JP2017164288A5 - - Google Patents

Description

Gaming machine

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

  There is a pachinko machine as a type of gaming machine. In a pachinko machine, for example, a game ball is shot into a game area by a launch device, and if a game ball enters a predetermined ball entry means provided in the game area, a lottery is performed to generate a hit state or not Accompanyingly, when the identification information is variably displayed on the display device and the identification information is stopped and displayed in the specific mode based on the result of the lottery, a winning condition advantageous to the player occurs, and the player gains the game value. Is possible.

  Conventionally, in game machines such as pachinko machines, various effects such as display effects, lamp effects, and sound effects are performed to improve the interest for the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2003-325886

However, conventionally, the effect is monotonous, which may cause a decrease in the player's interest.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of dramatically improving interest.

In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the present invention is:
Lottery means for performing a lottery process based on a predetermined opportunity;
Variation display means for performing stop display in a mode based on the lottery result of the lottery process after performing the variation display;
Game value giving means capable of giving a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process ;
Effect means for performing a predetermined effect;
Effect pattern selection means for selecting an effect pattern to be performed by the effect means;
A game machine comprising: effect control means for controlling the effect means based on the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means ;
It has detection means that can detect external input,
The effect pattern selection means is
An effect pattern selection counter used for selecting the effect pattern;
A pattern selection table storage unit that stores a plurality of effect pattern selection tables for selecting one effect pattern from among a plurality of effect patterns based on the value of the effect pattern selection counter acquired due to the predetermined opportunity Equipped with
If there is no predetermined input from the outside, the first effect pattern selection table is selected from the plurality of effect pattern selection tables stored in the pattern selection table storage means based on the value of the effect pattern selection counter. Configured to select the effect pattern by reference;
When a predetermined input is made from the outside, a second effect pattern selection table is selected from a plurality of effect pattern selection tables stored in the pattern selection table storage means based on the value of the effect pattern selection counter. The gist is configured to select the effect pattern with reference to FIG.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to achieve an excellent effect that the interest can be improved.

It is a front view showing a pachinko machine in one embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which open | released the inner frame and front frame set. It is a front view which shows the structure of an inner frame, a game board, etc. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which open | released the inner frame, the back pack unit, etc. FIG. It is a right side view showing a pachinko machine. It is a left side view showing a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram showing the main electric composition of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a light emission communication control part etc. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a corner lamp and the like. It is a front schematic diagram which shows the light emission communication unit. It is a timing chart figure for explaining PWM control. It is an explanatory view for explaining assignment of data to each RGB ingredient of each LED. It is a figure which shows an example of the data signal waveform for visible light transmission. It is a figure which shows an example of the synthetic | combination waveform of a drive pulse waveform and a data signal waveform. It is an explanatory view showing an outline of various counters used for game control. It is a flowchart which shows the main process by a main control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the normal processing by a main control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows timer interruption processing. It is a flowchart which shows NMI interrupt processing. It is a flow chart which shows starting winning a prize processing. It is a flow chart which shows jackpot judging processing. It is a flowchart which shows jackpot type determination processing. It is a flow chart which shows change display setting processing. (A) is a figure for demonstrating the correspondence of a fluctuation pattern and its command, (b) is a figure for demonstrating the presentation pattern determination table for jackpot win time, (c), It is a figure for demonstrating the presentation pattern determination table for at the time of a failure selection. It is a flowchart which shows display control processing. It is a flowchart which shows a discrimination | determination information setting process. It is a flow chart which shows variable winning a prize device control processing. It is a flowchart which shows a reception interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the main processing of a payment control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows timer interruption processing. It is a flowchart which shows a command determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the normal processing of a sub control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a command determination process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the various counters used for determination of the content which concerns on the fluctuation display of a decorative symbol. It is a flowchart which shows the update process of a missing symbol counter. It is a flow chart which shows change display setting processing. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the change display aspect of the decorative symbol in the display part of a decorative symbol display apparatus. (A)-(c) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the display aspect of the fish school effect in the display part of a decorative symbol display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a mode aspect setting process. It is a figure for demonstrating a mode switching table. It is a flowchart which shows a network related process. It is a flowchart which shows a link confirmation process. It is a flowchart which shows a link response process. It is a flow chart which shows response waiting processing. It is a flow chart which shows network production determination processing. It is a flowchart which shows a network command transfer process. It is a figure for demonstrating the correspondence of the kind of network presentation, and a network presentation counter value. (A), (b) is a figure which shows an example of the display mode of the fish school displayed so that a several pachinko machine may be moved in a game machine installation island. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows an example of the display mode of the fish school displayed so that several pachinko machines may be moved in a game machine installation island. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a gaming machine network system. It is a partial expansion right side view showing a pachinko machine concerning another embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical configuration of the corner acoustic part etc. which concern on another embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the sound wave communication control part etc. which concern on another embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the various tables which concern on the presentation pattern in another embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the timing pulse which concerns on another embodiment.

As described above, there is a pachinko machine as a type of gaming machine. In a pachinko machine, for example, a game ball is shot into a game area by a launch device, and if a game ball enters a predetermined ball entry means provided in the game area, a lottery is performed to generate a hit state or not Accompanyingly, when the identification information is variably displayed on the display device and the identification information is stopped and displayed in the specific mode based on the result of the lottery, a winning condition advantageous to the player occurs, and the player gains the game value. Is possible.

Conventionally, in game machines such as pachinko machines, various effects such as display effects, lamp effects, and sound effects are performed to improve the interest for the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, in the related art, since various effects are individually performed in each gaming machine, the effects become monotonous, which may cause a decrease in the player's interest.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of dramatically improving interest.

  Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 52, in the game arcade, game machine installation islands 1A and 1B are formed in which a plurality of pachinko gaming machines (hereinafter simply referred to as "pachinko machines") 10 are arranged side by side. The gaming machine installation islands 1A and 1B are disposed to face each other. In the present embodiment, five pachinko machines 10 of the same type are respectively arranged (10a to 10e, 10f to 10j) on the gaming machine installation islands 1A and 1B. The pachinko machines 10a to 10j form a gaming machine network system.

  First, the configuration of each pachinko machine 10 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inner frame 12 and the front frame set 14 are opened. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30 and the like. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inner frame 12, the back pack unit 203 and the like are opened. However, in FIG. 3, for the sake of convenience, nails and prizes disposed on the surface of the game board 30 and the glass unit 137 attached to the front frame set 14 are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3 etc., the pachinko machine 10 is provided with the outer frame 11 which comprises the outer shell of the said pachinko machine 10, and the inner frame 12 is supported by one side part of this outer frame 11 so that opening and closing is possible. .

  In the outer frame 11, as shown in FIG. 6 and the like, the upper side frame forming portion 11a and the lower side frame forming portion 11b are formed of wooden plate members, and the left side frame forming portion 11c and the right side frame forming portion 11d are formed by extrusion of aluminum alloy. The frame components 11a to 11d are made of a material, and are assembled in a rectangular frame shape as a whole by detachable fasteners such as screws.

  An upper hinge 81 and a lower hinge 82 are attached to the upper and lower end portions of the left side frame component 11c, respectively (see FIG. 1). The upper and lower portions of the inner frame 12 are rotatably supported by the upper hinge 81 and the lower hinge 82, whereby the inner frame 12 can be opened and closed. The inner frame 12 and the like are accommodated in the space formed inside the outer frame 11.

  Further, an extending wall portion 83 is formed on the right side frame forming portion 11d so as to protrude toward the inside of the outer frame 11 from the vicinity of the rear end portion in the width direction. The extended wall portion 83 covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to the locking device 600 (see FIG. 6) provided on the back side of the right side of the inner frame 12 from the back side of the inner frame 12 (see FIG. 5). In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of upper and lower receiving portions 84 and 85 to which the locking member of the locking device 600 is locked is provided on the front surface side of the extending wall portion 83. Further, on the lower receiving portion 85, a pressing portion 86 that abuts on an inner frame opening detection switch 92 described later is provided so as to protrude toward the inside of the outer frame 11.

  Further, a curtain plate decoration 87 made of resin is attached to the lower side frame constituting portion 11b. A rib 88 projecting upward is integrally formed at the back of the upper surface of the curtain plate decoration 87. This makes it difficult to form a gap with the inner frame 12.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the opening and closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set along the upper and lower sides on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, so that the inner frame 12 can be opened forward with this opening and closing axis as an axis. It has become. The inner frame 12 mainly includes a resin base 38 having a rectangular outer shape, and a substantially elliptical window hole 39 is formed in the center of the resin base 38.

  A front frame set 14 is attached to the front side of the inner frame 12 so as to be openable and closable. Similar to the inner frame 12, the front frame set 14 can be opened forward with an opening / closing axis set along the top and bottom on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

  Similar to the inner frame 12, the front frame set 14 has a rectangular outer shape, and covers almost the entire front surface of the inner frame 12 in the closed state. A substantially elliptical window portion 101 is formed at the center of the front frame set 14. Thereby, the game board 30 (game area) mounted on the rear surface of the inner frame 12 can be visually recognized from the outside through the window portion 101 of the front frame set 14 and the window hole 39 of the inner frame 12. The detailed configuration of the game board 30 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a lower plate 15 is provided as a ball tray at the lower center of the front surface side of the front frame set 14, and gaming balls discharged from the discharge port 16 are stored in the lower plate 15. It is possible. Further, on the front side of the lower plate 15, a ball removing lever 25 for discharging game balls from the lower plate 15 is provided.

  In addition, on the left side of the lower plate 15, an effect button 125 is provided. The effect button 125 is for the player to make a selection, a decision, or the like related to a display effect or the like performed in the decorative symbol display device 42 described later.

  On the right side of the lower plate 15, a game ball emission handle (hereinafter simply referred to as a handle) 18 projecting to the front side is provided. The handle 18 is provided with a touch sensor (not shown) and operation amount detection means (not shown) for detecting the operation amount of the operation unit of the handle 18.

  An upper plate 19 is provided above the lower plate 15. The upper tray 19 is a ball tray for temporarily storing game balls and aligning them in a line and guiding them toward a game ball launch device (hereinafter simply referred to as a launch device) 60 as a launch means described later. When the upper tray 19 is full of gaming balls, the gaming balls to be paid out are guided to the lower tray 15 through the lower tray communication passage 71 and the discharge port 16 described later.

  A ball lending button 121 and a return button 122 are provided on the upper tray 19. Thereby, when the ball lending button 121 is operated in a state where a bill, a card or the like is inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) disposed to the side of the pachinko machine 10 in the game hall etc. Loan balls are supplied to the upper plate 19. On the other hand, the return button 122 is operated when it is requested to return a card or the like inserted in the card unit. However, a pachinko machine in which a game ball is directly lent out to the upper tray 19 from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit, so-called cash machine, the ball lending button 121 and the return button 122 are unnecessary.

  Furthermore, the upper plate 19 is provided with a ball removing button 123. When the ball release button 123 is pressed, a communication hole (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the ball guide path of the upper plate 19 and communicated with the lower plate 15 is opened, and stored in the upper plate 19. The gaming balls are guided to the lower plate 15 (fall). That is, the player can transfer the game balls on the upper plate 19 to the lower plate 15 at any time by operating the ball release button 123.

  In addition, various illumination devices such as lamps are provided on the front of the front frame set 14. These illumination devices are controlled to change the light emission mode according to the change of the game state at the time of a big hit, a predetermined reach time, etc., and play a role of enhancing the rendering effect during the game by lighting, blinking and the like.

  For example, a top lamp 102 is provided at the upper center of the periphery of the window portion 101, and corner lamps 103 (left corner lamp 103L, right corner lamp 103R) are provided at left and right upper corner portions. A side lamp 104 (left side lamp 104L, right side lamp 104R) is provided. Each of the lamps 102 to 104 incorporates a light emission source such as a light emitting diode (LED) and a control board for driving the LED and the like.

  Among them, the top lamp 102 has a function as a jackpot lamp, and is configured to be able to notify that the jackpot is in progress by lighting and blinking when the jackpot is hit. Further, the side lamp 104 has a function as an error display lamp, and is configured to be capable of lighting when a predetermined error occurs.

  The left and right corner lamps 103 in the present embodiment are also configured to function as communication means for communicating among a plurality of pachinko machines 10 as described later. That is, the corner lamp 103 is used for both effect and communication.

  In the present embodiment, speaking of the “left” of the pachinko machine 10 refers to “left side in front view (left side in FIG. 1)” of the pachinko machine 10 and speaking of “right” of the pachinko machine 10 Pointing “right side in front view (right side in FIG. 1)” (same in the following).

  Here, the configuration of the corner lamp 103 will be described in more detail. The left and right corner lamps 103 are provided on the right and left sides of the pachinko machine 10 among the left and right sides of the pachinko machine 10 ("left" for the left corner lamp 103L and "right" for the right corner lamp 103R) Side light emission communication unit 651, a front light emission communication unit 652 provided on the front side of itself, a light emission communication control unit 653 capable of controlling both light emission communication units 651 and 652, and covering them and transmitting light And a lamp cover 654.

  In the present embodiment, the right corner lamp 103R constitutes the “right communication means”, and the left corner lamp 103L constitutes the “left communication means”. Further, the side light emission communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103R constitutes a "right side communication means", and the front light emission communication unit 652 constitutes a "right front communication means". Furthermore, the side light emission communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L constitutes "left side communication means", and the front light emission communication unit 652 constitutes "left front communication means".

  The light emission communication control unit 653 is electrically connected to the sub control device 262, and is configured to be able to transmit and receive various data bidirectionally with the sub control device 262 (see FIG. 11).

  Each of the light emission communication units 651 and 652 is configured to be able to transmit and receive various data by optical communication with the light emission communication units 651 and 652 of the other pachinko machine 10 disposed at a position opposite to itself. ing. Therefore, the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 and the light emitting communication control unit 653 constitute a transmitting unit and a receiving unit in the present embodiment.

  More specifically, each of the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 is opposed to the light emitting portion 655 consisting of eight LEDs 655a to 655h as light emitting means (light emitting effect means) arranged in a ring at predetermined intervals. And a light receiving unit 656 as a light receiving unit capable of receiving predetermined light emitted from the light emitting unit 655 (eight LEDs 655 a to 655 h) of the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 of the other pachinko machines 10 arranged in See Figure 12).

  Each of the LEDs 655a to 655h is an LED chip that emits red (R), an LED chip that emits green (G), and an LED chip that emits blue (B) in one package. It is a multi-color LED having a housed structure, and it is possible to emit light of any color (visible light) by adjusting the amount of light emission of each color of RGB.

  Each of the LEDs 655a to 655h is connected to the light emission communication control unit 653 via a switching element such as a transistor (not shown). Then, the light emission communication control unit 653 performs drive control (on / off control) of the switching elements based on an instruction from the sub control device 262 and the like to light each of the LEDs 655a to 655h (each of the three types of LED chips). I have control.

  Normally, as described later, the light emission communication control unit 653 selects a predetermined lighting pattern corresponding to various gaming states, effects and the like from among a plurality of lighting patterns stored in advance based on an instruction from the sub control device 262 as described later. And control the lighting of each of the LEDs 655a to 655h according to the lighting pattern.

  In the present embodiment, in order to prevent the problem that the timing for performing the optical communication as described later does not come for a long time, the above-mentioned lighting patterns periodically (for example, 40 ms cycle) include the LEDs 655 a to 655 h. The timing which performs control which makes all the RGB three types of LED chips light simultaneously is included (refer lighting timing Tg of FIG. 16).

  In addition, the light emission communication control unit 653 is configured to be able to adjust the luminance level of each color of RGB (red LED chip, green LED chip, blue LED chip) in each LED 655a to 655h in multiple stages (for example, 10 stages) by current control, for example. ing.

  On the other hand, adjustment of the brightness of the LEDs 655a to 655h (each of the three types of LED chips of RGB) is performed by PWM control (pulse width control). That is, it is performed by changing the ratio (duty ratio) of the lighting time of each of the LEDs 655a to 655h and the light-off time. For example, when the lighting interval of each of the LEDs 655a to 655h is increased, the lighting time per unit time of each of the LEDs 655a to 655h is reduced, so that the LEDs appear dark. In addition, "brightness" here refers to the quantity of the light per unit time which LED655a-655h emits.

  Here, the contents of PWM control in the present embodiment will be described in more detail. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the brightness of each of the LEDs 655a to 655h per predetermined unit time Tp (for example, Tp = 16 ms) is configured to be switched in 16 steps from “0” to “15”. It is done.

  More specifically, when the brightness is "0", the time during which each of the LEDs 655a to 655h is turned on during the unit time Tp is zero, and light is not emitted.

  Also, for example, in the case of the brightness “1”, only the period between the timing 7 to 8 and the timing 15 to 16 (total 2 times) is made ON during the unit time Tp, and other than that The period is off. Therefore, the brightness level at unit time Tp is extremely low.

  Furthermore, in the case of the brightness "2", the on state is made three times during the unit time Tp, and the other period is in the off state, and in the case of the brightness "3", the unit time Tp It is turned on four times, and is turned off for the rest of the period. Thus, the brightness level is increased as the on-time during the unit time Tp is increased.

  Then, in the case of the brightness "15", it is in the on state throughout the unit time Tp, and the brightness level in the unit time Tp becomes extremely high.

  For example, during the demonstration display on the decorative symbol display device 42, the light emission mode is such that the brightness of each of the LEDs 655a to 655h is continuously switched every unit time Tp. Here, for example, with regard to the LED 655a, starting from the brightness "6", the brightness level is decreased in the order of "5" → "4" → "3" → "2" → "1" sequentially. A player who visually recognizes this can have an impression as if it would be getting dark continuously over time. After that, the brightness level is increased from "1" to "2" → "3" → "4" → "5" → "6" → "8" → "9" → "11" → "13" in order go. This time, the player who sees this can have an impression as if it becomes brighter continuously over time. Then, during the demonstration display, such PWM control is repeatedly performed for the LED 655a.

  In the present embodiment, the same PWM control is performed on the remaining LEDs 655 b to 655 h, and the LEDs 655 a to 655 h change simultaneously. Of course, not limited to this, the timing of PWM control may be shifted between each of the LEDs 655a to 655h or between each of the three types of RGB LED chips of each of the LEDs 655a to 655h. For example, the highest timing or the lowest timing of the brightness level may be shifted for each of the LEDs 655a to 655h (three types of LED chips of RGB), or a unit for each of the LEDs 655a to 655h (three types of LED chips of RGB). The time Tp may be made different.

  In addition, as a condition under which the above-mentioned "demonstration display" is performed in the decoration symbol display device 42, for example, the game ball does not enter the starting opening 33, 34 (from the last entering of the starting opening 33, 34) When a predetermined time has elapsed, or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the launch device 60 has not been driven, the special display devices 43L and 43R have been received when a predetermined time has elapsed since the game ball was finally fired by the launch device 60. In the case where the predetermined time has elapsed (the combination is also possible) after the variable display at the time of (i.e., after the recent variable display stops) is not performed.

  Next, the light receiving unit 656 will be described in detail. The light receiving unit 656 in the present embodiment is an image sensor (image pickup means, image pickup device) having sensitivity to the visible light region (wavelength region of each of RGB emitted from the RGB color LED chips of LEDs 655a to 655h) emitted from the light emitting unit 655. It comprises a color CCD camera, a color CMOS camera or the like.

  The image sensor is a known area sensor in which a plurality of light receiving elements (photoelectric conversion elements) such as photodiodes for converting incident light into electric charges according to the light quantity are two-dimensionally arranged in a matrix, It also has micro lenses for focusing and color filters.

  The color filter referred to here is a filter that transmits only light in a specific wavelength range and blocks light in other wavelength ranges. In the present embodiment, color filters corresponding to the wavelength regions of each of the RGB colors of the LEDs 655a to 655h are provided, and the visible light output from each of the LEDs 655a to 655h is separated into light of each of the RGB colors and received.

  Thus, the light receiving unit 656 separates the light of each color of RGB emitted from all of the eight LEDs 655a to 655h annularly arranged in the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 of the other pachinko machine 10 arranged to face itself. At the same time, it can be detected as two-dimensional image data.

  The light receiving unit 656 performs imaging periodically (for example, 1 ms cycle). The image data (color image data) captured by the light receiving unit 656 is converted into a digital signal (RGB signal) in the light receiving unit 656, and then the light emission communication control unit 653 (described later) It is input to the image memory 667).

  Next, the configuration of the light emission communication control unit 653 will be described in detail based on the relationship with the light emission communication units 651 and 652 (light emitting unit 655 and light receiving unit 656) and the like. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the light emission communication control unit 653 and the like.

  Although the light emission communication control unit 653 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, in the following description, the light emission communication control unit 653 is not limited to the actual configuration itself, and Capture and explain. That is, the various functions described below are functions implemented under the control of the CPU, the control program is based on the storage content of the ROM, and the necessary data from time to time is temporarily stored and held in the RAM. The Rukoto.

  A light emission communication control unit 653 includes a light emission control buffer 661 capable of storing a light emission control signal (light emission control command) received from the sub control device 262, and a network command received from the sub control device 262 and externally output from the light emission unit 655. A transmission data buffer 662 capable of storing various data, and a drive pulse waveform generation unit 663 generating a drive pulse waveform for driving and controlling each of the LEDs 655a to 655h based on the light emission control signal stored in the light emission control buffer 661; A signal waveform generation unit 664 that generates a data signal (visible light communication signal) waveform to be transmitted as an optical signal based on various data stored in the transmission data buffer 662, and a data signal waveform generated by the signal waveform generation unit 664 Drive pulse wave generated by the drive pulse waveform generation unit 663 based on Control of the light emitting unit 655 (each of the LEDs 655 a to 655 h) based on the drive pulse generated by the modulation unit 665 as the modulation unit that modulates the light and the drive pulse waveform generation unit 663 or the drive pulse modulated by the modulation unit 665. The LED drive unit 666, the image memory 667 sequentially storing the image data input from the light receiving unit 656 in chronological order, and the lighted state of each of the LEDs 655a to 655h based on the image data stored in the image memory 667. An image processing unit 668 for detecting presence / absence, a demodulation unit 669 as demodulation means for demodulating various data received from the light receiving unit 656 based on the information extracted by the image processing unit 668; And a receive data buffer 670 capable of storing data.

  The light emission control buffer 661 is a means for temporarily storing a light emission control signal, and is configured by a ring buffer described later in the present embodiment. That is, each time a light emission control signal is input, the light emission control signal is sequentially written to a predetermined address position indicated by the write pointer. Further, the light emission control signal stored in the light emission control buffer 661 is read out sequentially from the predetermined address position indicated by the read pointer, and when transmitted to the drive pulse waveform generation unit 663, the light emission control signal is erased from the light emission control buffer 661.

  The transmission data buffer 662 is means for temporarily storing transmission data, and in the present embodiment, is constituted by a ring buffer. That is, each time transmission data is input, the transmission data is sequentially written to a predetermined address position indicated by the write pointer. The transmission data stored in the transmission data buffer 662 is read out sequentially from the predetermined address position indicated by the read pointer, and when transmitted to the signal waveform generation unit 664, the transmission data buffer 662 erases it.

  The drive pulse waveform generation unit 663 extracts a predetermined lighting pattern corresponding to the light emission control signal from among a plurality of lighting patterns stored in advance, based on the light emission control signal stored in the light emission control buffer 661. And according to the said lighting pattern, the drive pulse waveform which changed the pulse width of the drive power supply of each LED655a-655h is produced | generated (refer FIG. 16).

