yes), the main CPU 310a moves the process to S2934, and the external information output timer is 0.1 seconds or When it is determined that 0.2 seconds have not elapsed (S2932: No), the processing is returned to the difference ball related information processing (S2540: winning ball schedule processing) in FIG.

  In S2934, the main CPU 310a stops the signal output of the difference ball signal from the game information output terminal board 319 based on the fact that the external information output timer has passed 0.1 seconds or 0.2 seconds. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a returns the processing to the difference ball related information processing (S2540: prize ball schedule processing) of FIG.

Here, the difference ball signal is turned on for 0.1 second when the variation in the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) becomes brass 10 (+10), and the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC). When the fluctuation of -10 becomes minus 10 (−10), it is turned on for 0.2 seconds. Therefore, even if the difference ball signal is output from the same fourth terminal of the game information output terminal board 319, the external device Depending on the difference in the output width (0.1 seconds and 0.2 seconds) of the sphere signal, it is possible to recognize whether brass 10 (+10) or minus 10 (-10).
In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, while the difference ball signal MY (SC-OC) value changes to minus 10 (-10) and is turned on for 0.2 seconds, the difference ball signal is again displayed. When the difference in the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) becomes minus 10 (−10), it is turned on for 0.2 seconds, then turned off for 0.2 seconds, and then turned on for 0.2 seconds. It has become.

  Here, a specific example of the difference ball processing shown in FIG. 29 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the difference ball processing. FIG. 30A shows that the MY value is set to “0” even when the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) is smaller than “0”. An explanatory diagram showing the MY value (hereinafter also referred to as the cumulative MY value) when not resetting, (b) shows the difference sphere number MY (SC-OC) as in the difference ball processing shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows MY value (henceforth a reset MY value) when resetting MY value to "0" when a value becomes smaller than "0".

  FIG. 30 (a) and FIG. 30 (b) are the same events, and the cumulative MY value shown in FIG. 30 (a) is obtained by subtracting the cumulative value of the out ball counter OC from the cumulative value of the safe ball counter SC. It shows the actual MY value by graphing the cumulative difference ball number in time series. The reset MY value shown in FIG. 30B is obtained by subtracting the value of the out ball counter OC from the value of the safe ball counter SC, and the difference ball number that is reset to “0” when the subtracted value becomes negative. It shows the processed MY values graphed in time series. In the following description, the fixed amount is described as 10,000.

After the game is started, the value obtained by subtracting the value of the out ball counter OC from the value of the safe ball counter SC is the OA section from the origin O to the point A, the PB section from the point P to the point B, and the point Q The QC interval from point C to 0 is 0 or negative, while the AP interval from point A to point P, the BQ interval from point B to point Q, and the C- interval from point C to point R R section 0 or plus.
Accordingly, in FIG. 30B, the values obtained by subtracting the value of the out sphere counter OC from the value of the safe sphere counter SC are reset to 0 in the OA interval, the PB interval, and the QC interval. As a result, the reset MY value of these sections is 0 (the reset MY value of point A, point P, point B, point Q, and point C is 0).
On the other hand, in FIG. 30A, the accumulated MY values are −1500 for point A and point P, −3500 for point B and point Q, −5000 for point C which is the bottom price, and 5000 for point R which is the maximum value. . Incidentally, in FIG. 30B, the reset MY value is 0 for the bottom point C and 10000 for the maximum point R. In the vertex M1 of the AP section, the cumulative MY value is 2000, the reset MY value is 3500, and in the vertex M2 of the BQ section, the cumulative MY value is -2500, and the reset MY value is 1000.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 30B, when the reset MY value reaches 10000 at the point R, the amount is fixed, and a later-described stop process is performed. On the other hand, even if the cumulative MY value in FIG. 30A reaches the point R, the value becomes 5000 and is not quantified, and therefore the stopping process is not performed.

  As apparent from the above description, in the difference ball process shown in FIG. 29, the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) is the reset MY value shown in FIG. As the value, the bottom value always takes a value of “0”, and the value from the bottom value is counted. That is, in the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the difference ball number (MY) is “0” when the value of the out ball is subtracted from the value of the safe ball (SC-OC) and the subtracted value becomes negative. When the amount of increase from the bottom value (“0”) reaches the difference ball amount set by the quantitative setting switch 320, in other words, it is determined in advance without continuously becoming a negative value. When the predetermined difference ball number is reached, a fixed amount is set. That is, the difference ball number is determined by the amount of increase from the bottom price.

With this configuration, it is possible to always keep the player's amount of balls (the amount of balls held) when making a stop (when the amount is fixed), and to bring an appropriate profit to the hall. For example, when the accumulated MY value is adopted as the difference ball number, when the accumulated MY value reaches the point R in FIG. 30A, the player's possessed ball amount is substantially 10,000. Even if it exists, the accumulated MY value becomes 5000, and therefore, the determination is not performed and the stop processing is not performed. This causes variations in the amount of balls (the amount of balls held) of the player when stopping (when the amount is fixed), making it difficult to provide an appropriate profit to the hole. Therefore, for example, a complicated measure is required such that a hall clerk goes to the player one by one and visually observes the amount of balls (the amount of balls held).
On the other hand, according to the reset MY value, such a problem can be solved, that is, by setting the difference ball number as an increase from the bottom price, in other words, the player's driving amount is not considered. Thus (the reset section in FIG. 30 (a)), it is possible to eliminate the mistaken hitting with a different amount of balls (amount of balls held) different from the fixed amount.
The processing related to quantification will be described in detail in the later-described quantification / quantification scheduled processing (S2550).

In the difference ball processing shown in FIG. 29, as a function of the internal output means, the game ball passes through the safe ball detection switch 382 or the out ball detection switch 338 and the safe ball counter SC or the out ball counter OC increases ( Every time +1), the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) is calculated, and the calculated difference ball number MY (SC-OC) is calculated in real time (immediately) from the main control board 310 in the gaming machine 100 (effect). Control board 340), and as a function of the external output means, every time the difference of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) becomes brass 10 (+10) and minus 10 (-10), A difference ball signal is output from the game information output terminal board (external information terminal) 319 to one pulse. That is, the difference ball signal is output to the outside every time the value of the number of difference balls MY (SC-OC) that frequently changes reaches a predetermined fluctuation range.
Therefore, the gaming machine 100 can notify the information relating to the difference ball with high accuracy in real time (immediately) by the internal output means, and an external device such as a hall computer can receive the difference ball signal. The burden (load) can be greatly reduced.

  In the gaming machine 100 of this embodiment, the safe ball cumulative value is counted by the safe ball counter SC, and the cumulative value of the out ball is counted by the out ball counter OC. The accumulated MY value can also be calculated. That is, the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment can have both a reset MY value and a cumulative MY value. The accumulated MY value indicates the substantial difference MY number of the gaming machine 100. Therefore, the accumulated MY value can be an important index in measuring the superiority of the gaming machine 100. It can also be used as related information. For example, information related to the accumulated MY value may be output from the game information output terminal board (external information terminal) 319 to the outside.

<Prize ball schedule processing>
The winning ball schedule process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the contents of the winning ball schedule process performed by the main CPU 310a of the main control board 310. In the description here, refer also to FIG.
In the winning ball schedule process, first, in S3100, the main CPU 310a determines whether any of the first start winning device detection switch 312, the second starting winning device detection switch 315, or the big winning device detection switch 317 is turned on. If it is determined that any of them is turned on (S3100: Yes), the process proceeds to S3102. If it is determined that none is turned on (S3100: No), the process is related to the difference ball in FIG. Return to information processing (S2550: fixed quantity / fixed quantity scheduled process).

In S3102, the main CPU 310a counts a planned winning ball counter SYC provided in the main RAM 310c in response to the first start winning device detection switch 312, the second starting winning device detection switch 315, or the big winning device detection switch 317 being turned on. Up. That is, the winning ball schedule counter SYC counts up by the number of winning balls of the first starting winning device 112, the second starting winning device 115, or the big winning device 117. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a moves the process to S3104.
Note that the processing of S3100 and S3102 in the winning ball schedule processing is the same processing as S2404 and S2406 of the winning ball error processing described above, and is not actually performed redundantly.

  In S3104, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the count value of the prize ball schedule counter SYC has reached a multiple of 10, and determines that the count value of the prize ball schedule counter SYC has reached a multiple of 10 (S3104). : Yes), the process moves to S3106, and when it is determined that the count value of the winning ball scheduled counter SYC has not reached a multiple of 10 (S3104: No), the process is processed as the difference ball related information processing (S2550: FIG. 25). Return to quantitative / quantitative scheduled processing).

  In S3106, the main CPU 310a starts an external information output timer (0.2 seconds), and moves the process to S3108. In S3108, the game information output terminal board (external information terminal (fifth terminal)) 319 to 10 is processed. An award ball schedule signal indicating that the game balls are to be paid out as a prize from a payout device (not shown) is output. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a moves the process to S3110.

  In S3110, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the external information output timer has expired, that is, whether or not 0.2 seconds have elapsed since the start of the external information output timer. If the main CPU 310a determines that the external information output timer has passed 0.2 seconds (S3110: Yes), the main CPU 310a moves the process to S3112 and determines that the external information output timer has not passed 0.2 seconds. If it is (S3110: No), the process is returned to the difference ball related information processing (S2550: fixed quantity / quantitative scheduled process) in FIG.

