JP2017113455A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress an error in a mounting direction of a connector for connecting a substrate and a cable in a game machine.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: presentation members such as a movable accessory, a board lamp, and a frame lamp that are provided with electronic components; substrates 500 such as a presentation control part and a lamp control part for controlling the electronic components of the presentation members; and harnesses 400 for electrically connecting the electronic components of the presentation members and the substrates 500. Among a plurality of signal lines for transmitting different control signals to perform different controls in a presentation to the electronic components of the presentation members, terminals of at least a part of signal lines are arranged so as to become symmetrical to each other in an arrangement of each terminal of each line in the harnesses 400.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  The gaming machine includes a plurality of boards including a game control board (main board) that controls the game, an effect control board (sub board) that receives the signals from the game control board and controls the effects, a relay board, and the like. . These boards are connected using various cables, and control signals are transmitted and power is supplied through these cables (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2014-226313 A JP 2014-226315 A

  An object of the present invention is to suppress an error in a mounting direction in a connector that connects a board and a cable of a gaming machine.

The present invention that achieves the above object is realized as the following gaming machine. This gaming machine is a gaming machine that produces effects according to the game,
Production members having electronic parts (for example, movable accessory 115, panel lamp 116, frame lamp 157, etc.)
A control board (for example, an effect control unit 300, a lamp control unit 320, a substrate 500, etc.) for controlling the electronic components of the effect member;
A harness (for example, harness 400) that electrically connects the electronic component of the effect member and the control board;
The terminals of at least some of the signal lines among a plurality of signal lines that transmit different control signals for performing different controls in the production with respect to the electronic component of the production member are arranged in the terminals in each line of the harness. They are arranged so as to be symmetrical with each other.
In this way, when the harness is attached to the control board in the opposite direction to the normal direction, the signal lines will be interchanged, while suppressing the occurrence of failure due to overcurrent supply, etc. Since the controlled member does not operate normally because the control signal is not transmitted normally, it can be notified that the harness may not be mounted in the normal direction.

  In addition, the said code | symbol in this column is attached | subjected illustratively in the description of this invention, and this invention is not reduced by this code | symbol.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the error of the mounting direction in the connector which connects the board | substrate and cable of a game machine can be suppressed.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. (A) is an enlarged view showing an example of a display device arranged at the lower right of the game board, (b) is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the control unit of the pachinko game machine of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the image / sound control part and lamp | ramp control part of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the basic process by a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the process at the time of the power supply cutoff by a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the main control processing of a game control part. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the random number used by this Embodiment, (a) is a figure which shows the structural example of jackpot random number, (b) is a figure which shows the structural example of jackpot symbol random number, (c ) Is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reach random number, and (d) is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a hit random number. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of the fluctuation pattern used in a fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a figure which shows the structure of a command, (a) is a figure which shows the data structure of a command, (b) is a figure which shows the structure as a bit string of a command. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the command storage area in RAM. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the output process by an output control part. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an effect control part, (a) is a figure which shows a main process, (b) is a figure which shows an interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of command reception processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of effect button processing. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the harness and board | substrate by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the modification of the connector of the board | substrate which can mount | wear with the connector of the harness shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of the harness and board | substrate by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows another example of a structure in the harness and board | substrate by this Embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Basic configuration of gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment.
A pachinko gaming machine 100 as an example of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 is configured to pay out a prize ball when a gaming ball launched by an instruction operation by a player wins. The pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a game board 110 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 150 surrounding the game board 110. The game board 110 is detachably attached to the frame member 150.

The game board 110 has, on the front, a game area 111 for playing with a game ball, a rail member 112 that forms a passage where a game ball launched from below rises toward the upper position of the game area 111, and a game A guide member 113 for guiding the game ball is provided on the right side of the region 111.
In the present embodiment, an image display unit 114 that displays various images for production is provided at a position of the game area 111 that is easily visible to the player. The image display unit 114 includes a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays a decorative symbol for notifying the player of a symbol lottery result (symbol variation result), for example, as the game progresses by the player. An effect image by the appearance of a character or the appearance of an item or an effect image using a later-described hold display is displayed.
In addition, a movable accessory 115 and a board lamp 116 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 110. The movable accessory 115 performs various effects by operating on the game board 110, and the board lamp 116 performs various effects by emitting light.

  The game area 111 is provided with a game nail and a windmill (not shown) for changing the direction in which the game ball falls. Further, in the game area 111, various bonuses relating to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In addition, the game area 111 is provided with a discharge port 117 through which game balls launched into the game area 111 that have not been won in the winning area are discharged out of the game area 111.

  In the present embodiment, as various functions related to winning and lottery, a special symbol lottery (a jackpot lottery) starts when a game ball wins, and it is normal when a game ball passes. A start gate (hereinafter simply referred to as a gate) 124 for starting a symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is disposed on the game board 110. In FIG. 1, the gates 124 are provided on the left and right sides of the game area 111, the left gate 124 is indicated as 124L, and the right gate 124 is indicated as 124R. Moreover, the 1st starting port 121 and the 2nd starting port 122 here say the prize opening used as the operation opportunity of one predetermined special symbol display. Specifically, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 are provided with switches (a first start port switch 211 and a second start port switch 212 described later) that detect the passage of a game ball when winning a prize. It has been. And when a game ball wins the 1st starting port 121 or the 2nd starting port 122, this switch will detect the passage of a gaming ball as an opportunity to operate a special symbol display.

  The second start port 122 includes an electric tulip (opening / closing member) 123 as a normal electric accessory that is turned on and off by a pair of blades in the shape of tulip flowers that are opened and closed by an electric solenoid. In the electric tulip 123, when the blade is closed, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port 122, but when the blade is opened, the entrance of the second start port 122 is expanded and the game ball is moved to the second start port 122. It is configured to be easy to enter. When the electric tulip 123 wins the normal symbol lottery, the blade opens for a specified time (for example, 0.15 to 1.8 seconds) and for a specified number of times (for example, 1 to 3 times) while lighting or blinking.

The pachinko gaming machine 100 has, as gaming states, a low probability state with a low winning probability and a high probability state with a higher winning probability than the low probability state based on the winning probability of the jackpot lottery. And it is controlled to either the low probability state or the high probability state under a predetermined condition.
Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 has a short time state where there are few winning opportunities at the second start port 122 and a short state when there are more winning opportunities at the second start port 122 than in the short time state. Then, under a predetermined condition, the state is controlled to either the timeless state or the timeless state. The short-time state is, for example, any one of shortening the special symbol variation time and normal symbol variation time, extending the opening time of the electric tulip 123, and increasing the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery. A gaming state controlled by one or more combinations. In the short time state, the special symbol variation time of the special symbol may be shortened.

Also, in this embodiment, as other prizes and lottery items, a lottery is performed even if a game ball wins a grand prize opening 125 as a special electric bonus that opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery. An ordinary winning opening 126 that is not present is arranged on the game board 110.
In the present embodiment, a display 130 for displaying a lottery result and the number of holds is arranged at the lower left position of the game board 110.

  Also, on the back side of the game board 110, a game control board that determines whether or not a special symbol is won, an effect control board that comprehensively controls effects, an image control board that controls effects by images and sounds, various lamps, Various substrates (not shown) such as a lamp control substrate for controlling the effect by the movable accessory 115 are attached. In addition, a switching power supply (not shown) that converts the supplied 24V AC power source into a DC power source and outputs it to various boards and the like is disposed on the back surface of the game board 110.

When the player touches the handle 151 and rotates the lever 152 in the clockwise direction, the frame member 150 moves the game balls at a predetermined time interval (for example, 100 per minute) with a hitting force according to the operation angle. And a launching device (not shown) for electrically firing. In addition, the frame member 150 includes a supply device (not shown) that sequentially supplies game balls to the launching device one by one at a timing in conjunction with the operation of the player's lever 152, and a game ball that the supply device supplies to the launching device. And a plate 153 for temporarily storing. For example, a payout ball by a payout unit is paid out to the plate 153.
In the present embodiment, the plate 153 is configured as an integrated upper and lower plate, but a configuration example in which the upper plate and the lower plate are separated is also conceivable. A configuration example in which the handle 151 of the launching device emits light under a predetermined condition is also conceivable.

Further, the frame member 150 includes a stop button 154 for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball even when the player is touching the handle 151 of the launch device, and a game ball accumulated in the tray 153. A take-out button 155 for dropping and taking out the box (not shown).
Further, the frame member 150 includes a speaker 156 and a frame lamp 157 for notifying the gaming state and situation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and performing various effects. The speaker 156 performs various effects using music, voice, and sound effects. The frame lamp 157 is composed of a light emitting body such as an LED, and performs various effects by light depending on a pattern due to lighting and blinking, a difference in emission color, and the like. In addition, about the frame lamp 157, the structural example which enables performing the effect which changes the irradiation direction of light can be considered.
The frame member 150 also includes a transparent plate (not shown) for separating the game board 110 from the player.

FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2A is an enlarged view showing an example of the display unit 130 arranged at the lower right of the game board 110. FIG. 2B is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 100.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the display 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 receives a first special symbol display 221 that operates in response to winning of the first starting port 121 and a winning of the second starting port 122. A second special symbol display 222 that operates correspondingly and a normal symbol display 223 that operates corresponding to the passage of the gate 124 are provided. The first special symbol display unit 221 displays the lottery result by stopping and displaying the special symbol based on the winning of the first start port 121 after variably displaying. The second special symbol display 222 displays the lottery result by stopping and displaying the special symbol based on the winning of the second start port 122 after variably displaying. Based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the normal symbol display unit 223 displays the lottery result by stopping and displaying the normal symbol after being variably displayed. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 are each configured by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and a symbol indicating a lottery result of the special symbol lottery is displayed according to the lighting mode. The Similarly, the normal symbol display 223 is also composed of a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and a symbol indicating the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery is displayed according to the lighting mode.

  In addition, the indicator 130 operates in response to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the first special symbol hold indicator 218 that operates corresponding to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222. 2 a special symbol hold indicator 219 and a normal symbol hold indicator 220 that operates in response to the hold in the normal symbol indicator 223. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220 are each configured by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the number of holds is determined depending on the lighting mode. Is displayed.

  Here, the hold will be described. If a game ball wins in the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 during the special symbol change display operation (while the change display for one win is being performed), the special symbol is changing. In addition, the special symbol variation display operation based on the subsequent winning cannot be started. Therefore, the number of subsequent winnings is memorized up to a specified number (for example, 4), and the right to start a special symbol for the winning game ball is until the variable display operation for the previously winning game ball ends. Deferred. For normal symbols, the same processing as for special symbols is performed. The fact that such a hold has been made and the number of hold (unchanged number) are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219 and the normal symbol hold indicator 220.