  The lighting patterns of the LEDs 655 a to 655 h are stored in advance in a table as input patterns of drive pulses to the LED drive unit 666. Therefore, when the drive pulse waveform generation unit 663 determines a predetermined lighting pattern of each of the LEDs 655a to 655h corresponding to the light emission control signal, the lighting pattern table (light emission control signal and lighting pattern corresponding to the predetermined lighting pattern) And a lighting pattern table (1) associated with each other are stored and stored in a predetermined table storage area of the RAM.

  The signal waveform generation unit 664 generates a data signal waveform to be transmitted as an optical signal based on various data stored in the transmission data buffer 662. For example, data of 3 bytes (24 bits) is read out from the transmission data buffer 662, and 1 byte (8 bits) of data is allocated to each of RGB components of eight LEDs 655a to 655h (see FIG. 14). Then, based on this, the signal waveform generation unit 664 generates a data signal waveform for visible light transmission (a data signal waveform transmitted as an optical signal) (see FIG. 15). In FIGS. 14 and 15, the lighting state of each of the RGB components (the RGB LED chips) of the eight LEDs 655a to 655h is shown as “1”, and the non-lighting state is shown as “0”.

  According to the above configuration, in the present embodiment, data transmission of one byte (8 bits) can be performed by the red (R) components of eight LEDs 655a to 655h, that is, eight red LED chips. Similarly, the green (G) components of eight LEDs 655a to 655h, that is, eight green LED chips enable data transmission for one byte (8 bits), and the blue (B) components of eight LEDs 655a to 655h, that is, eight Two blue LED chips enable data transmission of 1 byte (8 bits). Therefore, data of 3 bytes (24 bits) can be multiplexed at one timing and simultaneously transmitted.

  For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, data of 1 byte (8 bits) of “01011001” is transmitted by red (R) components of eight LEDs 655a to 655h, and green (G) of eight LEDs 655a to 655h The component transmits data of 1 byte (8 bits) of "11010010", and the blue (B) component of 8 LEDs 655a to 655 h transmits data of 1 byte (8 bits) of "10010100". It will be.

  The modulation unit 665 detects the rising of the drive pulse waveform generated by the drive pulse waveform generation unit 663 (timing Tg including all components of RGB: see FIG. 16), and the data signal waveform generated by the signal waveform generation unit 664 , And intensity-modulates the drive pulse waveform including the rise, and outputs the result to the LED drive unit 666. That is, the modulation unit 665 synchronizes the drive pulse waveform generated by the drive pulse waveform generation unit 663 with the data signal waveform generated by the signal waveform generation unit 664, combines the two waveforms, and generates an LED drive unit 666. Output (see FIG. 16). As a result, the light emission intensity (brightness level) of the RGB predetermined components of the LEDs 655a to 655h exceeds the predetermined threshold value δ at the portion where the data signal waveform is superimposed.

  For example, in FIG. 16, “1” is transmitted by the red (R) component of the LED 655 b in the example shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, “1” is transmitted by the green (G) component, and “1” is transmitted by the blue (B) component. “0” is illustrated as being transmitted.

  In the present embodiment, for example, in the normal state where the data signal waveform is not superimposed, the level 8 in 10 steps is set to the upper limit luminance level (threshold value δ), and the level is exceeded only when the data signal waveform is superimposed. The brightness level is 9 or 10.

  Although FIG. 16 shows an example in which a data pulse having a pulse width of 1 ms is combined with a driving pulse having a minimum pulse width of 1 ms, for example, the present invention is not limited thereto. Is 5 ms wide and the pulse width of the data signal pulse is 1 ms wide, one drive pulse may be modulated five times so that five data signal pulses can be superimposed.

  The LED drive unit 666 generates a drive current based on the drive pulse generated by the drive pulse waveform generation unit 663 or the drive pulse modulated by the modulation unit 665, and drives each of the LEDs 655a to 655h.

  The image memory 667 is a means for sequentially storing the image data input from the light receiving unit 656 in time series, and is configured by a ring buffer in the present embodiment. That is, each time image data is input, the image data is sequentially written to a predetermined address position indicated by the write pointer. Also, the image data stored in the image memory 667 is read out sequentially from the predetermined address position indicated by the read pointer, and when transmitted to the image processing unit 668, the image data is deleted from the image memory 667.

  In the communication using the image sensor, the processing speed of the image data taken by the camera has a great influence on the communication, so temporarily storing the image data in the image memory 667 suppresses the decrease in the communication speed. be able to.

  Based on the image data sequentially stored in the image memory 667, the image processing unit 668 detects the presence or absence of the lighting state of each of the RGB LED chips of the LEDs 655a to 655h. More specifically, the light emission intensity of the light emitted from each of the LEDs 655a to 655h is determined based on the predetermined coordinate position of each of the LEDs 655a to 655h (or the relative positional relationship between the LEDs 655a to 655h). The light component including the data signal is detected by detecting each RGB component exceeding.

  The demodulation unit 669 demodulates various data received from the light receiving unit 656 based on the information extracted by the image processing unit 668, and stores the data in the reception data buffer 670.

  The reception data buffer 670 is means for temporarily storing reception data, and in the present embodiment, is configured of a ring buffer. That is, each time the received data is input, the received data is sequentially written to a predetermined address position indicated by the write pointer. Also, the reception data stored in the reception data buffer 670 is periodically read sequentially from the predetermined address position indicated by the read pointer, and when transmitted to the sub controller 262, the reception data buffer 670 is erased.

  Subsequently, a series of optical communication flows performed between the two pachinko machines 10 under the above configuration will be described.

  For example, in the pachinko machine 10 on the left side of the two pachinko machines 10 juxtaposed left and right, various data etc. to be externally output are transmitted from the sub controller 262 to the light emission communication control unit 653 of the right corner lamp 103R. The light emission communication control unit 653 temporarily stores the data in the transmission data buffer 662.

  Subsequently, the light emission communication control unit 653 generates a data signal waveform to be transmitted as an optical signal in the signal waveform generation unit 664 based on various data stored in the transmission data buffer 662, and Then, the drive pulse waveform generated by the drive pulse waveform generation unit 663 is modulated in the modulation unit 665.

  Then, the light emission communication control unit 653 performs lighting control of the light emitting unit 655 (each of the LEDs 655 a to 655 h) of the side light emission communication unit 651 in the LED drive unit 666 based on the modulated drive pulse.

  On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 10 on the right side, when the light signal emitted from the pachinko machine 10 on the left side is received by the light receiving unit 656 of the side light emission communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L, the light emission communication control of the left corner lamp 103L The unit 653 sequentially stores the image data in the image memory 667.

  Next, based on the image data stored in the image memory 667, the light emission communication control unit 653 causes the image processing unit 668 to detect the presence or absence of the lighting state of each of the LEDs 655a to 655h. Subsequently, the light emission communication control unit 653 demodulates various data in the demodulation unit 669 based on the information extracted by the image processing unit 668, and temporarily stores the various data thus demodulated in the reception data buffer 670.

  Then, the light emission communication control unit 653 periodically reads the reception data stored in the reception data buffer 670 and transmits the reception data to the sub control device 262.

  As a result, the data signal transmitted from the sub controller 262 of the predetermined pachinko machine 10 is received by the sub controller 262 of another pachinko machine 10 by optical communication.

  Referring back to the description of the pachinko machine 10, a glass unit 137 is attached to the back of the front frame set 14. In the glass unit 137, a pair of conventional front and back rectangular glass plates are not separately attached in a front and back pair but are assembled in a round shape as a whole.

  Further, on the rear side of the front frame set 14, at the left and right upper corner portions, a speaker SP as an audio output means is provided (see FIG. 3). Corresponding to this, a speaker cover 105 is provided on the front side of the front frame set 14 so as to be adjacent to the lower part of the corner lamp 103 (see FIG. 1 etc.).

  Next, the inner frame 12 (resin base 38) will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the game board 30 is attached to the inner frame 12 (the resin base 38) on the rear side of the window hole 39. The game board 30 is attached with its peripheral edge portion in contact with the back side of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38). Accordingly, a substantially central portion of the front surface of the game board 30 is exposed to the front side of the inner frame 12 through the window hole 39 of the resin base 38.

  In addition, at the lower front of inner frame 12 (resin base 38), that is, below the window hole 39 (game board 30), a launcher 60 and a launch rail for guiding gaming balls immediately after being launched from the launcher 60. 61 is attached. In the present embodiment, a solenoid type launcher is employed as the launcher 60.

  Also, a ball feeding device for guiding the gaming balls guided from the upper tray 19 above the launching device 60 to the launching position of the launching device 60 one ball at a time by driving the built-in drive means (for example, solenoid) 63 are provided.

  Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. In the game board 30, a general winning opening 31, a variable winning device 32, a central starting opening 33, a right starting opening 34, a variable display unit 35, a first special display unit 43L, a second special display unit 43R, etc. are processed by router processing. It is disposed in the formed through hole and attached from the front side of the game board 30 by a wood screw or the like.

  As is well known, when game balls enter (prize) various winning openings such as general winning opening 31, variable winning device 32, central starting opening 33, right starting opening 34, etc., they are detected by various detecting switches, and upper tray 19 (or A predetermined number of winning balls are paid out to the lower plate 15). For example, three balls when entering the central starting opening 33 or the right starting opening 34, 10 when entering the general winning opening 31, and entering the variable winning device 32 If there are, 15 gaming balls are paid out to the upper tray 19 (lower tray 15).

  In addition, the game board 30 is provided with an out port 36, and game balls that have not won a prize in the various winning ports such as the general winning port 31 are discharged out of the game area through the out port 36. . Further, on the game board 30, a large number of nails are implanted in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game ball, and various members (features) such as a windmill are disposed.

  Further, as with the front side of the front frame set 14, the game board 30 is provided with various lighting devices such as lamps. These illumination devices are controlled to change the light emission mode according to the change of the game state at the time of a big hit, a predetermined reach time, etc., and play a role of enhancing the rendering effect during the game by lighting, blinking and the like.

  Although the details will be described later, the first start winning switch 224 as a ball entering detection means for detecting the ball entering the ball in the central starting port 33 and the right starting port 34 as a starting ball entering means, respectively, The start winning switch 225 is provided, and when a game ball is detected by the start winning switches 224 and 225, a lottery for deciding whether or not to generate a jackpot state is performed, and a special display as a variation display means The variable display is performed by the devices 43L and 43R (and the decorative symbol display device 42 described later). When the player wins the lottery, a jackpot state (special game state) is awarded.

  In the present embodiment, as the jackpot type, there are "probably jackpot" and "normal jackpot". In these jackpot states, the variable winning device 32 is opened for 30 seconds, or this is repeated 16 times (16 rounds), in which eight game balls win the variable winning device 32.

  Furthermore, if a "probable jackpot" occurs, the "high probability state" is given after the end of the jackpot state. On the other hand, when “normal jackpot” occurs, “low probability state” is given after the end of the jackpot state. In the present embodiment, the "high probability state" continues until the next jackpot state occurs.

  The first and second special display devices 43L and 43R are constituted by 7-segment display devices, and are installed to the right of the variable winning device 32. Then, switching display (variation display) is performed on the first special display device 43L triggered by the entry of the gaming ball into the central starting opening 33, and the second entering upon the entry of the gaming ball into the right starting opening 34 The special display device 43R is configured to perform switching display (variation display). The display contents of the special display devices 43L and 43R are directly controlled by the main control device 261 described later.

  In addition, after the variable display is performed on the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, whether or not the jackpot is determined is definitely displayed by the display mode (for example, characters) when the variable display is stopped. Ru. For example, when the game ball is won in the central start opening 33, the corresponding first special display device 43L, "-" → "7" → "3" → "-" → ... at high speed (eg Switching display (variation display) is made every 4 ms, and when a predetermined time passes, any display mode is stopped (for example, stopped for several seconds). Then, when the jackpot lottery is won, either “7” or “3” is displayed when the change is stopped, and a jackpot state occurs.

  Specifically, in the case where “probable variation big hit” is given, “7” is stopped and displayed on the first or second special display devices 43L, 43R, and when “usually big hit” is given, the first Alternatively, “3” is stopped and displayed on the second special display devices 43L and 43R.

  In addition, when either the first special display device 43L or the second special display device 43R is performing variable display or decision display, the other is turned off (“-” is displayed. If neither the variable display nor the determination display is performed, “−” is displayed on both of them. Not limited to this, another configuration may be adopted. For example, when either the first special display device 43L or the second special display device 43R displays the change display or the determination display, the other stop display is displayed on the other (for example, the last "3" stops) When it is displayed, the "3" is displayed as it is, and when neither the variable display nor the determination display is performed in either of them, the contents of the previous stop display in both are displayed as it is. It is good also as composition.

  In addition, when the game ball newly wins the central starting opening 33 or the right starting opening 34 during the variable display of the first or second special display device 43L, 43R, the variable display for that portion is performed at that time. It is configured to be performed after the end of the variable display. That is, the variable display is put on hold (pending). The maximum number of pending variable displays is determined for each type of pachinko machine, but in the present embodiment, it corresponds to the game ball winning in the central start opening 33 and the game ball winning in the right start opening 34. Then, up to 4 variable displays (a total of 8 variable displays) are suspended. In addition, the number of times of holding is indicated by the first holding lamp 46L and the second holding lamp 46R. When the gaming ball newly wins the central starting opening 33 or the right starting opening 34 during the jackpot state, the variable display for that portion is also suspended.

  It should be noted that the variable display triggered by the winning on the central start opening 33 is stored in the order in which the corresponding gaming balls entered the central starting opening 33 and is digested in the order of entering the balls, and the winning on the right starting opening 34 The variable display as a trigger is stored in the order in which the corresponding gaming balls enter the right starting opening 34 and is digested in the order in which the balls are entered. However, when both the variable display triggered by the winning on the central start opening 33 and the variable display triggered by entering the ball to the right start opening 34 are held (the first hold lamp 46L and the second hold In the case where one or more of the lamps 46R are on), the variable display is digested in accordance with the order of ball entry into the central starting opening 33 or the right starting opening 34. For example, when the game ball enters the right start opening 34 and the second hold lamp 46R lights up while the first hold lamp 46L is on, the central start port 33 is turned on. The variable display triggered by the ball is executed first, and then the variable display triggered by the ball entering the right starting opening 34 is performed.

  The variable display device unit 35 is provided with a decorative symbol display device 42 that performs variable display in accordance with variable display by the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R.

  The decorative symbol display device 42 constituting the display effect means in the present embodiment is constituted by a liquid crystal display device, and the display content is controlled by a sub control device 262 and a display control device 45 as sub control means described later. That is, in the decorative symbol display device 42, the sub control is performed based on the command from the main control device 261 as the main control means so as to correspond to the result displayed on the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R. The auxiliary display content is determined by the device 262, and the display is performed by the display control device 45 described later.

  For example, the upper, middle, and lower three symbol display areas are provided in the decorative symbol display device 42, and a plurality of types of symbols (numbers) are sequentially displayed (variably displayed) in each symbol display area, and then the symbols are displayed. For each display area, the symbols are stopped and displayed in order (for example, in the order of the upper symbol display area → the lower symbol display area → the middle symbol display area). For example, when the "probable big hit" or "normal big hit" is determined in the main controller 261, the first or second special display device 43L, 43R displays a message corresponding to a big hit, and the decorative symbol display device 42 is displayed. The symbols are stopped and displayed in the combination corresponding to the big hit (for example, the symbols displayed stop in the upper symbol display area, the middle symbol display area, and the lower symbol display area become the same), and the big hit state is started.

  Further, when the symbols are stopped and displayed in the combination corresponding to the big hit, for example, the same symbols are stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display area and the lower pattern display region as the previous step. Thus, the same symbol is stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area, and the state in which the variable display is still performed in the middle symbol display area is the reach state.

  In addition, even if the reach state occurs, when the big hit state does not occur, symbols different from the symbols displayed stop in the upper symbol display area and the lower pattern display region are stopped and displayed in the middle symbol display area. In the case of "probable big hit" or "normal big hit", although the numbers of the eyes are stopped and displayed in the decorative symbol display device 42 as described above, in the present embodiment, the symbols stopped and displayed. Depending on the type of the game state ("high probability state" or "low probability state") to be granted after the end of the jackpot is undeterminable.

  In the present embodiment, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the special display devices 43L and 43R and the holding lamps 46L and 46R are covered by the front frame set 14, and can not be viewed by the player. . Therefore, the player grasps the gaming state, the lottery result and the like exclusively by the display contents (symbol display and the like) of the decorative symbol display device 42. Not limited to this, the special display devices 43L and 43R and the holding lamps 46L and 46R may be configured to be visible. However, the special display devices 43L, 43R, etc. are provided in an inconspicuous place such as the lower corner of the game area, which is difficult for the player to see, such as the lower corner of the game area. Time is also relatively short. Therefore, if the special display devices 43L and 43R are kept an eye on and carefully observed, it is difficult to grasp the gaming state which can be provided therefrom.

  Further, a center frame 47 is disposed in the variable display unit 35 so as to surround the decorative symbol display unit 42. A ball entry port 151 is provided at the upper part of the center frame 47, and the gaming ball entered into the ball entry port 151 is formed inside the center frame 47, and along the side of the decorative symbol display device 42. It is guided on a stage 153 formed below the decorative symbol display device 42 via a warp channel 152 extending vertically. The game ball guided on the stage 153 falls from the stage 153 onto the game area in front, or rolls on the stage 153 and then enters a pocket 154 formed on the central back side of the stage 153 . The pocket 154 is in communication with the guide passage 155 leading to the game area immediately above the central start opening 33, and the gaming ball entering the pocket 154 enters the central start opening 33 with a relatively high probability. It is supposed to be a ball.

  The variable winning device 32 is normally in a closed state in which the game ball can not win, and in the case of a big hit (generation of a special game state), the game ball is in an open state in which a game can be won.

  Further, on the game board 30, there are attached rails 50 for guiding the game balls fired from the launcher 60 to the upper part of the game board 30, which are composed of an inner rail structure 51 and an outer rail structure 52. As a result, the game balls fired in response to the turning operation of the handle 18 are guided through the firing rails 61 and the rails 50 into the game area formed between the game board 30 and the glass unit 137.

  A return ball preventing member 53 is attached to the end portion (upper left portion in FIG. 4) of the inner rail forming portion 51. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the gaming balls guided from the rail 50 to the gaming area once return to the inside of the rail 50 again.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the outer rail forming portion 52 is disconnected at the upper right portion of the game board 30, and the inner rail forming portion 51 is disconnected at the lower right portion of the game board 30. For this reason, the play area is defined by the rail 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the window hole 39 of the resin base 38. However, until the game ball launched by the launcher 60 passes back the rail 50 until it passes the return ball preventing member 53, the parallel portions of the inner and outer rail configuration parts 51 and 52 are removed from the game area It is eaten.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a ball passage unit 70 is provided below the window portion 101 on the back side of the front frame set 14. The ball passage unit 70 includes a lower tray communication passage 71 connecting the discharge mechanism portion 352 described later to the discharge port 16 of the lower tray 15, and an upper tray communication passage 73 connecting the discharge mechanism portion 352 to the upper tray 19. In addition, there is a gap of a predetermined distance between the firing rail 61 provided on the inner frame 12 and the rail unit 50 (outer rail forming portion 52), and the ball passage unit 70 has the gaming balls dropped from the gap. A far ball passage 72 guiding to the lower plate 15 is formed. Thus, if the game ball launched from the launcher 60 does not reach the return ball preventing member 53 and returns the rail 50 back as a far ball, the far ball is moved to the lower tray 15 through the far ball passage 72. Exhausted.

  Further, reference numeral 67 in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 is a payout passage for guiding the gaming balls paid out by the payout mechanism portion 352 described later to the front of the inner frame 12, and the upper plate communication passage 73 (upper plate 19). And a passage leading to the lower plate communication passage 71 (lower plate 15). A shutter 68 is provided below the dispensing passage 67. When the front frame set 14 is opened, the shutter 68 projects forward by an urging force of a spring or the like to substantially close the outlet of the dispensing passage 67. ing. When the front frame set 14 is closed, the shutter 68 can be pushed open by the rear end on the inlet side of the lower tray communication passage 71. The inlets (ball inlets) of the lower tray communication passage 71 and the upper tray communication passage 73 are adjacent to each other, and the respective inlets and the dispensing passage 67 are separated by a predetermined distance when the front frame set 14 is closed. The game ball can pass through the gap between the two. Therefore, when the upper tray 19 and the upper tray communication passage 73 become full of gaming balls, the gaming balls to be paid out flow to the lower tray communication passage 71 side (the inlet side of the lower tray communication passage 71 overflows), It will be dispensed to the lower plate 15 through the passage 71.

  In addition, the ball passage unit 70 is provided with a fullness detection switch (not shown) for detecting game balls located in the lower tray communication passage 71. By the presence of the full detection switch, it is determined that the lower plate 15 is full of gaming balls (the lower plate 15 is full of gaming balls and the gaming balls are stagnant in the lower plate communication path 71) be able to. In this embodiment, based on the fact that the game ball is continuously detected for a predetermined time by the fullness detection switch, control is performed to prohibit launch of the launch device 60. It should be noted that the retention of the gaming ball in the lower tray communication passage 71 is eliminated, and the launch of the launching device 60 is permitted when the gaming ball is not detected by the fullness detection switch (when it is not detected continuously for a predetermined time).

  Next, the rear face configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. On the back of the pachinko machine 10, various control boards are arranged up and down, right and left so as to be partially overlapped in front and back, and further, a game ball supply device (payout mechanism) for supplying game balls. And protective covers made of resin are attached. The dispensing mechanism and the protective cover are integrated as one unit, and the resin portion may be generally referred to as a back pack, so that unit will be referred to as a "back pack unit 203" herein.

  First, the rear face configuration of the game board 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, on the back side of the variable display unit 35 (see FIG. 4) disposed corresponding to the through hole at the center of the game board 30, a resin frame cover that covers the center frame 47 from behind 213 is provided to project rearward. In addition, on the back side of the frame cover 213, the decorative symbol display device 42, which is a liquid crystal display device facing forward from the opening of the frame cover 213, the display control device 45 and the sub control device 262 can be detached Is attached to

  The decorative symbol display device 42 is housed in a storage box 42 a having an opening for exposing the display portion (liquid crystal screen) of the decorative symbol display device 42 to the front side of the pachinko machine 10, and the back surface of the frame cover 213 It is fixed to the side. The display control device 45 is accommodated in the substrate box 45a and is fixed to the back side of the decorative symbol display device 42 (housing box 42a). The sub controller 262 is accommodated in the substrate box 262 a and fixed to the back side of the display controller 45 (substrate box 45 a). In the frame cover 213, an LED control board or the like for driving an LED or the like built in the center frame 47 is disposed. Further, the housing box 42a and the substrate boxes 45a and 262a are made of a transparent resin material or the like, and the inside can be visually recognized.

  Below the frame cover 213, a back frame set 215 is attached to the game board 30 so as to cover the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the starting openings 33, 34 and the like from behind. The back frame set 215 is provided with a ball collecting mechanism (not shown) for collecting the game balls that have won the various winning openings. The game balls collected by the ball collection mechanism are guided to a discharge passage portion 217 described later, and discharged from the discharge chute of the discharge passage portion 217 to the outside of the pachinko machine 10.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the back frame set 215 functions as a mounting base for the main control device 261. More specifically, a substrate box 263 on which the main controller 261 is mounted is pivotally supported with respect to the back frame set 215, and can be opened rearward.

  The main controller 261 is accommodated in a substrate box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The substrate box 263 includes a box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base, and the box base and the box cover are connected by a sealing member. The substrate box 263 connected by the sealing member can not be opened without leaving a predetermined trace. Thus, it can be easily found that the substrate box 263 has been tampered with.