In S3112, the main CPU 310a stops the signal output of the award ball scheduled signal from the game information output terminal board 319 based on the fact that the external information output timer has passed 0.2 seconds. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a returns the processing to the difference ball related information processing (S2550: fixed amount / quantitative scheduled processing) in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 13, when the count value of the prize ball schedule counter SYC reaches a multiple of 10 while the signal is on for 0.2 seconds as shown in FIG. After being turned on, it is turned off for 0.2 seconds and then turned on for 0.2 seconds.

  That is, in the winning ball schedule process shown in FIG. 31, as a function of the external output means, a detection switch (first start winning device detection switch 312, second start winning device detection switch 315, large winning device detection switch) is detected as a function of the external output means. 317) counts the number of prize balls to be paid out by the prize ball schedule counter SYC, and each time the counting result is a multiple of 10, a prize ball schedule signal is sent from the game information output terminal board (external information terminal) 319 to the outside. One pulse is output every time. That is, the prize ball schedule signal is output to the outside every time the value of the prize ball schedule counter SYC that is frequently counted up reaches a predetermined fluctuation range. With this configuration, an external device such as a hall computer can greatly reduce the load (load) when receiving a winning ball schedule signal. The winning ball scheduled counter SYC can be reset to 0 every time the counting result becomes 10.

<Quantitative / quantitative scheduled processing>
With reference to FIG. 32, the quantitative / quantitative scheduled processing will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the contents of the quantitative / quantitative scheduled process performed by the main CPU 310a of the main control board 310. In the description here, reference should also be made to FIG.
In the fixed amount / quantitative scheduled processing, first, in S3200, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the fixed amount setting as the amount of the difference ball number (MY) for stopping is changed by the fixed amount setting switch 320, If it is determined that the quantitative setting has been changed (S3200: Yes), the process proceeds to S3202, and if it is determined that the quantitative setting has not been changed (S3200: No), the process proceeds to S3210.

In S3202, the main CPU 310a clears the current difference ball number (MY) stored in the difference ball number storage area of the main RAM 310c based on the newly set fixed amount. Then, the main CPU 310a moves the process to S3204.
In S3204, the main CPU 310a rewrites the set quantitative value and scheduled quantitative value based on the newly set quantitative value, and stores it in the fixed quantity / quantitative scheduled number storage area of the main RAM 310c. That is, a new quantitative value and a scheduled value are set. Here, the value of the fixed amount is set to 95% of the fixed amount (for example, if the fixed amount is 10,000, the fixed amount is 9000). However, the value to be determined is not particularly limited to 95% of the fixed amount. Then, the main CPU 310a moves the process to S3206.
Note that the value to be quantified is a value lower than the quantification (upper limit value) and is the value of the difference sphere number (MY) when the difference sphere number (MY) is likely to reach quantification soon. That is, the value to be determined is the value of the difference ball number (MY) within a predetermined range close to the determination, which is lower than the upper limit value, in other words, the value of the difference ball number (MY). Is a predetermined value before reaching the upper limit value.
As described above, in the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the quantitative setting switch 320 can easily set the quantitative value, and the degree of freedom of the quantitative setting is increased, and the quantitative schedule can be automatically set only by setting the quantitative value. Very convenient to use.

  In S3206, the main CPU 310a sets a fixed quantity / quantitative schedule setting command in the main RAM 310c for notifying the sub side that the fixed quantity and fixed quantity scheduled values have been set. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a moves the process to S3210. Note that the fixed quantity / quantitative schedule setting command set in S3206 is transmitted to the effect control board 340 by the command transmission process of the timer interrupt process described above. As will be described later, the effect control board 340 changes the display of the difference ball number effect display device 180 based on the newly set amount by receiving this fixed amount / quantitative schedule setting command.

In S3210, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the safe ball detection switch 382 is turned on, and if it is determined that the safe ball detection switch 382 is turned on (S3210: Yes), the process proceeds to S3212 and the safe ball is detected. When it is determined that the detection switch 382 is not turned on (S3210: No), the process is returned to the difference ball related information processing of FIG. 25, and the difference ball related information processing is ended.
Note that the processing of S3210 in the fixed amount / quantitative scheduled processing is the same processing as S2400 of the above-mentioned prize ball error processing, S2800 of safe ball processing, and S2900 of difference ball processing, and is actually performed in duplicate. Absent.

  In S3212, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the difference ball number (MY) has reached the fixed quantity schedule. If it is determined that the fixed quantity schedule has been reached (S3212: Yes), the process moves to S3214, and the fixed quantity schedule is reached. If it is determined that it has not reached (S3212: No), the process proceeds to S3220.

In S3214, the main CPU 310a sets a fixed amount schedule command for notifying the sub side that the difference ball number (MY) has reached the fixed amount schedule in the main RAM 310c. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a shifts the processing to S3216. Note that the fixed amount scheduled command set in S3214 is transmitted (output to the inside of the gaming machine) to the effect control board 340 by the command transmission process of the timer interrupt process described above. As will be described later, the effect control board 340 executes a predetermined fixed schedule effect (quantitative notice effect) on the main display device 131 or the like by receiving this fixed schedule command.
In S3216, the main CPU 310a starts a timer (5 seconds) for outputting external information, and moves the process to S3230.

  In S3220, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the number of difference balls (MY) has reached a fixed amount, and if it is determined that the fixed amount has been reached (S3220: Yes), the process proceeds to S3222 and does not reach the fixed amount. (S3220: No), the process is returned to the difference ball related information processing of FIG. 25, and the difference ball related information processing is terminated.

  In S3222, the main CPU 310a sets a fixed amount command for notifying the sub side that the number of difference balls (MY) has reached a fixed amount in the main RAM 310c. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a shifts the process to S3224. The fixed amount command set in S3222 is transmitted (output to the inside of the gaming machine) to the effect control board 340 by the command transmission process of the timer interrupt process described above. As will be described later, the effect control board 340 executes a predetermined quantitative effect on the main display device 131, the difference ball number effect display device 180, and the like by receiving this quantitative command.

In S3224, the main CPU 310a performs a stopping process based on the fact that the number of difference balls (MY) has reached a fixed value. Specifically, the main CPU 310a transmits a firing stop command to the launch control board 390 by a command transmission process of a timer interrupt process, and the launch control board 390 receives the launch handle command 103 ( The launching of the game ball is forcibly stopped by controlling the launching solenoid 393 and the like. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a moves the process to S3226.
The stopping process is canceled when a predetermined condition is satisfied. As this predetermined condition, when the gaming machine 100 is turned on / off, when the quantitative setting switch 320 is operated, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the launching is stopped, or when the player is changed in the gaming machine 100 When it is determined, it may be when a switch operation for canceling the firing stop is turned on.
Further, instead of forcibly performing the stop processing, the game may be stopped by notifying the player (a hall clerk or a notification means of the gaming machine 100).

In S3226, the main CPU 310a performs a gaming state transition process based on the fact that the number of difference balls (MY) has reached a fixed amount. Specifically, the game state transition process performed by the main CPU 310a includes the following process.
That is, when the game state when the difference ball number (MY) reaches a fixed amount is a game state advantageous to the player, the game state shifts to a game state more disadvantageous to the player than the advantageous game state. . For example, when the game state when the difference ball number (MY) reaches a fixed amount is a big hit gaming state, a probability variation gaming state or a short-time gaming state, or a normal electric combination (electric Chu 115), a special electric combination (large In the case of gaming states (winning gaming state, small hitting gaming state) in which the winning device 117) is open, these gaming states are forcibly terminated and a transition is made to a normal gaming state.

  Here, as a specific example of the normal gaming state as the transfer destination, there is a gaming state at the time of power-on. The gaming state when the power is turned on is a gaming state in which the main RAM 310c is initialized as described in the main process of the main control board shown in FIG. The initial symbols are displayed for these symbols. Other examples include a waiting state for a gaming state (a gaming state in which a display of a game menu or the like is performed on the main display device 131, which is shifted when a special symbol variation display is not performed for a predetermined time). It is done. In this case, the game state may be shifted to the game state when the power is turned on after the transition to the waiting game state. In other words, the normal gaming state as the transfer destination may be a gaming state other than the gaming state advantageous to the player (big hit, probability change, short time, hit and small hit gaming state).

Moreover, when the number of difference balls (MY) reaches a fixed amount, the transition to a predetermined gaming state may be automatic or may be forcibly performed by a predetermined switch operation or the like. In addition, when the number of difference balls (MY) reaches a fixed amount during the big hit, hit or small hit gaming state, after the big hit, hit or small hit gaming state becomes a predetermined state (for example, When a fixed amount is reached during the big hit round game, the game may be shifted to a predetermined game state (normal game state) after the round game is finished) or after the round game is finished.
Alternatively, when the difference ball count (MY) reaches a fixed amount, the effect itself may be changed regardless of the transition of the gaming state (for example, the background image of the main display device 131 may change) The sound tone of the sound may change, or the color or lighting mode of the effect lighting may change).
As described above, the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment shifts to a predetermined gaming state such as a normal gaming state when the number of difference balls (MY) reaches a fixed amount. It is possible to prevent the player from becoming advantageous, and as a result, it is possible to secure a fair game.
When the process of S3226 is completed, the main CPU 310a moves the process to S3228.