Furthermore, the display device 130 includes a state display device 224 that displays the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100. In the present embodiment, the status indicator 224 is configured by a display device in which three LEDs are arranged. One of the three LEDs notifies whether or not the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a high probability state where the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is high. The other one is to notify by lighting whether the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a short time state in which it is easy to win a prize at the second start port 122. Still another one is to notify by lighting whether or not the player is in a state advantageous to the player by making a right strike (by changing the hitting force of the game ball).
The state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 displayed by the state display 224 is not limited to the above example, and other states can be displayed. For example, when the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is set to a medium probability state in which the winning probability is higher than the low probability state and the winning probability is lower than the high probability state, the state indicator 224 indicates whether or not the state indicator 224 is in the medium probability state. May be notified by lighting.

  In addition, the indicator 130 includes a round number indicator 225 for displaying the number of rounds when the big winning opening 125 is operated in the jackpot game performed according to the lottery result of the special symbol lottery. The jackpot game will be described later. The round number display 225 is configured by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the number of operating rounds of the big winning opening 125 in the jackpot game is displayed according to the lighting mode.

  The frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an input device for a player to input an effect. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, as an example of an input device, an effect button 161, an effect key 162 that is adjacent to the effect button 161 and includes a plurality of keys arranged in a substantially cross shape, Is disposed on the frame member 150. In the example shown in the figure, a case is considered where an effect of accepting an operation of selecting one image from a plurality of images is performed. In this case, for example, when the player operates an effect key 162 including four keys arranged in a cross, one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114 is instructed, and the effect button 161 is pressed. By performing the operation, it is possible to produce an effect of selecting the instructed image. In addition to the effect buttons 161 and the effect keys 162 shown in the figure, various input forms such as levers, dials, and the like can be adopted as the input device.

[Configuration of control unit]
Next, a control unit that performs operation control and signal processing in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the control unit of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the image / sound control unit and the lamp control unit of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit includes a game control unit 200 that determines whether a special symbol is won or the like as main control means. In addition, as the sub-control means, an effect control unit 300 that comprehensively controls the effect and a payout control unit 330 that controls payout of the payout ball are provided.

[Configuration and function of game control unit]
The game control unit 200 is used as a CPU 201 that performs arithmetic processing when determining whether or not a special symbol is won, a ROM 202 that stores programs executed by the CPU 201, various data, and the like, a working memory of the CPU 201, and the like. RAM 203 to be provided.

  The game control unit 200 controls the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 in either a high probability state or a low probability state, a time-short state or a time-short state. As a result, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a high probability state and a short time state, a high probability short time gaming state, a low probability state and a short time state, low probability short time gaming state, a high probability state, and a short time short state. It is one of a short-probability state with no probability, a low-probability state, and a short-probability state with a low probability. Then, the game control unit 200 switches between the high probability state and the low probability state based on a predetermined condition, and switches between the short time state and the short time state. In addition, the game control unit 200 performs control such as increasing the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery in the short time state, shortening the normal symbol variation time, and extending the opening time of the electric tulip 123 in the short time state. I do.

  The game control unit 200 performs a special symbol lottery when the game ball is won at the first start port 121 or the second start port 122. Then, a special game such as a jackpot game is performed according to the determination result of the special symbol lottery. In the special game, the game control unit 200 performs a predetermined number of rounds that maintain an open state until the special winning opening 125, which is a special electric accessory, satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won). Control to repeat only. And the game control part 200 controls the opening-and-closing operation space | interval at the time of the jackpot big winning opening 125 opening.

In addition, the game control unit 200 performs a normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 124. And the action | operation of an electric tulip is controlled according to the determination result of a normal symbol lottery.
In addition, the game control unit 200 holds the game ball when the game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 during the special symbol change, or the game ball passes through the gate 124 during the normal symbol change. Set the hold that occurs.
Further, the game control unit 200 accompanies the game control such as the determination result of the special symbol lottery and the normal symbol lottery, the change information of the high probability state and the low probability state, the change information of the time short state and the short time state, the setting information of the hold, etc. Information is sent to the production control unit 300 by a command to be described later.

Further, when the game ball is won in the first start port 121, the second start port 122, the big winning port 125, and the normal winning port 126, the game control unit 200 per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 330 is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls. For example, when a game ball wins at the first start port 121, three prize balls, when a game ball wins at the second start port 122, four prize balls, and when a game ball wins the big prize port 125, thirteen prizes. When a game ball wins the ball, the normal winning opening 126, an instruction command (command) is sent to the payout control unit 330 so as to pay out 10 prize balls. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the payout control unit 330 is not instructed to pay out the prize ball in conjunction with it.
When the payout control unit 330 pays out a prize ball in accordance with an instruction from the game control unit 200, the game control unit 200 acquires information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 330. As a result, the number of prize balls paid out is managed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the game control unit 200 includes a first start port detection unit (first start port switch (SW)) 211 that detects a winning of a game ball to the first start port 121, as shown in FIG. , A second start port detection unit (second start port switch (SW)) 212 that detects a winning of a game ball to the second start port 122, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213 that opens and closes the electric tulip 123, and the gate 124. A gate detection unit (gate switch (SW)) 214 for detecting the passage of the game ball is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 has a large winning port detecting unit (large winning port switch (SW)) 215 for detecting a winning of a game ball to the large winning port 125, and the large winning port 125 is inclined to be in a closed state. A large winning opening / closing unit 216 set to the open state and a normal winning opening detecting unit (normal winning opening switch (SW)) 217 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning opening 126 are connected.

In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol hold indicator 218 for displaying the number of unreserved reserves won in the first start port 121 during the change of the special symbol, and the second special symbol hold indicator 218 during the change of the special symbol. A second special symbol hold indicator 219 that displays the number of unchanged reserves that have been won at the start port 122, and a normal symbol hold indicator that displays the number of unchanged symbols that have passed through the gate 124 while the normal symbol is changing. 220 are connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol display 221 for displaying a special symbol variation display and a special symbol lottery result performed by winning a game ball in the first starting port 121, and a second starting port. The second special symbol display 222 that displays the result of the special symbol variation display and special symbol lottery performed by winning the game ball to 122, and the normal symbol display that displays the normal symbol variation display and the normal symbol lottery result A device 223 and a state indicator 224 for displaying the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 are connected.

  Then, detection signals detected by the first start port switch 211, the second start port switch 212, the gate switch 214, the big winning port switch 215 and the normal winning port switch 217 are sent to the game control unit 200. In addition, the control signal from the game control unit 200 includes an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213, a prize winning opening / closing unit 216, a first special symbol hold indicator 218, a second special symbol hold indicator 219, a normal symbol hold indicator 220, It is sent to the first special symbol display 221, the second special symbol display 222, the normal symbol display 223, and the status display 224. Thereby, the game control unit 200 performs various controls related to the number of payout prize balls.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 350 for transmitting various information to a host computer (not shown) installed in the hall is connected to the game control unit 200. Then, the game control unit 200 transmits the information about the number of paid-out prize balls acquired from the payout control unit 330 and the information indicating the state of the game control unit 200 to the host computer via the board external information terminal board 350. To do.

[Configuration and function of payout control unit]
The payout control unit 330 includes a CPU 331 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling payout of payout balls, a ROM 332 that stores programs executed by the CPU 331, various data, and the like, and a RAM 333 that is used as a work memory for the CPU 331 and the like. And.
The payout control unit 330 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the game control unit 200.
Specifically, the payout control unit 330 acquires, from the game control unit 200, a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won (the first start port 121 or the like). Then, the payout driving unit 334 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 334 is constituted by a drive motor that sends out the game ball from the game ball storage unit.

The payout control unit 330 includes a payout ball detection unit 335 that detects the number of prize balls actually paid out from the game ball storage unit by the payout driving unit 334, and a game ball in the storage unit (not shown). Detecting unit 336 for detecting presence / absence of storage of the game, and detecting whether or not the plate 153 for holding the game ball used when the player plays the game or the paid-out prize ball is full. A full tank detection unit 337 is connected. The payout control unit 330 receives the detection signals detected by the payout ball detection unit 335, the ball presence detection unit 336, and the full tank detection unit 337, and performs a predetermined process according to these detection signals.
Further, the payout control unit 330 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 340 that transmits various types of information to a host computer installed in the hall. The payout control unit 330, for example, information on the number of prize balls instructed to pay out to the payout driving unit 334, information on the number of prize balls actually paid out detected by the payout ball detection unit 335, and the like. Is transmitted to the host computer via the frame external information terminal board 340. Also, similar information is transmitted to the game control unit 200.

[Configuration and function of production control unit]
The effect control unit 300 includes a CPU 301 that performs calculation processing when controlling the effect, a ROM 302 that stores programs executed by the CPU 301 and various data, a RAM 303 that is used as a work memory of the CPU 301, and the like. And a real-time clock (RTC) 304 for measuring.
The effect control unit 300 sets the contents of the effect, for example, based on the determination result of whether or not the winning in the special symbol lottery sent from the game control unit 200 and the variation pattern. At that time, in response to an operation input from the user using the effect button 161 or the effect key 162, the effect content corresponding to the operation input may be set. In this case, for example, a signal (operation signal) corresponding to an operation is received from a controller (not shown) such as the effect button 161, and the operation content identified by the operation signal is reflected in the setting of the effect.
In addition, when the game is interrupted for a predetermined period, the effect control unit 300 instructs the setting of the screen display for waiting for a customer as one of the effects.
Furthermore, the production control unit 300 sets the production content based on the change information of the high probability state and the low probability state received from the game control unit 200, and the change information of the short time state and the short time state.
In addition, the effect control unit 300 sends a command for instructing execution of the set effect contents to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320.

[Configuration / Function of Image / Sound Control Unit]
As shown in FIG. 4, the image / sound control unit 310 stores an image that expresses the contents of presentation and a CPU 311 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling sound, a program executed by the CPU 311, various data, and the like. A ROM 312, a RAM 313 used as a working memory for the CPU 311, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 314, a CGROM 315, and an SNDROM 316 are provided.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 114 and the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300.
Specifically, the CGROM 315 has a symbol image or background image displayed during the game on the image display unit 114, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result, a character for displaying a notice effect to the player, Image data such as items is stored. The SND ROM 316 stores various types of acoustic data such as music and sound output from the speaker 156 in synchronization with the image data or independently of the image data, and sound effects such as jingles.
The CPU 311 performs analysis of the animation pattern, creation of a display list in which commands related to drawing are created, transmission of the display list to the VDP 314, and the like based on the hold number command or the change start command sent from the effect control unit 300 .

Based on the display list received from the CPU 311, the VDP 314 reads image data and acoustic data stored in the CGROM 315 and SNDROM 316, respectively. Furthermore, the VDP 314 performs drawing processing for background image display, symbol image display, symbol image variation, character / item display, and the like, and audio processing using the read acoustic data, using the read image data. . The VDP 314 controls screen display on the image display unit 114 based on the image data subjected to the drawing process. The VDP 314 controls the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the sound data that has been subjected to sound processing.
In the present embodiment, the VDP 314 is configured to perform audio processing in addition to the drawing processing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a processor that performs dedicated audio processing may be provided separately.