  In addition, the game board 30, the ball entry detection switch (ball entry detection means) which detects the game ball which entered the various prize mouth corresponding to the various prize mouth such as general winning a prize mouth 31 etc as ball entry means Is provided. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, a winning opening switch 221 is provided at a position corresponding to the general winning opening 31, and the variable winning device 32 is provided with a count switch 223. Further, a first start winning switch 224 is provided in the central start opening 33, and a second start winning switch 225 is provided in the right start opening 34.

  Although not shown, the back frame set 215 is provided with a first board relay board electrically connected to the winning opening switch 221 and the count switch 223 via a cable connector. The first board relay board relays the winning opening switch 221 and the like to the main control device 261, and is electrically connected to the main control device 261 via a cable connector.

  On the other hand, the start winning switches 224 and 225 for detecting the ball entering the central start opening 33 or the right start opening 34 are directly connected to the main control device 261 via the cable connector without passing through the relay board.

  The detection results respectively detected by the various ball entrance detection switches are taken into the main controller 261. Then, a payout command (the payout number of gaming balls) according to the winning situation in each case is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the payout control device 311, and a predetermined number of gaming balls are calculated based on the output signal from the payout control device 311. Will be paid out.

  In addition to the above, on the back surface of the game board 30, although not shown, there is provided a special winning opening solenoid for opening the big winning opening in the variable winning device 32. The back frame set 215 is also provided with a second board relay board (not shown) for relaying these solenoids and the main controller 261.

  Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the back pack unit 203 is an integrated unit of a resin molded back pack 351 and a payout mechanism portion 352 of the game ball. Further, the back pack unit 203 is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the left side portion (right side in FIG. 5) of the inner frame 12, and can be opened backward with the open and close axis extending along the vertical direction as an axis. ing. In addition, an external relay terminal board 240 is provided at the upper left portion (upper right portion in FIG. 5) of the back pack unit 203.

  The external relay terminal board 240 is for relaying transmission of various information to a hall computer or the like of the game hall, and is provided with a plurality of external connection terminals. For convenience, although the code is not attached, for example, a terminal for outputting information related to the current gaming state (such as a jackpot state or a high probability state), a front frame set 14 or the like detected by an open detection switch 91 or 92 described later A terminal for outputting information on opening of the frame 12, a terminal for outputting information on various error conditions such as a ball entry error, a bottom bowl error, a tank ball absence error, a payout error, etc., a payout control device 311 A terminal for outputting information on the number of winning balls is provided.

  The back pack 351 is integrally formed of, for example, an ABS resin, and includes a protective cover portion 354 which protrudes to the rear of the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 354 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is open, and has a size sufficient to cover at least the frame cover 213. However, in the present embodiment, the protective cover portion 354 covers the upper portion and the right portion (the left portion in FIG. 5) of the substrate box 263 together. Thereby, in the closed state of the back pack unit 203, the sealing member provided on the right portion of the substrate box 263 and the terminal portion (substrate side connector) provided along the upper edge portion of the main controller 261 are covered. It will be.

  The dispensing mechanism portion 352 is disposed so as to bypass the protective cover portion 354. That is, a tank 355 opened upward is provided above the protective cover portion 354, and gaming balls supplied from an island facility of the game hall are successively supplied to the tank 355. Below the tank 355, there is connected a tank rail 356 which has, for example, two rows of ball passages in the lateral direction and which slopes gently toward the downstream side, and further, on the downstream side of the tank rail 356, a case rail 357 longitudinally. It is connected. The payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 357, and the required number of gaming balls are appropriately paid out by a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor. The gaming balls paid out from the payout device 358 are supplied to the upper tray 19 and the like.

  In addition, a payout relay board 381 for relaying a signal of a payout command from the payout control device 311 to the payout device 358 is installed in the payout mechanism portion 352, and a power switch board 382 for fetching the main power from the outside is installed. There is. A main power of, for example, 24 V AC is supplied to the power switch substrate 382 via a voltage converter, and the power is turned on or off by the switching operation of the power switch 382 a.

  Under the back pack unit 203 (substrate box 263), there is provided a lower frame set 251 which is pivotally supported on the left side (right side in FIG. 5) of the inner frame 12 and can be opened rearward. As shown in FIG. 6, the lower frame set 251 is formed with a discharge passage portion 217 into which the game balls collected by the above-described ball collection mechanism flow, and the game ball is formed at the most downstream portion of the discharge passage portion 217. A discharge chute (not shown) for discharging the pachinko machine 10 to the outside is formed. That is, the gaming balls having won in the respective winning openings such as the general winning opening 31 are gathered via the ball collection mechanism of the back frame set 215 and further discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute of the discharge passage portion 217. The out port 36 also communicates with the discharge passage portion 217, and the game balls that did not win in any of the winning ports are also discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute. In the present embodiment, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 are separately formed and can be opened and closed independently, but the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 are integrally formed. It may be

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the delivery control device 311, the emission control device 312, the power supply device 313 and the card unit connection board 314 are detachably mounted on the back side of the lower frame set 251 It is done.

  The emission control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are accommodated in the substrate box 313 a and fixed to the back side of the lower frame set 251. The emission control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are described as independent control devices for the sake of convenience, but they are actually configured by one substrate (printed substrate).

  In addition, the payout control device 311 is accommodated in the substrate box 311 a and fixed to the back side of the substrate box 313 a (the emission control device 312 and the power supply device 313). A sealing member is provided in the substrate box 311a in which the payout control device 311 is accommodated in the same manner as the substrate box 263 in which the main control device 261 described above is accommodated, and an unsealed trace of the substrate box 311a remains. It has become.

  In addition, the card unit connection substrate 314 is accommodated in the substrate box 314a and is fixed to the back side of the substrate box 313a (the emission control device 312 and the power supply device 313).

  Each of the substrate boxes 311a, 313a, 314a is made of a transparent resin material or the like so that the inside can be viewed.

  Further, the payout control device 311 is provided with a state recovery switch 321 which protrudes outward from the substrate box 311a. For example, when the state recovery switch 321 is pressed at the occurrence of a dispensing error such as a ball clogging of the dispensing motor unit, the dispensing motor is rotated forward and reverse to resolve the ball clogging (return to a normal state).

  Further, the power supply device 313 is provided with a RAM erase switch 323 projecting outward from the substrate box 313a. The pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, and maintains the state at the time of the power failure even when the power failure occurs, and may restore the state at the time of the power failure when recovering from the power failure (power recovery) it can. Therefore, when the power is turned off in the normal procedure (for example, at the end of business in the game hall), the state before the power is turned off is stored, so when returning to the initial state when the power is turned on Throw in

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a locking device 600 is provided on the back side of the right side portion of the inner frame 12. The locking device 600 is provided with a cylinder lock 601 (see FIG. 1 etc.) exposed on the front side of the front face frame set 14, and a key is inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 601 and turned to one side. The frame 12 can be unlocked, and the front frame set 14 can be unlocked by rotating the frame 12 to the other side. In the present embodiment, the inner frame 12 is locked to the outer frame 11, and the front frame set 14 is locked to the inner frame 12.

  As described above, the right side frame forming portion 11d of the outer frame 11 is formed with the extending wall portion 83 covering the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to the locking device 600 from the back side of the inner frame 12 (FIG. 5). reference). Thereby, it becomes difficult to make a wire etc. approach from the back side of the outer frame 11, and to operate the locking device 600 by the said wire etc. As a result, defense performance can be improved. Furthermore, the extension wall 83 covers the right end (the end on the left side in FIG. 5) of the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 from the back side, and in the closed state of the inner frame 12 The back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 can not be opened.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a front frame opening detection switch 91 for detecting the opening of the front frame set 14 is provided on the front lower right portion (right side of the launcher 60) of the inner frame 12. As shown in FIG. 5, an inner frame opening detection switch 92 for detecting the opening of the inner frame 12 is provided in the lower right rear portion (lower left in FIG. 5) of the inner frame 12. The front frame opening detection switch 91 and the inner frame opening detection switch 92 each include a detection unit that can be inserted into and withdrawn from the switch main body, and the front frame opening detection switch 91 is provided such that the detection unit faces forward. The inner frame open detection switch 92 is provided such that the detection unit faces rearward. Then, when the detection unit is in a state of protruding from the switch main unit, the on signal is output to the main control device 261, and the detection unit is pressed to the switch main unit side and in the state of being retracted into the switch main unit It is configured to output to the main control device 261. That is, when the front frame open detection switch 91 is closed when the front frame set 14 is closed, the detection unit is pressed by the back of the front frame set 14 and turned off, and when the front frame set 14 is opened, the detection unit returns to the projecting state. It will be on. Similarly, when the inner frame 12 is closed, the inner frame opening detection switch 92 is pressed by the pressing portion 86 integrally formed on the receiving portion 85 of the outer frame 11 to be turned off, and detection is performed when the inner frame 12 is opened. The part returns to the projecting state and is turned on.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. The main controller 261 (main substrate) is mounted with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer which is an arithmetic device. The CPU 501 has a ROM 502 storing various control programs to be executed by the CPU 501 and fixed value data, and a RAM 503 which is a memory for temporarily storing various data etc. when the control program stored in the ROM 502 is executed. And various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit. However, the CPU, the ROM, and the RAM may not be integrated into one chip, but may be integrated into each function. Further, the ROM 502 stores various commands such as fluctuation pattern commands to be transmitted to the sub control device 262 and the like in a table configuration.

  The RAM 503 is a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 501 and the return address of the control program executed by the CPU 501 are stored, and a work area in which values such as various flags, counters, and I / O are stored. And a backup area 503a.

  In addition, the RAM 503 is configured to be able to receive data (backup) supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply 313 even after the pachinko machine 10 is powered off, and is stored in the stack area, work area and backup area 503a. All data is backed up.

  When the power is turned off due to a power failure or the like, the backup area 503a includes a power-off time (including a power-down occurrence) in order to restore the state of the pachinko machine 10 to the state before the power-off. The same is an area for storing values such as stack pointers, registers, and I / O. Writing to the backup area 503a is executed when the power is turned off by the main processing, and conversely, restoration of each value written to the backup area 503a is the main processing when the power is turned on (including power on due to power failure cancellation). Is executed in A power failure signal SK1 output from a power failure monitoring circuit 542 described later is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 when a power failure occurs due to a power failure or the like. The occurrence of the power failure processing (NMI interrupt processing) is immediately executed.

  If data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 503a is backed up, it is not necessary to back up the data stored in all the areas. For example, the data stored in the stack area and the backup area 503a may be backed up, and the data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

  An input / output port 505 is connected to the CPU 501 incorporating the ROM 502 and the RAM 503 via a bus line 504 including an address bus, a data bus, and the like. Connected to the input / output port 505 are a RAM erase switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a sub control device 262, and first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, which will be described later. With this configuration, the special display devices 43L and 43R described above are directly controlled by the main control device 261. On the other hand, the decorative symbol display device 42 is controlled via the sub control device 262.

  In addition, although illustration of various relay boards etc. is omitted for convenience, various detection switches such as a winning opening switch 221, count switch 223, start winning unit switches 224 and 225, various boards, etc. Electrical parts are connected. That is, although the main control device 261 is provided with a plurality of terminal portions (substrate side connectors) for connecting connectors of various cable connectors, the input / output port 505 is configured by these terminal portions and the like.

  The sub control unit 262 (sub control board) includes a CPU 551 which is an arithmetic unit, a ROM 552 storing various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 551, and various control programs stored in the ROM 552. A RAM 553 which is a memory for temporarily storing data etc., an input / output port 554, and a bus line 555 are provided, and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data transmission / reception circuit not shown are also provided. The RAM 553 is a memory for temporarily storing work data and flags used when the CPU 551 executes various programs.

  The CPU 551, the ROM 552, and the RAM 553 are connected to the input / output port 554 via the bus line 555, and the display control device 45 is connected. Further, to the input / output port 554, a speaker SP, an effect button 125, and various lamps 102 to 104 are connected.

  The CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 causes the display control device 45 to execute display control based on, for example, a command (for example, a variation pattern command or the like) transmitted from the main control device 261 and causes the decorative symbol display device 42 to display. As described above, in the present embodiment, whether or not a big hit is displayed is displayed on the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R controlled by the main control device 261, and the sub control device 262 In the decorative symbol display device 42 to be controlled, display in accordance with the display of the special display devices 43L, 43R is performed.

  In addition, the sub control device 262 executes, for example, audio output control in the speaker SP and on / off control of the various lamps 102 to 104 based on a command transmitted from the main control device 261.

  The sub control device 262 stores various light emission effect patterns in the ROM 552 in advance, for example, determines a light emission effect pattern according to the game state based on a command transmitted from the main control device 261, and changes various lamps (corner lamps Execute the light emission effect according to (103). As described above, for the corner lamp 103, various light emission effect patterns are stored in the ROM of the light emission communication control unit 653, and light emission control is executed by the light emission communication control unit 653 based on an instruction from the sub control device 262. Be done.

  Further, as described above, the sub-control device 262 is configured to be able to transmit and receive various data to and from the sub-control device 262 of the other pachinko machine 10 via the corner lamp 103.

  The sub control device 262 stores various voice data (voice patterns) in the ROM 552 in advance, and sets voice data according to the gaming state in the sound buffer based on commands transmitted from the main control device 261, for example, The sound signal is sequentially converted and supplied to an amplifier (not shown). The amplifier amplifies the sound signal and supplies it to the speaker SP. As a result, sound is output from the speaker SP.

  Further, the payout control device 311 performs payout control of the winning balls and the rental balls by the payout device 358. The CPU 511, which is an arithmetic device, includes a ROM 512 storing a control program to be executed by the CPU 511, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 513 used as a work memory or the like.

  The RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 is, like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261, a stack area in which the contents of the internal register of the CPU 511 and the return address of the control program executed by the CPU 511 are stored, various flags and counters, A work area (work area) in which values such as I / O are stored, and a backup area 513a are provided.

  The RAM 513 is configured such that a backup voltage can be supplied from the power supply 313 even after the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and data can be held (backup), and all stored in the stack area, work area, and backup area 513a Data is backed up. If data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 513a is backed up, it is not necessary to back up the data stored in all the areas. For example, the data stored in the stack area and the backup area 513a may be backed up, and the data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

  The backup area 513a is a stack pointer at power-off, each register, and so on, in order to restore the state of the pachinko machine 10 to the state before the power-off when the power is turned on again when the power is turned off due to a power failure or the like. This area is for storing values such as I / O. The writing to the backup area 513a is executed when the power is turned off by the main processing, and the restoration of each value written to the backup area 513a is executed in the main processing when the power is turned on. As in the CPU 501 of the main controller 261, the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 is configured to receive the power failure signal SK1 from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 at the time of power interruption due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. When input to the CPU 511, NMI interrupt processing as power failure processing is immediately executed.

  In the work area, a payout permission flag in which the payout control of the winning balls by the payout control device 311 is set, a command reception flag set when the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is received, and the main control device 261 And a command buffer in which the command sent from the device is stored.

  The payout permission flag is a flag for setting the payout permission of the winning balls, and is turned on when the specific command for permitting the payout of the winning balls is transmitted from the main control device 261 and the specific command is received, and the initialization is performed. It is turned off when it is restored before processing or power off. In this embodiment, a specific command is a payout initialization command that instructs initialization processing of the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, a winning ball command that instructs payout of a winning ball, and the main control device 261 is restored. There are three of the payout return commands sent in case.

  The command reception flag is a flag for confirming whether or not the payout control device 311 has received a command, and is turned on when any command is received, and similar to the payout permission flag, processing of initial setting or power off It is turned off when returning to the previous state, and turned off when determination of the command received by the command determination process is performed.

  The command buffer is configured of a ring buffer that temporarily stores a command transmitted from the main control device 261.

  An input / output port 515 is connected to the CPU 511 including the ROM 512 and the RAM 513 via a bus line 514 including an address bus and a data bus. Connected to the input / output port 515 are a RAM erase switch circuit 543, a main controller 261, a launch controller 312, a payout device 358, and the like.

  The card unit connection board 314 is a ball operation unit (ball lending button 121 and return button 122) on the front of the pachinko machine 10, and a card unit (ball lending unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10 in a game hall or the like. , And are electrically connected to each other, and take in a ball lending operation command from the player and output it to the card unit. The card unit connection board 314 can be omitted in a cash machine in which the game balls are directly lent out to the upper tray 19 from the ball lending device or the like without passing through the card unit.

  The launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of the gaming ball by the launch device 60, and the launch device 60 is permitted to drive when the predetermined condition is satisfied. Specifically, the release control signal is outputted from the payout control device 311, that the player is detecting by the sensor signal that the player is touching the handle 18, the release stop switch is operated to stop the release. The firing device 60 is driven under the condition that the game ball is not being used, and the gaming ball is fired at a strength corresponding to the operation amount of the handle 18.

  The display control device 45 executes variation display of the decorative symbol in the decorative symbol display device 42 in accordance with an instruction from the sub controller 262. The display control device 45 includes a CPU 521, a program ROM 522, a work RAM 523, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, a video display processor (VDP) 526, an input port 527, an output port 529, and bus lines 530 and 531. And have. The input port 527 is connected to an input / output port 554 of the sub controller 262. The CPU 521, the program ROM 522, the work RAM 523, and the VDP 526 are connected to the input port 527 via the bus line 530. Further, an output port 529 is connected to the VDP 526 via a bus line 531, and to the output port 529, a decorative symbol display device 42 which is a liquid crystal display device is connected.

  The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 receives the display control command transmitted from the sub-control device 262 via the input port 527, analyzes the received command, or performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on the received command to obtain the VDP 526. Control (specifically, generation of an internal command for VDP 526) is performed. Thereby, display control in the decorative symbol display device 42 is performed.

  The program ROM 522 is a memory for storing various control programs executed by the CPU 521 and fixed value data. The work RAM 523 is a memory for temporarily storing work data and flags used when the CPU 521 executes various programs. It is.

  The video RAM 524 is a memory for storing display data displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42. By rewriting the contents of the video RAM 524, the display content of the decorative symbol display device 42 is changed. The character ROM 525 is a memory for storing character data such as symbols displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The VDP 526 is a type of drawing circuit that directly operates an LCD driver (liquid crystal drive circuit) incorporated in the decorative symbol display device 42. Since the VDP 526 is formed into an IC chip, it is also referred to as a "drawing chip", and the substance of the VDP 526 should be referred to as a microcomputer chip incorporating firmware dedicated to drawing processing. The VDP 526 adjusts the respective timings of the CPU 521, the video RAM 524 and the like to intervene in reading and writing of data, and reads the display data stored in the video RAM 524 at a predetermined timing and causes the decorative symbol display device 42 to display it.

  Further, the power supply device 313 includes a power supply unit 541 for supplying power to each part of the pachinko machine 10, a power failure monitoring circuit 542 for monitoring power supply interruption due to a power failure, etc., and a RAM erase switch circuit 543 connected to the RAM erase switch 323. And have.

  The power supply unit 541 supplies necessary operation power to each of the main control device 261, the payout control device 311, and the like through a power supply path (not shown). As a summary, the power supply unit 541 takes in AC 24 volt power supplied from the outside, and generates +12 V power for driving various switches and motors, +5 V power for logic, backup power for RAM backup, etc. The +12 V power supply, the +5 V power supply, and the backup power supply are supplied to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311, and the like. An operation power supply (+12 V power supply, +5 V power supply, etc.) is supplied to the emission control device 312 via the payout control device 311. Similarly, operating power is supplied to various switches, motors, and the like via a control device to which these are connected.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit that outputs a power failure signal SK1 to each NMI terminal of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 at the time of power failure due to occurrence of power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors the voltage of the DC stable 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply 541, and determines that a power failure (power failure) has occurred when this voltage is less than 22 volts. The blackout signal SK1 is output to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. Based on the output of the power failure signal SK1, the main controller 261 and the payout control device 311 recognize the occurrence of the power failure, and execute the power failure processing (NMI interrupt processing).

  The power supply unit 541 normally outputs 5 volts, which is the drive voltage of the control system, for a time sufficient for execution of the power failure process even after the voltage of the DC stable 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. It is configured to maintain a value. Therefore, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 can execute and complete the power failure processing normally.

  The RAM erase switch circuit 543 is a circuit that takes in the switch signal of the RAM erase switch 323 and clears backup data of the RAM 503 of the main control unit 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout control unit 311 according to the state of the switch 323. When the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed, the RAM erase switch circuit 543 outputs the RAM erase signal SK2 to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on (including the power on due to a power failure cancellation) while the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed, the data in the RAMs 503 and 513 is cleared in the main control unit 261 and the payout control unit 311. Ru.

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described. In the present embodiment, the CPU 501 provided in the main control device 261 performs lottery using various counter information in the game. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, a jackpot random number counter C1 used for a jackpot lottery (winning lottery) whether or not to generate a jackpot state, a jackpot type determination counter C2 used for deciding a jackpot type, As using the fluctuation selection counter C3 used to determine the fluctuation display time of the special display devices 43L and 43R (the decoration symbol display device 42), and the initial value random number counter CINI used to set the initial value of the big hit random number counter C1 There is.

  The counters C1, C2, C3 and CINI are loop counters in which 1 is added to the previous value each time they are updated, and after reaching the upper limit value, return to the lower limit value 0. Each counter is periodically updated, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 (except for the random number initial value counter CINI).

  The RAM 503 is provided with a special fluctuation suspension area in which the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the fluctuation selection counter C3 are stored.

  Further, the special variation reserve area includes a first special variation reserve area and a second special variation storage area each including four reserve areas (preserve first to reserve fourth area), and one execution area. In each reserve area of the first special variation reserve area, the values of the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type determination counter C2 and the variation selection counter C3 are time-series in accordance with the winning history of the gaming ball to the central starting opening 33 Stored. In each reserve area of the second special variation reserve area, each value of the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type decision counter C2 and the variation select counter C3 is time-series in accordance with the winning history of the gaming ball to the right starting opening 34 Stored. By adopting the configuration, it is possible to suspend the variable display on the special display devices 43L and 43R up to four times as described above.

  Describing each of the counters in detail, the jackpot random number counter C1 is sequentially incremented by one within the range of 0 to 599, for example, and reaches the upper limit (that is, 599) as the final value, and then 0 which is the lower limit as the open price. It is configured to return to. Normally, when the big hit random number counter C1 makes one revolution, the value of the initial value random number counter CINI at that time is read as the next initial value of the big hit random number counter C1. The initial value random number counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the big hit random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599), and is updated once every timer interrupt and repeatedly updated within the remaining time of the normal processing. On the other hand, the big hit random number counter C1 is periodically updated (once in each timer interrupt in the present embodiment), and the value of the big hit random number counter C1 is stored in the big hit random number counter buffer. Then, at the timing when the gaming ball wins the central starting opening 33 or the right starting opening 34, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the jackpot random number counter buffer becomes the first special fluctuation holding area or the second special fluctuation holding area Stored in There are two types of values for the jackpot random number in the “low probability state” and the “high probability state”, and in the present embodiment, the number of random numbers for the jackpot in the “low probability state” There are three, the value is "7, 207, 407", and if it is "high probability state", the number of random numbers that will be the jackpot is six, and the value is "7, 107, 207, 307 , 407, 507 ". That is, in the "low probability state", the winning lottery is won with a probability of 1/200 (a big hit state occurs), and in the "high probability state", the winning lottery is won with a probability of 1/100. In the present embodiment, the ROM 502 is provided with a success / failure determination table which is referred to when it is determined whether the value of the big hit random number counter C1 corresponds to the big hit. In the present embodiment, there are two success / failure determination tables, and a first success / failure determination table storing “7, 207, 407” and a second success or failure storing “7, 107, 207, 307, 407, 507”. There is a judgment table.