In S3228, the main CPU 310a starts an external information output timer (10 seconds), and moves the process to S3230.
In S3230, the main CPU 310a determines that the main CPU 310a has reached a fixed or fixed amount of spheres (MY) from the game information output terminal board (external information terminal (sixth terminal)) 319. A schedule signal is output outside the gaming machine. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a shifts the process to S3232.

  In S3232, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the external information output timer has expired, that is, whether or not 10 seconds or 5 seconds have elapsed since the start of the external information output timer. If the main CPU 310a determines that the external information output timer has elapsed 10 seconds or 5 seconds (S3232: Yes), the main CPU 310a moves the process to S3234, and the external information output timer has not elapsed 10 seconds or 5 seconds. (S3232: No), the process is returned to the difference ball related information processing of FIG. 25, and the difference ball related information processing is terminated.

In S3234, the main CPU 310a stops the signal output of the fixed amount signal or the fixed amount scheduled signal from the game information output terminal board 319 based on the fact that the external information output timer has elapsed for 10 seconds or 5 seconds. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a returns the process to the difference ball related information processing of FIG. 25, and ends the difference ball related information processing.
Here, since the fixed amount signal is turned on for 10 seconds and the fixed amount scheduled signal is turned on for a second, even if the signal is output from the same sixth terminal of the game information output terminal board 319, the external device has an output width (10 seconds). And 5 seconds), it is possible to recognize whether the signal is a quantitative signal or a scheduled signal.

In S3202, the main CPU 310a automatically clears the stored difference ball number (MY) based on the newly set fixed quantity (reset to MY = 0). Even when a fixed amount is newly set, it is possible to count an appropriate difference ball number (MY). Furthermore, it is not necessary for the hall to reset the difference ball number (MY) every time a fixed amount is set, and the hall work can be reduced.
Conversely, even when a fixed amount is newly set, a configuration may be adopted in which selection can be made so as not to clear the difference ball number (MY) with an operation switch or the like. If comprised in this way, it will become possible to set a new fixed quantity during a player's game, and there also exists an advantage that the freedom degree of a fixed quantity setting can be increased further.
More specifically, when the current quantitative setting is 3000 and the player's difference ball number (MY) is 1000, the quantitative value is newly changed to 5000. At this time, since the player's difference ball number (MY) is kept at 1000, as a result, when the difference ball number (MY) increases by 2000, it becomes quantitative, until it increases by 4000. It becomes possible to change so that it does not become.
Above, description of the process in the main control board 310 shown in FIG. 17 is complete | finished.

<List of processing on production control board>
Next, main processes executed on the effect control board 340 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic flow of processing executed on the effect control board 340.
When the power is supplied, the sub CPU 340a of the effect control board 340 executes the effect main process. The sub CPU 340a executes, as the effect main process, a power recovery effect process corresponding to the power recovery process executed on the main control board 310 or a RAM clear effect process corresponding to the RAM clear process executed on the main control board 310. To do. In addition, after the power recovery effect process and the RAM clear effect process, the sub CPU 340a shifts the gaming state to the normal gaming state (normal mode), and for example, displays various symbols (effect symbols, special symbols, normal symbols, etc.) as initial symbols ( An initial appearance, for example, “123” or the like in a production symbol) is set.
Further, the sub CPU 340a repeatedly executes the effect timer interruption process at regular intervals (for example, 2 milliseconds) during the execution of the effect main process. Note that the processing performed in such an effect control board 340 is executed based on a program stored in the sub ROM 340b.

<Production timer interrupt processing>
The sub CPU 340a performs a random number update process, a command reception process, an effect button process, and a command transmission process in the effect timer interrupt process. Hereinafter, various processes of the effect timer interruption process will be described.

<Random number update processing>
As the random number update process, the sub CPU 340a updates various random numbers (for example, an effect design determination random number, reach reach effect random number, chance up random number) used for effect. Specifically, the sub CPU 340a updates by adding “1” to various random numbers, and resets to “0” when reaching a predetermined value.

<Command reception processing>
The sub CPU 340a performs a prefetch flag process, an effect determination process, an abnormality notification process, a difference ball related information effect process, a hold process, a pre-determination information shift process, an ordinary drawing effect process, as a command reception process, The symbol determination process and the big hit process are executed. Hereinafter, various processes of the command reception process will be described.

<Prefetch flag processing>
The sub CPU 340a executes a process for determining whether or not to perform a prefetch effect based on a hold command transmitted from the main control board 310 as the prefetch flag process. The sub CPU 340a determines whether or not a hold command has been received from the main control board 310. If the hold command has been received, the sub CPU 340a stores the advance determination information included in the hold command in the advance determination information storage area. Then, the sub CPU 340a determines whether or not the prefetch flag is turned on, in other words, whether or not the prefetch flag is stored in the prefetch flag storage area. If not, the prefetch effect execution determination process is executed based on the prefetch condition table, and when it is determined in this prefetch effect execution determination process that the prefetch effect is to be executed, the prefetch flag is turned on and the prefetch effect is executed. Note that the prefetch flag is turned OFF when, for example, a predetermined number of changes in the effect symbol (changes in the effect symbol corresponding to the pre-determined information already stored when the hold command is received) is performed.

<Direction determination processing>
The effect determination process is a process for determining an effect based on an effect pattern designation table, a reach-making effect determination table, a prefetch condition table, an effect symbol determination table, a chance up determination table, and the like (not shown).
Specifically, when receiving the change start command from the main control board 310, the sub CPU 340a acquires a change pattern (see FIGS. 20 and 21) included in the change start command, and based on the acquired change pattern, the gaming state The direction according to the is determined. That is, the effect corresponding to the acquired variation pattern is determined as the basic display effect, and it is determined whether or not to perform the reach talk effect, the look-ahead effect, and the chance up effect for this basic display effect, Make a decision.
When the effect is determined, the sub CPU 340a sets various effect commands for executing the effect in association with the determined effect. This effect command is transmitted to the image control board 350 and the lamp control board 360 in a command transmission process described later. When receiving the effect command, the image control board 350 and the lamp control board 360 control the main display device 131, the sub display device 139, the audio output device 132, the effect lighting device 134, the effect driving device 361, and the like. Then, an effect based on the effect command is executed.
Next, the sub CPU 340a performs an abnormality notification process and a difference ball related information effect process. The abnormality notification process and the difference ball related information effect process will be described later.

<Hold processing>
The sub CPU 340a stores the hold process when the hold command is received from the main control board 310 and the hold flag is not stored in the fourth hold area in the hold storage area provided in the sub RAM 340c. A hold flag is stored in a hold area having a high priority. For example, when the sub CPU 340a receives a hold command in a state where the hold flag is stored in the first to second hold areas, the sub CPU 340a stores the hold flag in the third hold area. Further, the sub CPU 340a erases one hold flag from the hold area having a high hold flag deletion priority when the effect pattern is determined by the effect pattern determination process (when the change start command is received) as the hold process. To do. For example, the sub CPU 340a sets the hold flag of the fourth hold area when the production pattern is determined (when the change start command is received) in a state where the hold flag is stored in the first to fourth hold areas. to erase.

  Further, the sub CPU 340a executes a process related to the hold display as the hold process. Specifically, a hold display command for performing hold display on the main display device 131 is set in correspondence with the four hold areas of the hold storage area. For example, in a state in which a hold flag is stored in the first to third hold areas in the hold storage area, a hold display command indicating that there are three holds on the main display device 131 is set. This hold display command is transmitted to the image control board 350 in a command transmission process described later. When receiving a hold display command, the image control board 350 controls the main display device 131 to execute hold display based on the hold display command.

<Shift processing of pre-judgment information>
The sub CPU 340a performs advance processing stored in the storage area of the preliminary determination information storage area of the sub RAM 340c when the production content is determined by the production determination processing (when the change start command is received) as the advance determination information shift processing. A determination information shift process is executed. For example, when the shift process of the prior determination information is executed when the change start command related to the second special symbol is received, all of the first storage area to the fourth storage area are stored in the second special symbol storage area. If the prior determination information is stored, the information stored in the first storage area is deleted, the information stored in the second storage area is shifted to the first storage area, and the information stored in the third storage area is stored. Are shifted to the second storage area, and the information stored in the fourth storage area is shifted to the third storage area. Therefore, the number of prior determination information (one set of jackpot determination information, jackpot symbol information, variation pattern information) stored in the first storage area to the fourth storage area corresponding to the second special symbol, and the main control board 310 The number of hold information for the second special symbol stored in the main RAM 310c corresponds to one to one.

  Similarly, the number of prior determination information (one set of jackpot determination information, jackpot symbol information, variation pattern information) stored in the first storage area to the fourth storage area corresponding to the first special symbol, and the main control board The number of hold information for the first special symbol stored in the main RAM 310c of 310 corresponds to one to one. For example, if pre-determination information is stored in all of the first storage area to the fourth storage area for the first special symbol, the number of hold information for the first special symbol stored in the main RAM 310c of the main control board 310 There are also four.

  In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, there is holding information in both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and when the special symbol is stopped and the next symbol change is made, the second special symbol is changed. The special symbol determination is performed by preferentially using the hold information. Therefore, in the prior determination information storage area, when the prior determination information is stored in each of the storage areas corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the change of the effect symbol is stopped and displayed. When shifting to the variation effect, the shift process of the prior determination information of the storage area corresponding to the second special symbol is executed.