[Configuration and function of lamp control unit]
The lamp control unit 320 stores a CPU 321 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 and the operation of the movable accessory 115, and programs executed by the CPU 321 and various data. A ROM 322 and a RAM 323 used as a working memory for the CPU 321 are provided.
The lamp control unit 320 controls lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300. Further, the operation of the movable accessory 115 is controlled.
Specifically, the ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (emission pattern) for the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 300. Data) is stored. The CPU 321 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 322 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300. The lamp controller 320 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the read light emission pattern data.
The ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 115 corresponding to the production content set by the production control unit 300. The CPU 321 controls the operation of the movable accessory 115 based on the read operation pattern data.

In the present embodiment, game control unit 200, effect control unit 300, image / sound control unit 310, lamp control unit 320, and payout control unit 330 are each a main board disposed on the rear surface of game board 110. The game control board, the effect control board as the sub board, the image control board, the lamp control board, and the payout control board are individually configured.
The game control board and the effect control board are connected by a cable, and a command signal is sent from the game control board to the effect control board. The effect control board, the image control board, and the lamp control board are connected by a cable, and a command signal is sent from the effect control board to the image control board and the lamp control board. The game control board and the payout control board are connected by a cable, and signals are exchanged between the game control board and the payout control board. As a cable for connecting each control board, a harness in which a plurality of cables are combined, a flexible flat cable, or the like is appropriately used.

[Functional configuration of game control unit]
Next, the functional configuration of the game control unit 200 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game control unit 200. As shown in FIG. 5, the game control unit 200 includes a random number acquisition unit 231, a normal symbol determination unit 232, a special symbol variation control unit 233, and a special symbol determination unit 234 as functional units that execute various lottery processes. And a normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236.
In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a variation pattern selection unit 235 as a functional unit that executes a process associated with special symbol variation.
In addition, the game control unit 200 is a function unit that executes operation control of various types of objects and data processing related to a prize ball, etc. As a function unit, a prize winning opening operation control unit 237, an electric tulip operation control unit 238, and a prize ball processing unit 239 are provided. And an output control unit 240 and a random number control unit 241.

The random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number value used for the special symbol lottery and a random value used for the normal symbol lottery. In the case of a random number value used for the special symbol lottery, specifically, on the condition that a game ball has won a prize at the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122, a numerical value in a predetermined range is obtained for each type of random number. One numerical value (random number value) is selected (obtained) from the inside. The acquired random number value is used for determination by the special symbol determination unit 234. As will be described in detail later, the random numbers used in the special symbol lottery include a jackpot random number indicating whether or not the jackpot, a symbol random number indicating the type of jackpot, a variation pattern random number, a reach random number, and the like.
Further, in the case of a random number value used for the normal symbol lottery, specifically, one numerical value (random number value) is selected (acquired) from a predetermined range of values on condition that the game ball has passed through the gate 124. ) The acquired random number value is used for determination by the normal symbol determination unit 232. In addition, as a random number used for the normal symbol lottery, a symbol random number indicating a winning type, a variation pattern random number, or the like may be set in addition to a winning random number indicating whether or not the winning is made.
When the special symbol lottery is performed, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 controls the fluctuation of the special symbol in the first special symbol indicator 221 or the second special symbol indicator 222 according to the lottery result.

  The special symbol determination unit 234 uses a random number table as shown in FIG. 9 at the start of the variation of the special symbol, and determines whether the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is “hit or not”, ”,“ A big hit determination process is performed to determine whether the big hit or not when the big win is not won ”. That is, the random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number value related to a special symbol when the first starting port switch 211 or the second starting port switch 212 serving as a detection unit detects passage of a game ball, and determines a special symbol. The unit 234 determines based on the acquired random number value whether or not to play a special game (such as a big hit game) advantageous to the player. The special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) described above refers to processing in the random number acquisition unit 231 and the special symbol determination unit 234.

  Here, the “hit” is divided into a plurality of types according to the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Specifically, the type of jackpot is determined depending on the combination of the short-time state or the short-time state and the high-probability state or the low-probability state. In other words, the type of jackpot based on the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game is a jackpot that becomes a high probability short-time gaming state having both a short-time state and a high-probability state after the jackpot game ends (hereinafter, high probability A jackpot that becomes a low probability short-game state with both a short-time state and a low-probability state (hereinafter, a jackpot of a low-probability short-game state), both a short-time non-state state and a high-probability state A jackpot that becomes a low probability short-time non-game state that has both a short-time no-game state and a low-probability state that has both a short-time and low-probability state There is a possibility of a jackpot of probable short gameless state). Each of these jackpots is associated with an individual special symbol, and the type of jackpot is determined according to the type of special symbol won in the special symbol lottery.

  In addition, the “bonanza” may be divided into a jackpot that can be expected to pay out a large amount of gaming balls for a long time, and a jackpot that can hardly be expected to pay out gaming balls because the jackpot game time is short. The former is called “long hit” and the latter is called “short hit”. For example, in “long win”, a round that is maintained until the open state of the grand prize opening 125 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). It is. In the “short win”, a round in which the special winning opening 125 is opened for a certain time (for example, 0.1 second) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times).

In addition, in the case of “small winning” when the big winning is not won, for example, a small winning game is performed in which the big winning opening 125 is opened for a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times) for 0.1 seconds. At the time of winning the small hit, the game state before the small win is continued even after the small hit game is completed. That is, when the game state at the time of winning the small hit is the high probability short game state, the high probability short time gaming state is continued even after the small hit game ends, and the gaming state does not shift. Similarly, when the game state at the time of winning the small hit is the low probability short-time non-game state, the low-probability short short no-game state is continued even after the small hit game ends, and the game state does not shift.
Further, “small hit” is a kind of “out of game”, and none of the above gaming states that are advantageous to the player is set.

The variation pattern selection unit 235 selects a variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222. Specifically, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern based on the determination result whether or not to play the jackpot game, the determination result whether or not to reach and the like. Then, based on the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection unit 235, the special symbol variation control unit 233 controls the variation of the special symbol. Details of operations of the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 and the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 will be described later.
Here, “reach” is an effect for causing a player to expect a big hit in a decorative pattern to be described later.

The normal symbol determination unit 232 determines whether the lottery result of the normal symbol is “winning” or not using a random number table at the start of fluctuation of the normal symbol. That is, the normal symbol determination unit 232 determines whether or not to perform an auxiliary game that opens and closes the electric tulip 123 based on the random number value for normal symbol lottery acquired by the random number acquisition unit 231. When a plurality of types of winning are set in the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol determining unit 232 determines “winning type” when the determination result is winning. The normal symbol lottery is a process performed by the random number acquisition unit 231 and the normal symbol determination unit 232.
When the normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 controls the fluctuation of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display unit 223 according to the lottery result.
The electric tulip movement control unit 238 opens the electric tulip 123 for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times when the normal symbol determination unit 232 determines “winning” in the normal symbol lottery, and a game ball is placed at the second start port 122. Generate a state that makes it easy to win. Further, when it is determined as “displacement”, such an open state of the electric tulip 123 is not generated.

When the special symbol determination unit 234 determines that it is a “big hit” in the special symbol lottery, the big winning mouth operation control unit 237 uses the operation pattern specified based on the type of the winning jackpot as the jackpot game. The opening operation of 125 is controlled. Also, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 opens the special winning opening 125 for a specified time and a specified number of times as a small winning game when the special symbol determining unit 234 determines “small hit” in the special symbol lottery. .
The prize ball processing unit 239 sets commands for controlling the number of prizes received for various types of winning-related items and lottery, and for controlling the payout of prize balls according to the prizes.
The output control unit 240 controls the output of control commands from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 330.
The random number control unit 241 updates various random number values that the random number acquisition unit 231 acquires at a predetermined timing.

[Basic operation of gaming machine]
Next, the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
When the power is turned on, the game control unit 200 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 performs initialization and initial setting of various devices as a basic process at the time of activation. And after performing a basic process, the game control part 200 repeatedly performs the main control process which is a series of processes regarding progress of a game. In addition, when the power is shut off, the game control unit 200 executes a series of power-off processing.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the basic processing performed by the game control unit 200.
When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned on, the game control unit 200 first permits access to the RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) (step (hereinafter, “step” will be referred to as “S”) 601). Then, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not a RAM clear switch for clearing the RAM 203 is ON (S602).
When the RAM clear switch is OFF (No in S602), the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the backup flag related to the operation at the time of power-off is ON (S603).
If the backup flag is ON (Yes in S603), the game control unit 200 next determines whether the checksum created when the power is turned off is normal (S604).
If the checksum is normal (Yes in S604), the game control unit 200 next executes a return process (S605). In this return process, the game control unit 200 performs setting of the sub-control means such as the effect control unit 300 accompanying the return from the state where the power is cut off. Specifically, the game control unit 200 is configured so that the internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 when the power is cut off (whether the game is a big hit game, either a high probability state or a low probability state, a short time state and a short time state) The command for setting the sub-control means is output to the effect control unit 300 so that any one of them is reflected. In this return process, the game control unit 200 turns off the backup flag.

  On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch is ON (Yes in S602), the backup flag is OFF (No in S603), and the checksum is abnormal (No in S604), then the game control unit 200 is initialized. As processing, the stored contents of the RAM 203 are cleared (S606), and the work area of the RAM 203 is set (S607). Then, the game control unit 200 outputs a command for setting (initializing) the sub control means to the effect control unit 300, and sets the sub board (sub control means) (S608). The setting of the sub board includes clearing the RAMs 303, 313, and 323 mounted on each sub board.

After the return process (see S605) is completed or after the setting of the sub-board (see S608) is completed, the game control unit 200 sets various counters and timers used for game control (S609). Then, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the interrupt permission (S610), the interrupt prohibition (S611), the symbol random number control process (S612), the initial value random number update process (S613), and the power cutoff flag are ON. (S614) is repeatedly executed as a loop process.
Here, interrupt enable (S610) and interrupt disable (S611) are provided to enable execution of interrupt processing during execution of the loop processing (S610 to S614). In the present embodiment, main control processing in game control is executed by this interrupt processing. Details of the main control process will be described later.
In the symbol random number control process (S612), the game control unit 200 updates the variation pattern random number used in the special symbol lottery.
In the initial value random number update process (S613), the game control unit 200 updates initial values of various random values used in the game control.
In the determination of the power cut-off flag, if the power cut-off flag is OFF (No in S614), the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not cut off, and the game control unit 200 performs main control by interruption together with the loop processing (S610 to S614). Repeat the process. On the other hand, when the power shut-off flag is ON (Yes in S614), the game control unit 200 starts a process for shutting off the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (power shut-off process).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of power-off processing by the game control unit 200.
In the power-off process, the game control unit 200 first clears the setting of the output port for performing various outputs (S701). Next, the game control unit 200 creates a checksum and stores it in the RAM 203 (S702). Next, the game control unit 200 sets the backup flag to ON (S703), prohibits access to the RAM 203 (S704), and shifts to an infinite loop.