  The jackpot type determination counter C2 is configured to be sequentially incremented by one within the range of 0 to 19, for example, and return to the lower limit value of 0 after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 19). In the present embodiment, the jackpot type determination counter C2 is configured to determine whether to apply the jackpot type, that is, "a probability variation jackpot" or a "normal jackpot".

  The ROM 502 is provided with a jackpot type determination table which is referred to when it is determined which jackpot the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 corresponds to.

  Specifically, when the gaming ball wins the central starting opening 33 or the right starting opening 34, if the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is "0 to 9", the "probable jackpot" award is determined, "10 If ~ 19 "," ordinary jackpot "grant is determined. That is, in the case of winning the winning lottery triggered by the winning in each starting opening 33, 34, it becomes "probable variation jackpot" with a probability of 50% and "normal jackpot" with a probability of 50%.

  The jackpot type determination counter C2 is periodically updated (once for each timer interrupt in the present embodiment), and the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is stored in the jackpot type determination counter buffer. Then, at the timing when the gaming ball wins in each starting opening 33, 34, the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 stored in the jackpot type determination counter buffer is the special fluctuation suspension area of the RAM 503 (first special fluctuation suspension area or 2) stored in the special change pending area).

  The variation selection counter C3 is configured to be incremented by one in order, for example, within the range of 0 to 99, and return to the lower limit value of 0 after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 99). In this embodiment, the variation selection counter C3 executes either the "10s variation pattern" with a variation time of 10 seconds, the "20s variation pattern" with a variation time of 20 seconds, or the "30s variation pattern" with a variation time of 30 seconds. It is decided what to do.

  The variation selection counter C3 is periodically updated (once for each timer interrupt in the present embodiment), and the value of the variation selection counter C3 is stored in the variation selection counter buffer. The value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 stored in the fluctuation selection counter buffer is the special fluctuation reserve area of the RAM 503 (the first special fluctuation suspension area or the first at the timing when the gaming ball wins the central starting opening 33 or the right starting opening 34). It is stored in the second special fluctuation reserve area).

  The ROM 502 is provided with a variation pattern determination table to be referred to when determining whether the value of the variation selection counter C3 corresponds to which variation pattern. In the present embodiment, two tables are provided: a variation pattern determination table for jackpot winning and a variation pattern determination table for lost election.

  Specifically, in the variation pattern determination table for the jackpot win, if the value of the variation selection counter C3 is "0 to 9" when the gaming ball has won the central starting opening 33 or the right starting opening 34, "20s The variation pattern is selected, and if it is "10 to 99", the "30s variation pattern" is selected.

  On the other hand, in the fluctuation pattern determination table for the failed event, if the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 is “0 to 90,” “10s fluctuation pattern” when the gaming ball wins the central starting opening 33 or the right starting opening 34. Is selected, and if "91 to 97", "20s fluctuation pattern" is selected, and if "98, 99", "30s fluctuation pattern" is selected.

  Note that the size and range of each counter are merely an example and can be arbitrarily changed. However, it is desirable that the sizes of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the variation selection counter C3 be different prime numbers and be values that are not synchronized in any case.

  Further, in the RAM 503, a central hold counter Na that counts the number of pending variable displays triggered by entering the central start opening 33 and the pending number of variable displays triggered by entering the right start opening 34. A right hold counter Nb to count, a total hold counter Nx storing the sum of both hold counters Na and Nb, and a hold order for storing the ball entry order of the gaming ball to the central start opening 33 or the right start opening 34 A buffer Bj is provided.

  The pending order buffer Bj is configured by a ring buffer. In the present embodiment, for example, “1” is stored when corresponding to the central start opening 33, and “0” is stored when corresponding to the right start opening 34.

  In the ring buffer, conceptually, the start address and the final address in the buffer area are connected in a ring, and the write address and the read pointer are sequentially written from the start address using two address pointers, and the end address is reached. It is a buffer controlled to be able to write back to the top address again. Then, after data is written to a predetermined address position indicated by the write pointer, the value of the write pointer is updated to a value indicating the next address. Similarly, after data is read from a predetermined address position indicated by the read pointer, the value of the read pointer is updated to a value indicating the next address.

  Next, each control process executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 will be described with reference to a flowchart. The processing of the CPU 501 is roughly classified into main processing activated upon power-on, timer interrupt processing activated periodically (in this embodiment, in 2 ms cycle), and stop signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). The NMI interrupt process is activated by the input of the above, and for convenience of explanation, first, the timer interrupt process and the NMI interrupt process will be described, and then the main process will be described.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing, which is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 every 2 ms, for example.

  In FIG. 20, first, in step S301, reading processing of various winning switches is executed. That is, while reading the states of various switches (except the RAM erase switch 323) connected to the main control device 261, the state of the switches is determined and the detection information (winning detection information) is stored.

  In step S302, random number initial value update processing is performed. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (599 in this example).

  In step S303, random number update processing is executed. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2 and the variation selection counter C3 are respectively incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when their counter values reach the maximum value. Then, the updated values of the counters C1, C2 and C3 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

  In step S304, a start winning process associated with winning on the starting openings 33 and 34 is executed. Thereafter, the timer interrupt process is temporarily ended.

  Here, the start winning process of step S304 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the execution area and each reserve area of the special variation reserve area, a jackpot random number storage area for storing the value of the jackpot random number counter C1, a jackpot type random number storage area for storing the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2, a fluctuation selection counter C3. A variation selection random number storage area for storing the value of. In the present embodiment, the jackpot random number storage area stores the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 using 2 bytes. The jackpot type random number storage area and the variation selection random number storage area each store 1 byte, and store the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 and the value of the variation selection counter C3.

  First, in step S501, whether or not the gaming ball has won the right start opening 34 is determined based on the detection information of the second start winning switch 225. If the determination in step S501 is affirmative, in step S502, the value of the right holding counter Nb, which counts the number of holdings of the variable display triggered by winning in the right starting opening 34, is the upper limit ("4" in this embodiment). It is determined whether or not it is less than. If a negative determination is made in step S502, the process proceeds to step S509. On the other hand, when an affirmative determination is made in step S502, the process proceeds to step S503, and the right hold counter Nb is incremented by one.

  In the subsequent step S504, each value of the jackpot random number counter C1, jackpot type determination counter C2 and fluctuation selection counter C3 updated in the random number update process of step S303 is selected from the vacant reserved areas of the second special fluctuation reserved area. Store in the first area. The lottery function in the present embodiment is configured by the processing function of performing the step S504. After step S504, the process proceeds to step S505.

  In step S505, a jackpot determination process is performed to determine whether the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special variation hold area is a value corresponding to a jackpot. The details of the jackpot determination process will be described later.

  In the subsequent step S506, when it is determined in step S505 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is a value corresponding to the jackpot, based on the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 newly stored in the second special variation hold area. And performs a jackpot type determination process to determine the type of jackpot. The details of the jackpot type determination process will be described later.

  In the subsequent step S507, variable display setting processing is performed to perform various settings related to variable display, such as selection of a change pattern and setting of a change pattern command to be transmitted to the sub controller 262. The details of the variable display setting process will be described later.

  Here, the details of the jackpot determination process of step S505 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S5101, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special variation hold area corresponds to the jackpot value (the value stored in the first pass / fail judgment table) "7, 207, 407" It is determined whether or not it matches any of.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S5101, that is, if it is determined that a jackpot state occurs, the winning flag is turned on in step S5102, and then this process ends.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5101, in step S5103, it is determined whether a high probability state flag described later is on, and whether or not a "high probability state" is determined.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S5103, that is, in the “high probability state”, the value of jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special change suspension area in step S5104 corresponds to a jackpot. It is determined whether or not any one of “7, 107, 207, 307, 407, 507” is matched (the value stored in the second success / failure determination table).

  If a positive determination is made in step S5104, that is, if it is determined that a jackpot state will occur in the "high probability state", the process returns to step S5102 after the winning flag is turned on.

  If a negative determination is made in step S5103 or step S5104, that is, if it is "out", the present process ends.

  Next, the jackpot type determination process of step S506 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S5201, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is set in the jackpot determination process performed immediately before. If a negative determination is made in step S5201, the present process ends.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S5201, the jackpot type determination table is taken into consideration in step S5202, and the value of jackpot type determination counter C2 newly stored in the second special variation suspension area is "normal jackpot". It is determined whether or not it matches any of the values "10 to 19" corresponding to. If the negative determination is made in step S5202, that is, if the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is any one of the values "0 to 9" corresponding to "probable variation big hit", the probability variation big hit flag is turned on in step S5203. After that, this processing ends.

  On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S5202, the normal jackpot flag is turned on in step S5204, and the present process ends.

  Next, the variable display setting process of step S507 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S5301, it is determined whether or not the variable display corresponds to a big hit by determining whether the winning flag is on. If an affirmative determination is made here, that is, if it is determined to correspond to a jackpot, the process moves to step S5302.

  In step S5302, based on the value of the variation selection counter C3 stored in the second special variation reserving area, the variation pattern determination table for jackpot winning is selected to select a variation pattern.

  In the following step S5303, it is determined whether or not the variable display corresponds to the "probable variation jackpot" by determining whether the probability variation jackpot flag is on.

  Here, in the case of an affirmative determination, the variation pattern command table [see FIG. 26A] stored in advance in the ROM 502 in advance in step S5304 corresponds to “probable variation jackpot” and is selected as described above. The fluctuation pattern command corresponding to the fluctuation pattern is set. Thereafter, the process ends.

  On the other hand, if the negative determination is made in step S5303, the process moves to step S5305, and it is determined whether or not the variable display corresponds to “normal jackpot” by determining whether the normal jackpot flag is on. Determine if

  If an affirmative determination is made here, a change pattern command corresponding to “normal jackpot” and corresponding to the selected change pattern is set in step S5306 with reference to the change pattern command table. Thereafter, the process ends. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5305, the present process ends.

  If the result of step S5301 is negative, that is, if it is "out", the process proceeds to step S5307, and based on the value of the variation selection counter C3 stored in the second special variation suspension area, it is determined The variation pattern is selected with reference to the variation pattern determination table of

  In the following step S5308, a variation pattern command corresponding to "displacement" and corresponding to the above-selected variation pattern is set with reference to the variation pattern command table. Thereafter, the process ends.

  The fluctuation pattern command set here is output in an external output process (step S201) described later. Then, the sub-control device 262 having input the variation pattern command determines the variation mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 based on the command, and displays (variation display) the variation mode on the decorative symbol display device 42. An instruction is issued to the display control device 45.

  For convenience, the variation pattern command will be described here. The variation pattern command according to the present embodiment has a 2-byte configuration, the first byte (upper byte) of which is composed of information identifying the jackpot type etc., and the second byte (lower byte) identifies the variation time. It is composed of information [see FIG. 26 (a)]. More specifically, for the first byte, "FF" corresponds to information indicating "out", "FD" corresponds to information indicating "normal jackpot", and "FE" indicates information indicating "probable jackpot" Equivalent to. Further, regarding the second byte, the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 is set as it is. That is, if the value of the second byte when the first byte is “FF (out)” is “0 to 90”, it corresponds to “10s fluctuation pattern”, and if “91 to 97”, “20s fluctuation pattern "98, 99" corresponds to "30s fluctuation pattern". On the other hand, if the value of the second byte is “0 to 9” when the first byte is “FD (usually big hit)” or “FE (positive probability big hit)”, it corresponds to “20s fluctuation pattern” If it is 99 ", it corresponds to" 30s fluctuation pattern ".

  Therefore, when the variable display corresponds to “off”, any one of “FF00” to “FF99” is set as the fluctuation pattern command. More specifically, "FF00" to "FF90" are set when the fluctuation pattern is "10s fluctuation pattern", and "FF91" to "FF97" are set when the fluctuation pattern is "20s fluctuation pattern". When the variation pattern is "30s variation pattern", "FF 98" or "FF 99" is set.

  Further, when the variable display corresponds to “normal jackpot”, any one of “FD00” to “FD99” is set as the fluctuation pattern command. More specifically, "FD 00" to "FD 09" are set when the fluctuation pattern is "20 s fluctuation pattern", and "FD 10" to "FD 99" are set when the fluctuation pattern is "30 s fluctuation pattern" .

  Similarly, in the case where the variable display corresponds to the “permanent variation jackpot”, any one of “FE00” to “FE99” is set as the variation pattern command. More specifically, "FE00" to "FE09" are set when the fluctuation pattern is "20s fluctuation pattern", and "FE10" to "FE99" are set when the fluctuation pattern is "30s fluctuation pattern" .

  Returning to the explanation of FIG. 22, after the process of step S507, or when the negative determination is made in step S501, in step S509, it is determined whether or not the gaming ball has won in the central starting opening 33 the first start winning unit The determination is made based on the detection information of the switch 224. If a negative determination is made in step S509, the present process ends. On the other hand, if the determination is affirmative, in step S510, the value of the central hold counter Na that counts the number of pending variable displays triggered by a winning on the central starting opening 33 is the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). It is determined whether or not it is less than. If a negative determination is made in step S510, the present process ends. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S510, the process proceeds to step S511, and the central hold counter Na is incremented by one.

  In the subsequent step S512, the values of the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type determination counter C2 and the variation selection counter C3 are stored in the first free reserved area of the first special change pending area. The lottery function in the present embodiment is configured by the processing function of performing the step S512. After step S512, the process proceeds to step S513.

  In step S513, a jackpot determination process is performed to determine whether the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the first special variation hold area is a value corresponding to a jackpot. The jackpot determination process in step S513 is the same as the jackpot determination process in step S505 described above, and only the information regarding the variable display to be processed is based on entering the ball into the central starting opening 33. It is different. For this reason, detailed description is omitted for convenience.

  In the following step S514, when it is determined in step S513 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is a value corresponding to the jackpot, based on the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 newly stored in the first special change suspension area. And performs a jackpot type determination process to determine the type of jackpot. The jackpot type determination process at step S514 is the same as the jackpot type determination process at step S506 described above, and the information on the variable display to be processed is based on entering the central starting opening 33. Only different. For this reason, detailed description is omitted for convenience.

  In the subsequent step S515, the variable display setting process is performed to perform various settings related to variable display, such as selection of a change pattern and setting of a change pattern command to be transmitted to the sub controller 262. The variable display setting process of step S515 is the same as the variable display setting process of step S507, and thus the detailed description will be omitted. After step S515, the process ends.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt process, and this process is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control unit 261 when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. By this NMI interrupt, the state of main controller 261 at the time of power-off is stored in backup area 503 a of RAM 503.

  That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is shut off due to the occurrence of a blackout or the like, the blackout signal SK1 is output from the blackout monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501 in the main control device 261. Then, the CPU 501 interrupts the control under execution and starts the NMI interrupt processing, and in step S401, stores the power-off occurrence information in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 as the setting of the power-off occurrence information, and performs the NMI interrupt processing. finish.

  The above NMI interrupt processing is also executed by the payout control device 311 in the same manner, and the occurrence of power-off is stored in the backup area 513 a of the RAM 513 by such an NMI interrupt. That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is shut off due to the occurrence of a blackout etc., the blackout signal SK1 is outputted from the blackout monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311, and the CPU 511 interrupts the control under execution. Then, the NMI interrupt process of FIG. 21 is started. The contents are as described above.

  Next, the flow of the main process executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This main process is started upon power-on reset.

  First, in step S101, an initial setting process associated with power on is performed. Specifically, while setting a predetermined value to the stack pointer in advance and waiting for the sub-side control devices (sub-control device 262, payout control device 311, etc.) to become operable, for example, 1 Execute wait processing for about 2 seconds. In the subsequent step S102, the RAM access is permitted.

  Thereafter, data backup processing is executed on the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. That is, in step S103, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 323 provided in the power supply 313 is pressed (ON), and if pressed, the process proceeds to step S112 to clear (delete) the backup data. Do. On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 is not pressed, it is determined in the subsequent step S104 whether or not the power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Here, if not set, the backup data is not stored, so the process also proceeds to step S112 in this case. If occurrence information of power-off is set in the backup area 503a, the RAM determination value is calculated in step S105, and in the subsequent step S106, whether the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored at the time of power-off That is, determine the effectiveness of the backup. If the RAM determination value calculated here does not match the RAM determination value stored at the time of power-off, the backed up data is destroyed, so the process also proceeds to step S112 in this case.

  In the process of step S112, an initialization command is transmitted to initialize the sub control device 262 and the payout control device 311, etc., which are control devices on the sub side. Note that the sub control device 262 that has received the initialization command executes its own initialization processing as described later, and sets the game mode to the normal mode which is the initial setting.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to RAM initialization processing (step S113 etc.). The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at a work area address of the RAM 503. Instead of the RAM determination value, it is also possible to determine the effectiveness of the backup based on whether or not the keyword written in the predetermined area of the RAM 503 is correctly stored.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 10, when it is desired to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, for example, at the time of opening of the hall, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 323. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 323 is turned on, the process proceeds to the initialization process of the RAM (step S113 etc.). In addition, when the occurrence information of the power failure is not set, or when the backup abnormality is confirmed by the RAM determination value (checksum value etc.), the process similarly shifts to the initialization process (step S113 etc.) of the RAM 503. That is, in step S113, the use area of the RAM 503 is cleared to 0, and in the subsequent step S114, an initial value of the RAM 503 is set. Thereafter, in step S111, interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to the normal processing described later.

  On the other hand, when the RAM erase switch 323 is not pressed (step S103: NO), the condition that power generation interruption information is set and that the RAM determination value (checksum value etc.) is normal are satisfied. In addition, the processing at the time of power recovery (processing at the time of power failure recovery) is executed. That is, in step S107, the stack pointer before power-off is restored, and in step S108, the power-off occurrence information is cleared.

  In step S109, the sub control device 262 serving as the control device on the sub side, the payout control device 311, and the like are sent a recovery command for recovering the gaming state when the power is turned off.

  In step S110, the used register is restored from the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Thereafter, in step S111, interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to the normal processing described later.

  Next, the flow of the normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this normal process, the main process of the game is executed. As an outline thereof, the process up to step S210 is executed as a periodic process of 4 ms cycle, and the counter updating process of step S211 is executed with the remaining time.

  First, in step S201, a control signal based on the setting contents of the special display devices 43L, 43R, etc. updated in the previous process is transmitted to each device, or output data such as a command is transmitted to each control device on the sub side. Execute external output processing.

  In the following step S203, the winning ball counting signal received from the payout control device 311 is read. Next, in step S204, the payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 311 is read.

  Thereafter, in step S205, display control processing is performed. In this process, the control contents of the special display devices 43L and 43R are set to what kind of control is to be performed in the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R. Details of this display control process will be described later.

  In step S206, a variable winning device control process is executed. In this process, the control content of the variable winning device 32 is set to determine what kind of control the variable winning device 32 should perform. Thus, when the jackpot state (special game state) is reached, the opening and closing process of the large winning opening of the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly performed for a predetermined number of rounds. Details of the variable winning device control process will be described later.

  After that, in step S209, it is determined whether or not the power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Here, if occurrence information of power-off is not set in the backup area 503a, it is determined in step S210 whether or not the execution timing of the next normal processing has come, that is, a predetermined time from the start of the previous normal processing (this embodiment Then, it is determined whether 4 ms has elapsed. Then, if the predetermined time has already passed, the process proceeds to step S201, and the processes after step S201 are repeatedly executed.

  On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed from the start of the previous normal processing, updating of the random number initial value counter CINI is repeatedly executed within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal processing (step S211) . Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (599 in this example).

  Here, since the execution time of each process of step S201-S209 changes according to the state of a game, the remaining time until it reaches the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant but fluctuates. Therefore, the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1) can be randomly updated by repeatedly executing the update of the random number initial value counter CINI using such remaining time.

  By the way, if the power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 (step S209: YES), the power is turned off. It will be. In the power failure process, the generation of each interrupt process is first inhibited in step S213, the contents of each register used by the CPU 501 are saved in the stack area in step S214, and the value of the stack pointer is backed up in step S215. Remember to Thereafter, in step S216, a power-off notification command indicating that the power is shut off is transmitted to another control device (such as the payout control device 311). Then, in step S217, the RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the backup area 503a. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at a work area address of the RAM 503. Thereafter, the RAM access is inhibited in step S218, and the infinite loop is continued until the power is completely shut off and the process can not be executed.

  In addition, the processing of step S209 is the timing when the end of a series of processing corresponding to the state change of the game performed in steps S201 to S208 or the end of one cycle of the processing of step S211 performed within the remaining time Is being run by. Therefore, in the normal processing of the main control device 261, since the occurrence information of the power-off is confirmed at the end of each processing, the amount of data to be stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 is small compared to the case where each processing is halfway And can be easily stored. In addition, when returning to the state before the power is shut off, the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a is small, so it can be easily restored, and the processing load on the main control device 261 can be reduced. . Furthermore, since generation of interrupt processing is prohibited before storing data (step S213), it is possible to prevent the data from being changed when the power is shut off, and the state before the power shutoff can be reliably stored. .

  Next, the display control process of step S205 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 27, in step S801, the jackpot generation flag described later is referred to in detail, and it is determined whether or not the jackpot is currently being performed. The jackpot includes the middle of the jackpot state (special game state) and the predetermined time after the jackpot state ends. The predetermined time after the end of the jackpot state mentioned here is the time until the normal game (variation display in the special display devices 43L and 43R) is started after the end of the jackpot state, and generally this time zone is a decoration symbol display In the device 42, the end of the jackpot state and display indicating various game states and game modes provided after the jackpot are performed. Also, a period from when the variable display is stopped and displayed on the special display devices 43L and 43R and the decorative symbol display device 42 in a mode corresponding to a big hit, and until the variable winning device 32 (big winning opening) is opened. (In general, this time zone is included in the jackpot for the display that indicates the start of the jackpot state on the decorative symbol display device 42).

  If a positive determination is made in step S801, that is, if a large hit is in progress, the present process is ended as it is. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S801, a setting status of a display flag described later in step S802. To determine whether or not the variable display is being performed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R (the decorative symbol display device 42). Here, when the displaying flag is set (in the case of the on state), it is considered as being in the variable display, and when the displaying flag is released (in the case of the off state), the variable display is stopped. It is considered that the stop display corresponding to the state is being displayed. Although the details will be described later, the on-display flag is turned on when the variable display of the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R is started (see step S808), and the first and second special display devices 43L , 43R is turned off (see step S814).

  If NO in step S802, that is, if the jackpot is not detected or the variable display is not performed, the process proceeds to step S803, and the value of the total hold counter Nx (the value of the central hold counter Na and the right hold counter Nb It is determined whether or not the sum of the values of is greater than 0.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S803, that is, if at least one change indication is held in the central hold counter Na or the right hold counter Nb, the process proceeds to step S804. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S803, that is, if no variable display is stored pending, the present processing ends.

  In step S804, the value of the hold order buffer Bj is taken into consideration to determine which of the central starting opening 33 or the right starting opening 34 is triggered by the ball entering the variable starting display. More specifically, it is determined whether or not the value stored in the hold order buffer Bj is "0", that is, whether or not the current variable display is triggered by entering the right starting opening 34. . Here, if a positive determination is made, the process proceeds to step S805.

  In step S805, 1 is subtracted from the right hold counter Nb. In the following step S806, processing is performed to shift the data stored in the second special variation reserved area. This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting data stored in the first to fourth areas for suspension in the second special variation suspension area toward the execution area, and the first area for suspension → the execution area, the second for suspension Data in each area is shifted in such a manner as area → hold first area, hold third area → hold second area, hold fourth area → hold third area, and so on. After step S806, in step S807, after the process of turning on / off the second holding lamp 46R is performed, the process proceeds to step S808.