  When the sub CPU 340a receives the change start command, the sub CPU 340a determines whether or not the change pattern information included in the change start command is the same as the change pattern information of the prior determination information stored in the first storage area to be deleted. If the comparison results are different, a predetermined abnormality process (for example, lighting control of a predetermined light emitting device such as a lamp or LED is controlled, or the main display device 131 or the audio output device 132 notifies that fact). Processing) may be performed. In addition, what is necessary is just to perform such a process by the abnormality alerting process mentioned later.

<Normal design effect processing>
As a normal symbol effect process, the sub CPU 340a responds to variations in normal symbols in a predetermined area of the main display device 131 (for example, a corner of the screen of the main display device 131) according to the determination result in the normal symbol determination. Produce. For example, “O” and “X” are alternately displayed while the normal symbol is changing, and “O” is displayed if it is a win according to the determination result, and “X” is displayed if it is lost.

<Design determination processing>
The sub CPU 340a executes a process for making the main display device 131 perform a fixed stop display of the changing effect symbol based on the symbol determination command from the main control board 310 as the symbol determination process.
<Big hit processing>
The sub CPU 340a receives a predetermined command from the main control board 310 as a jackpot process, thereby performing an opening process for executing the first opening effect of the jackpot game and a round effect corresponding to the round game during the jackpot game. At the end of the round process for executing and the big hit game, an ending process for executing the ending effect is executed.

<Direction button processing>
The sub CPU 340a detects input through the first effect button 135 and the second effect button 136 (input device 137) by the first effect button detection switch 335 and the second effect button detection switches 336a to 336e as effect button processing. Then, a predetermined performance corresponding to that is performed.
<Command transmission processing>
As a command transmission process, the sub CPU 340a transmits commands (effect command and hold display command) set in the various processes to the image control board 350 and the lamp control board 360.

<Abnormality notification processing>
Here, the abnormality notification process will be described. When the glass frame 150 or the inner frame 170 is opened and the door opening switch 383 is turned on, the sub CPU 340a receives the door opening error start designation command from the main control board 310, so that the sub RAM 340c receives the door. Set the open error command. This door opening abnormality command is transmitted to the image control board 350 and the lamp control board 360 in the command transmission process described above. When the image control board 350 and the lamp control board 360 receive the door opening abnormality command, the image control board 350 and the lamp control board 360 control the main display device 131, the sub display device 139, the audio output device 132, the effect lighting device 134, and the like to open the door. Notify that an abnormality has occurred. This door opening abnormality notification is received when the door opening switch 383 is turned off and the effect control board 340 receives a door opening error end designation command from the main control board 310 or receives a door opening error end designation command. The process ends when a predetermined time elapses.

  In addition, when the difference between the number of shot spheres and the number of out spheres exceeds the specified value, the sub CPU 340a receives the firing error start designation command (S2310 in FIG. 23) from the main control board 310. Thus, a firing abnormality command is set in the sub RAM 340c. This firing abnormality command is transmitted to the image control board 350 and the lamp control board 360 in the command transmission process described above. When receiving an abnormal emission command, the image control board 350 and the lamp control board 360 control the main display device 131, the sub display device 139, the audio output device 132, the effect lighting device 134, etc. Notify that it has occurred. Note that this firing abnormality notification ends when a predetermined time elapses or when a predetermined measure is taken.

  Further, when the difference between the number of actual winning balls (safe balls) and the planned number of winning balls exceeds a predetermined value, the sub CPU 340a causes the effect control board 340 to receive a winning ball error start designation command (FIG. 24) from the main control board 310. In step S2410), a prize ball abnormality command is set in the sub RAM 340c. The prize ball abnormality command is transmitted to the image control board 350 and the lamp control board 360 in the command transmission process described above. When receiving the prize ball abnormality command, the image control board 350 and the lamp control board 360 control the main display device 131, the sub display device 139, the audio output device 132, the effect lighting device 134, etc. Notify that an abnormality has occurred. Note that this firing abnormality notification ends when a predetermined time elapses or when a predetermined measure is taken.

Here, as a representative, specific abnormality notification of prize ball abnormality will be described.
When the effect control board 340 receives the prize ball error start designation command, the sub CPU 340a transmits a prize ball error start designation command to the image control board 350 and the lamp control board 360, thereby informing the liquid crystal notification relating to the prize ball abnormality. Voice notification and lamp notification are performed. In this case, the liquid crystal notification is displayed for a predetermined time on the screen of the main display device 131 with the characters “abnormal prize ball” (if an abnormality notification condition is newly established within a predetermined time, it is further performed for a predetermined time from that point. ). In addition, the sound notification is “abnormal ball is abnormal” + sound such as siren is performed with the volume MAX for a predetermined time regardless of the setting value of the hardware volume or software volume (a new abnormality notification condition is established within the predetermined time). In that case, it is performed for a predetermined time from that point). In addition, the lamp notification is performed by blinking the effect lighting device 134 in red for 250 ms on / off on a completely extinguished base (excluding identification indicators such as the first and second special symbol display devices 120 and 122 and the fourth symbol display device). For a predetermined time (if an abnormality notification condition is newly established within the predetermined time, it is further performed for a predetermined time from that point).

Then, when the predetermined time has elapsed after the production control board 340 receives the prize ball error start designation command (transmits the prize ball error start designation command to the image control board 350 and the lamp control board 360), The CPU 340a transmits a prize ball error end designation command to the image control board 350 and the lamp control board 360, thereby completing the prize ball abnormality notification (liquid crystal notification, voice notification, and lamp notification) by the sub side.
In addition, other abnormality notifications such as door opening abnormality and launch abnormality are also performed in accordance with the above.

<Difference ball related information production process>
Next, the difference ball related information effect process will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the process performed in the difference ball related information effect process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the contents of the difference ball related information effect process performed by the sub CPU 340a of the effect control board 340.
Referring to FIG. 34, whether or not sub CPU 340a has received an out sphere increase command (S2704 in FIG. 27) indicating that the value of out sphere counter OC has increased (+1) from main control board 310 in S3400. If it is determined that the out-ball increase command has been received (S3400: Yes), the process proceeds to S3402, and if it is determined that the out-ball increase command has not been received (S3400: No), the process is performed in S3404. Move to.

  In S3402, the sub CPU 340a executes an out ball number increase (+1) process for increasing (+1) the value of the out ball number in the out ball number storage area of the sub RAM 340c based on the reception of the out ball increase command. . Therefore, the cumulative value of the number of out balls is stored in the out ball number storage area of the sub RAM 340c.

  In step S3404, the sub CPU 340a determines whether or not a safe ball increase command (S2804 in FIG. 28) indicating that the value of the safe ball counter SC has increased (+1) has been received from the main control board 310. If it is determined that an increase command has been received (S3404: Yes), the process proceeds to S3406. If it is determined that a safe ball increase command has not been received (S3404: No), the process proceeds to S3410.

  In S3406, the sub CPU 340a executes a safe ball number increase (+1) process for increasing (+1) the value of the safe ball number in the safe ball number storage area of the sub RAM 340c based on the reception of the safe ball increase command. . Therefore, the safe ball count storage area of the sub RAM 340c stores the cumulative value of the safe ball count.

  In S3410, the sub CPU 340a changes the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) from the main control board 310 on condition that the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) is not smaller than “0”. When it is determined whether or not a difference ball fluctuation command (S2920 in FIG. 29) indicating that (brass 1 (+1) or minus 1 (-1)) has been received, and it is determined that a difference ball fluctuation command has been received ( (S3410: Yes), the process moves to S3411, and if it is determined that the difference ball variation command is not received (S3410: No), the process moves to S3414.

In S3411, the sub CPU 340a increases (+1) or decreases (−1) the difference ball number in the difference ball number storage area of the sub RAM 340c based on the reception of the difference ball fluctuation command ( +1) · decrease (−1) processing is executed. Thereafter, the sub CPU 340a moves the process to S3412.
In S3412, the sub CPU 340a executes the difference ball number variation effect process in accordance with the execution of the difference ball number increase (+1) / decrease (-1) process. Thereafter, the sub CPU 340a moves the process to S3414. The difference ball number variation effect process will be described later.

  In S3414, the sub CPU 340a resets the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) to “0” from the main control board 310 because the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) is smaller than “0”. It is determined whether or not a difference ball reset command (S2912 in FIG. 29) indicating that it has been received is received, and if it is determined that a difference ball reset command has been received (S3414: Yes), the process proceeds to S3415 to reset the difference ball If it is determined that a command has not been received (S3414: No), the process proceeds to S3420.

In S3415, the sub CPU 340a executes a difference ball number “0” reset process for resetting the value of the difference ball number to “0” in the difference ball number storage area of the sub RAM 340c based on the reception of the difference ball reset command. To do. Thereafter, the sub CPU 340a moves the process to S3416.
By the processing of S3411S and 3415, the current difference ball number (reset MY value shown in FIG. 30B) is stored in the difference ball number storage area of the sub RAM 340c.
In S3416, the sub CPU 340a executes the difference ball number reset effect process in response to the execution of the difference ball number “0” reset process. Thereafter, the sub CPU 340a moves the process to S3420. The difference ball number reset effect process will be described later.

  In S3420, the sub CPU 340a receives a fixed quantity / quantitative schedule setting command indicating that the fixed quantity as the amount of difference spheres (MY) for stopping is newly set by the fixed quantity setting switch 320 from the main control board 310. (S3206 in FIG. 32) is determined, and if it is determined that the quantitative / quantitative schedule setting command has been received (S3420: Yes), the process proceeds to S3421, and the quantitative / quantitative schedule setting command is received. If it is determined that it is not present (S3420: No), the process proceeds to S3424.