[Main control processing of gaming machines]
Next, main control processing of the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
In the main control process, the game control unit 200 controls the game in the pachinko gaming machine 100, instructs the effect control unit 300, which is a sub-control means, to control the effect, and gives a prize ball to the payout control unit 330. Instructs payout control.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing main control processing of the game control unit 200.
The main control process includes a series of processes in game control, and is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds). In the present embodiment, the game control unit 200 generates an interrupt every predetermined time set in advance, and when the interrupt is permitted in the loop process shown in FIG. 6 (see S610), the main control is performed as the interrupt process. Execute the process. As shown in FIG. 8, in the main control process, a random number update process, a switch process, a symbol process, an electric accessory process, a prize ball process, and an output process are sequentially executed (S801 to S806).

  In the random number update process (S801), the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the random number control unit 241, and updates various random number values used in the game control by the game control unit 200.

As the switch process (S802), a start port switch process and a gate switch process are performed.
In the start port switch process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the random number acquisition unit 231, monitors the states of the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212 in FIG. If this happens, a special symbol lottery process is executed. In addition, when performing preliminary determination processing in the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212, each function (subroutine) of the special symbol determination unit 234 and the variation pattern selection unit 235 is called and processing for preliminary determination is performed. Execute.
In the gate switch process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the normal symbol determination unit 232, monitors the state of the gate switch 214 in FIG. Execute the process.

As the symbol processing (S803), special symbol processing and normal symbol processing are performed.
In the special symbol process, the game control unit 200 calls the functions (subroutines) of the special symbol variation control unit 233, the special symbol determination unit 234, and the variation pattern selection unit 235, and executes the special symbol variation and the process associated with this symbol variation. To do.
In the normal symbol process, the game control unit 200 calls the functions (subroutines) of the normal symbol determination unit 232 and the normal symbol variation control unit 236, and executes the normal symbol variation and the process associated with this symbol variation.

As the electric accessory process (S804), a big prize opening process and an electric tulip process are performed.
In the special prize opening process, the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the special prize opening operation control unit 237 and controls the opening operation of the special prize opening 125 which is a special electric accessory based on a predetermined condition.
In the electric tulip process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the electric tulip operation control unit 238 and controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123 that is a normal electric accessory based on a predetermined condition.

  In the prize ball processing (S805), the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the prize ball processing unit 239, and sets a command for controlling the number of winning prizes and a control for paying out prize balls according to the winning prize.

  In the output process (S806), the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the output control unit 240, outputs a command for effect control to the effect control unit 300, and sends a command for payout control to the payout control unit 330. Output. The effect control command is generated in each process from S802 to S804, and stored (set) in the control command storage area provided in the RAM 203. The payout control command is generated in the processing of S805 and stored (set) in the control command storage area provided in the RAM 203. A storage area is set in the RAM 203 for each type of control command.

  The output control unit 240 sequentially checks the storage area of each control command in the RAM 203 in the output process (S806), and if the control command is stored in each storage area (that is, the control command is used in the process of S802 to S805). If a command has been generated), the control command is read and output to the output destination (the effect control unit 300 or the payout control unit 330).

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, output processing is performed at the end of a series of main control processing. That is, the command generated in each process of S802 to S805 by the above functions as the first processing means is stored in a corresponding storage area of the RAM 203 in each process. After these processes, the output control unit 240 as a second processing unit collectively outputs the commands generated in each process accumulated in the storage area of the RAM 203. In other words, in this embodiment, when the main control process is executed for one cycle, the command generated in the execution of the one cycle is output after the last command generation in the execution of the one cycle is performed.

[Modified example of basic operation of gaming machine]
In the operation example described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, the interrupt is permitted in the loop process portion of the basic process, and the main control process including a series of processes is executed as the interrupt process. However, the main control process only needs to be configured to be repeatedly executed at regular intervals, and the specific implementation means (execution procedure) is not limited to the examples illustrated in FIGS. For example, the main control process may be incorporated in a series of operations of the basic process, the elapsed time may be measured at a predetermined timing, and the process may return to the main control process every certain time (for example, 4 milliseconds). If the main control process is incorporated into the series of operations of the basic process, an interrupt is generated at regular time intervals as in the operation described with reference to FIGS. It may be configured to return to the main control process incorporated in the basic process.

  When a command generated in the basic process is output, in principle, every time a command is generated, the command is stored in the command storage area of the RAM 203, and the output control unit 240 serving as the second processing means in the main control process is stored. Call and output the function. Unlike the main control process related to the progress of the game, the basic process is a special process such as an initial operation performed when the power is turned on. Also, in the basic process, the process procedure may vary depending on the branching based on conditions such as the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 when the power is turned on, so the generated command is promptly output so that there is no omission in the output process. . In addition, when a command is continuously generated by a plurality of related processes, a process procedure for storing a plurality of commands in the command storage area of the RAM 203 and outputting them in response to a specific process request is adopted. May be.

[Random number judgment method]
Here, a determination method using random numbers performed in the jackpot determination process, the variation pattern selection process, the normal symbol process, and the like will be described in detail.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a random number (determination table) used in the special symbol lottery and the normal symbol lottery in the present embodiment.
FIG. 9A shows a configuration example of jackpot random numbers used in the special symbol lottery, FIG. 9B shows a configuration example of jackpot random numbers used in the special symbol lottery, and FIG. 9C shows a special symbol lottery. A configuration example of reach random numbers used, and a configuration example of hit random numbers used in normal symbol lottery are shown in FIG. 9D.

  Referring to FIG. 9A, as the jackpot random number determination value, the jackpot when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 at the time of jackpot determination is a low probability state and the jackpot when the game state at the time of jackpot determination is a high probability state 2 types and small hits are set. The range of values of random numbers (big hit random numbers) is 300 from 0 to 299 in all cases. In the case of a special symbol lottery in a low probability state (a jackpot lottery), only one winning value is set, and the winning probability is 1/300. In the case of a special symbol lottery in a high probability state, 10 winning values are set, and the winning probability is 10/300 (= 1/30). That is, in the example shown in the figure, if the winning symbols 121 and 122 are won in the high probability state and the special symbol lottery is performed, the winning probability is 10 times that in the case where the special symbol lottery is performed in the low probability state. Further, three winning values are set regardless of the low probability state or the high probability state, and the winning probability is 3/300 (= 1/100).

  Referring to FIG. 9B, five types of jackpot symbols are prepared: low probability symbol A, low probability symbol B, high probability symbol A, high probability symbol B, and latent probability symbol. Here, the low-probability symbol A and the low-probability symbol B are symbols indicating that the low-probability state is a big hit. Of these, the low-probability symbol A is a long win (low-probability short-time gaming state), and the low-probability symbol B is Represents each short hit (low probability, short no-game state). The high-probability symbol A and the high-probability symbol B are symbols representing a jackpot of a high-probability state. Among these symbols, the high-probability symbol A is a long win (high-probability short-time gaming state), and the high-probability symbol B is a short-hit ( High probability short-time non-game state). The latent symbol is a symbol representing that it is a big hit in a high probability short-time no-game state. Therefore, the high probability symbol B and the latent probability symbol have the same gaming state after the jackpot game, but the latent probability symbol is a condition for performing a latent effect that does not clearly notify the player that the probability state is high. Therefore, it is provided separately from the high probability symbol B. The range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249. In addition, in the jackpot symbol random number, a winning value is set for each of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 that trigger the special symbol lottery.

In the low probability pattern A, 35 values are assigned as winning values in both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the low probability symbol A when winning a jackpot is 35/250 (= 7/50).
In the low probability symbol B, 15 values are assigned as winning values for both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, when winning the jackpot, the probability of winning with the low probability symbol B is 15/250 (= 3/50).

In the high probability symbol A, 25 values are assigned as winning values when winning in the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol A is 25/250 (= 1/10) in the case of winning the jackpot in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121.
On the other hand, 175 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol A is 175/250 (= 7/10) in the case of winning the jackpot in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122.

In the high-probability symbol B, 75 values are assigned as winning values when winning in the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol B in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121 is 75/250 (= 3/10).
On the other hand, 25 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol B in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122 is 25/250 (= 1/10).

In the latent symbol, 100 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning in the latent symbol when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121 is 100/250 (= 2/5).
On the other hand, the winning value in the latent symbol is not assigned to the second starting port 122, and when winning in the second starting port 122, it is not won in the latent symbol.

  As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 9B, the jackpot when winning the first starting port 121 has a probability of becoming a jackpot (high probability symbol B, latent probability symbol) of the high probability short-time non-game state. The probability that the jackpot when winning the second start port 122 is high is a jackpot (high probability symbol A) in the short game state with high probability is high. In this way, by making the winning probabilities of the jackpot types different when winning at the first start port 121 and when winning at the second start port 122, various game characteristics can be provided. Further, the arrangement of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 on the game board 110 is devised so that it is easy to aim at either the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 in a specific state (mode). By configuring the above, it is possible to encourage the player to participate in more aggressive games.

Next, the determination of reach random numbers will be described.
Referring to FIG. 9C, the range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249, and 22 random numbers are assigned to the lottery result (with reach) for performing the reach effect, and the lottery without the reach effect is performed. 228 random numbers are assigned to the result (no reach). In other words, in the illustrated example, when a special symbol lottery is not won, a reach effect is performed with a probability of 22/250 (= 11/125). Here, the reach effect is an effect performed in the image display unit 114 when the special symbol is changed, and a flashy effect that makes a big hit in the special symbol lottery is expected.

Next, the determination of the winning random number used for the normal symbol lottery will be described.
Referring to FIG. 9 (d), the range of the random number value is 10 from 0 to 9, and one value is assigned as the winning value when the time-short flag is OFF, and as the winning value when the time-short flag is ON. Nine values are assigned. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery is performed in the timeless state, it is won with a probability of 1/10. On the other hand, if the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery is performed in the short-time state, the player wins with a probability of 9/10.

A random value as determination information used for various types of lottery starts from a predetermined initial value and is incremented by one each time the random number update process (S801) shown in FIG. 8 is performed. Then, the value at the time when each lottery is performed is acquired by the start port switch process and the gate switch process, and is used in the special symbol process and the normal symbol process. This random number counter is an infinite loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the jackpot random number shown in FIG. 9A). In addition, since the random number update process is performed at regular intervals, if the initial value of each random number is specified, the winning value may be estimated based on such information. Therefore, in general, a mechanism for randomly changing the initial value of each random number at an appropriate timing has been introduced.
Note that the random number range, winning value ratio, and winning value shown in the configuration example of each random number in FIG. 9 are merely examples, and are not limited to the illustrated values.