  In addition, if the negative determination is made in step S804, that is, if the current variable display is triggered by entering the central starting opening 33, in step S809, 1 is subtracted from the central hold counter Na. In the subsequent step S810, processing is performed to shift the data stored in the first special variation reserved area. This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting data stored in the reserved first to fourth areas of the first special variation reserved area to the execution area side, and the first reserved area → the execution area, the second reserved area Data in each area is shifted in such a manner as area → hold first area, hold third area → hold second area, hold fourth area → hold third area, and so on. After step S810, in step S811, after the process of turning on / off the first holding lamp 46L is performed, the process proceeds to step S808. In the present embodiment, there is one execution area of the special fluctuation reserve area, and the data stored in the first special fluctuation reserve area and the second special fluctuation reserve area is subjected to the fluctuation display based on the data Will be shifted to a common execution area.

  In step S808, start setting processing is performed to indicate that the conditions for performing the switching display (variation display) on the special display devices 43L and 43R are satisfied. In the start setting process, a flag under display indicating whether or not variable display is being performed on the special display devices 43L and 43R is turned on, and a setting process of a display timer is performed. The display timer is means for measuring the fluctuation time (remaining time of fluctuation display) in the special display devices 43L and 43R, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of fluctuation display. The fluctuation display time of the special display devices 43L and 43R in the present embodiment is set to a value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern selected by the fluctuation selection counter C3. At the same time, in the start setting process, setting of a start command for instructing the sub controller 262 to start variable display on the decorative symbol display device 42 is also performed. Then, after the end of step S 808, the display control process is ended.

  When a control signal to start switching display (variation display) is output to the special display devices 43L and 43R in the next external output processing of normal processing based on the above setting, the special display device 43L , 43R, switching display (variation display) is started. The special display devices 43L and 43R are the 7-segment display devices as described above, and if the displayed character is "-", "7", if "7", "3" and "3" Switch display to "-".

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S802, that is, if variable display is in progress, the process advances to step S812 to perform display timer subtraction processing. Each time this process is performed once, the value of the display timer is decremented by 4 ms. For example, in the case where the fluctuation time is 10 seconds (10000 ms), "2500" is set to the display timer and one is subtracted every 4 ms.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S813, and the value of the display timer after the above subtraction is taken into consideration to determine whether a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed. At this time, when the predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the display timer becomes “0”, an affirmative determination is made in step S813.

  If a negative determination is made in step S813, in step S817, switching display setting for continuously performing switching display (variation display) of the special display devices 43L and 43R is performed, and the present process ends. Incidentally, based on the setting contents of the switching display setting, similarly to the above, in the external output processing in the next normal processing, the control signal indicating that the switching display is performed is output to the special display devices 43L and 43R. As a result, the switching display (variation display) of the special display devices 43L and 43R is realized at the timing of the display control processing, that is, every 4 ms.

  On the other hand, when an affirmative determination is made in step S813, the flag under display is released (turned off) in step S814, and stop display setting for performing stop display on the special display devices 43L and 43R is performed in step S815.

  Incidentally, based on the setting contents of the stop display setting, in the external output process in the next normal process, a control signal indicating that the stop display is performed is output to the special display devices 43L and 42R. That is, in the case of "probable variation jackpot" accompanied by transition to "high probability state", "7" is stopped (for example, lit for only a few seconds), and "normal jackpot" accompanied by transition to "low probability state" In some cases, “3” is stopped and displayed, and in the case of “off”, “−” is stopped and displayed.

  Subsequently, after the discrimination information setting process is performed in step S816, the process ends. Here, the discrimination information setting process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S1001, the winning flag is taken into consideration, and it is determined whether or not the stop display corresponds to the big hit. Here, in the case of dealing with the jackpot, the process proceeds to step S1002, and jackpot setting is performed. Specifically, setting processing of a big hit occurrence flag, a variable flag, a variable timer, a round number counter, a winning counter, etc. is performed. Then, after the end of step S1002, the discrimination information setting process is ended. Here, the game value giving unit in the present embodiment is configured by the function of the main control device 261 that performs processing such as jackpot setting.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S1001 that the jackpot does not correspond to, that is, it is determined that the winning flag is off, the present process is ended as it is.

  The jackpot occurrence flag is state determination information for determining whether or not the jackpot state as the special gaming state, and in this case "1" indicating the occurrence of the jackpot state is set as a flag value (turned on) .

  The variable flag is determination information for determining whether or not the variable winning device 32 (big winning opening) is in the open state.

  The variable timer is means for measuring the opening time and the like of the variable winning device 32, and is used when determining whether or not a specified time has elapsed from the start of opening. In this example, “7500” is set as a value for the variable timer. As a result, the maximum opening time per round (the longest time that the variable winning device 32 is opened) is 30 seconds.

  The round number counter is discrimination information for discriminating the number of rounds executed during the big hit state (number of occurrences of special prize state, that is, the number of executions of the opening and closing process of the variable winning device 32). “16” is set as a value.

  The winning counter is a means for counting the number of gaming balls entering the variable winning device 32. In this processing, "8" indicating the maximum number of balls entering per round is set as a value. In the switch reading process (see FIG. 20) of the timer interrupt process, it is determined whether or not the ball has entered the variable winning device 32 based on the detection information of the count switch 223, and the ball is entered into the variable winning device 32. When it is determined, the value of the winning counter is decremented by one.

  Next, the variable winning device control process of step S206 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1201, it is determined whether a big hit occurrence flag is on. If a negative determination is made here, the present processing ends.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S1201, in step S1202, the count value of the variable timer is decremented by one. In the following step S1203, it is determined whether the variable flag is on.

  If a positive determination is made in step S1203, that is, if the variable winning device 32 is in the open state, the process proceeds to step S1204 and whether or not the count value of the variable timer is "0", that is, per round It is determined whether the open time of the variable winning device 32 is left.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1204, the process proceeds to step S1205 and it is determined whether or not the value of the winning counter is "0", that is, the number of gaming balls won for the variable winning device 32 per round. It is determined whether the specified number (eight in this example) has been reached. If a negative determination is made in step S1204, that is, if the timing for setting the variable winning device 32 in the closed state (timing for ending the round) has not yet arrived, the present processing ends.

  On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S1204 or step S1205, the process proceeds to step S1206, and it is determined whether the counter value of the round number counter is "0", that is, the number of rounds (number of open times of the variable winning device 32 ) Determines whether or not the specified number of times has been reached.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1206, an end setting process is performed in step S1207, and the present process ends.

  In the end setting process of step S1207, the variable flag and the big hit occurrence flag are turned off, the high probability state flag setting process, the game state notification command setting process, and the like are performed.

  The high probability state flag is state determination information for determining whether or not the gaming state is the “high probability state”, and in the setting process of the high probability state flag, the “probable variation jackpot flag” and the “normal jackpot” described above The switch setting of the high probability state flag is performed based on the “flag”. As a result, when the "high probability state" is set after the end of the big hit ("probable jackpot flag" is on), "1" indicating the occurrence of the "high probability state" is set as a flag value, and "low probability" When the state is set ("normal jackpot flag" is on), "0" indicating the occurrence of the "low probability state" is set as the flag value.

  The "probable jackpot flag" and the "normal jackpot flag" are turned off after the setting process of the high probability state flag. Alternatively, when the jackpot setting (step S1002) is performed in the determination information setting process of FIG. 28, the high probability state flag may be reset once ("0" may be set).

  The gaming state notification command is a command for notifying the sub control device 262 of the gaming state ("high probability state" or "low probability state") set after the big hit ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1206, that is, if the number of rounds has not reached the specified number, round sending processing is performed in step S1208, and this processing is terminated. In round feed processing, the value of the round number counter is decremented by one. That is, the above opening and closing process is repeatedly performed until the number of rounds executed reaches a predetermined number set in advance. Further, in the round forwarding process, the variable flag is turned off, and the time (waiting time) until the next round is started is set to the variable timer.

  If NO in step S1203, that is, if it is in the wait period between rounds, the process advances to step S1209 to determine whether the value of the variable timer is "0".

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1209, that is, if the wait period ends and the timing to start the next round is reached, a round start process is performed in step S1210. In the round start process, the variable flag is turned on, and the opening time of the variable winning device 32 per round is set for the variable timer, and the maximum winning number per round for the winning counter (in this example, " Set 8 "). Further, “7500” is set to the variable timer as the opening time of the variable winning device 32. If a negative determination is made in step S1209, and if the round start process is completed in step S1210, the present process ends.

  Note that various control signals are output to the variable winning device 32 in the external output process of the next normal process based on the on / off state of the variable flag. When the variable flag is on, a control signal to the effect that the big winning opening is opened is output to the variable winning device 32, and the variable winning device 32 is opened. On the other hand, when the variable flag is off, a control signal to the effect that the big winning opening is closed is output to the variable winning device 32, and the variable winning device 32 is closed.

  Next, the payout control executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 will be described. For convenience of explanation, the reception interrupt process will be described first with reference to FIG. 30, and then the main process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process executed by the payout control device 311. The reception interrupt process is a process executed by interrupting when the payout control device 311 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 261. When the payout control device 311 confirms that the command transmitted from the main control device 261 has been received, another process executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 is temporarily put on standby, and a reception interrupt process is executed. When the reception interrupt process is executed, first, in step S3001, the command transmitted from main controller 261 is stored in the command buffer of RAM 513, and in step S3002 to store that the command has been transmitted from main controller 261. The command reception flag is turned on to complete the present reception interrupt processing. As described above, when the command is stored in the command buffer, the storage pointer is referred to and stored in a predetermined storage area, and the storage pointer for storing the next received command in the next storage area Is updated.

  In the present embodiment, the reception process of the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is performed in the interrupt process which is executed when the command is received. For example, as shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, before the command determination process (step S3201) is performed, whether or not the command is received is confirmed, and if the command is received, the command is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 513. The command reception flag may be turned on, and transition to command determination processing may be made if a command is not received. In such a case, by checking the port corresponding to the command input of the input / output port at predetermined intervals, it is confirmed whether or not the command has been received.

  Next, the main processing of the payout control device 311 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the payout control device 311, and this main processing is started upon reset upon power-on.

  First, in step S3101, an initial setting process is performed in response to power on. Specifically, the stack pointer is set to a predetermined value determined in advance, and an interrupt mode is set. Then, the RAM access is permitted in step S3103, and the external interrupt vector is set in step S3104.

  Thereafter, in step S3106, it is determined whether or not the power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. Then, if the occurrence information of the power-off is set in the backup area 513a, the RAM determination value is calculated in step S3107, and in the subsequent step S3108, whether the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored at the power-off It is determined whether or not the backup is effective. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at a work area address of the RAM 513. In addition, it is also possible to judge the effectiveness of the backup depending on whether or not the keyword written in the predetermined area of the RAM 513 is correctly stored.

  When the power failure occurrence information is not set in step S3106 or when the backup abnormality is confirmed by the RAM determination value (checksum value or the like) in step S3108, the process for initializing the RAM 513 is performed after step S3115. Transition.

  In step S3115, the entire area of the RAM 513 is cleared to 0, and in step S3116, an initial value of the RAM 513 is set. Thereafter, in step S3117, CPU peripheral devices are initialized, and the process proceeds to step S3114 to permit an interrupt.

  On the other hand, on the condition that the power failure occurrence information is set in step S3106 and that the RAM determination value (checksum value etc.) is normal in step S3108, processing upon power recovery (power failure recovery) Process). That is, the stack pointer before power-off is restored in step S3109, the power-off occurrence information is cleared in step S3110, and the payout permission flag for permitting payout of the prize ball is cleared in step S3111. In step S3112, CPU peripheral devices are initialized. In step S3113, the use register is restored from the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. Furthermore, in step S3114, an interrupt is permitted.

  After the interrupt is permitted in step S3114, it is determined in the process of step S3122 whether or not occurrence information of power-off is set in the backup area 513a. Here, if the power-off occurrence information is set, it means that the power is shut off, so that the processes after step S3123 are performed as the power failure process at the time of the power-off. In the power failure process, the generation of each interrupt process is first inhibited in step S3123, and a command determination process described later is executed in the next step S3124. After that, the contents of each register used by the CPU 511 are saved in the stack area in step S3125, the value of the stack pointer is stored in the backup area 513a in step S3126, and the RAM determination value is calculated in step S3127 to backup area 513a. In step S3128, the RAM access is inhibited, and the infinite loop is continued until the power is completely shut off and the process can not be executed. Here, the RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value in a stack area and a work area backed up in the RAM 513.

  Since the process of step S3122 confirms the occurrence information of the power-off after the completion of the process performed at the time of power-on, the amount of data to be stored in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513 is compared with the case where each process is in progress. Less and easier to remember. In addition, when returning to the state before the power is shut off, the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a is small, so it can be easily restored, and the processing load on the payout control device 311 can be reduced. .

  Next, the timer interrupt process of the payout control device 311 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The timer interrupt process is activated periodically (in the present embodiment, in a cycle of 2 ms).

  In the timer interrupt process, first, a command from the main control device 261 is acquired, and a determination process of the command is performed (step S3201). This command determination process will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing command determination processing performed by the payout control device 311. In the command determination process (steps S3124 and S3201), first, it is determined whether or not the command reception flag is turned on in step S3301. The command reception flag is turned on when the command transmitted from the main control device 261 in the reception interrupt process (see FIG. 30) described above is received.

  If it is determined in step S3301 that the command reception flag is off, no new command has been received from the main control device 261, and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3301 that the command reception flag is on, the received command is read from the RAM 513 in step S3302, and the command reception flag is turned off in step S3303. By turning off the command reception flag in step S3303, the processing of step S3302 to step S3311 can be skipped until a new command is received, so control of the payout control device 311 can be reduced.

  The type of command read from the RAM 513 is determined in the processing of steps S3304 to S3306. In step S3304, it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from main controller 261 is a payout initialization command. In step S3305, it is determined whether it is a payout return command or not, and in step S3306, it is a prize ball command Whether or not it is determined.

  If the command transmitted from main controller 261 is a payout initialization command, it is determined in step S3307 whether the payout permission flag has already been turned on, and if the payout permission flag has been turned off, the main power is turned on. Since initialization of the RAM 513 is instructed from the control device 261, the work area other than the stack area of the RAM 513 is cleared to 0 in step S3308, and the initial value of the RAM 513 is set in step S3309. Thereafter, the payout permission flag is turned on in step S3311, and the payout permission of the winning balls is set.

  As described above, the main control device 261 performs the initialization process of the RAM 503 after transmitting the payout initialization command, and the payout control device 311 performs the initialization process of the RAM 513 after receiving the payout initialization command. Therefore, the timing at which the RAM 503 is initialized and the timing at which the RAM 513 is initialized coincide with each other. Therefore, even if the payout control device 311 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 261 due to the timing of initialization being shifted, the RAM 513 is initialized, and control corresponding to the received command can not be performed, etc. Can prevent the occurrence of negative effects. Further, since the payout permission flag is turned on after the RAM 513 is initialized, the payout permission of the winning balls can be set reliably.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3307 that the payout permission flag has been turned on, the command determination process is terminated without clearing the work area of the RAM 513 and initializing the RAM 513. That is, the process of step S3307 prohibits the RAM 513 from being initialized in the state where the payout permission flag is set. The payout initialization command is sent only when the RAM erase switch 323 is turned on when the power is turned on. Therefore, the payout permission flag is not turned on, and in such a case, It is conceivable that the payout control device 311 recognizes it as a payout initialization command due to the influence of noise or the like. Therefore, if the clearing of the work area of the RAM 513 (step S3308) and the setting of the initial value of the RAM 513 (step S3309) are executed while the payout permission flag is on, the payout ball will not be paid out if it remains, etc. Although a bad effect is caused to give a loss to the player, since the RAM 513 is prevented from being initialized in a state where the payout permission flag is turned on, it is possible to prevent giving a loss to the player.

  In addition, if the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a payout return command (step S3304: NO, step S3305: YES), the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 return to the state before the power shutoff. In order to permit payout of the winning balls, the payout permission flag is turned on in step S3311. That is, when there is information on the occurrence of power failure and the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 return to the state before the power failure, the payout of the winning balls is permitted. When the payout permission flag is turned on in the process of step S3311, the process based on the command stored in the predetermined storage area of the command buffer is completed, so the read pointer corresponds to the read pointer corresponding to the next storage area. It will be updated.

  Furthermore, if the command transmitted from main controller 261 is a prize ball command (step S3305: NO, step S3306: YES), in step S3310, the received number of prize balls is added to the total number of prize balls and stored. In order to permit the payout of the winning balls, the payout permission flag is turned on in step S3311. At this time, the payout control device 311 sequentially reads out the prize ball commands stored in the command buffer (ring buffer), and adds the number of prize balls corresponding to the command to the total number of prize balls stored in the predetermined buffer area. And memorize. Since the payout of the winning balls corresponding to the number of winning balls is performed based on the winning ball command transmitted from the main control device 261, the winning ball command is a payout instructing command instructing the payout of the winning balls. . Further, when the award ball command is received, the payout permission is immediately set, so that the award balls can be paid out earlier than the winning. When the payout permission flag is turned on in the process of step S3311, the process based on the command stored in the predetermined storage area of the command buffer is completed, so the read pointer corresponds to the read pointer corresponding to the next storage area. It will be updated.

  If the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is neither a payout initialization command (NO at step S3304) nor a payout return command (NO at step S3305), and if it is not a winning ball command (NO at step S3306), The command determination processing is ended without turning on the payout permission flag.

  Here, returning to the flowchart of FIG. 32 will be described. When the command determination process is completed, it is determined in step S3202 whether or not the payout permission flag is turned on in the command determination process. Here, if the payout permission flag is not turned on, this processing ends. That is, it is possible to prevent the payout of the prize ball from being performed before the command is transmitted from the main control device 261.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S3202, the launch permission is set for the launch control device 312 in step S3203, and the state recovery switch 321 is checked in step S3204 and the state recovery operation start is determined. Execute recovery operation. By this processing, for example, when the state recovery switch 321 is pressed when a dispensing error occurs such as ball clogging of the dispensing motor, the dispensing motor is rotated forward and reverse to resolve the ball clogging (return to the normal state). .

  Thereafter, in step S3205, the setting of the lower tray full state or the lower tray full release state is executed according to the change of the state of the lower tray 15. That is, the full tray condition of the lower tray 15 is determined by the detection signal of the lower tray full switch, and when the lower tray full is reached, the lower tray full condition setting is executed, and the lower tray full run out. , Set the lower plate full release state. Also, in step S3206, the setting of the tank ball absent state (ball out state) or the tank sphere absent state (ball present state) is executed according to the change of the state of the tank ball. That is, the tank ball absence state is determined by the detection signal of the tank ball absence switch, and the tank sphere absence state is executed when the tank sphere absence is reached, and the tank sphere absence released state is executed when the tank sphere absence is eliminated. Execute the setting.

  Thereafter, in step S3207, for example, it is determined whether there is a state to be notified, such as an error state, and if there is a state to be notified, notification is made.

  Subsequently, a payout control process of winning balls and rental balls is executed. In more detail, in step S3208, the payout number setting process is performed, in step S3209, a motor control state acquisition process is performed, and in step S3210, a motor drive process is performed.

  In step S3211, the state recovery switch 321 is checked, and the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the ball removal processing on the condition that the ball removal is not possible and the ball removal operation is not started. In the subsequent step S3212, control of the vibrator 360 (vibrator motor control) is executed on condition that the ball is clogged. Thereafter, the process returns to the beginning of this timer interrupt processing.

  Next, normal processing of the sub control device 262 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S3901, the port corresponding to the command input of the input / output port 554 is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is received. Also, the reception data buffer 670 of each corner lamp 103 is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not a command transmitted from another pachinko machine 10 is received.

  If a command has been received, the command is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 553 in step S3902. The command buffer of the RAM 553 is configured of a ring buffer that temporarily stores a command transmitted from the main control device 261 or the like. As described above, the ring buffer has a predetermined storage area, and commands are stored with regularity from the beginning to the end of the storage area, and when the command is stored in all the storage areas, storage is performed. It is configured to return to the beginning of the area and update the command. Therefore, when the command is stored and when the command is read, the storage pointer and the read pointer in the command buffer are updated, and the storage and the reading of the command are performed based on the respective pointers. After being stored in the command buffer of the RAM 553, the command is erased from the received data buffer 670 of the corner lamp 103.

  In the following step S3903, command determination processing is performed. Here, the command determination process will be described with reference to FIG. In step S4101, the received command is read from the command buffer of the RAM 553. In the following step S4102, it is judged whether or not the command is an initialization command, and in step S4103 it is judged whether or not it is a return command, and in step S4104 it is judged whether or not it is a fluctuation pattern command. At step S4111, it is determined whether it is a start command or not, and at step S4112, it is determined whether it is a network command.

  If the command read from the command buffer of the RAM 553 is an initialization command, the main controller 261 instructs the initialization of the RAM 553 when the power is turned on, so the RAM 553 is cleared in step S4105, and step S4106. To set the initial value of the RAM 553. Thereby, in the gaming state information storage area of the RAM 553, gaming state information corresponding to the “low probability state” which is the initial setting is stored. Thereafter, the process ends.

  Further, if the command read from the command buffer of the RAM 553 is a return command (step S4102: NO, step S4103: YES), the main control device 261 returns to the state before the power is turned off, so it has no backup function. In step S4107, the sub control device 262 reads the gaming state information included in the return command, and stores the gaming state information in the gaming state information storage area of the RAM 553. Thereafter, the process ends.

  Furthermore, if the command read from the command buffer of the RAM 553 is a fluctuation pattern command (step S4103: NO, step S4104: YES), storage of storing the contents of the fluctuation pattern etc. in the sub hold buffer Bf in step S4108. The processing is performed, and this processing ends.

  The sub storage buffer Bf includes eight storage areas (storage first area to storage eighth area) and one execution area. In each reserve area, information (big hit type, fluctuation time, effect pattern to be described later, etc.) related to the fluctuation display executed by the decorative symbol display device 42 in time series according to the reception history (reception order) of fluctuation pattern command Stored. Thereby, the sub control device 262 can grasp the number of pending variable displays and the contents thereof.

  In the present embodiment, the value of the first byte of the fluctuation pattern command is stored as the jackpot type information as it is, and the value of the second byte of the fluctuation pattern command is stored as it is as fluctuation time information.

  In the present embodiment, along with the process of storing the contents of the fluctuation pattern in the sub hold buffer Bf, based on the fluctuation time information stored in the hold area of the sub hold buffer Bf, an effect pattern according to the fluctuation display of the decorative symbol. Is selected, and a stop symbol (combination of stop symbols) to be stopped and displayed after a lapse of a fluctuation time is determined based on the jackpot type information (including “off”). The information on the effect pattern and the stop symbol determined here is additionally written to the hold area of the corresponding sub hold buffer Bf. The correspondence between the fluctuation time information and the effect pattern and the correspondence between the jackpot type information and the stop symbol are stored in the form of a table in the ROM 552 of the sub controller 262.

  Here, the correspondence between the fluctuation time information and the effect pattern will be described. First, the types of effect patterns will be described. As the effect pattern, for example, "normal reach" in which no special effect display is displayed except for the change of the decorative symbol, "super reach" in which a character etc. is displayed after reaching the reach state and makes the player feel more expectation, reach state There is also a "complete removal" that is not too bad.

  Particularly in the present embodiment, “A reach” and “B reach”, which correspond to “reach other than out of order,” are provided as the above “normal reach”, in which the final stop symbol stops after the reach condition is established. "C reach" and "D reach" equivalent to "front and back out of reach" in which the final stop symbol is shifted by just one before and after the reach symbol and stopped after reach condition is also established. It is prepared as ".

  The ROM 552 of the sub control device 262 is provided with an effect pattern determination table for determining which effect pattern the fluctuation time information corresponds to. In the present embodiment, two tables of a presentation pattern determination table for a big hit and a presentation pattern determination table for a lost event are provided.