In step S3421, the sub CPU 340a receives the quantitative / quantitative schedule setting command, and the newly set quantitative value and the fixed quantitative value calculated by the quantitative value are stored in the quantitative / quantitative scheduled number storage area of the sub RAM 340c. Quantitative / quantitative scheduled number storage processing is executed. Thereafter, the sub CPU 340a moves the process to S3422.
In S3422, the sub CPU 340a changes the display of the difference ball number effect display device 180 based on the newly set value of the difference ball number based on the reception of the fixed amount / quantitative schedule setting command. The display change process is executed. Thereafter, the sub CPU 340a moves the process to S3424.
The display change in the difference ball number effect display device 180 is performed by the lamp control board 360 because the display unit of the difference ball number effect display device 180 is configured by the dot matrix display 500 as shown in FIG. It can be easily performed by the display control by.
For example, when the fixed amount shown in FIG. 5B is set to 10,000, and when the fixed amount is changed to 5000, the ten thousand unit display portions 520a to 520j are changed to five pieces and displayed accordingly. Similarly, the ten hundred unit display parts 510a to 510j are changed to five, and the display area is increased accordingly.

In S3424, the sub CPU 340a determines whether or not a fixed quantity schedule command (S3214 in FIG. 32) indicating that the difference ball number (MY) has reached the fixed quantity schedule has been received from the main control board 310, and the fixed quantity scheduled command. Is determined to have been received (S3424: Yes), the process proceeds to S3426. If it is determined that the fixed-quantity scheduled command has not been received (S3424: No), the process proceeds to S3430.
In S3426, the sub CPU 340a executes a quantitative schedule (notice) effect process based on the reception of the quantitative schedule command. Thereafter, the sub CPU 340a moves the process to S3430. The fixed amount scheduled effect process will be described later.

In S3430, the sub CPU 340a determines whether or not a quantitative command (S3222 in FIG. 32) indicating that the number of difference balls (MY) has reached a fixed value has been received from the main control board 310, and has received the quantitative command. If it is determined (S3430: Yes), the process proceeds to S3432, and if it is determined that the quantitative command has not been received (S3430: No), the difference ball related information notification process is terminated.
In S3432, the sub CPU 340a executes a quantitative effect process based on the reception of the quantitative command. Thereafter, the sub CPU 340a moves the process to S3434. The quantitative effect process will be described later.

In S3434, the sub CPU 340a executes a stop effect process based on the reception of the quantitative command. Thereafter, the sub CPU 340a moves the process to S3434. The stop effect processing will be described later.
In S3436, the sub CPU 340a executes the gaming state transition effect process based on the reception of the quantitative command. Thereafter, the sub CPU 340a ends the difference ball related information notification process. The game state transition effect process will be described later.

<Difference ball number fluctuation effect, difference ball number reset effect>
Next, the difference ball number variation effect process executed in S3412 and the difference ball number reset effect process executed in S3416 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram of the difference ball number variation effect process performed by the sub CPU 340a of the effect control board 340. In the description here, please also refer to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 35 (a), since the difference ball number variation effect is performed in parallel with the variation effect of the effect symbol on the main display device 131, the sub display is not always performed on the main display device 131. This is performed by the device 139. As the difference ball number MY, a numerical value representing the difference ball number MY is constantly displayed in real time (immediately) in a predetermined display area (for example, the lower corner of the screen) of the sub display device 139. In other words, the difference sphere number MY is variably displayed every time the difference sphere number MY increases (+1) or decreases (−1) by the process of S3411 of the difference sphere related information effect process (FIG. 34) (counts by 1). In FIG. 35A, the difference ball number MY is “1000”.
Further, the difference ball number MY is reset to “0” and displayed when the value of the difference ball number MY becomes smaller than “0” by the process of S3415 of the difference ball related information effect process (FIG. 34). (Not shown). Therefore, the difference ball number MY is not displayed as a minus value.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 35A and 35B, the difference ball number variation effect is performed every time the difference ball number MY reaches a predetermined number. For example, when the fixed amount is set to “10000”, every time the difference ball number MY reaches a multiple of 1000, a predetermined character appears, and an effect of praising or encouraging the player is performed. In this case, sound effects and lamps are used to enhance the production effect. During the period when the difference ball number MY does not reach a multiple of 1000, the sub display device 139 displays only the numerical value representing the difference ball number MY in a partial display area as described above as the difference ball number variation effect. In the other display areas, for example, the effect display of the main display device 131 (for example, a change effect related to the effect symbol (special symbol), a stop display of the effect symbol, or an effect display that is performed when the customer wait state is entered. ) And related effects are displayed, and the difference ball number variation effect is not performed.

By the way, in FIG. 35, when the difference ball number MY is 1000 → “good condition!”, When the difference ball number MY is 2000 → “you are good!”, When the difference ball number MY is 3000 → “Ganbatte!” When the difference ball number MY is 7000 → "Maybe you can go!" (Omitted if the difference ball number MY is 4000-6000, 8000, 9000) Perform the production. Note that the types of characters and words are not particularly limited.
With the effect of varying the number of difference balls performed in the sub display device 139, it is possible to reliably notify the player of the number of balls possessed by the player (number of appearances) at all times, and the number of possessions (number of appearances). Can be periodically notified that the amount of knots has been reached (here, a multiple of 1000).
When the difference sphere number MY becomes 9500, a later-described quantitative scheduled effect is performed, and when the difference ball number MY becomes 10000 (quantitative), a later-described quantitative effect is performed.

The difference ball number variation effect is also performed by the difference ball number effect display device 180 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 in parallel with the effect mainly of the sub display device 139. As shown in FIG. 5, the difference ball number effect display device 180 by the difference ball number effect display device 180 is turned on or the hundred unit display section (any one of 510a to 510j) corresponding to the difference width of the difference ball number MY every 100 is turned on. The display is turned off, and the thousand unit display section (any one of 520a to 520j) corresponding to the fluctuation range of the difference sphere number MY every 1000 is turned on or off. And when the value of the difference ball number MY is 0 or less, it does not light up.
In the difference ball number variation effect also performed by the difference ball number effect display device 180, the effect of the effect can be enhanced by making full use of sound, lamps, and the like, similar to the difference ball number variation effect of the sub display device 139. As shown in FIG. 1, the difference ball number effect display device 180 is provided so as to protrude forward so as to substantially surround the periphery of the gaming area 106 (the periphery of the glass). On the other hand, the number of difference balls MY, that is, the number of balls held by the player (the number of balls to be played) can be reliably notified, and the advertising effect to other customers can be enhanced. Furthermore, since the number of balls can be appealed, the player can be immersed in a sense of superiority.

<Quantitative schedule (notice) production>
Next, the fixed amount schedule (notice) effect process executed in S3426 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram of the quantitative scheduled effect process performed by the sub CPU 340a of the effect control board 340. In the description here, please also refer to FIGS.

When the difference sphere number MY reaches the fixed amount schedule (if the difference ball number reaches the lower predetermined range from the fixed amount where the difference ball number is the upper limit, in other words, the predetermined number before the difference ball number reaches the upper limit value. When the value becomes a value), the sub CPU 340a executes the following quantitative schedule (notice) effect, which is different from the difference ball number variation effect performed in the sub display device 139 described above. That is, when the difference sphere number MY reaches the fixed amount schedule (here, 9500), together with a numerical value “9500” representing the difference sphere number MY displayed in a part of the display area (the lower corner of the screen) of the sub display device 139, Contrary to the past, the number of remaining difference balls until the determination is displayed, such as “500 more!” So that the entire display area of the sub display device 139 is conspicuously displayed.
Further, simultaneously with the display of the remaining difference ball number of the sub display device 139, the main display device 131 performs the change effect related to the effect symbol (special symbol), the stop display of the effect symbol, or the waiting state of the customer. Instead of the effect display etc., a character as shown in FIG. 36 appears (cuts in), and an effect suggesting that the amount will soon be quantified is performed. That is, this character is a character that does not appear in the above difference ball number variation effect. For example, as shown in FIG. 36 (a), a quantitative scheduled presentation effect that displays the state (sentence) of the quantitative scheduled character as if it is “coming soon! In this case, sound effects and lamps are used to enhance the production effect. In addition, this fixed schedule production | presentation will not be specifically limited if it is the content which shows that it will become fixed quantity soon.

And after performing the fixed amount plan effect by the character for fixed amount schedules as mentioned above with the main display device 131, the main display device 131 displays again before performing this fixed amount plan effect (before the character cuts in), That is, the display is changed to the change effect related to the effect symbol (special symbol), the effect symbol stop display, or the effect display performed when the customer wait state is entered, and at the same time, the sub display device 139 continues to the main display device 131. Quantitative schedule production using the quantification schedule character as performed in the above is performed.
That is, in the sub display device 139, as shown in FIG. 36 (b), an effect that explains in advance the state when the fixed amount is reached is performed. In other words, a fixed-quantity schedule effect that expresses the state (word) of the scheduled character to be struck by display and sound, such as “Launching stops when it reaches a certain amount” or “After that, the game state shifts to the initial state” I do. Then, when the fixed amount schedule effect ends, the display of the fixed amount scheduled character is deleted from the sub display device 139.
Due to the scheduled determination effect performed by the sub display device 139 and the main display device 131, when the player's number of balls (number of balls to be played) is likely to be fixed, and when the fixed amount is reached. Can be informed in advance.