[Setting example of fluctuation pattern]
Next, an example of setting a variation pattern at the time of special symbol variation will be described.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting a variation pattern.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 10, the variation patterns A to D are variation patterns that are selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit. The variation patterns E to H are variation patterns that are selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of reach and the reach effect is performed. The variation patterns I to K are variation patterns that are selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order and the reach effect is not performed. Since the reach effect is always performed when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the presence or absence of the reach effect is not referred to when the variation patterns A to D are selected.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 10, four types of variation patterns A to D are set as variation patterns when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit. In addition, seven types of variation patterns E to K are set as variation patterns when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is off. The fluctuation time is 90 seconds for the fluctuation pattern A, 60 seconds for the fluctuation pattern B, 30 seconds for the fluctuation pattern C, 15 seconds for the fluctuation pattern D, 90 seconds for the fluctuation pattern E, 60 seconds for the fluctuation pattern F, and 60 seconds for the fluctuation pattern G. The fluctuation pattern H is set to 15 seconds, the fluctuation pattern I is set to 13 seconds, the fluctuation pattern J is set to 7 seconds, and the fluctuation pattern K is set to 3 seconds.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the range of the random number (variation pattern random number) value is 250 from 0 to 249 in all cases.
When the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, 100 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern A, and a variation time of 90 seconds is set with a probability of 100/250. Also, 75 random numbers are assigned to the fluctuation pattern B, and a fluctuation time of 60 seconds is set with a probability of 75/250. Furthermore, 50 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern C, and a variation time of 30 seconds is set with a probability of 50/250. Then, 25 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern D, and a variation time of 15 seconds is set with a probability of 25/250.
That is, among the variation patterns A to D selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the variation pattern A is selected at the highest rate, the variation pattern B is selected at the next highest rate, and the next It is possible to set so that the variation pattern C is selected at a higher rate and the variation pattern D is selected at the lowest rate. And, when winning the jackpot, it is easy to execute the variation effect over a relatively long time.

Also, when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order and an effect with reach is performed, 25 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern E, and a variation time of 90 seconds is set with a probability of 25/250. The Further, 50 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern F, and a variation time of 60 seconds is set with a probability of 50/250. Furthermore, 75 random numbers are assigned to the fluctuation pattern G, and a fluctuation time of 30 seconds is set with a probability of 75/250. Then, 100 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern H, and a variation time of 15 seconds is set with a probability of 100/250.
In other words, the variation pattern H is selected at the highest rate among the variation patterns E to H selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order and the effect with reach is performed, and the variation pattern at the next highest rate. It can be set such that G is selected, the variation pattern F is selected at the next highest rate, and the variation pattern E is selected at the lowest rate. When the effect with reach and the effect with reach is performed, the variation effect over a relatively short time is easily executed.

  When the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order and a reachless effect is performed, 250 random numbers are assigned to the variation patterns I to K. The variation pattern I is selected when the number of holdings is 0, the variation pattern J is selected when the number of holdings is 1 or 2, and the variation pattern K is selected when the number of holdings is 3 or 4. Is set as a fluctuation pattern. That is, in the case where an effect without reach and a reachless effect is performed, the average time of symbol variation is set to be shorter as the number of pending determinations in the special symbol lottery is larger.

  The game control unit 200 is specially based on the fluctuation pattern random value acquired when the game ball wins the start opening 121, 122 and the conditions such as the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100, presence / absence of reach production, number of holds, etc. Determine the pattern variation pattern. Then, the information of the determined variation pattern of the special symbol is included in the variation start command and is sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300. As will be described later, in the effect control unit 300, an effect corresponding to a change time specified based on information of a change pattern included in the change start command (executable during the change time) as an effect when the special symbol changes Is selected and executed.

  Although not shown in the present embodiment, as the setting of the variation pattern used for the variation pattern selection process, the variation selected when the gaming state is the low probability short gaming state or the high probability short gaming state. There are also patterns. Then, a variation pattern table for a short time state that is referred to when selecting those variation patterns is provided, and has different setting contents from the variation pattern table for a short time state. Furthermore, regarding the case where a game ball wins at the second start port 122, a table for setting a variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process may be provided individually, or a game ball wins at the first start port 121. In this case, the table to be referenced may be shared and referenced.

[Command structure and transmission method]
Here, the configuration and transmission method of commands (effect control commands and setting commands) output from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a command structure. FIG. 11A shows the data structure of the command, and FIG. 11B shows the structure of the command as a bit string.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, the command output from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 is composed of 2 bytes per command. This command is composed of a 1-byte “code” as the first data portion and a 1-byte “data” as the second data portion. “Code” indicates the type of command, and “Data” indicates the value of the command. This command is transmitted from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 using asynchronous synchronization by one serial signal. More generally, the “code” that is the first data part has a size of a bit (a is an integer of 2 or more), and the value of the leading 1 bit is specified as either 1 or 0. The “data” as the second data part has a size of n × a bits (n is an integer of 1 or more), and the value of the first 1 bit is different from the value of the first 1 bit of the first data part. Specific to the value.

  Since start-stop synchronization is used, a start bit (bit indicated as “S” in the figure) is provided at the head of each of “code” and “data” constituting the command, and 1 at the end. End bits of bits (bits indicated as “E” in the figure) are provided. Each of the “code” and “data” constituting the command is provided with one parity bit (bit indicated as “P” in the figure).

  As shown in FIG. 11A, both the “code” and “data” constituting the command have a data size of 1 byte (8 bits). When transmitted, the “code” and “data” are provided with a start bit, an end bit, and a parity bit, respectively. For this reason, it is not easy for the presentation control unit 300 that receives a command to identify whether the received data string is a “code” or “data” of the command from the outline of the data string. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a flag for identifying “code” and “data” is set. Specifically, the value of the specific portion of the 8-bit value constituting the “code” is made different from the value of the portion corresponding to the specific portion of the “code” among the 8-bit values constituting the “data”. .

  In the example shown in FIG. 11B, the first 1 bit of each of “code” and “data” is used as a flag. That is, in the 8-bit value constituting the “code”, the first 1-bit value is “1”, and in the 8-bit value constituting the “data”, the first 1-bit value is “0”. . Thereby, the effect control unit 300 can identify whether the data string is “code” or “data” by examining the value of the first 1 bit following the start bit of the received data string. The specific value of the flag is merely an example, and a value different from the above value may be used as long as “code” and “data” can be identified.

  Here, since the value of the first bit of “code” is specified as “1”, the range of values that can be taken by “code” is 128 from 10000000B (= 80H) to 11111111B (= FFH). It is. Note that the letter “B” attached to each value indicates binary notation, and the letter “H” indicates hexadecimal notation. In addition, since the value of the first 1 bit of “data” is specified as “0”, the range of values that “data” can take is 128 from 00000000B (= 00H) to 01111111B (= 7FH). is there. That is, according to the configuration shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, 128 types of commands that can take 128 types of values can be set.

  By the way, in the pachinko gaming machine 100, many types of effects are executed according to the gaming state, the determination result of the special symbol lottery, and the like. Therefore, a large number of commands are prepared for the commands for effect control. In particular, the “data” that is the value indicating the specific content of the command may be insufficient with the above 128. On the other hand, the “code” indicating the type of command is usually smaller than the above 128. Therefore, it is conceivable to use a part of the bit string of “code” to describe the value of “data”.

  For example, consider the case where the last 1 bit of “code” is used to describe the value of “data”. Hereinafter, each bit in the 8-bit bit string constituting “code” and “data” is referred to as first to eighth bits. Separately from the bit string that makes up the “code”, the “code” value that actually indicates the type of command is called the “code value”, and separately from the bit string that makes up the “data”, the actual command value is The value of “data” shown is called “data value”. Then, the code value is described using the first to seventh bits in the “code” bit string, and the data value is all of the “data” bit string (from the first bit to the eighth bit). , And the 8th bit of “code”.

  With this configuration, the possible range of the code value is that the value of the first bit is specified as “1” and the total size is 7 bits, so that the range from 1000000B (= 40H) to 1111111B (= 7FH) ) Up to 64). The possible range of the data value is 128 values represented by 8 bits of “data” in which the value of the first bit is specified as “0”, and values “0” and “8” of the 8th bit of “code”. 1 ”is 256. Therefore, it is possible to set a command having 256 kinds of values as data values.

  Note that the above configuration in the case where a data value is described using a part of the “code” is merely an example, and the specific number of bits and value are not limited to the above configuration example. For example, the data value may be described using the seventh bit and the eighth bit of the “code”. More generally, a predetermined type of data (data value) using a predetermined bit constituting “code” as the first data portion and a bit constituting “data” as the second data portion. Is recorded. Then, by using the remaining bits excluding the predetermined bits in the “code” which is the first data portion, other types of data (code values) different from the predetermined types of data (data values) are recorded. The In other words, a bit constituting “data” as the second data part and b bit (b is smaller than a−1 and an integer of 1 or more) constituting “code” as the first data part. In use, a data value having a size of (a + b) bits is recorded.

  Further, as a means for increasing the number of data values that can be handled, it is conceivable to increase the bit string of “data” describing the data values. For example, it is conceivable to prepare “first data” and “second data” as bit strings describing data values. In this case, if each bit string is 8 bits, a data value can be described by a bit string of 16 bits in total. In order to distinguish between “first data” and “second data”, if the second bit of the 8-bit bit string is used as a flag, for example, the first bit and the second bit of “first data” Can be “00B”, and the first and second bits of “second data” can be “01B”. The first bit has a value “0” as a flag for identifying “code”. That is, the “data” that is the second data portion is a bit string (“first data”, “second data”,...) That represents each data value every 8 bits (more generally, For each a bit), the same value as the value of the first 1 bit is set.

  With this configuration, the range of values that the “first data” can take is 64 from 00000000B (= 00H) to 00111111B (= 3FH), and the range of values that the “second data” can take is Since there are 64 from 01000000B (= 40H) to 01111111B (= 7FH), the total is 4096 (= 64 × 64). Here, the first bit is used as a flag for identifying “code” and “data” (“first data” and “second data”), and “first data” and “second data” Although the second bit is used as a flag for identifying the bit, a flag for identifying four types of bit strings may be set using the first and second bits. For example, “code” may have the value of the first and second bits “11B”, and “data” may have the value of the first and second bits “00B”, “01B”, and “10B”. Conceivable.

[Configuration Example for Command Output in RAM of Game Control Unit]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a command storage area in the RAM 203.
As shown in FIG. 12, the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200 has a command storage area (storage area) to which individual commands generated by various processes such as the main control process shown in FIG. 8 are assigned. In the example shown in FIG. 12, 31 command storage areas from area 1 to area 31 are set in the RAM 203. Here, the command allocation to each command storage area does not necessarily have a one-to-one correspondence. For example, a plurality of commands that are not generated at the same time can be assigned to the same command storage area. In the example shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of commands are assigned to area 1, area 9, area 12, area 19, area 20, area 21, area 22, area 23, area 30, and other command storage areas. One command is assigned to each.