  Specifically, in the effect pattern determination table for the jackpot win, as shown in FIG. 26B, if the value of the fluctuation time information is “0 to 4”, “A reach” is selected, “5 If "9", "B reach" is selected, if "10 to 54", "C reach" is selected, and if "55 to 99", "D reach" is selected. That is, if the fluctuation pattern is "20s fluctuation pattern", "A reach" or "B reach" is selected, and if the fluctuation pattern is "30s fluctuation pattern", "C reach" or "D reach" is selected. Ru.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 26C, if the value of the fluctuation time information is “0 to 90”, “completely out” which is not a reach mode is selected in the effect pattern determination table for the failed event as well. If "91 to 94", "A reach" is selected, if "95 to 97", "B reach" is selected, and if "98", "C reach" is selected, "99" If so, "D reach" is elected. That is, if the variation pattern is "10s variation pattern", "complete out" is selected, and if the variation pattern is "20s variation pattern", "A reach" or "B reach" is selected, and the variation pattern is " In the case of the 30s fluctuation pattern, "C reach" or "D reach" is selected.

  Therefore, "C reach" and "D reach" become a reach with a high expectation of becoming a jackpot as compared to "A reach" and "B reach".

  If the command read from the command buffer of the RAM 553 is the gaming state notification command (step S4104: NO, step S4110: YES), it is the timing when the gaming state is switched in the main control device 261, so the process proceeds to step S4107 The game state information (for example, information corresponding to the “high probability state”) included in the game state notification command is read out and stored in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553. Thereafter, the process ends.

  If the command read from the command buffer of the RAM 553 is a start command (step S4110: NO, step S4111: YES), it is the timing to start the variable display on the decorative symbol display device 42, so The start setting process is performed, and then the process ends.

  In the start setting process of step S4113, various settings relating to the variable display performed by the decorative symbol display device 42 are performed.

  In the start setting process, first, a process of shifting data stored in the sub hold buffer Bf is executed. This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting data stored in the first to eighth reserved areas to the execution area side, and the first reserved area → the execution area, the second reserved area → the first reserved area, The data in each area is shifted in such a way as to hold third area → hold second area... Hold eighth area → hold seventh area, and so on.

  Subsequently, a value corresponding to the fluctuation time stored in the execution area of the sub hold buffer Bf is set in the fluctuation display timer. The fluctuation display timer is means for measuring the fluctuation time (the remaining time of fluctuation display) in the decorative symbol display device 42, and is taken into consideration when determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the fluctuation display.

  In addition, a variable display flag which is referred to when it is determined whether or not variable display is being performed by the decorative symbol display device 42 is turned on.

  In addition, as a command transmitted from the main control device 261 to the sub control device 262, not only the above-exemplified command but also, for example, a jackpot effect start command output when a jackpot state occurs (or at the time of termination) (Or the jackpot effect end command) and the like.

  If the command read from the command buffer of the RAM 553 is a network command (step S4111: NO, step S4112: YES), network command transfer processing is performed in step S4114, and then this processing ends.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 34, after step S3903 or when the negative determination is made in step S3901, the process proceeds to step S3904, and it is determined whether the execution timing of the next normal processing has come, ie, the start of the previous normal processing It is determined whether or not a predetermined time (1 ms in this example) has elapsed since the time t. Then, if the predetermined time has already passed, the process proceeds to step S3905. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not elapsed from the start of the previous normal process, the process proceeds to step S3912.

  In step S3905, update processing of various counters is executed. The CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 uses various counter information when displaying the decorative symbol. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 36, a jackpot decoration symbol counter C5, upper / middle / lower outset symbol counters CL, CM, CR, a mode switching counter C7, and a network effect counter C8 are used. It is supposed to be.

  The jackpot decoration symbol counter C5 is for determining a symbol (jackpot symbol) to be stopped and displayed on the decoration symbol display device 42 in the case of a jackpot (“probable jackpot” or “normal jackpot”). The jackpot symbols in the present embodiment are set in ten ways regardless of "probable jackpot" or "normal jackpot". Therefore, ten (0 to 9) counter values are prepared as the jackpot decorative symbol counter C5. That is, the jackpot decorative symbol counter C5 is configured to be sequentially incremented by one within the range of 0 to 9 and to return to 0 after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 9).

  The jackpot decoration symbol counter C5 is periodically updated in the counter updating process of step S3905, and is stored in the jackpot decoration symbol counter buffer of the RAM 553. Then, if the jackpot type information stored in the hold area of the sub hold buffer Bf is “FD” or “FE” indicating a jackpot in the hold buffer storage process of step S4108, based on a table not shown, For example, if the value of the jackpot decorative symbol counter C5 is "0" ("Zoro"), if "1" ("Zoro"), ... "0" -A combination of symbols of any of Zoromes of "9" is determined as a combination of stop symbols (big hit symbols).

  In addition, each of the upper, middle, and lower off symbol counters CL, CM, CR is each stop symbol (combination of off symbols) of the upper, middle, and lower symbol display areas when the big hit lottery becomes “off”. Since one of ten decorative symbols is displayed in each column, ten (0 to 9) counter values are prepared for each. The stop symbol of the upper symbol display area is determined by the upper / off symbol counter CL, and the stop symbol of the middle symbol display area is determined by the middle / out symbol counter CM, and the stop symbol of the lower figure display region is determined by the lower / out symbol counter CR. Is determined.

  The out-of-design symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are configured such that the register values are added using an R register (refresh register) in the CPU 551, and as a result, the numerical values change randomly. The values of these counters are appropriately stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 553.

  More specifically, at the time of updating each off symbol counter CL, CM, CR, the value of the lower 3 bits of the R register is added to the previous value, and 10 is subtracted when the addition result exceeds the upper limit value. It is determined. Each off symbol counter CL, CM, CR is updated so that the update time does not overlap, and the combination of the off symbol counter CL, CM, CR is the reach pattern buffer of the RAM 553, the reach symbol buffer other than the back and forth deviation Completely stored in any of the design buffer.

  Further, the mode switching counter C7 is for determining the type of the game mode to be set next, when a mode shuffle effect (large fish group effect) described later is executed. As the mode switching counter C7, 100 (0 to 99) counter values are prepared. That is, the mode switching counter C7 is configured to be sequentially incremented by one within the range of 0 to 99, and to return to 0 after reaching the upper limit (that is, 99).

  The mode switching counter C7 is periodically updated in the counter updating process of step S3905, and is stored in the mode switching counter buffer of the RAM 553. Then, it is referred to in the mode switching lottery process of step S4402 described later.

  In addition, the network effect counter C8 is for determining the presence or absence of the execution of the network effect (big hit advance effect) described later and its type. As the network effect counter C8, 300 (0 to 299) counter values are prepared. That is, the network effect counter C8 is configured to be sequentially incremented by one within the range of 0 to 299, and to return to 0 after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 299).

  The network effect counter C8 is periodically updated in the counter updating process of step S3905, and is stored in the network effect counter buffer of the RAM 553. Then, it is taken into consideration in the network effect determination process of step S4904 described later.

  Here, the update processing of each out-of-design symbol counter CL, CM, CR will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 37, in step S4001, it is determined whether or not it is time to update the up / off symbol counter CL. In step S4002, it is determined whether or not it is time to update the inside / out symbol counter CM. In addition, it is comprised so that each top, middle and bottom out-of-out pattern counter CL, CM, CR may be updated one by one sequentially by one update process. Therefore, in the case where the lower / out symbol symbol counter CR is updated in the previous update processing, an affirmative determination is made in step S4001. Further, in the case where the up / off symbol counter CL is updated in the previous update processing, an affirmative determination is made in step S4002. If it is time to update the up / off symbol counter CL (YES in step S4001), the process advances to step S4003 to update the up / off symbol counter CL. In addition, if it is the time to update the inside / outside symbol counter CM (YES in step S4002), the process proceeds to step S4004, and the inside / outside symbol counter CM is updated. Further, if it is time to update the lower / out symbol symbol counter (both step S4001 and S4002 are NO), the process proceeds to step S4005, and the lower / out symbol counter CR is updated. In updating the out-of-out pattern counters CL, CM, and CR in steps S4003 to S4005, the value of the lower 3 bits of the R register is added to the previous counter value and 10 is subtracted if the addition result exceeds the upper limit value The calculation result is taken as the current value of the out-of-pattern counter CL, CM, CR.

  According to the update process of CL, CM and CR, the upper, middle and lower out-of-out pattern counters CL, CM and CR are sequentially updated one by one in one update process, and the update time of each counter value overlaps There is nothing to do. As a result, every time the update process is performed three times, one set of the out-of-design symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is updated.

  After that, in step S4006, the combination of the updated outlying symbol counters CL, CM, CR is the combination of reach symbols (the symbol of the upper symbol display region and the symbol of the lower symbol display region are the same, upper and lower symbol display regions It is determined whether or not the symbol of the symbol and the symbol of the middle symbol display area are different), and if it is a combination of reach symbols (YES in S4006), further in step S4007, it is a reach out of order Determine if there is. If the out-of-design counter CL, CM, CR is a combination of back and forth out-of-reach reach (back and forth out-of-out symbol) (S4007 is YES), the process proceeds to step S4008 and the combination of out-of-out pattern counters CL, CM, CR at that time is RAM553 Store before and after out of reach reach pattern buffer. If the out-of-out pattern counters CL, CM, and CR are combinations of reach (other than out-of-back out-of-front symbols) combinations (NO in S4007), the process proceeds to step S4009, and the out-of-out pattern counters CL, CM, CR The combination is stored in the reach pattern buffer except the back and forth deviation of the RAM 553.

  If it is a combination other than the reach symbol (S4006 is NO), the process proceeds to step S4010, and it is determined whether or not the combination of the symbol symbol CL, CM, and CR is the combination of the symbol and the symbol If it is a combination of symbols (completely out of design) (S4010 is YES), the process proceeds to step S4011, and the combination of outlying symbol counters CL, CM, CR at that time is stored in the completely out of pattern buffer of the RAM 553. In addition, when step S4006 and S4010 are NO at the same time, the symbols are aligned in the upper, middle, and lower, that is, it corresponds to the combination of the big hit symbols, but in such a case, the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR This processing ends as it is without storing.

  When the jackpot type information stored in the hold area of the sub hold buffer Bf is "FF" indicating "out" in the hold buffer storage process of step S4108, the process is performed based on a table (not shown). The combination of symbols stored in the counter buffer (see FIG. 36) of the RAM 553 is determined as the combination of stop symbols (outlying symbols).

  More specifically, if the jackpot type information stored in the predetermined holding area is “off” and the value of the fluctuation time information is “0 to 90” (if the effect pattern is “completely off”), the complete removal is performed. The combination of the symbols stored in the symbol buffer is determined as a stop symbol. Similarly, if the value of fluctuation time information is “91 to 97” (rendering pattern is “A reach” or “B reach”), combinations of symbols stored in the reach symbol buffer except for back and forth deviation Determined as a stop symbol. In addition, if the value of the fluctuation time information is "98, 99" (rendering pattern is "C reach" or "D reach"), the combination of symbols stored in the out-of-front reach symbol pattern buffer of the RAM 553 Determined as a stop symbol.

  Returning to the explanation of FIG. 34, in step S3906, network related processing is executed. In the network related processing, various types of processing such as network rendering determination processing for determining whether or not network rendering is to be performed and the contents thereof, and link confirmation processing corresponding to pre-processing for performing network rendering are performed. Details of the network related processing will be described later.

  In addition, the network effect in the present embodiment is a game effect (display effect, sound effect performed by synchronizing all or a part of a plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10j disposed on the game machine installation islands 1A and 1B in synchronization or interlockingly) , Refers to the light emission effect).

  In step S3907, display setting processing for performing various displays on the decorative symbol display device 42 is performed. In the display setting process, the variable display setting process (see FIG. 38) mainly for performing the variable display of the decorative symbol by the decorative symbol display device 42, and the display mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 to the type of game mode described later A mode mode setting process (see FIG. 41) or the like to be performed in a corresponding mode is performed.

  Here, the variable display setting process will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 38, in step S4301, it is determined whether or not the variation display is being performed on the decorative symbol display device 42 by checking the setting status of the variation display flag. Specifically, when the variable display flag is set (in the on state), it is considered as variable display, and when the variable display flag is canceled (in the off state), the variable display is displayed. It is considered that the stop display corresponding to the stopped state is being displayed. In addition, when the variable display flag is turned on when starting the variable display of the decorative symbol display device 42 (the start setting process of step S4113) as described above, the variable display of the decorative symbol display device 42 is stopped and displayed. It is turned off (see step S4305).

  If the determination is affirmative here, that is, if the variation start time or the variation is in progress, the process proceeds to step S4302, and if the determination is negative, the present process ends.

  In step S4302, fluctuation display timer subtraction processing is performed. Each time this process is performed once, the value of the display timer is decremented by 4 ms. For example, when the fluctuation time is 10 seconds (10000 ms), "2500" is set to the fluctuation display timer, and one is subtracted every 4 ms.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S4303, and the value of the fluctuation display timer after the above subtraction is taken into consideration to determine whether or not a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed. At this time, when the predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the fluctuation display timer becomes “0”, an affirmative determination is made in step S4303.

  If a negative determination is made in step S4303, in step S4304, a variation execution process for performing variation display of the decorative symbol display device 42 is performed, and the present process is ended.

  In this variation execution process, for example, various calculation processes such as generation of a display control command to be output to the display control device 45 based on various information stored in the execution area of the sub hold buffer Bf of the RAM 553 and output setting of the command Do.

  Thereby, the display control device 45 performs drawing processing in accordance with the command from the sub control device 262, and starts the fluctuation display of the symbol on the decorative symbol display device 42. Then, once the start command is received from main controller 261, until the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display corresponding to the start command has elapsed (the value of the fluctuation display timer set in the start setting process of step S4113 is “0 During the period, the variable display of symbols is continued under the cooperation of the sub controller 262 and the display controller 45.

  The display control command described above is a command for specifying a series of display effects from the start to the end of the variable display, for example, and a display control command necessary each time based on the information stored in the sub hold buffer Bf. Is generated. Normally, the display control command related to the variable display generated by the sub controller 262 is roughly divided into a normal fluctuation data group, a reach effect data group, etc. Basically, each data constituting these data groups has the above fluctuation time By sequentially outputting according to the time order determined in advance based on the timer, display effects corresponding to various fluctuation patterns are performed. For example, a normal fluctuation data group consists of normal fluctuation data 1, normal fluctuation data 2, ..., and normal fluctuation data m, and a reach effect data group is reach effect data 1, reach effect data 2, ..., reach effect data When it consists of n, data output is sequentially performed in the order of normal fluctuation data 1 → 2 → ... → m along with the start of normal fluctuation, and it is followed by reach production data 1 → 2 → along with the start of reach effect Data output is sequentially performed in the order of n.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S4303, that is, if it is determined that the value of the variable display timer is "0", stop display setting for performing stop display on the decorative symbol display device 42 in step S4305. To complete this process. In the stop display setting, a flag under variable display is released (turned off), and setting of a stop command for instructing the display control device 45 to stop the variable display in the decorative symbol display device 42 is performed.

  Here, a display mode on the display unit 420 of the decorative symbol display device 42 will be described. As described above, the upper, middle, and lower three symbol display areas are provided in the decorative symbol display device 42, and a plurality of types of decorative symbols Z are variably displayed for each symbol display area (see FIG. 39). ). In the present embodiment, various decorative symbols Z with numbers “0” to “9” are displayed. The various decorative symbols Z are scrolled and displayed from right to left with periodicity in ascending or descending order of numbers, and a series of symbol rows are configured. Of course, the variation mode of the symbol is not limited to the scroll variation, but may be a switching variation or the like.

  In such a case, in the upper symbol row, various decorative symbols Z are displayed in descending order (in order of decreasing number attached), and in the middle symbol row and lower pattern row, various decorative symbols Z are similarly ascending (attached numbers Is displayed in order of increasing Then, after a predetermined time has passed, the fluctuation display stops in the order of upper symbol display area → lower pattern display area → middle symbol display area, and at the time of the stop, decorative symbol Z is a combination of big hit symbols on a predetermined big hit line, for example ( In the present embodiment, the jackpot state is started if the combination of the same kind of pattern is aligned. In addition, immediately before the combination of the big hit symbols mentioned above is displayed, it becomes what is called a reach state (the reach | attainment state of a reach aspect). However, even in the reach state, it may not reach the jackpot state.

  In the present embodiment, the jackpot line is composed of left, middle and right vertical lines and two diagonal lines (referred to as five lines). Therefore, in the upper / middle / lower pattern display area, a jackpot state occurs when the same type of various decorative symbols Z is displayed side by side on any one of the five lines. .

  Further, in the present embodiment, as one of the display effects in the decorative symbol display device 42 (for example, as one of the effect patterns relating to the fluctuation display of the decorative symbol described above, such as reach notice effect and big hit notice effect). A fish school effect is performed in which the fish school G traverses from right to left (see FIG. 40).

  When the fish school effect is performed, first, the fish school G appears from the right end of the display unit 420 [see FIG. 40 (a)]. Then, it passes by to the left end of the display unit 420 [see FIGS. 40 (b) and 40 (c)]. Here, the school of fish G appears on the near side of the decorative pattern Z so as to cover the decorative pattern Z. In this way, the decorative symbol Z can not be viewed once, and it is possible to make it difficult for the player to predict the development of the subsequent presentation contents.

  The appearance rate of the fish school effect is set to be different depending on the correspondence with the reach pattern and the correspondence with the jackpot type information, and the correspondence between them is stored in a table in the ROM 552 of the sub controller 262 in advance. ing. For example, it is set so that it appears more easily when "super reach" occurs than "normal reach", and more easily when "big hit is won" than when "out of reach".

  Next, mode mode setting processing will be described. The mode mode setting process is a process for performing the display mode in the decorative symbol display device 42 (display unit 420) in a mode according to the type of game mode.

  In the present embodiment, the game mode is set to be switched between “informing mode”, “indication mode”, and “normal mode (non-informing mode)”.

  The "informing mode" is a mode in which the current gaming state ("high probability state" or "low probability state") is explicitly notified to the player.

  The "suggestion mode" is a mode that suggests the current gaming state to the player.

  The "normal mode" refers to a normal state that is not the above "notification mode" and "indication mode" as the specific mode. In the "normal mode", it is difficult for the player to grasp the current gaming state. Therefore, if the gaming state is in the "high probability state" in the normal mode, the player can not grasp this, that is, a so-called "latency state".

  In the present embodiment, mode information on the game mode is stored in the mode information storage area of the RAM 553. The sub control device 262 is configured to be able to determine the game mode based on the value of the mode flag Mf stored as mode information in the mode information storage area. More specifically, when the game mode is the "normal mode", "0" is set to the value of the mode flag Mf, and when the game mode is the "indication mode", the value of the mode flag Mf is " When "1" is set and the game mode is "notification mode", "2" is set as the value of the mode flag Mf.

  Here, the flow of the mode mode setting process will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S4401, the decorative symbol display device 42 determines whether "large fish school effect (first network effect)", which is one of the network effects described later, is being executed. Here, if a positive determination is made, the process proceeds to step S4402, and if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S4403.

  In step S4402, a mode switching lottery process is performed. By the mode switching lottery process, the type of game mode to be set next is determined. That is, the mode shuffle effect is executed by the mode switching lottery process. The mode shuffle effect means an effect in which the mode mode can be changed in response to the execution of the “large fish group effect” in the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The mode switching lottery process refers to the mode switching counter C7 stored in the mode switching counter buffer of the RAM 553 and the mode switching table (see FIG. 42) stored in advance in the ROM 552, and the type of game mode to be set next Decide.

  In the present embodiment, the ratio at which a predetermined game mode is selected is different according to the type of game mode set at the time when the mode switching lottery process is performed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 42, when the current game mode is the "normal mode", if the value of the mode switching counter C7 is "0 to 39", the "normal" game mode is selected as the next game mode. If "mode" is selected, if "40 to 89", "indication mode" is selected as the next game mode, and if "90 to 99", "notification mode" is selected as the next game mode .

  If the current game mode is "indication mode", if the value of the mode switching counter C7 is "0 to 29", the "normal mode" is selected as the next game mode, and "30 to 79" In the case of “”, the “suggestion mode” is selected as the next game mode, and in the case of “80 to 99”, the “informing mode” is selected as the next game mode.

  When the current game mode is the "notification mode", if the value of the mode switching counter C7 is "0 to 19", the "normal mode" is selected as the next game mode, "20 to 39 If it is "," "suggestion mode" will be chosen as the next game mode, and if it is "40 to 99", "notification mode" will be chosen as the next game mode.

  In step S4403, it is determined whether the value of the mode flag Mf is "0", that is, whether the game mode is the "normal mode".

  If an affirmative determination is made here, a normal mode setting process for setting the display mode in the decorative symbol display device 42 as a normal mode is performed in step S4404, and this process is ended. In the normal mode setting process, for example, setting of a display control command to be executed by the display control device 45 is performed (the same applies to various mode setting processes described below).

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S4403, it is determined in step S4405 whether the value of the mode flag Mf is "1", that is, whether the game mode is the "suggestion mode".

  Here, if a positive determination is made, a suggestion mode setting process is performed in step S4406, and the process ends. In the suggestion mode setting process, the game state is determined based on the game state information stored in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553. If the game state is "high probability state", for example, in addition to the display of the normal mode Display settings such as "May I be in a high probability state?" Are made with a probability of 70%. That is, when the "indication mode" is selected, indication indicating that the current gaming state is presented to the player is performed at a predetermined probability.

  If NO in step S4405, it is determined in step S4407 whether the value of the mode flag Mf is "2", that is, whether the game mode is "notification mode".

  Here, if a positive determination is made, a notification mode setting process is performed in step S4408, and this process ends. In the notification mode setting process, the game state is determined based on the game state information stored in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553. If the game state is the "high probability state", the above normal mode is displayed instead of the display For example, the background image BG is set to a reddish monotone mode, and notification display setting such as "during high probability state" is performed. On the other hand, if the gaming state is the "low probability state", notification display setting such as "during the low probability state" is performed in addition to the display of the normal mode. That is, in the "informing mode", an informing display for informing the player of the current gaming state is performed with a probability of 100%.

  Now, returning to the explanation of FIG. 34, in the lamp setting process of step S3909, for example, the lighting patterns of the various illumination devices such as the lamps 102 to 104 are set to synchronize with the display effect performed on the decorative symbol display device 42 ( decide.

  In the audio setting process of step S3910, for example, an audio pattern output from the speaker SP is set (decided) so as to be synchronized with the display effect performed by the decorative symbol display device 42, for example. In addition, when a command relating to voice is transmitted from the main control device 261, such as notification of error occurrence, setting for performing these controls is also performed in step S3910.

  At step 3911, an external output process of transmitting a command or control signal based on the setting contents at the steps S 3905 to 3910 to each device is executed.

  For example, a display control command is transmitted to the display control device 45 at the time of variation display of the decoration symbol by the decoration symbol display device 42. A light emission control command is transmitted to the light emission communication control unit 653 in the light emission effect by the corner lamp 103. A network command is transmitted to the light emission communication control unit 653 in the network effect.

  After the processing of steps S3905 to S3911 performed every 1 ms is executed, or if the negative determination is made in step S3904, the process proceeds to step S3912 and generation information of power-off is stored in RAM 553 or not. Determine if Note that the power-off occurrence information is stored when a power-off command is received from the main control device 261.