Also, the fixed schedule effect is performed by the difference ball number effect display device 180 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 in parallel with the effects of the sub display device 139 and the main display device 131. The fixed quantity scheduled display effect by the difference ball number effect display device 180 is that when the difference ball number MY reaches the fixed amount schedule (9500), the thousand unit display unit 520i shown in FIG. A noticeable effect display different from the difference ball number fluctuation effect is performed so that the entire 180 is blinking red in high speed. In the fixed quantity scheduled effect also performed by the difference ball number effect display device 180, the effect of the effect is enhanced by making full use of sound, lamps, and the like, as in the fixed quantity scheduled effect of the sub display device 139 and the main display device 131.
By the fixed amount scheduled effect performed by the difference ball number effect display device 180, it is possible to notify the player and the hall in advance that the gaming machine 100 is likely to be fixed soon.
In other words, the fixed amount scheduled effect may notify the player and the hall in advance that the gaming machine 100 is likely to become a fixed amount soon and the state of the gaming machine 100 that shifts when the fixed amount is reached. As a result, the player can be prepared and ready when the fixed amount is reached, and the hole can be prepared to be able to respond quickly when the fixed amount is reached. Further, it is possible to enhance the advertising effect to other customers and appeal the number of balls to be played, so that the player can be immersed in a sense of superiority.

<Quantitative effect, stop effect, game state transition effect>
Next, the quantitative effect process, the stop effect process, and the game state transition effect process executed in S3432, S3434, and S3436 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram of a quantitative effect process, a stop effect process, and a game state transition effect process performed by the sub CPU 340a of the effect control board 340. In the description here, please also refer to FIGS.

When the difference ball number MY reaches a fixed amount, the sub CPU 340a executes the following fixed amount effect from the difference ball number variation effect performed by the sub display device 139 described above. That is, when the difference sphere number MY reaches a fixed amount (here, 10000), a numerical value representing the difference sphere number MY displayed in a part of the display area (lower corner of the screen) of the sub display device 139 until immediately before is displayed in the sub display. The display is switched so as to stand out over the entire display area of the device 139.
Note that the difference ball number variation effect may be performed differently from the previous effect until the fixed amount effect is performed after the fixed amount scheduled effect is performed. For example, the display color and size, display position, lighting mode, and the like may be changed.

Further, when the difference ball number MY reaches a fixed amount, the main display device 131 displays a change effect related to the effect symbol (special symbol), a stop display of the effect symbol, or an effect display performed when the customer waits. Interrupt. Then, instead of the interrupted display, the main display device 131 performs an effect suggesting that a character as shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 37 (a), a quantitative effect of displaying and sounding the state (word) of a character squeezing, such as “Goal In! In this case, sound effects and lamps are used to enhance the production effect. Note that this quantitative effect is not particularly limited as long as the content indicates that the quantitative effect has been achieved.
The character shown in FIG. 37 is the same character as the above-described fixed-quantity production, that is, a quantitative character that does not appear in the difference ball number fluctuation production. It is good.
By the quantitative effect performed by the sub display device 139 and the main display device 131, it is possible to notify the player that the number of balls held by the player (the number of outgoing balls) has become a fixed amount. In particular, the player interrupts on the main display device 131 the change effect related to the effect symbol (special symbol), the stop display of the effect symbol, or the effect display performed when the customer waits, or the like. The normal effect display on the display device 131 is suddenly interrupted, and the character for quantification (dedicated character for quantification) appears, so that it can be surely recognized that the amount has been quantified.

The quantitative effect is also performed by the difference ball number effect display device 180 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 in parallel with the effects of the sub display device 139 and the main display device 131. 5 is turned on when the difference ball number MY reaches a fixed amount (10000), and then, for example, the whole difference ball number display device 180 is displayed. Is very noticeable effect display different from the difference ball number variation effect and fixed amount scheduled effect, such as flashing in rainbow color at high speed or running on. In the quantitative effect also performed by the difference ball number effect display device 180, the effect of the effect is enhanced by making full use of sound, lamps, and the like, similar to the quantitative effect of the sub display device 139 and the main display device 131.
By the quantitative effect performed by the difference ball number effect display device 180, it is possible to notify the player and the hall that the gaming machine 100 has become quantitative.

Then, after performing a quantitative effect indicating that the amount has been reached, the main display device 131 and the sub display device 139 subsequently perform a stop effect. In the main display device 131, the stop effect is displayed on the predetermined display area (for example, the lower corner of the screen) with a numerical value (10000) indicating that it has become a fixed amount (player's ball). The character performs an effect indicating that the game has ended and that the launch of the game ball has been forcibly stopped. That is, as shown in FIG. 37 (b), a stoppage is made to display and express the state (word) of the quantitative character speaking, such as “Game is over. Launch has been stopped”. In the meantime, on the sub-display device 139, a letter “launching stopped” indicating that the firing is stopped is displayed large in the center of the screen. Note that the stop effect is not particularly limited as long as it indicates that the launch has been stopped (stopped). In addition, during the stop effect, the difference ball number effect display device 180 is completely turned off.
With such a stop effect, the player can be notified that the gaming machine 100 has been stopped.

Then, after performing a stop effect indicating that the launch has been stopped (stopped), a game state transition effect is performed in which the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is shifted to a predetermined gaming state. Here, the game state transition effect is shifted to an initial state (normal game state) after power-on. That is, the main RAM 310c is initialized, for example, various counters such as a firing ball counter HC, a safe ball counter OC, a safe ball counter SC, a prize ball scheduled counter SYC, a difference ball number storage area, a safe ball number storage area, an out Various storage areas such as a ball number storage area, a shot ball number storage area, a fixed quantity / quantitative scheduled number storage area, and a predetermined prize ball number storage area are reset.
Then, as shown in FIG. 37 (b), the initial effect symbol “123” (initial screen) is displayed on the screen of the main display device 131. Although not shown, the sub display device 139 displays a predetermined initial screen, the initial symbol is displayed as a special symbol or a normal symbol, and the difference ball number effect display device 180 also has a predetermined initial value. The initial display mode is controlled.

As described above, the player and the hall indicate that the gaming machine 100 has reached a fixed amount in the quantitative effect, and that the gaming machine 100 has stopped and stopped in the stopping effect. As a result, it is possible for the player to stop the game promptly when the fixed amount is reached, and the hall can quickly respond when the fixed amount is reached. Further, it is possible to enhance the advertising effect to other customers and appeal the number of balls to be played, so that the player can be immersed in a sense of superiority.
Furthermore, when it becomes a certain amount, a game state transition effect is performed, and the gaming machine 100 automatically shifts to a normal game state such as an initial state after power-on, so the hall does not take any measures. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the player who will play the gaming machine 100 next from being advantageous, and as a result, it is possible to provide a fair game very easily.

<Other embodiments>
The gaming machine 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment and is within the scope of the present invention. Any changes or additions are included in the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30B, the difference sphere number (MY) relating to the quantification is obtained by subtracting the value of the out sphere from the value of the safe sphere (SC-OC). A reset MY value that resets to “0” when the obtained value becomes negative is adopted. Since the reset MY value is targeted for quantification from the bottom price, the player's amount of balls (the amount of balls held) can be kept constant at the time of stopping (when quantification is reached). However, the gaming machine 100 of this embodiment also has a cumulative MY value (FIG. 30A) based on the cumulative value of the safe ball and the cumulative value of the out ball. Yes.
This cumulative MY value can be an important index for measuring the level of excellence of the gaming machine 100. Therefore, for example, the difference ball number variation effect (FIG. 35), the fixed amount scheduled effect (FIG. 36), the fixed amount effect, and the stop In production (FIG. 37) and the like, in addition to the reset MY value, the cumulative MY value may be notified as the difference ball number (MY). Alternatively, a reset MY value and a cumulative MY value as a difference ball number (MY) may be provided so as to be switched and displayed by the player's selection. When the cumulative MY value can be notified, the cumulative value of the safe sphere and the cumulative value of the out sphere may be notified. In this way, more useful difference ball related information can be provided to the player. These accumulated values may be configured not to be erased for a predetermined period (for example, one week) by providing a backup area in the main RAM 310c and storing it in the backup area.

Further, when the difference ball number (MY) reaches a fixed amount, a predetermined privilege may be given to the player. Examples of this privilege include the following.
1. Predetermined points are given, and the player can perform customization related to the production such as the character, the screen background, the production mode, the prefetching, and the jackpot notice according to the number of points.
2. It is easy to determine whether or not the gaming state is a latent probability variation with a probability variation 2R big hit. For example, in the case of small hits, the screen background is changed when the number of changes in the special symbol reaches a predetermined number. In the case of latent probability change, the screen background is not changed even if the number of changes in the special symbol reaches the predetermined number.
3. The next time the game is played, the quantitative setting becomes larger than the general setting. For example, when the general quantitative setting is 10,000, it is 12000.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the game ball is fired from the lower side of the game area 106 toward the game area 106, that is, the upper side. A launch position may be provided on the upper side of 106 and fired toward the game area 106 so that the game ball falls. If comprised in this way, generation | occurrence | production of a foul ball | bowl can be suppressed.