  In the example shown in FIG. 12, a command relating to power-on is assigned to the area 1. Commands relating to power-on include a command for controlling power-on at the time of RAM clear and a command for controlling power-on at the time of recovery. Since these commands are generated in different scenes, they are not generated at the same time, and are all assigned to the area 1.

  In the areas 2 to 4, three commands related to winning at the first starting port 121 (described as “starting port 1 winning” in the figure) are assigned. One of the commands related to winning in the first starting port 121 is a command (denoted as “special figure 1 symbol pre-reading” in the figure) indicating the determination (pre-reading) result in the pre-judgment based on winning in the first starting port 121. Yes, assigned to area 2. The other one is a command (denoted as “Special Figure 1 Variation Pattern Prefetch” in the figure) indicating the variation pattern prefetching (preliminary determination) result specified together with the determination result, and is assigned to the region 3. Another one is a command ("Special figure 1 hold (+1)" in the figure) indicating that the number of special symbol lottery reservations has been updated (in this case, the value is increased by 1) based on the winning at the first starting port 121. And is assigned to the area 4.

  In the areas 5 to 7, three commands related to winning at the second start port 122 (described as “start port 2 winning” in the figure) are assigned. One of the commands related to winning at the second starting port 122 is a command (denoted as “special figure 2 pattern look-ahead” in the figure) indicating a determination result in advance determination based on winning at the second starting port 122, Assigned to 5. The other one is a command (shown as “special figure 2 variation pattern prefetch” in the figure) indicating the prefetch result of the variation pattern specified together with the determination result, and is assigned to the region 6. Another one is a command ("Special figure 2 hold (+1)" in the figure) indicating that the number of special symbol lottery reservations has been updated (in this case, the value is increased by 1) based on the winning at the second starting port 122. And is assigned to the area 7.

  In the areas 8 to 10, five commands related to the normal symbol lottery (in the figure, “Temporary Map Hold”, “Typical Map Type”, “Typical Map Confirmation”, “Typical Map Open / Close”, and “Typical Map Hold” are described. ) Is assigned. Of the normal symbol lottery commands, one of the “general symbol hold” commands indicates that the number of normal symbol lotteries has been updated (in this case, the value is increased by 1) based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 124. It is a command (denoted as “general map hold (+1)” in the figure) and is assigned to area 8. The “ordinary symbol type” command designates a normal symbol representing the determination result in the normal symbol lottery, and indicates that the variable symbol display on the normal symbol indicator 223 is started (denoted as “normal symbol variation start” in the diagram). And is assigned to area 9. The “general symbol confirmation” command is a command that indicates that the normal symbol display 223 is stopped and displayed in the normal symbol lottery and the normal symbol representing the determination result of the normal symbol lottery is fixed (“normal symbol confirmation” in the figure). And is assigned to the area 9. The “open / close map” command is a command (indicated as “open / close of normal train”) indicating that the electric tulip 123, which is a normal electric accessory, is operated (auxiliary game) based on the determination result of the normal symbol lottery. Yes, assigned to area 9. Another one of the “pending custom map” commands is a command indicating that the number of holdings has been updated (in this case, the value is decreased by 1) due to the normal symbol lottery process (in the figure, “pending general drawing (- 1) ”and assigned to the area 10.

  Here, in the normal symbol lottery process, the normal symbol variation display, the normal symbol stop display, and the operation of the electric tulip 123 by the auxiliary game are sequentially executed as a series of operations. Then, the normal symbol variation display based on the fact that another game ball has passed through the gate 124 during the operation of the electric tulip 123 is not started. For this reason, the above three types of commands “general map type”, “general map confirmation”, and “general power open / close” are not generated at the same time. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 12, these three types of commands are assigned to the same command storage area (area 9).

  In the areas 11 to 14, nine commands related to special symbol lottery (in the figure, described as “special figure variation” and “special figure special electricity”) are assigned. Of the commands related to the special symbol lottery, one of the “special diagram change” commands is a command (indicating whether the current gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (high probability state or low probability state, short time state or short time state). In the figure, it is described as “gaming state”) and is assigned to the area 11. Another one of the “special symbol change” commands is to designate a special symbol representing the determination result of the special symbol lottery in the special symbol lottery, and display the fluctuation on the first special symbol indicator 221 and the second special symbol indicator 222. Is a command (denoted as “special drawing designation” in the figure) indicating that it has started, and is assigned to the area 12. Still another special symbol variation command is a command for specifying a variation pattern of special symbol variation performed in the special symbol lottery (described as “variation pattern” in the figure), and is assigned to the region 13. Still another of the “special figure change” commands is a command (in the figure, “special figure hold (in the figure) indicating that the number of holds has been updated (here, the value is decreased by 1) due to the special symbol lottery process being performed. -1) "), and is assigned to the area 14.

  On the other hand, one of the “special drawing special electric power” commands is a command indicating that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state (denoted as “customer waiting” in the figure), and is assigned to the area 12. Another one of the “Special Figure Special Electric” commands is a command (in the figure, “Special Electric, Special Bonus Games”) indicating that the special winning combination 125 is operated based on the determination result of the special symbol lottery. And is assigned to the area 12. Still another special command special command is a command (denoted as “big jack OP” in the figure) indicating that the opening operation of the jackpot game has been started, and is assigned to the area 12. Still another special command special command is a command (denoted as “big jack ED” in the figure) indicating that the jackpot game ending operation has started, and is assigned to the area 12. Yet another one of the “Special Figure Special Electric” commands is that the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 are stopped and displayed, and the special symbol representing the determination result of the special symbol lottery is confirmed. The command (shown as “special drawing confirmation” in the figure) is assigned to the area 12.

  Here, in the special symbol lottery process, the change display of the special symbol, the special symbol stop display, and the operation of the special winning opening 125 by the special game are sequentially executed as a series of operations. Then, during the execution of the special game, the special symbol variation display based on the winning of another game ball is not started. In the jackpot game, the opening operation, the operation of the big prize opening 125, and the ending operation are sequentially executed as a series of operations. Therefore, the “special drawing designation” command and the five types of “special drawing special electricity” commands in the above “special figure change” command are not generated at the same time. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 12, these six types of commands are assigned to the same command storage area (area 12).

  In the areas 15 to 18, four commands related to switch detection (described as “switch passing” in the figure) are assigned. One of the commands related to the switch detection is a command indicating that the game ball has passed through the left gate 124 </ b> L of the game area 111 (described as “pass left gate” in the figure), and is assigned to the area 15. Another command related to the switch detection is a command indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 124R on the right side of the game area 111 (denoted as “pass right gate” in the figure), and is assigned to the area 16. . Still another command related to the switch detection is a command (denoted as “passing through the start port SW2 (electric chew)” in the figure) indicating that a game ball has won the second start port 122, and is assigned to the area 17 It has been. Still another command related to the switch detection is a command indicating that a game ball has won the big winning opening 125 (denoted as “big winning opening winning” in the figure), and is assigned to the area 18.

  In the areas 19 to 30, a command related to an error (described as “error” in the figure) is assigned. As an error detected by the game control unit of the pachinko gaming machine 100, for example, a full error indicating that the payout ball is full in the tray 153 (see FIGS. 1 and 2B), the front frame of the frame member 150, Door open error indicating that is in an open state, payout error indicating that it is no longer possible to pay out game balls by the payout unit, and various detection switches such as the gate switch 214 and the start port switches 211 and 212 are not connected There is a switch disconnection error or the like indicating that In the example shown in FIG. 12, these errors are assigned to areas 19 to 23, respectively. In addition, for each error, a command indicating that each error has occurred (described as “˜error start” in the figure) and a command indicating that each error has been resolved (described as “˜error end” in the figure). Are assigned to the same command storage area.

  In addition, various control items and error items are set in accordance with the specifications and functions of the pachinko gaming machine 100, and the error is resolved depending on the command according to the control item, the command indicating that an error has occurred, and the type of error. A command or the like indicating that may be generated. These commands can be appropriately assigned to the command storage area. In the example shown in FIG. 12, commands relating to various errors are individually assigned to the areas 24 to 30. Further, a command (denoted as “winning notification designation” in the figure) for detecting and notifying a specific winning is assigned to the area 31.

As described above, in the command storage area provided in the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200, one or more types of commands are associated with one command storage area. Then, in the main control process shown in FIG. 8, the game control unit 200 stores the generated command in a command storage area associated with the command.
Here, in the main control process, not every command is necessarily generated every time one cycle of the process is executed. For example, when there is no winning at the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122, the above-mentioned commands relating to winning at the starting ports 121 and 122 and the “special figure change” command are not generated. Of the commands related to the normal symbol lottery, the “open / close map” command and the “special drawing special electricity” command are not generated unless it is time to operate these electric accessories. In addition, a command related to the occurrence of an error is not generated unless an error has occurred.
Therefore, when the output process of the main control process (see S806 in FIG. 8) is performed, commands are usually stored in some command storage areas among the command storage areas provided in the RAM 203. Commands are not stored in other command storage areas.

[Command output operation]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of output processing by the output control unit 240.
In the present embodiment, the output control unit 240 pays attention to the command storage areas of the RAM 203 shown in FIG. 12 in order from the top (in order of area numbers), and outputs the commands stored in the command storage areas.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the output control unit 240 of the game control unit 200 first pays attention to the head command storage area (area 1 in the example shown in FIG. 12) among the command storage areas provided in the RAM 203 ( S2411), it is checked whether a command is stored (S2412). If the command is stored (Yes in S2412), the output control unit 240 reads out the stored command and outputs it to the effect control unit 300 (S2413).

  If no command is stored in the focused command storage area (initially area 1) (No in S2412), or after outputting the command stored in the command storage area in S2413, the output control unit 240 It is checked whether there is a command storage area of the next area number (S2414). When there is a next command storage area (Yes in S2414), the output control unit 240 pays attention to the command storage area (S2415), returns to S2412, confirms the presence / absence of a command (S2412), and outputs (S2413). repeat. If the last command storage area (area 31 in the example shown in FIG. 12) is processed, there is no command storage area of the next area number (No in S2414), and the output process is terminated.

[Set command output order]
In the main control process, when a command is generated in each process performed in the main control process, the generated command is usually stored in a corresponding command storage area of the RAM 203. That is, commands are generally stored in the command storage area in the order in which the commands are generated.
On the other hand, as described with reference to FIG. 13, in the output processing by the output control unit 240, attention is paid to each command storage area in a certain order (order of area numbers in the above example), and stored commands are Output. In other words, the commands are output in a predetermined specific order regardless of the order in which the commands are generated. This is because it may be desirable to transmit specific commands to the effect control unit 300 in a specific order in order to prevent confusion in the effect control of the effect control unit 300 based on the command. That is, as will be described in detail later, the effect control unit 300 executes effect control based on commands in the order received from the game control unit 200, and therefore, the confusion such as inconsistency in effect control due to the difference in the order of receiving commands. This may need to be prevented.