  If the power-off occurrence information is not stored, the process proceeds to step S3913, where it is determined whether the RAM 553 is destroyed. Here, if the RAM 553 is not destroyed, the process returns to the process of step S3901 and the normal process is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if the RAM 553 is destroyed, the processing is endlessly looped to stop the execution of the subsequent processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3912 that occurrence information of the power-off is stored, the power-off process is executed in step S3914. In the power-off process, the generation of the interrupt process is inhibited and each output port is turned off. In addition, the storage of occurrence information of power-off is also erased. After execution of the power-off process, the process is looped endlessly.

  Next, the network related process of step S3906, the network command transfer process of step S4114, and the configuration related to network presentation will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 43, in the network related process, link confirmation process (step S4901), link response process (step S4902), response standby process (step S4903), and network effect determination process (step S4904) are executed. .

  In the link confirmation process, the link response process, and the response standby process, the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 of the left and right corner lamps 103L and 103R of the predetermined pachinko machine 10 are disposed at positions facing each other. This is a series of processes for determining whether it is possible to transmit and receive various data to and from the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 of the other pachinko machine 10, respectively. Therefore, the link confirmation process, the link response process, and the response standby process are performed for the light emission communication units 651 and 652 of the left and right corner lamps 103L and 103R, respectively.

  First, the link confirmation processing in step S4901 will be described with reference to FIG. First, among the link confirmation completion flags provided corresponding to the light emission communication units 651 and 652 of the left and right corner lamps 103L and 103R, the sub control device 262 determines the link confirmation completion flag related to the link confirmation processing (for example, left It is determined whether the link confirmation completion flag corresponding to the side light emission communication unit 651 of the corner lamp 103L is turned on (step S6001). The link confirmation completion flag is determination information for determining whether the link confirmation process has already been completed as described later.

  Here, when the link confirmation completion flag is turned on, that is, when the link confirmation process has already ended, the present process is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, when the link confirmation completion flag is not turned on, the sub-control device 262 is positioned opposite to the light emission communication units 651 and 652 via the light emission communication units 651 and 652 related to the link confirmation processing. A predetermined confirmation signal is transmitted to the light emission communication units 651 and 652 of the other pachinko machines 10 arranged (step S6002), and a predetermined standby timer is set (step S6003). The standby timer is for measuring a standby time for waiting for a response from another pachinko machine 10, and is individually provided corresponding to each of the light emitting communication units 651, 652 of the left and right corner lamps 103L, 103R. ing. In the present embodiment, “3 seconds” is set as the waiting time.

  After that, the link confirmation completion flag is turned on (step S6004), and the present process ends.

  Next, link response processing in step S4902 will be described with reference to FIG. The link response process is performed corresponding to the link confirmation process performed by the other pachinko machine 10.

  The sub-control device 262 determines whether the confirmation signal has been received via the light emission communication units 651 and 652 related to the link response process (step S6101). Here, when it is determined that the confirmation signal has not been received, the present process ends.

  On the other hand, when the confirmation signal is received, the light emission of the other pachinko machine 10 disposed at the position opposite to the light emission communication units 651 and 652 via the light emission communication units 651 and 652 which received the confirmation signal. A predetermined response signal is output to the communication units 651 and 652 (light emission communication units 651 and 652 which have transmitted the confirmation signal) (step S6102), and the process ends.

  Next, the response waiting process of step S4903 will be described with reference to FIG. The response waiting process is performed corresponding to the link confirmation process.

  First, the sub controller 262 determines whether the value of the standby timer corresponding to the light emission communication unit 651 or 652 related to the response standby process is “0” (step S6201). Here, when the value of the standby timer is “0”, this processing ends.

  On the other hand, when the value of the standby timer is not "0", the standby timer is decremented (step S6202), and the process proceeds to step S6203.

  In step S6203, it is determined whether the response signal has been received from another pachinko machine 10 via the light emission communication units 651 and 652 related to the response standby process (step S6203).

  Here, when the light emission communication units 651 and 652 related to the response standby process receive a response signal from the other pachinko machine 10, after the link flag corresponding to the light emission communication units 651 and 652 is turned on (step S6204), this processing ends.

  More specifically, when the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L receives a response signal, that is, when there is an input of a response signal from the pachinko machine 10 on the left side of its own, the left side link flag Set the value to '1'.

  When the front light emission communication unit 652 of the left corner lamp 103L receives the response signal, that is, when the response signal is input from the pachinko machine 10 on the front side of itself, the value of the left front link flag is set to "1". Set

  When the side light emission communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103R receives a response signal, that is, when there is an input of a response signal from the pachinko machine 10 on its right side, the value of the right side link flag is set to "1". Set

  When the front light emission communication unit 652 of the right corner lamp 103R receives a response signal, that is, when there is an input of a response signal from the front side pachinko machine 10, the value of the right front link flag is set to "1". Set

  When no response signal is input, each link flag is set to “0”.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6203 that the response signal has not been received, the present process ends.

  Next, the network effect determination process of step S4904 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S6301, sub controller 262 is jackpot type information ("FD") indicating a jackpot in any of the eight holding areas (the first holding area to the eighth holding area) of sub holding buffer Bf. Or, it is determined whether "FE" is stored.

  Here, when the jackpot type information (“FD” or “FE”) indicating the jackpot is not stored, the present processing ends.

  On the other hand, when the jackpot type information (“FD” or “FE”) indicating the jackpot is stored, in step S6302, the sub control device 262 stores the network effect counter C8 stored in the network effect counter buffer of the RAM 553. And the network effect determination table (see FIG. 49) stored in advance in the ROM 552 to determine the presence / absence of execution of the network effect (big hit advance effect).

  Here, when it is determined that the network effect is not to be performed, the present processing is ended as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the network effect is to be performed, the network effect setting process is performed in step S6303, and then the process ends.

  In the present embodiment, as the network effect, the “large fish school effect” performed using the decorative symbol display device 42 of each pachinko machine 10 or the electric decoration device such as the top lamp 102 of each pachinko machine 10 is used. The "countdown effect" performed using the "roulette effect" to be performed, the speaker SP of each pachinko machine 10, and the like is performed.

  More specifically, if the value of the network effect counter C8 is "0 to 29", "large fish group effect" is executed, and if "30 to 59", "roulette effect" is executed, and "60 to 89". If there is, "countdown effect" is executed. Further, if the value of the network effect counter C8 is "90 to 299", it is "off", and the network effect is not executed.

  Then, in the network effect setting process of step S6303, the sub-control device 262 performs a process of setting the type of network effect, information indicating that the network effect is to be executed, and the like in the RAM 553.

  More specifically, when the determined network effect is the first network effect (large fish group effect), “1” is set to the value of the network effect flag. When the network effect is the second network effect (roulette effect), the value of the network effect flag is set to “2”, and when it is the third network effect (countdown effect), the network effect flag is Set the value to "3". On the other hand, in the case of “off”, “0” is set to the value of the network effect flag.

  Then, based on the setting contents set here, the sub-control device 262 pre-sets the network effect at a predetermined timing with respect to the predetermined pachinko machine 10 for which the link has been established by a series of processing such as the link confirmation processing. Output a network effect setting command for performing.

  In the present embodiment, as the network command transmitted and received between the pachinko machines 10, in addition to the above-mentioned network rendering setting command, for example, a network rendering execution command and the like output for starting the network rendering are provided. Further, each network command includes unique information (hereinafter referred to as effect ID) that can identify that the command is related to a network effect generated at a predetermined time on the predetermined pachinko machine 10. That is, the effect ID includes information that can specify the model code, the serial number, and the time information of the pachinko machine 10.

  Here, the output processing of the network command performed by each pachinko machine 10 will be described. First, the sub controller 262 checks the values of various link flags related to the left corner lamp 103L, and when the value of the left side link flag is “1”, through the side light emission communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L. A predetermined network command is output to the side light emission communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103R of the other pachinko machine 10 disposed at a position facing the side light emission communication unit 651. Here, part of the left-side communication determination means (left-side communication determination means) in the present embodiment is configured by the processing function of confirming whether the value of the left side link flag is “1”.

  On the other hand, when the value of the left side link flag is "0" and the value of the left front link flag is "1", the front light emission communication unit 652 via the front light emission communication unit 652 of the left corner lamp 103L. A predetermined network command is output to the front light emission communication unit 652 of the right corner lamp 103R of another pachinko machine 10 disposed at a position facing the H.652. Here, part of the left forward communication judging means (left communication judging means) in the present embodiment is configured by the processing function of confirming whether or not the value of the left front link flag is "1".

  Here, when the value of the left side link flag is “0” and the value of the left front link flag is “0”, the network command is not output from the left corner lamp 103L. In this case, since the pachinko machine 10 is the pachinko machine 10 located at the left end of the gaming machine network system comprising a plurality of linked pachinko machines 10, the sub control device 262 sets the above network effect In the processing (step S6303), the information etc. indicating that the player is located at the left end of the gaming machine network system are set in the RAM 553. Such processing functions constitute part of the left end storage means in the present embodiment.

  Next, the sub controller 262 confirms the values of various link flags related to the right corner lamp 103R, and when the value of the right side link flag is “1”, the side light emission communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103R A predetermined network command is output to the side light emission communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L of the other pachinko machine 10 disposed at a position opposite to the side light emission communication unit 651. Here, part of the right side communication determination means (right side communication determination means) in the present embodiment is configured by the processing function of confirming whether the value of the right side link flag is “1”.

  On the other hand, when the value of the right side link flag is "0" and the value of the right front link flag is "1", the front light emission communication unit 652 via the front light emission communication unit 652 of the right corner lamp 103R. A predetermined network command is output to the front light emission communication unit 652 of the left corner lamp 103L of the other pachinko machine 10 disposed at a position facing the H.652. Here, a part of the right forward communication determination unit (right communication determination unit) in the present embodiment is configured by the processing function of confirming whether the value of the right front link flag is “1”.

  Here, when the value of the right side link flag is “0” and the value of the right front link flag is “0”, the network command is not output from the right corner lamp 103R. In such a case, since the pachinko machine 10 is the pachinko machine 10 located at the right end of the gaming machine network system consisting of a plurality of pachinko machines 10 with established links, the sub control device 262 sets the above network effect In the processing (step S6303), the information etc. indicating that the player is located at the right end of the gaming machine network system are set in the RAM 553. Such processing functions constitute part of the right end storage means in the present embodiment.

  Next, the network command transfer processing of step S4114 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub control device 262 determines whether a network command has been input from any of the pachinko machines 10 on the left and right or front side of itself (step S6501). Here, when there is no input of a network command, this processing ends.

  If a network command has been input, the effect ID of the network command is confirmed, and it is determined whether the network command has already been set (step S6502). The comparison means in the present embodiment is configured by such processing functions.

  If the network command has already been set, the process proceeds to step S6514 without performing the transfer process of the network command.

  If it is determined in step S6502 that the network command has already been set, for example, as shown in FIG. 52, ten pachinko machines 10a to 10e and 10f to 10j of gaming machine installation islands 1A and 1B. Are linked in a circularly data-communicable manner. For example, when the same network effect setting command is input from the left and right sides to a predetermined pachinko machine 10, or when a predetermined network effect execution command output from the predetermined pachinko machine 10 is input to itself again. Be

  On the other hand, if the network command has not been set, storage processing for storing the network command in a predetermined area of the RAM 553 is executed (step S6503). As a result, for example, effect information such as effect ID included in the network command, type of network effect corresponding to the network command (value of network effect flag), and execution timing of the network effect are set.

  Then, based on the network command being set in the RAM 553, various processes corresponding to the network command are performed. For example, when the network command is a network effect setting command, pre-setting processing of the network effect corresponding to the network effect setting command is performed. In addition, when the network command is a network effect execution command, an execution process of the network effect preset based on the network effect setting command corresponding to the network effect execution command is performed.

  In the following step S6504, it is determined whether a network command has been input from the left corner lamp 103L (the side light emission communication unit 651 or the front light emission communication unit 652). If a negative determination is made here, the process moves to step S6509.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S6504 is affirmative, in step S6505, it is determined whether the value of the right side link flag is “0”. If a negative determination is made here, the process moves to step S6508. Here, part of the right side communication determination unit (right communication determination unit) in the present embodiment is configured by the processing function of confirming whether the value of the right side link flag is “0”.

  If it is determined in step S6505 that the value of the right side link flag is "0", that is, if there is no same type of pachinko machine 10 capable of communication on the right side of itself, then in step S6506 It is determined whether the value is "0". If a negative determination is made here, the process moves to step S6508. Here, a part of the right forward communication determination unit (right communication determination unit) in the present embodiment is configured by the processing function of confirming whether the value of the right front link flag is “0”.

  If it is determined in step S6506 that the value of the right front link flag is “0”, that is, there is no same type of pachinko machine 10 capable of communication on the front side of itself, network command transfer processing is not performed. In step S6507, the right edge correspondence process is performed, and the process ends.

  In the case where the processing corresponding to the right end in step S6507 is performed, for example, five pachinko machines 10a to 10e of gaming machine installation island 1A shown in FIG. 52 are linked so as to be capable of data communication in series (non-ring). Pachinko machine 10a under configuration, pachinko machine 10c → → pachinko machine 10d → → pachinko machine 10e → → pachinko machine 10f → → pachinko machine 10g → → pachinko machine 10h like a C-shaped pachinko machine 10c An example is a case where it is performed by the pachinko machine 10c or the like under the configuration in which data communication is linked in a (non-ring) manner.

  In the processing corresponding to the right end in step S6507, for example, when the network command is a network effect setting command, information indicating that the player is positioned at the right end of the gaming machine network system is set. The right end storage means in the present embodiment is configured by such processing functions.

  By performing such processing, for example, in the case where the network effect is the first or second network effect (“large fish effect” or “roulette effect”), the pachinko machine 10 located at the right end becomes the starting point, Network production will be started. In this case, the network effect execution command is output from the pachinko machine 10 serving as the starting point at a predetermined timing, and is sequentially transferred.

  In addition, if the negative determination is made in step S6505 or step S6506, that is, if the value of the right side link flag is “1” (if the same type of pachinko machine 10 exists on the right side of itself), or the right front link In the case where the flag value is “1” (in the case where the same type of pachinko machine 10 does not exist on the right side of itself and the same type of pachinko machine 10 exists on the front side of itself), the link relationship is established. The network command is transferred to the right or front pachinko machine 10 via the side light emission communication unit 651 or the front light emission communication unit 652 of the corresponding right corner lamp 103R, and this processing is performed (step S6508).

  In step S6504, a negative determination is made in step S6504, and in step S6509, it is determined whether a network command is input from the right corner lamp 103R (the side light emission communication unit 651 or the front light emission communication unit 652). If a negative determination is made here, the present processing ends.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S6509, it is determined in step S6510 whether the value of the left side link flag is "0". If a negative determination is made here, the present processing ends. Here, part of the left-side communication determination means (left-side communication determination means) in the present embodiment is configured by the processing function of confirming whether the value of the left side link flag is “0”.

  If it is determined in step S6510 that the value of the left side link flag is "0", that is, if there is no same type of pachinko machine 10 capable of communication on the left side of itself, then in step S6511 It is determined whether the value is "0". If a negative determination is made here, the process moves to step S6513. Here, part of the left forward communication judging means (left communication judging means) in the present embodiment is configured by the processing function of confirming whether the value of the left front link flag is "0".

  If it is determined in step S6511 that the value of the left front link flag is “0”, that is, there is no same type of pachinko machine 10 capable of communication on the front side of itself, network command transfer processing is not performed. In step S6512, the left end correspondence process is performed, and the process ends.

  In the case where the left end correspondence process in step S6512 is performed, for example, five pachinko machines 10a to 10e of gaming machine installation island 1A shown in FIG. 52 are linked so as to enable data communication in series (non-ring). Pachinko machine 10e under the configuration, pachinko machine 10c → → pachinko machine 10d → → pachinko machine 10e → → pachinko machine 10f → → pachinko machine 10g → → pachinko machine 10h like a C-shaped pachinko machine 10c 遊 技 → pachinko machine 10e → An example is a case where it is performed by the pachinko machine 10 h or the like under the configuration in which data communication is linked in a (non-ring) manner.

  In the left end correspondence process in step S6512, for example, when the network command is a network effect setting command, information indicating that the player is positioned at the left end of the gaming machine network system is set. The left end storage means in the present embodiment is configured by such processing functions.

  By performing such processing, for example, when the network effect is the first network effect ("large fish effect"), the pachinko machine 10 located at the left end becomes the end point, and the network effect execution command is not transferred. The network effect will be ended.

  In addition, if the negative determination is made in step S6510 or step S6511, that is, if the value of the left side link flag is “1” (if the same type of pachinko machine 10 exists on the left side of itself), or the left front link In the case where the flag value is “1” (in the case where the same type of pachinko machine 10 does not exist on the left side of itself and the same type of pachinko machine 10 exists on the front side of itself), the link relationship is established. The network command is transferred to the left or front pachinko machine 10 via the side light emission communication unit 651 or the front light emission communication unit 652 of the corresponding left corner lamp 103L, and then this process is performed (step S6513) ).

  If the negative determination is made in step S6502, the ringing correspondence process (step S6514) is performed, and the process ends.

  For example, when the network command is a network effect setting command in the ring response process of step S6514, information etc. indicating that the game device itself becomes the start point and the end point of the gaming machine network system are set.

  By performing such processing, for example, when the network effect is the first network effect (“large fish effect”), the pachinko machine 10 is the starting point and the end point. That is, the network effect execution command is output from the pachinko machine 10 serving as the starting point at a predetermined timing, and the network effect is started. Then, when the network effect execution command is sequentially transferred from the pachinko machine 10 and the network effect execution command is input to the pachinko machine 10, the pachinko machine 10 becomes an end point and transfers the network effect execution command. Instead, the network effect will be ended.

  Next, the first network effect (large fish school effect) will be described in more detail with specific examples. Here, the case where it is performed only on the gaming machine installation islands 1A (10a to 10e) will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 50 and 51, the first network effect (large fish school effect) is a network effect that is displayed such that the fish school G moves sequentially through the display units 420 of the plurality of pachinko machines 1.

  For example, when the sub controller 262 of the pachinko machine 10 c obtains a lottery result indicating that the first network effect is to be performed, the sub controller 262 executes a first network effect setting process.

  After that, the sub controller 262 of the pachinko machine 10c receives the pachinko machines 10b and 10d on both sides (the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10b on the right) via the side light emission communication unit 651 of the left and right corner lamps 103L and 103R. A network rendering setting command is transmitted to the side light emission communication unit 651 and the side light emission communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10d next to the left.

  The sub control device 262 of the pachinko machines 10b and 10d having received the network effect setting command confirms whether a network effect setting command having the same effect ID as this is already stored. Then, when it is confirmed that the network effect setting command having the same effect ID is not stored, the first network effect setting process is executed similarly to the sub controller 262 of the pachinko machine 10c.

  In addition, the sub-control devices 262 of the pachinko machines 10b and 10d that have finished the first network effect setting process each have a corner lamp 103 on the opposite side to the side receiving the network effect setting command (the right corner lamp in the pachinko machine 10b 103R, in the pachinko machine 10d, through the side light emission communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L, the side emission communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10a at the right end, pachinko at the left end A network rendering setting command is transferred to the side light emission communication unit 651) of the right corner lamp 103R of the machine 10e.

  When the sub control device 262 of each pachinko machine 10a, 10e receives the network rendition setting command similarly to the sub control device 262 of the pachinko machines 10b, 10d, the network rendition setting command having the same rendition ID is already present. It is checked whether it is stored or not, and when it is confirmed that the command is not stored, the first network effect setting process is executed.

  Furthermore, the sub-control devices 262 of the pachinko machines 10a and 10e have the corner lamps 103 (the right corner lamp 103R for the pachinko machine 10a and the left corner for the pachinko machine 10e) on the opposite side to the side receiving the network effect setting command. If it is confirmed that the lamp 103L is not communicable with another pachinko machine 10, the network rendering start command itself is not the transfer process of the network rendering setting command itself, the starting point or the end point of the network effect (starting point in the pachinko machine 10a In the pachinko machine 10e, the information indicating that the end point is to be set is set.

  Then, based on the predetermined time information included in the network effect setting command, when a predetermined timing arrives, the sub controller 262 of the pachinko machine 10a at the right end as the starting point performs the first network effect (large fish school in the display unit 420a). Perform the production).

  The time information included in the network effect setting command is, for example, in a process (including after the network effect setting process) in which the network effect setting command is sequentially transferred, for example, pachinko machine 10c → pachinko machine 10d → pachinko machine 10e. It is variable information which changes to the value by which the time for which each pachinko machine 10 passes is respectively subtracted.

  For example, when a network effect setting command including time information to start network effect after one minute (60000 ms) is output from the pachinko machine 10c to the pachinko machine 10d, the pachinko machine 10d receives the network effect setting command. If it is determined that time has elapsed (for example, 1000 ms has elapsed) internally based on time information etc. possessed by the time it is transferred to the pachinko machine 10e, the time information for that time is said time information And a network effect setting command including time information (for example, 59000 ms) of the value after the subtraction is transferred to the pachinko machine 10 e. Thereby, the common pachinko machine 10 can share common time information.

  Then, in the pachinko machine 10 serving as the starting point, when a predetermined timing (for example, the time information becomes 0 ms) arrives, the network effect is executed. Here, for example, in the pachinko machine 10 where a jackpot state occurs, the fluctuation time information stored in each reserve area of the sub reserve buffer Bf is summed up, etc. to calculate a rough time until the jackpot notification effect is performed. If this is set as time information, it is possible to perform the jackpot notice effect (the first network effect) in accordance with the timing at which the jackpot state occurs (variation display or reach effect relating to the jackpot, etc.).

  When the first network effect is executed, the fish group G appears from the right end of the display unit 420a [see FIGS. 40 (a) and 50 (a)], similarly to the above-mentioned fish school effect, to the left end of the display unit 420a. Pass by [see FIGS. 40 (b) and (c) and FIG. 50 (b)].

  At the same time, the sub controller 262 of the pachinko machine 10a receives the pachinko machine 10b on the left side (the side emission communication unit of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10b) via the side light emission communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L. A network effect execution command is output to 651).

  The sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10b that has received the network effect execution command executes the first network effect on the display unit 420b in the same manner as the sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10a. A network effect execution command is output to the left pachinko machine 10 c (side luminescence communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103 R of the pachinko machine 10 c) via the side luminescence communication unit 651.

  Similarly, the network effect execution command is transferred sequentially from the pachinko machine 10c to the pachinko machine 10d and from the pachinko machine 10d to the pachinko machine 10e, and the display unit 420c of the pachinko machine 10c, the display unit 420d of the pachinko machine 10d, and the pachinko machine 10e. The first network effect is sequentially executed on the display unit 420 e.

  However, since the sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10 e is set to be the end point of the first network effect, the first network effect is not transmitted to the other pachinko machine 10 without transmitting the network effect execution command. Finish.

  With the above-described configuration, when the first network effect (large fish group effect) is started, as shown in FIG. 50 (a), the fish group G first appears from the right end of the display unit 420a of the pachinko machine 10a. Then, the school of fish G moves and disappears to the left end of the display unit 420a. As shown in FIG. 50 (b), the display unit 420b of the pachinko machine 10b displays the fish group G from the right end and moves the fish group G to the left as shown in FIG. 50 (b). Ru. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 51 (a) to 51 (c), the fish group G sequentially moves in a chain in the display portions 420c to 420e in the order of the pachinko machine 10c, the pachinko machine 10d, and the pachinko machine 10e. It will be displayed as

  As a result, it is possible to notify the player that a jackpot state occurs in any of the pachinko machines 10 for which the first network effect (large fish group effect) has been performed. Furthermore, in each pachinko machine 10 in which the first network effect (large fish group effect) is performed, the mode shuffle effect described above is performed, and the mode aspect is changed or maintained.