  In addition, the gaming machine 100 is provided with means for determining whether or not the player has changed (finished the game), and the difference ball number (MY) is determined when the player has changed (ended the game). May be reset to “0”. Hereinafter, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the contents of the player change determination process performed by the main CPU 310a of the main control board 310 according to another embodiment. In the description of other embodiments described below, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those of the above-described embodiments, and detailed descriptions of these configurations will be omitted.

  The player change determination process shown in FIG. 38 is incorporated in the difference ball related information process shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 38, in the player change determination process, first, in S3800, main CPU 310a determines whether or not shot ball detection switch 337 is turned off, and determines that shot ball detection switch 337 is turned off. If it is determined (S3800: Yes), the process proceeds to S3802, and if it is determined that the firing ball detection switch 337 is not turned off (S3800: No), the process returns to the difference ball related information processing of FIG.

  In S3802, the main CPU 310a starts a timer for player change determination, and then moves the process to S3804. Here, the timer for determining the player change is a timer for measuring the elapsed time since the player finished the game, and is provided so as to be settable from the outside. It can be set within a range.

  In S3804, the main CPU 310a determines whether or not the player change determination timer has timed up, that is, whether or not the set time (30 to 120 minutes) has elapsed since the start of the player change determination timer. To do. If the main CPU 310a determines that the player change determination timer has passed the set time (30 to 120 minutes) (S3804: Yes), the main CPU 310a moves the process to S3806, and the player change determination timer sets the set time. If it is determined that (30 minutes to 120 minutes) has not elapsed (S3804: No), the process returns to the difference ball related information processing of FIG.

  In S3806, the main CPU 310a sets the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) to “0” based on the determination that the player change determination timer has passed the set time (30 minutes to 120 minutes). To "". Then, the main CPU 310a shifts the processing to S3808, and sets a difference ball reset command for notifying the sub-side that the value of the difference ball number MY (SC-OC) has been reset to “0” in the main RAM 310c. To do. Thereafter, the main CPU 310a returns the process to the difference ball related information processing of FIG. Note that S3806 and S3808 are the same processes as S2910S and 2912 (difference ball processing of FIG. 29) of the above-described embodiment. Then, the difference ball reset command set in S3808 is transmitted to the effect control board 340 by the command transmission process of the timer interrupt process described above.

  Here, a specific example of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 38 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the player change determination process. FIG. 39A is the same as the reset MY value A when the player change is not determined (the reset MY value in FIG. 30B). (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the reset MY value B when the MY value is reset to “0” by determining the replacement of the player.

  FIG. 39 (a) and FIG. 39 (b) show the same event, in which the game ends at point A, ends the game at point K, and the player changes. In this case, the reset MY value A in FIG. 30A in which the replacement of the player is not determined is the highest value from the bottom point C (MY = 0) via the player replacement point K (MY = 7000). Reaches the fixed point R (MY = 10000), and as a result, is stopped. However, since the player is actually changed at the point K, the player's difference ball number MY (held ball) when the point R is reached is substantially 3000, and therefore, the reset MY value A and the game The actual number of balls held will be inconsistent.

  On the other hand, the reset MY value B, which determines the replacement of the player and resets the MY value to “0”, resets the number of difference balls MY to “0” at the replacement point K of the player, and K ′ (MY = 0) ), Even when the point R ′ corresponding to the point R in FIG. 30A is reached, the player's difference ball number MY (held ball) at that time is 3000. Therefore, the reset MY value B coincides with the player's actual number of balls, and it is not determined that the fixed quantity has been reached at this time, and as a result, there is no stopping.

  As is clear from the above description, according to the gaming machine 100 according to this other embodiment provided with the player change determination means that can determine whether or not the player has changed (terminated the game), the fixed amount And the difference between the number of difference balls and the number of difference balls can be reduced as much as possible to prevent erroneous stoppage that is substantially less than quantitative. As a result, it is possible to provide an equal amount of balls to the player and provide a fair game, and to avoid unnecessary troubles with the player (such as dissatisfaction due to a small amount of balls). .

In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the firing ball detection switch 337 is turned off in S3800. However, in this embodiment, instead of the firing ball detection switch 337, the out ball detection switch 338 or the like is detected. A payout (safe) ball detection switch 382 may be used. Alternatively, it may be determined in step S3800 whether or not the special symbol has stopped changing display. Furthermore, the configuration in which the gaming machine 100 operates by reading ID cards having different IDs (identification information) for each individual (for example, a configuration in which a card unit is provided adjacent to the gaming machine between the tables). In this case, instead of the processing of S3800 to S3804, it is determined whether or not a new ID card (an ID card different from the previous one) has been read. If it is determined that a new ID card has been read, It may be determined that the person has changed.
In S3802, a player change determination timer that does not start a player change determination timer when a player requests that the game be interrupted for reasons such as a meal that the hall accepts. You may make it provide a start non-execution means. In this way, it is possible to deal with various players flexibly.

  Further, by detecting the detection interval of the shot ball and the out ball by the shot ball detection switch 337 and the out ball detection switch 338, the player adjusts the discharge interval of the game ball by repeating the so-called stop (repeating the stop of the discharge). , It is possible to grasp that the winning ball is increased), for example, when it is determined that the sub CPU 340a is stopped in a game hall or the like where the stopping is prohibited, If the fact is notified to the outside by a predetermined LED, lamp, or voice, it is possible to suppress such a player's action.

  In the present embodiment, the gaming machine 100 is a pachinko gaming machine and is a so-called one-type seven machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and all types of pachinko gaming machines. (For example, it can be applied to a game machine called a two-type type of thing or a game machine called a platform without a digital device). Further, the present invention fires a fixed number of enclosed game balls and circulates the game balls, so that the payout balls (prize balls) and the rental balls are displayed on a digital display or the like without actually being paid out. It can also be applied to an enclosed pachinko machine. Furthermore, the present invention is applicable to other game machines such as a spinning-type game machine (so-called slot machine) other than pachinko machines, sparrow ball game machines, arrange ball game machines and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention. You can also.

<Effect>
As is clear from the above description, the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment can output difference number related information related to the difference number MY. That is, the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment has the following configuration as the invention A.

◆ Invention A
(1) Used game medium number counting means (out ball detection switch 338, out ball counter OC) for counting the number of game media (OC: number of out balls) used in the game, and game media given as a prize by the game Game medium count means for counting the number (SC: the number of payout (safe) balls) (payout (safe) ball detection switch 382, safe ball counter SC) and game media counted by the number of used game media count means Based on the number (OC) and the number of game media (SC) counted by the granted game media number counting means, the difference (MY: difference) between the number of game media (OC) and the number of game media (SC) Difference number related information output means (game information output terminal board 319, difference ball number related information processing of FIG. 25, difference ball number of FIG. 34) which outputs a signal indicating a value related to the number of balls MY) as difference number related information Related information production process Game machine characterized by comprising and.

  (2) The difference number related information output means outputs an external output means (game information output terminal board 319) for outputting a signal indicating the difference number related information to the outside of the gaming machine (gaming machine 100), and the inside of the gaming machine. Internal output means (S2920, difference ball number related information effect processing in FIG. 34), and the external output means outputs whenever the value related to the difference number related information reaches a predetermined fluctuation range, The internal output means outputs the value related to the difference number related information in real time or each time the value related to the difference number related information reaches a fluctuation range smaller than a predetermined fluctuation range related to the external output means. The gaming machine according to (1), characterized in that:

  (3) The difference number related information is a difference number (MY: MY = SC-OC) between the number of game media (OC) and the number of game media (SC), and the difference number related information output means The game according to (1) or (2), wherein when the difference number (MY: MY = SC-OC) reaches a predetermined difference number, a signal indicating that fact is output. Machine.

  Therefore, according to the gaming machine described in the invention A, it is possible to suitably output the difference number related information related to the player's ball, that is, the difference number (MY). In addition, the external output means for outputting the difference number related information outside the gaming machine can greatly reduce the burden (load) when the external device receives the difference number related information. In addition, the internal output means for outputting the difference number related information into the gaming machine enables the gaming machine to quickly and accurately notify the player and the hall of the difference ball related information. Further, the difference number related information output means can notify that the difference number (MY) has reached a predetermined difference number, and as a result, the hole can be quickly and appropriately determined according to the number of balls held by the player. It is possible to cope with the situation, and the player can easily grasp the number of his own balls and make a game strategy and the like, and the interest of the game is improved.

  Further, the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment can suitably output the difference number related information related to the difference number MY. That is, the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment has the following configuration as the invention B.

◆ Invention B
(4) Used game medium number counting means (out ball detection switch 338, out ball counter OC) for counting the number of game media (OC: number of out balls) used in the game, and game media given as a prize by the game Counting means (SC: number of payout (safe) balls) counting means (number of payout (safe) balls detection switch 382, safe ball counter SC), and the number of game media (SC) from the number of game media (SC) OC) is subtracted, and difference number calculation means (S2908) for calculating the value of the difference (MY: MY = SC-OC) between the number of gaming media (SC) and the number of gaming media (OC) is provided. As a result of the calculation by the difference number calculation means, when the value of the difference number (MY: difference ball number MY = SC-OC) has reached a predetermined difference number in a state that never becomes negative, Output a signal to that effect Game machine and said.