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300.
The operation of the effect control unit 300 includes a main process shown in FIG. 14A and an interrupt process shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 14A, the production control unit 300 first performs initial setting at the time of activation (S2501), sets the cycle of a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) (S2502), and then follows the set cycle. The interrupt process is accepted while updating the random number used in the production control (S2503).

  The interrupt process is periodically performed according to the cycle set in S2502. Referring to FIG. 14B, in this interruption process, the effect control unit 300 receives a command from the game control unit 200 and performs a command reception process (S2511). In this command reception process, the effect content (effect pattern) is selected. In addition, the effect control unit 300 performs effect button processing for accepting an operation of the effect button 161 and the like by the player (S2512). Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs a command transmission process of transmitting a command including information on the selected effect pattern to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (S2513). As a result, effects such as image display on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 are performed.

[Command reception processing by the production control unit]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the contents of the command reception process (S2511 in FIG. 14B).
In this command reception process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not a prior determination result command and a pending number increase command have been received (S2601). The advance determination result command and the pending number increase command are commands that are set by the game control unit 200 in the start port switch process and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S806) shown in FIG.
Then, when it is determined that the advance determination result command and the hold number increase command are received (Yes in S2601), the effect control unit 300 adds 1 to the value of the hold number held in the RAM 303 (S2602). Further, the effect control unit 300 performs a prefetch effect selection process based on the prior determination result command and the hold number increase command (S2603). In this pre-reading effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 uses an effect pattern (predetermined effect pattern) used in a notice effect (predetermined effect) based on a prior determination based on the received prior determination result command and the hold count increase command. Select.

If the received command is not a prior determination result command or a pending number increase command (No in S2601), the effect control unit 300 determines whether the received command is a change start command (S2604). This variation start command is a command set in the special symbol process by the game control unit 200 and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S806) shown in FIG.
When the received command is a change start command (Yes in S2604), the effect control unit 300 executes an effect selection process (S2605). When a change start command is received, a random number value for effect control used in the effect selection process is acquired. This random number value is a random number value that is periodically updated in S2503 of the main process shown in FIG. In the effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 provides various setting information (information such as the type of jackpot, game state after the jackpot game, change pattern, etc.) obtained from the received variation start command and the effect when the effect selection process is executed. Based on the mode, the effect pattern at the time of special symbol change is selected.

When the received command is not a prior determination result command, a pending number increase command, or a change start command (No in S2601 and S2604), the effect control unit 300 determines whether the received command is a change stop command (S2606). This variation stop command is a command that is set in the special symbol process by the game control unit 200 and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S806) shown in FIG.
If the received command is a variation stop command (Yes in S2606), the effect control unit 300 executes a process during the end of the variation effect (S2607). In this variation effect end process, the effect control unit 300 determines that the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is big or small based on the information indicating the type of symbol when the special symbol variation obtained from the received variation stop command is stopped. Judge whether or not to win. Then, based on the determination result, the production mode is changed if necessary.

When the received command is not a prior determination result command, a pending number increase command, a change start command, or a change stop command (No in S2601, S2604, and S2606), the effect control unit 300 starts the opening operation of the jackpot game It is determined whether or not it is an opening command (S2608). This opening command is a command that is set by the game control unit 200 during the stop process and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S806) shown in FIG.
When the received command is an opening command (Yes in S2608), the effect control unit 300 executes a jackpot effect selection process (S2609). In the jackpot effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 selects an effect pattern (a jackpot effect pattern) in the jackpot game based on the received opening command and the current effect mode.

When the received command is not a prior determination result command, a pending number increase command, a change start command, a change stop command, or an opening command (No in S2601, S2604, S2606, and S2608), the effect control unit 300 determines that the received command is a big hit game It is determined whether it is an ending command for starting the ending operation (S2610). This ending command is a command set by the game control unit 200 in the big prize opening process and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S806) shown in FIG.
When the received command is an ending command (Yes in S2610), the effect control unit 300 executes an ending effect selection process (S2611). In this ending effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 selects a jackpot game ending effect pattern (ending effect pattern) based on the received ending command and the current effect mode.

  When the received command is not a prior determination result command, a pending number increase command, a change start command, a change stop command, an opening command, or an ending command (No in S2601, S2604, S2606, S2608, and S2610), the production control unit 300 Wait command reception processing is executed (S2612). In this customer waiting command reception process, the production control unit 300 first determines whether or not a customer waiting command has been received, and if a customer waiting command is received, starts measuring the elapsed time since the command reception. If the customer waiting command has not been received, and if the elapsed time measurement has been started, whether or not the measured elapsed time has reached a preset time that is a condition for shifting to the customer waiting state. Judging. When the elapsed time reaches the set time, the effect control unit 300 executes an effect (customer waiting effect) executed in the customer waiting state. On the other hand, if the elapsed time has not reached the set time, the customer waiting command reception process ends without performing any production control.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect button process (S2512 in FIG. 14B).
In this effect button process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not an operation means such as the effect button 161 by the player has been operated (S3301). Here, the operation of the operation means includes turning on the effect button 161 and turning it on when the center key and the surrounding keys of the effect key 162 are pressed. In addition, when an operation device other than the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 such as a touch panel is provided in the pachinko gaming machine 100, this includes detecting the operation of the device. The effect control unit 300 receives an operation signal from the controller of these devices and detects that an operation has been performed.

If the operation means such as the effect button 161 is operated (Yes in S3301), the effect control unit 300 sets an effect button command including information indicating the operation content of the operation means in the RAM 303, and ends the effect button process. (S3302).
Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 uses the command transmission process (S2513) of FIG. 14B to change the command set in the RAM 303 by the above-described command reception process and effect button process to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit. To 320. Then, the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 display an image on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the received command. Is controlled to execute the set effect.

[Base connection]
In the pachinko gaming machine 100, control boards constituting various control units are connected by cables. For connection of the control boards, a relay board is interposed between the control boards as necessary. And the board | substrate and cable including a control board and a relay board | substrate are connected via the connector provided in each board | substrate and the cable edge part. Moreover, a harness, a flexible flat cable, etc. which gathered several cables are used suitably for the cable which connects a board | substrate. In the present embodiment, there is no need to distinguish between a harness in which a plurality of independent cables are gathered and a harness in the form of a flexible flat cable.

  Here, depending on the shape of the connector, there is a case where the terminal can be mounted even in a direction (reverse direction) in which the position of each terminal is opposite to the normal position. In such a case, if the connector is attached in the reverse direction, the correct signal to be transmitted is not transmitted to the destination board. For this reason, an operation failure may occur in a transmission destination board (such as an effect control board, an image control board, and a lamp control board), and the transmission destination board may possibly fail. For example, if the terminal of the data signal line in the harness and the power supply terminal in the board are connected, a large current exceeding the allowable range may flow to the element on the board of the transmission destination and the board may break down There is.

  In view of this, the present embodiment proposes a harness and board configuration that can prevent failure of the destination board even when the harness-side connector and the board-side connector are mounted in opposite directions. Specifically, for power supply lines and ground lines that may cause board failure due to overcurrent, etc., each line should not be replaced with a signal line such as a control signal even if the connector is installed in the reverse direction. Place the terminals.

[Configuration example 1 of harness and board]
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the harness and the substrate according to the present embodiment.
In the configuration shown in FIG. 17, the harness 400 includes a connector 410 that can be attached to the connector 510 of the substrate 500, and a conductive wire group 420. The connector 410 has ten terminals. Conductive wire group 420 includes five conductive wires 421 to 425, and each conductive wire 421 to 425 is connected to two terminals of connector 410. That is, in this harness 400, two terminals are provided on the connector 410 for one conductive wire 421 to 425.

  In the harness 400 shown in FIG. 17, the lead wire 421 is a ground wire (hereinafter may be referred to as a ground wire 421), the lead wire 422 is a data signal line (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a data signal line 422), and a lead wire 423. Is a clock signal line (hereinafter may be described as a clock signal line 423), a conductive line 424 is a 5V power supply line (hereinafter may be described as a 5V power supply line 424), and a conductive line 425 is a power supply of 15V. Line (hereinafter may be referred to as a 15V power supply line 425).

  The ten terminals of the connector 410 have the same conductors 421 to 425 arranged at symmetrical positions. In the example shown in FIG. 17, in order from the inside to the outside, the terminal (GND) of the ground line 421, the terminal (DAT) of the data signal line 422, the terminal (CLK) of the clock signal line 423, and the terminal of the 5V power supply line (5V), 15V power supply line terminals (15V) are arranged. In other words, two terminals of the ground line 421 are arranged in the center, a terminal of the data signal line 422 is arranged with the terminal interposed therebetween, and a terminal of the clock signal line 423 is further arranged with the terminal interposed therebetween. And the terminal of 5V power supply line 424 is arrange | positioned on both sides of this, and also the terminal of 15V power supply line 425 is arrange | positioned on the outermost side on both sides of this.

  On the other hand, the substrate 500 has a connector 510 to which the connector 410 of the harness 400 can be attached. The substrate 500 is provided with a ground line 521, a data signal line 522, a clock signal line 523, a 5V power supply line 524, and a 15V power supply line 525. In addition, the connector 510 is provided with ten terminals corresponding to the connector 410 of the harness 400, and two terminals are arranged symmetrically with respect to the wires 521 to 525, respectively.

  If the harness 400 and the board 500 are configured as described above, even if the connector 410 of the harness 400 is mounted in the opposite direction to the connector 510 of the board 500, the corresponding signal line and power supply line terminals are connected to each other. Connected normally. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a failure due to an overcurrent or the like in a signal or current transmission destination board. Also, no malfunction occurs.

[Modification of connector]
FIG. 18 is a view showing a modification of the connector 510 of the board 500 to which the connector 410 of the harness 400 shown in FIG. 17 can be attached.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 17, the connector 510 of the substrate 500 is also provided with ten terminals, and each terminal is configured to correspond to each terminal in the connector 410 of the harness 400. On the other hand, in the substrate 500 shown in FIG. 18, the five wires 521 to 525 are each connected to only one terminal in the connector 510. The connector 510 shown in FIG. 18 may have only five terminals to which the five wires 521 to 525 are connected, or five terminals to which the wires 521 to 525 are not connected are added. You may have a total of ten terminals.

  Each terminal to which wirings 521 to 525 in connector 510 shown in FIG. 18 are connected corresponds to one of a set of two terminals corresponding to conductive wires 421 to 425 provided on connector 410 of harness 400. Yes. In the illustrated example, among the 10 terminals of the connector 410, the upper half corresponds to the five terminals (“15 V”, “5 V”, “CLK”, “DAT”, “GND”). Thereby, when the connector 410 is attached to the connector 510, the five terminals (the upper half in FIG. 18) corresponding to the five conductors 421 to 425 of the harness 400 are connected to the wirings 521 to 525 in the connector 510. Connected to each connected terminal.