  (5) a used game medium number counting means for counting the number of game media (OC) used in the game, a granted game medium number counting means for counting the number of game media (SC) awarded as a prize by the game, Subtracting the number of game media (OC) from the number of game media (SC) to calculate the value of the difference between the number of game media (SC) and the number of game media (OC) (MY: MY = SC-OC) Difference number calculating means and a difference number reset for resetting the value of the difference number (MY: MY = SC-OC) (MY = 0) when the calculation result by the difference number calculating means becomes a negative value. Means (S2910), and when the value of the difference number (MY: MY = SC-OC) becomes a predetermined difference number by the difference number calculation means and the difference number reset means, A gaming machine that outputs a signal indicating the fact.

  In addition, in the gaming machine described in (5), the player changes (games) based on the detection results of predetermined detection means (launching ball detection switch 337, out ball detection switch 338, payout ball detection switch 382). A player change determination means (player change determination process in FIG. 38) is provided, and when the player change determination means determines that the player of the gaming machine has changed, The difference number reset means may reset the value of the difference number (MY: MY = SC−OC) (MY = 0).

  Therefore, according to such a gaming machine described in the invention B, the difference number MY always takes a value of “0”, and the value of the rise from the bottom value is counted. As a result, it is possible to always keep the player's amount of balls (the amount of balls held) when making a stop (when the amount is fixed), and to bring an appropriate profit to the hall.

  In addition, when the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment reaches the set value (quantitative), the difference number MY can output that fact. That is, the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment has the following configuration as the invention C.

◆ Invention C
(6) Count the number of game media used for counting the number of game media used (OC: number of out balls) and the number of game media (SC payout (safe) balls) awarded as a prize by the game. And a number of game media (SC) obtained by subtracting the number of game media (OC) from the number of game media (SC). Difference number calculation means (S2908) for calculating the difference number (MY: difference ball number MY = SC-OC) between the number of game media (OC) and the number of game media (OC), and the difference number (MY: MY = SC-OC) Difference number setting means (quantitative setting switch 320) capable of setting any value according to the above, and as a result of the calculation by the difference number calculation means, the value of the difference number (MY: MY = SC-OC) is the difference. When the value set by the number setting means is reached, Gaming machine and outputs a signal indicating the fact.

(7) A difference number reset means (S3202) for resetting (MY = 0) the value of the difference number (MY: MY = SC-OC) when the difference number setting means is set. The gaming machine according to (6), characterized in that:
In the gaming machine described in (6) or (7), when the value of the difference number (MY: MY = SC-OC) reaches the value set by the difference number setting means, a predetermined privilege You may provide the privilege provision means to provide.

Therefore, according to the gaming machine described in the invention C, any value related to the difference number (MY: MY = SC-OC) can be set by the difference number setting means, and as a result, the difference number setting is changed. The difference number can be set according to the situation, and the degree of freedom in setting the difference number is increased. In addition, when the difference number reaches the set value, it is possible to notify that fact, so that the hall can promptly take appropriate measures when the difference number reaches a fixed amount (stop), for example. Can do. In addition, it is possible to enhance the advertising effect to other customers, and to appeal the number of balls to make the player feel superior.
In addition, when the setting by the difference number setting means is performed, the difference value is reset (MY = 0), so that it is possible to count an appropriate difference number and reduce the hall work. Can do.

  Further, the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment can produce effects according to the value of the difference number MY. That is, the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment has the following configuration as the invention D.

◇ Invention D
(8) Use game medium number counting means for counting the number of game media used in the game (OC: number of out balls) and the number of game media (SC: number of payout (safe) balls) awarded as a prize by the game The number of game media to be counted is counted (payout (safe) ball detection switch 382, safe ball counter SC), and the number of game media (OC) is subtracted from the number of game media (SC). ) And the number of game media (OC), the difference number calculation means (S2908) for calculating the value of the difference number (MY: difference ball number MY = SC-OC), and according to the result of the calculation by the difference number calculation means A game machine, comprising: difference number effect means (difference ball number effect display device 180, difference ball number related information effect processing of FIG. 34) for performing the effect.

  (9) If the value of the difference number (MY: MY = SC−OC) reaches a predetermined upper limit as a result of the calculation by the difference number calculating means, the difference number (MY: MY = SC) -OC) is provided with difference number quantification notification means (difference ball number effect display device 180, S3230, S3432) for notifying that the value has become a quantification, and the difference number effect means performs calculation by the difference number calculation means. When the result reaches a lower predetermined range from the upper limit value, a quantitative notice effect (FIG. 36) suggests that the value of the difference number (MY: MY = SC-OC) is close to the quantitative value. (8), the game machine according to (8).

  (10) When the result of the calculation by the difference number calculation means reaches a predetermined range below the upper limit value, the value of the difference number (MY: MY = SC-OC) is used for the determination. (8) The gaming machine according to (9), further comprising external output means (game information output terminal board 319, S3230) for outputting a signal indicating closeness to the outside of the gaming machine.

  Therefore, according to the gaming machine described in the invention D, it is possible to perform an effect according to the value of the difference number (MY), that is, according to the number of balls held by the player, and the game performance is improved. In addition, it is possible to give a notice that the player's number of balls is likely to be fixed, and the interest of the game is further improved. In addition, players and halls can be informed in advance that the player's number of balls is likely to be quantified, so that the player is ready when the quantification is reached, and the hall You can prepare the work procedure when you reach it.

  Further, the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment can shift to a predetermined gaming state when the value of the difference number MY reaches a predetermined difference number. That is, the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment has the following configuration as the invention E.

◆ Invention E
(11) A gaming machine (gaming machine 100) having a first gaming state and a second gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the first gaming state, and the number of game media (OC: The used game medium number counting means (out ball detection switch 338, out ball counter OC) for counting the number of out balls) and the number of game media (SC: number of payout (safe) balls) awarded as a prize by the game are counted. The number of game media to be granted (safe (ball) detection switch 382, safe ball counter SC), and the number of game media (SC) by subtracting the number of game media (OC) from the number of game media (SC) and the number of game media (SC) Difference number calculation means (S2908) for calculating a difference number (MY: difference ball number MY = SC-OC) from the number of game media (OC), and the difference number during the second gaming state As a result of calculation by the calculation means, the difference If the value of: (MY MY = SC-OC) becomes a predetermined difference number which is determined in advance, gaming machine, characterized in that the shift to the first game condition.

(12) The gaming machine according to (11), wherein the first gaming state is a gaming state at power-on.
Therefore, according to the gaming machine described in the invention E, when the difference value reaches a predetermined difference value, the difference value such as a gaming state at the time of power-on is determined in advance. Since the game state shifts to a game state that is disadvantageous to the player rather than the gaming state having reached the predetermined difference number, it is possible to prevent the player who plays the gaming machine next from being advantageous, and as a result, It is possible to secure a secure game.

  It should be understood that the terms used in this specification are used in the meaning normally used in the art unless otherwise specified. Thus, unless defined otherwise, all technical and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Game machine 180 ... Difference ball number effect display apparatus (Difference number effect means, Difference number fixed quantity notification means)
319 ... Game information output terminal board (difference number related information output means, external output means)
320 ... Quantitative setting switch (difference number setting means)
338 ... Out ball detection switch (number of used game media counting means)
382 ... Payout (safe) ball detection switch (number of granted game media counting means)

[Application Example 1]
The gaming machine of the present invention (application example 1) has a counting means (out ball detection switch 338, out ball counter OC) for counting the number of used media (OC: number of out balls) used in the game, and a prize is given by the game. Counting means (the payout (safe) ball detection switch 382, safe ball counter SC) for counting the number of assigned media (SC: the number of payout (safe) balls) and the number of used media are subtracted from the number of given media. Difference number calculation means (S2908) for calculating the value of the difference between the number of applied media and the number of used media (MY: difference ball number MY = SC-OC), and display means (main display) Device 131, sub display device 139), display control means (effect control board 340) for controlling display by the display means, and a gaming machine (game machine 100) provided, wherein the display control means Number calculation means The result of the operation by, when the value of the difference number reaches the predetermined upper limit value, the value of the difference number is displayed on the display means a quantitative notification effect image notifying became quantitative ( 37), when the difference value becomes the first predetermined value before reaching the upper limit as a result of the calculation by the difference number calculation means, the difference value is used for the determination. A quantitative notice effect image suggesting that it is close is displayed on the display means (quantity scheduled effect in FIG. 36), and as a result of the calculation by the difference number calculation means, the value of the difference number is less than the first predetermined value. In such a case, every time the difference value fluctuates by a second predetermined value smaller than the first predetermined value, a difference fluctuation effect image is displayed on the display means (difference ball number fluctuation effect of FIG. 35). Is the gist.

Claims (2)

Counting means for counting the number of used media used in the game;
Counting means for counting the number of granted media awarded as a prize by the game;
Difference number calculating means for calculating a difference value between the number of applied media and the number of used media by subtracting the number of used media from the number of applied media;
A difference number producing means for producing an effect according to the result of the calculation by the difference calculating means,
As a result of the calculation by the difference number calculation means, when the value of the difference number has reached a predetermined upper limit value, it comprises a notification means for notifying that the value of the difference number has become a fixed amount,
The difference number producing means is
When the result of the calculation by the difference number calculation means reaches a predetermined value before reaching the upper limit value, a quantitative notice effect that suggests that the value of the difference number is close to the fixed amount is performed. To play. An external output that outputs a signal indicating that the value of the difference number is close to the fixed amount when the result of the calculation by the difference number calculating means reaches a predetermined value before reaching the upper limit value. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising means.