  In the case of the connector 510 configured as shown in FIG. 18, the connector 410 of the harness 400, which is attached in the normal direction or the reverse direction, is attached in two pieces corresponding to the conductors 421 to 425 in the connector 410. One of the set of terminals is always connected to the corresponding terminal of the connector 510. Therefore, similarly to the configuration shown in FIG. 17, no malfunction occurs in the transmission destination board, and no failure due to overcurrent occurs. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the connector 410 of the harness 400 has two terminals for each of the conductive wires 421 to 425, and the connector 510 of the board 500 has one terminal for each of the wirings 521 to 525. Conversely, the terminals of the connector 410 of the harness 400 may be one set for each of the conductive wires 421 to 425, and the terminals of the connector 510 of the board 500 may be set of two for each of the wirings 521 to 525.

[Configuration example 2 of harness and board]
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the harness and the substrate according to the present embodiment.
In the configuration shown in FIG. 19, the harness 400 includes a connector 430 that can be attached to the connector 530 of the substrate 500, and a conductive wire group 440. Connector 430 has eight terminals. Conductive wire group 440 includes five conductive wires 441 to 445, and conductive wire 441, conductive wire 444, and conductive wire 445 are each connected to two terminals in connector 430. Conductive wire 442 and conductive wire 443 are each connected to one terminal in connector 430.

  In the harness 400 shown in FIG. 19, the conductive wire 441 is a ground wire (hereinafter may be referred to as a ground wire 441), the conductive wire 442 is a data signal line (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a data signal line 442), and a conductive wire 443. Is a clock signal line (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a clock signal line 443), a conductive wire 444 is a 5V power supply line (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a 5V power supply line 444), and a conductive wire 445 is a 15V power supply. Line (hereinafter may be referred to as a 15V power supply line 445).

  Of the eight terminals of the connector 410, the two terminals of the ground wire 441, the two terminals of the 5V power supply line 444, and the two terminals of the 15V power supply line 445 have the same conducting wire 441 at symmetrical positions. 444, 445 terminals are arranged. In addition, one terminal of the data signal line 442 and one terminal of the clock signal line 443 are arranged at positions that are symmetrical to each other. In the example shown in FIG. 19, the terminals (GND) of the two ground wires 441 are arranged on the innermost side among the eight terminals of the connector 430, and the data signal is placed on one side (lower side in FIG. 19). The terminal (DAT) of the line 442 and the terminal (CLK) of the clock signal line 443 are arranged on the other side (the upper side in FIG. 19). And the terminal of 5V electric power supply line 444 is arrange | positioned on both sides of these, and the terminal of 15V electric power supply line 445 is arrange | positioned further on both sides of these.

  On the other hand, the substrate 500 has a connector 530 to which the connector 430 of the harness 400 can be attached. A ground line 541, a data signal line 542, a clock signal line 543, a 5V power supply line 544 and a 15V power supply line 545 are wired on the substrate 500. Further, the connector 530 is provided with eight terminals corresponding to the connector 430 of the harness 400, and two terminals are provided for each of the ground line 541, the 5V power supply line 544 and the 15V power supply line 545. They are arranged at symmetrical positions. Then, the terminal of the data signal line 542 and the terminal of the clock signal line 543 are arranged at positions targeted for each other.

  In the harness 400 and the substrate 500 configured as described above, when the connector 430 of the harness 400 is mounted in the reverse direction with respect to the connector 530 of the substrate 500, 5V power and 15V power are mounted in a normal direction. As in the case of (i.e., normally), the signal is transmitted to the destination board. Further, the connection of the ground wire is the same as that in the case where it is mounted in a normal direction (that is, normal). On the other hand, the data signal and the clock signal are exchanged and transmitted to the transmission destination board.

  In this case, only the data signal and the clock signal are interchanged as compared with the case of being mounted in the normal direction. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a failure due to an overcurrent or the like in a signal or current transmission destination board. However, since the data signal and the clock signal are interchanged, the transmission destination board cannot acquire normal data. Therefore, controlled members such as movable accessories and decorative lamps controlled based on this data do not operate normally.

[Configuration example 3 of harness and board]
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing still another configuration example of the harness and the substrate according to the present embodiment.
The example shown in FIG. 20 is a configuration example of the substrate 500 and the harness 400 used for transmitting a light emission control signal for controlling light emission of a decorative lamp such as the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157. In the configuration shown in FIG. 20, the harness 400 includes a connector 450 that can be attached to the connector 550 of the substrate 500, and a conductive wire group 460. The connector 450 has six terminals. Conductive wire group 460 includes four conductive wires 461 to 464, and conductive wire 461 and conductive wire 464 are each connected to two terminals in connector 450. Conductive wire 462 and conductive wire 463 are each connected to one terminal in connector 450.

  In the harness 400 shown in FIG. 20, the conducting wires 461 to 463 are data signal lines for each emission color of the decorative lamp, and the conducting wire 461 is a data signal line that emits green light (hereinafter may be referred to as a G signal line 461), The conducting wire 462 is a blue light emitting data signal line (hereinafter sometimes referred to as B signal line 462), and the conducting wire 463 is a red light emitting data signal line (hereinafter sometimes referred to as R signal line 463). The conducting wire 464 is a 15V power supply line (hereinafter may be referred to as a 15V power supply line 464).

  Of the six terminals of the connector 450, the two terminals of the G signal line 461 and the two terminals of the 15V power supply line 464 have the same conductors 461 and 464 arranged at symmetrical positions. In addition, one terminal of the B signal line 462 and one terminal of the R signal line 463 are disposed at positions that are symmetrical to each other. In the example shown in FIG. 20, the terminals (G) of the two G signal lines 461 are arranged on the innermost side among the six terminals of the connector 450, and B is placed on one side (lower side in FIG. 20). The terminal (B) of the signal line 462, the terminal (R) of the R signal line 463 is disposed on the other side (upper side in FIG. 20), and the terminal of the 15V power supply line 464 is disposed on the outermost side across these terminals. Yes.

  On the other hand, the substrate 500 has a connector 550 to which the connector 450 of the harness 400 can be attached. The substrate 500 is provided with a G signal line 561, a B signal line 562, an R signal line 563, and a 15 V power supply line 564. The connector 550 is provided with six terminals corresponding to the connector 450 of the harness 400, and the two terminals are symmetrical with respect to the G signal line 561 and the 15V power supply line 564, respectively. Is arranged. Then, the terminal of the B signal line 562 and the terminal of the R signal line 563 are arranged at positions targeted for each other.

  In the harness 400 and the substrate 500 configured as described above, when the connector 450 of the harness 400 is mounted in the opposite direction to the connector 550 of the substrate 500, a signal (G signal) for controlling the green light emission of the decorative lamp and 15V Is transmitted to the destination board in the same manner as when the power is mounted in the normal direction (that is, normally). On the other hand, the signal (B signal) for controlling the blue light emission of the decorative lamp and the signal (R signal) for controlling the red light emission are exchanged and transmitted to the transmission destination board.

  In this case, since only the B signal and the R signal are interchanged as compared with the case where it is mounted in the normal direction, a failure due to an overcurrent or the like does not occur in the transmission destination board. However, since the signal for controlling the light emission of the decoration lamp is not correct, the light emission aspect of the decoration lamp is different from the light emission aspect performed in the original effect. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 20, light is emitted in red when it should emit light in blue, and light is emitted in blue when it should emit light in red. Therefore, when the pachinko gaming machine 100 is operated and such an abnormal light emission mode is recognized, it is recognized that the connector 450 of the harness 400 and the connector 550 of the substrate 500 are mounted in opposite directions. be able to. In other words, it is possible to notify whether or not the connector 450 of the harness 400 and the connector 550 of the substrate 500 are normally attached by the light emission mode of the decorative lamp.

  Here, regarding the data signal for performing the light emission control of the decorative lamp, the configuration example in which the data signal is switched when the connector is mounted in the reverse direction has been described, but the data signal to which this configuration example can be applied is It is not limited to the above example. For example, when a plurality of data signals are used to operate the movable accessory 115, it is conceivable to arrange the terminals so that the data signals are interchanged when the connector is mounted in the reverse direction. According to this configuration, in the effect of operating the movable accessory 115, the movable accessory 115 operates in a mode different from the operation (normal operation) of the movable accessory 115 when the connector is mounted in a normal direction. Therefore, when such an abnormal operation is recognized, it can be recognized that the connector is mounted in the reverse direction. As described above, when there are a plurality of signal lines transmitted by the harness 400, the connector is mounted in the reverse direction by configuring the connectors so that the terminals of the plurality of signal lines are arranged at symmetrical positions. However, it is possible to prevent the transmission destination board from being damaged. Then, when the connector is mounted in the reverse direction, it is possible to notify whether or not the connector is normally mounted due to a malfunction caused by switching of data transmitted through the signal line.

  The pachinko gaming machine 100 (see FIG. 1) is an example of a gaming machine. The game control unit 200 (see FIG. 3) is an example of a game control unit. The production control unit 300 (see FIG. 3) is an example of production control means. The substrate 500 (FIGS. 17 to 20) is an example of a control substrate. The harness 400 (FIGS. 17 to 20) is an example of a harness. The movable accessory 115, the panel lamp 116, and the frame lamp 157 (FIG. 1) are examples of effect members.

100 ... Pachinko machine 115 ... Movable accessory (directing member)
116: Panel lamp (directing member)
157 ... Frame lamp (effect member)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 200 ... Game control part 300 ... Effect control part 310 ... Image / sound control part 320 ... Lamp control part 400 ... Harness 410, 430, 450 ... Connector 420, 440, 460 ... Conductor 500 ... Board | substrate (control board)
510, 530, 550 ... connectors 520, 540, 560 ... wiring

The present invention that achieves the above object is realized as the following gaming machine. This gaming machine is a gaming machine that produces effects according to the game,
Production members having electronic parts (for example, movable accessory 115, panel lamp 116, frame lamp 157, etc.)
A control board (for example, an effect control unit 300, a lamp control unit 320, a substrate 500, etc.) for controlling the electronic components of the effect member;
A harness (for example, harness 400) that electrically connects the electronic component of the effect member and the control board;
Terminals of a plurality of signal lines that transmit control signals to the electronic parts of the effect member are arranged so as to be symmetrical with each other in the arrangement of the terminals in each line of the harness ,
Different control signals for performing different control on the electronic component of the effect member are transmitted from at least one of the plurality of signal lines in which the terminals are arranged symmetrically. Features.
In this way, when the harness is attached to the control board in the opposite direction to the normal direction, the signal lines will be interchanged, while suppressing the occurrence of failure due to overcurrent supply, etc. Since the controlled member does not operate normally because the control signal is not transmitted normally, it can be notified that the harness may not be mounted in the normal direction.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that produces effects according to the game,
Production members having electronic components;
A control board for controlling the electronic components of the effect member;
A harness for electrically connecting the electronic component of the effect member and the control board;
The terminals of at least some of the signal lines among a plurality of signal lines that transmit different control signals for performing different controls in the production with respect to the electronic component of the production member are arranged in the terminals in each line of the harness. A gaming machine, characterized by being arranged symmetrically with respect to each other.

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