  In the present embodiment, the sub-control device 262 of each pachinko machine 10 executes a program related to network effects with priority over other programs. Therefore, in each pachinko machine 10, whether or not the decorative symbol Z is variably displayed, whether or not the decorative symbol Z is in the stop display, whether it is in the jackpot effect, or the game is not performed display unit Make the first network effect (large fish group effect) performed by associating each pachinko machine 10 in a related manner regardless of whether the demonstration display is being performed in 420 degrees etc., and increase the effect more Can.

  Next, the second network effect (roulette effect) will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. Here, the case where gaming machine installation islands 1A and 1B (pachinko machines 10a to 10e and 10f to 10j) are linked in a ring shape will be described as an example.

  In the second network effect (roulette effect), the top lamps 102 of a plurality of pachinko machines 10 are sequentially turned on, and it is reported that a big hit will occur in the pachinko machine 10 where the top lamps 102 are finally turned on and stopped. It is a network effect.

  For example, in the case where the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10g obtains a lottery result indicating that the second network effect is to be performed, the sub-control device 262 executes the second network effect setting process.

  After that, the sub controller 262 of the pachinko machine 10g receives the pachinko machines 10f and 10h on the both sides (the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10f on the right) via the side light emission communication unit 651 of the left and right corner lamps 103L and 103R. A network rendering setting command is transmitted to the side light emission communication unit 651 and the side light emission communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10h next to the left.

  The sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machines 10f and 10h having received the network effect setting command confirms whether a network effect setting command having the same effect ID as this is already stored. Then, when it is confirmed that the network effect setting command having the same effect ID is not stored, the second network effect setting process is executed similarly to the sub controller 262 of the pachinko machine 10g.

  In addition, the sub control devices 262 of the pachinko machines 10f and 10h that have finished the second network effect setting process are the corner lamps 103 (the right corner lamps in the pachinko machine 10f, respectively) opposite to the side receiving the network effect setting command. The front light emitting communication unit of the pachinko machine 10e, 10i (the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10e) via the front light emitting communication unit 652 of the 103R and the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L in the pachinko machine 10h. 652, transfer the network rendering setting command to the side light emission communication unit 651) of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10i.

  The sub control device 262 of each pachinko machine 10e, 10i receives the network effect setting command as well as the sub control device 262 of the above pachinko machine 10f, 10h, the network effect setting command having the same effect ID is already present It is confirmed whether or not it is stored, and when it is confirmed that the command is not stored, the second network effect setting process is executed.

  Further, the sub-control devices 262 of the pachinko machines 10e and 10i that have finished the second network effect setting process are the corner lamps 103 on the opposite side to the side receiving the network effect setting command (the right corner lamp in the pachinko machine 10e) The side light emission communication unit of the pachinko machine 10d, 10j (the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10d) via the side light emission communication unit 651 of the 103R and the side light emission communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L in the pachinko machine 10i. 651, transfer the network rendering setting command to the side light emission communication unit 651) of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10j.

  The sub control device 262 of each pachinko machine 10d, 10j receives the network rendering setting command as well as the sub control device 262 of the above pachinko machines 10f, 10h, the network rendering setting command having the same rendering ID has already been received. It is confirmed whether or not it is stored, and when it is confirmed that the command is not stored, the second network effect setting process is executed.

  In addition, the sub control devices 262 of the pachinko machines 10d and 10j that have finished the second network effect setting process are the corner lamps 103 (the right corner lamps in the pachinko machine 10d, respectively) opposite to the side receiving the network effect setting command. The side light emission communication unit of the pachinko machine 10c, 10a (the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10c) through the side light emission communication unit 651 of the 103R and the front light emission communication unit 652 of the left corner lamp 103L in the pachinko machine 10j. 651, transfer the network rendering setting command to the front light emission communication unit 652 of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10a.

  When receiving the network effect setting command, the sub control device 262 of each pachinko machine 10c, 10a checks whether a network effect setting command having the same effect ID as this is already stored, and the command stores the command If it is confirmed that the second network effect setting process is not performed, the second network effect setting process is executed.

  Also, the sub controller 262 of the pachinko machine 10c, 10a that has finished the second network effect setting process is the corner lamp 103 on the opposite side to the side that received the network effect setting command (the right corner lamp in the pachinko machine 10c The side light emission communication unit 651 of the pachinko machine 10b (the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10b) via the side light emission communication unit 651 of the 103R and the side light emission communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L in the pachinko machine 10a. A network effect setting command is transferred to the side light emission communication unit 651) of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10b.

  When the sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10b receives the network effect setting command from either one of the pachinko machine 10c and the pachinko machine 10a, the network effect setting command having the same effect ID is not already stored. If it is confirmed that the command is not stored, the second network effect setting process is executed.

  After that, the sub controller 262 of the pachinko machine 10b receives a network effect setting command from either the pachinko machine 10c or the pachinko machine 10a, and a network effect setting command having the same effect ID is already stored. If it confirms, the information to the effect that it will become the starting point of the said network effect is set, without performing transfer processing of the said network effect setting command.

  Then, based on the predetermined time information included in the network effect setting command, when a predetermined timing arrives, the sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10b serving as the starting point executes a second network effect for lighting the top lamp 102. .

  At the same time, the sub controller 262 of the pachinko machine 10b receives the right side pachinko machine 10a (the side emission communication unit of the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10a via the side light emission communication unit 651 of its right corner lamp 103R. A network effect execution command is output to 651).

  The sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10a that has received the network effect execution command executes a second network effect of lighting the top lamp 102, as the sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10b.

  At the same time, the sub controller 262 of the pachinko machine 10a receives the front pachinko machine 10j (the front emission communication unit of the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10j via the front emission communication unit 652 of its right corner lamp 103R. A network effect execution command is output to 652).

  Similarly, the network effect execution command is pachinko machine 10j → pachinko machine 10i → pachinko machine 10h → pachinko machine 10g → pachinko machine 10f → pachinko machine 10e → pachinko machine 10d → pachinko machine 10c → pachinko machine 10b → pachinko machine 10a → pachinko machine The second network effect of turning on the top lamp 102 is sequentially transferred as the machine 10 j → the pachinko machine 10 i →...

  In this embodiment, when the gaming machine network system (pachinko machines 10a to 10e and 10f to 10j) is linked in a ring, the top lamp 102 is set to turn on the gaming machine network system several times. It is done. On the other hand, when the gaming machine network system is linked in a non-ring (series, C-shaped), the network effect execution command is looped back and transferred by the pachinko machine 10 at the right end and the pachinko machine 10 at the left end. Thus, it is set to reciprocate between the right end and the left end of the gaming machine network system a plurality of times.

  Under this configuration, when the pachinko machine 10 that has obtained the lottery result to execute the second network effect, that is, the sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10 in which the jackpot state occurs, performs the second network effect setting process, A lottery of a predetermined roulette counter value is performed, and the roulette counter value is stored.

  Then, every time the network effect execution command is input, “1” is subtracted from the roulette counter value each time, and when the roulette counter value becomes “0”, the network is transmitted to another pachinko machine 10. The top lamp 102 is turned on without transmitting the effect execution command, and the second network effect is ended.

  As a result, it is possible to notify the player that a jackpot will occur in the pachinko machine 10 in which the top lamp 102 is in the lighting state.

  Next, the third network effect (countdown effect) will be described in more detail with specific examples. Here, the case where the game is performed only on the gaming machine installation islands 1A (10a to 10e) will be described by way of example with reference to FIG.

  In the third network effect (countdown effect), the speakers SP of a plurality of pachinko machines 10 (10a to 10e) with established links simultaneously countdown to the occurrence of a big hit (“10”, “9”,... “0” Network presentation by voice).

  For example, when the sub controller 262 of the pachinko machine 10 a obtains a lottery result indicating that the third network effect is to be performed, the sub controller 262 executes a third network effect setting process.

  Furthermore, when the sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10a that has finished the third network effect setting process confirms that the right corner lamp 103R can not communicate with other pachinko machines 10, the sub control device 262 itself is Information to the effect that it is positioned at the right end is set in the RAM 553.

  After that, the sub controller 262 of the pachinko machine 10a, via the side light emission communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L, the pachinko machine 10b next to the left (the side light emission communication of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10b next to the left Send a network rendering setting command to unit 651).

  The sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10b having received the network effect setting command confirms whether a network effect setting command having the same effect ID as this is already stored. Then, when it is confirmed that the network effect setting command having the same effect ID is not stored, the third network effect setting process is executed similarly to the sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10a.

  Also, the sub controller 262 of the pachinko machine 10b that has finished the third network effect setting process, via the side light emission communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L on the opposite side to the side that received the network effect setting command. A network effect setting command is transferred to the pachinko machine 10c (the side light emission communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10c).

  Whether the sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10c that has received the network effect setting command has already stored a network effect setting command having the same effect ID as the sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10b. If it is confirmed that the command is not stored, the third network effect setting process is executed.

  In addition, the sub controller 262 of the pachinko machine 10c that has completed the third network effect setting process via the side light emission communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L on the opposite side to the side that received the network effect setting command. A network effect setting command is transferred to the pachinko machine 10d (the side light emission communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10d).

  The sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10d having received the network effect setting command confirms whether a network effect setting command having the same effect ID as this is already stored, and the command is not stored. If it is confirmed, the third network effect setting process is executed.

  In addition, the sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10d which has finished the third network effect setting process, via the side light emission communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L on the opposite side to the side receiving the network effect setting command. A network effect setting command is transferred to the pachinko machine 10 e (the side light emission communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103 R of the pachinko machine 10 e).

  The sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10e that has received the network effect setting command confirms whether a network effect setting command having the same effect ID as this is already stored, and the command is not stored. If it is confirmed, the third network effect setting process is executed.

  Furthermore, the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10e that has finished the third network effect setting process, the side light emission communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L on the opposite side to the side that received the network effect setting command If it is confirmed that communication with the machine 10 is not possible, information etc. indicating that the player is positioned at the left end of the gaming machine network system is set in the RAM 553 without performing transfer processing of the network effect setting command.

  Then, based on predetermined time information included in the network effect setting command, when a predetermined timing arrives, the sub-control devices 262 of the plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10e control the speakers SP to perform the third network effect (countdown Perform the production).

  Thereby, the countdown ("10", "9", ..., "0") to jackpot occurrence is simultaneously started from the speakers SP of each of the pachinko machines 10a to 10e. Then, when the countdown reaches "0", a notification effect that a jackpot state occurs is displayed on the pachinko machine 10a that obtained the lottery result to execute the third network effect, that is, the pachinko machine 10a where the jackpot state occurs. It is performed in the part 420a and the like.

  In the above embodiment relating to the third network effect, the network effect execution command is not output, but according to the timing (such as the variation display or reach effect relating to the large impact) that the jackpot state occurs in the pachinko machine 10a Alternatively, the pachinko machine 10a may output a network effect execution command. As a result, for example, a network effect execution command can be output 10 seconds before the jackpot state occurs, and effects such that the jackpot state occurs can be performed at the same time as the countdown becomes “0”.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to output information to the outside and input information from the outside using visible light communication. As a result, transmission and reception (two-way communication) of various information such as commands can be performed between a plurality of pachinko machines 10, and various controls such as game effects can be performed based on information input from other pachinko machines 10 .

  Thereby, it is possible to perform a game effect (network effect) in which a plurality of pachinko machines 10 are associated, such as performing predetermined game effects such as display effects in a plurality of pachinko machines 10 in synchronization or interlocking. As a result, compared to the configuration in which each pachinko machine 10 performs various game effects individually, it is possible to make the game effects more colorful and to improve the interest for the player.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a sub control unit 262 serving as a sub control unit transmits and receives a command or the like between a plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10j without using the main control unit 261 serving as a main control unit. The control device 262 is configured to execute network effects at predetermined timing without intervention of the main control device 261. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when executing the above-mentioned network effect, the functional assembly itself consisting of a plurality of sub-control devices 262 pertaining to a plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10j grasps the link status of itself and By performing transmission and reception, in addition to setting the execution information of the effect in each sub-control device 262, in addition, it is configured to set the start point and the end point of the effect start. As a result, the main control device 261 performs normal game control in each of the pachinko machines 10a to 10j, and a sub control device 262 that is subordinate to the main control device 261 plays a main role in the network in which a plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10j are integrated. The presentation can be performed without applying a load to the main control device 261 of each of the pachinko machines 10a to 10j.

  In addition, when the network effect (big hit advance effect) is performed, a player who plays a game in each of the pachinko machines 10a to 10j is concerned with whether or not a jackpot state occurs in the pachinko machine 10 in which he is playing a game. Also, with a sense of expectation that a jackpot may occur, concentrate on the game. In this way, not only the player of the pachinko machine 10 in which the jackpot occurs but also all the players who play the game on the game machine installation islands 1A and 1B have a sense of expectation, and the interest is improved. Can be

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the rising of the driving pulse waveform is detected, and the driving pulse waveform including the rising is intensity-modulated based on the data signal waveform to output data. That is, when it is not the timing at which the light emitting means (light emitting effect means) emits light, data transmission is performed in accordance with the light emitting effect pattern so as to stand by until the next light emission timing comes. Thereby, since the light emitting means does not light regardless of the light emission effect, data transmission can be performed without making the player feel uncomfortable.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, since each lighting pattern is configured to include control to periodically light all the three LED chips of RGB 655a to 655h simultaneously, data transmission is performed. It is possible to prevent such a problem that the timing of the operation does not come for a long time.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows.

  (A) The configurations of the light emitting means and the light receiving means constituting the communication means are not limited to the above embodiment.

  (A-1) For example, in the above embodiment, the LED is employed as the light emitting means constituting the communication means, but the light emitting means is not limited to this. For example, organic EL (electroluminescence) or a fluorescent lamp may be employed. However, from the viewpoint of responsiveness as a communication means, it is preferable to use a light emitting means that can electrically control light, such as an LED.

  In addition, a liquid crystal display or a 7-segment display equipped with a backlight may be employed as the light emitting means. Of course, these displays may be combined with the rendering means.

  For example, when a liquid crystal display is used, transmission data encoded into a two-dimensional code such as a bar code or QR code (registered trademark) is displayed on the liquid crystal display, and this is received by the light receiver 656 of another pachinko machine 10. Communication may be performed between the gaming machines by being read by the (camera).

  Here, a color two-dimensional code may be adopted. For example, under the configuration in which 5 × 5 squares arranged in a matrix can be switched to three colors of red (R), green (G) and blue (B), respectively, the light emission mode (color The transmission data may be coded and displayed according to the combination of On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 10 on the receiving side, the light may be read by the light receiving unit 656 (camera), and the data may be demodulated by a method such as pattern matching to compare with various image patterns stored in advance.

  Similarly, even when a 7-segment display is used, transmission data can be coded and displayed by a combination of light emission modes (lighting patterns and light emission colors) of the segments.

  In addition, a light bulb may be used as the light emitting means, and an optical shutter (liquid crystal shutter) capable of controlling the light transmittance may be provided to perform optical communication.

  (A-2) In the above embodiment, a multicolor LED composed of three types of LED chips of red (R), green (G) and blue (B) is adopted as the light emitting means constituting the communication means. The configuration of the light emitting means is not limited to this. For example, an LED that outputs monochromatic visible light may be employed.

  (A-3) In the above embodiment, the left and right corner lamps 103 are used as light emitting means constituting the communication means, but the communication means is not limited to this, and other light emitting means may be used as the communication means You may use. For example, the left and right side lamps 104 may be used. In addition, when the communication target is only forward, the effect lamp provided on the game board 30 or the top lamp 102 may be used.

  Of course, different light emitting means may be used as the communication means depending on the communication object. For example, when communicating with the left and right pachinko machines 10, the side lamp 104 may be used, and when communicating with the front pachinko machine 10, the top lamp 102 may be used.

  (A-4) In the above embodiment, the corner lamp 103 is configured to be used for both effect and communication. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured to include a light emitting unit dedicated to communication. However, the configuration can be simplified if the light emitting means is used for both effect and communication. In addition, it becomes possible to use the conventional light emitting means provided for the light emission effect for communication, and it becomes possible to realize communication between gaming machines etc. without adding a new configuration for communication. In addition, since communication can be performed simultaneously with the light emission effect, for example, communication between the gaming machines can be performed without making the player feel discomfort, for example, the light emitting means may be illuminated suddenly regardless of the game effect (including demonstration display etc.) It is also possible to

  In the above-described embodiment, visible light communication is performed as optical communication. However, infrared communication may be performed as long as it is a communication-only structure not using a rendering means. In the case of using invisible light such as infrared light, it is not necessary to perform communication in accordance with the effect, and optical communication can be performed at an arbitrary timing.

  (A-5) In the above embodiment, the side lamp communication unit 651 for communicating with the left and right pachinko machines 10 and the front light emission communication unit for communicating with the front pachinko machine 10 in the corner lamp 103 And 652 are provided. The present invention is not limited to this, and one light emitting unit may be configured to switch between left and right communication and forward communication. For example, non-directional light emitting means may be provided, and left and right communication and forward communication may be switched depending on the lighting mode such as the light emitting color and the lighting pattern.

  (A-6) In the above embodiment, the light emission communication control unit 653 of one of the pachinko machines 10 modulates the drive pulse waveform of the light emitting unit 655 (each LED 655a to 655h) based on various data output to the outside. The transmission is performed, and the light emission communication control unit 653 of the other pachinko machine 10 that has received the light demodulates various data from the optical signal.

  Not limited to this, for example, the light emission communication control unit 653 stores a plurality of light emission patterns that can be output from the LEDs 655a to 655h (light emission means) in its own ROM (light emission pattern storage means) (instruction from the sub control device 262) From the plurality of light emission patterns stored in advance, a predetermined light emission pattern corresponding to various game states, effects and the like is selected based on the light emission pattern (light emission pattern selection means), and emitted from the LEDs 655a to 655h based on the light emission patterns. Under the configuration of controlling the light to be emitted (light emission control means), a predetermined light emission pattern including a pattern corresponding to predetermined information (predetermined network command etc.) is stored in advance, and based on a command etc. from sub controller 262 When the predetermined information is output to the outside, the predetermined light emission pattern is selected from the plurality of light emission patterns stored in advance. The light emission communication control unit 653 of the other pachinko machine 10 that receives light based on the predetermined light emission pattern from the light receiving unit 656 extracts the predetermined information from the light (information extraction unit). It may be

  Here, a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information (a predetermined network command or the like) is formed of light having a predetermined luminance level or more exceeding the threshold value δ, and the other portion is formed of light having a predetermined luminance level or less. If this is done, the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information can be easily detected on the receiving side, and detection performance can be improved (the same applies hereinafter).

  In addition, if a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information (predetermined network command or the like) is regarded as a kind of effect pattern, the gaming machine according to the above-described configuration emits light with predetermined effect by means of light (LEDs 655a to 655h). A plurality of effect pattern storage means (the above-mentioned light emission pattern storage means (ROM)) storing a plurality of light emission effect patterns to be performed by the light emission effect means, and a plurality of effect pattern storage means stored in advance. An effect pattern control means for selecting the predetermined light emission effect pattern from the light emission effect pattern (the light emission pattern selection means) and an effect for controlling the light emission effect means based on the light emission effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means The pattern control means (the light emission control means) and the light emission effect means provided in another game machine Effect pattern detection means (the light receiving unit 656) capable of detecting a light emission effect pattern being executed and determining whether the light emission effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detection means includes a specific light emission effect pattern In the case where the effect pattern determination means (such as the CPU of the light emission communication control unit 653) and the light emission effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detection means include a specific light emission effect pattern, for example, referring to a predetermined table or the like. In other words, the gaming machine includes control means (sub control device 262) capable of executing predetermined control corresponding to the specific light emission effect pattern.

  According to this configuration, the predetermined effect pattern (for example, the Premier Reach effect, etc.) performed in the predetermined game machine (the game machine on the primary side) is compared with the effect pattern of the other game machine (the game machine on the secondary side) As the detection means detects, predetermined control (for example, predetermined effect control such as notification effect for notifying that a premium reach effect or the like is performed in another game machine) is executed in the other game machine. Ru.

  As a result, when a predetermined effect (informing effect or the like) is performed in a predetermined game machine, the same predetermined effect (informing effect or the like) is performed also in the other gaming machines which detect this, etc. It is possible to perform game effects associated with a plurality of game machines, such as sequentially executing predetermined effects (informing effects etc.) in a plurality of game machines.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, transmission and reception of information are not performed bi-directionally between a predetermined gaming machine and another gaming machine, and a predetermined effect pattern is performed in a predetermined gaming machine. Information is transmitted only in one direction such that another detected gaming machine executes a predetermined control. That is, a predetermined gaming machine only needs to perform normal effect control, and there is no need to newly execute special processing such as command transmission, for example, so that it is possible to suppress complication of control processing.

  In the above various configurations, the sub control device 262 stores a plurality of light emission patterns instead of the light emission communication control unit 653 (light emission pattern storage means), and various games are selected from among the plurality of light emission patterns stored in advance. A predetermined light emission pattern corresponding to the state or effect may be selected (light emission pattern selection means), and light emitted from the LEDs 655a to 655h may be controlled based on the light emission pattern (light emission control means).

  (A-7) Here, a more specific configuration of the configuration described in (a-6) above will be described with reference to FIG. The light emission communication control unit 653 (or the sub control device 262) includes a light emission pattern selection counter used to select a light emission pattern, and a plurality of light emission pattern selection counters based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter acquired due to a predetermined trigger. In a configuration in which a light emission pattern selection table for selecting one light emission pattern from among the light emission patterns is stored in advance in its own ROM (light emission pattern selection table storage means), the predetermined information (for example, In the first light emission pattern (for example, “pattern 1” of “no command table” in FIG. 56) not including the pattern corresponding to command “A”, “command B” or “command C”), and the predetermined information The second light emission pattern including the corresponding pattern (for example, “pattern 1 (“ table with command A ”in FIG. 56) A) “pattern 1 (B)” of “table with command B” or “pattern 1 (C)” of “table with command C”) and does not include a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information 56. A first light emission pattern selection table (for example, "commandless table" in FIG. 56) corresponding to one light emission pattern, and a second light emission corresponding to a second light emission pattern including a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information. A pattern selection table (for example, "command A table", "command B table" or "command C table" in FIG. 56) is stored, and the predetermined information is stored based on a command from sub controller 262 or the like. To select the second light emission pattern selection table corresponding to the second light emission pattern including the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information. In consideration of the second light emission pattern selection table, based on the values of the light emission pattern selection counter it may be configured to elect a second emission pattern including a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information.

  In addition, if a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information (predetermined network command or the like) is regarded as a kind of effect pattern, the gaming machine according to the above configuration comprises: a light emission pattern selection counter used for selecting a light emission effect pattern; The effect pattern selection means stores a light emission pattern selection table for selecting one light emission effect pattern from among a plurality of light emission effect patterns based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter acquired due to a trigger A light emission pattern selection table storage unit, and the effect pattern storage unit includes a first light emission effect pattern (the first light emission pattern) not including the specific light emission effect pattern, and the specific light emission effect pattern And storing a second light emission effect pattern (the second light emission pattern) including the light emission pattern selection table The storage means stores a first light emission pattern selection table corresponding to the first light emission effect pattern and a second light emission pattern selection table corresponding to the second light emission effect pattern, and the first condition is satisfied. If it is (for example, normal time), the effect pattern selection means can select the light emission effect pattern by referring to the first light emission pattern selection table based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter. When the second condition is satisfied (for example, when performing a preview effect), the effect pattern selection means selects the second light emission pattern based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter. In other words, it is a gaming machine characterized by controlling the light emission effect pattern so that it can be selected by referring to the table.

  (A-8) In the above embodiment, the luminance levels of the RGB colors (red LED chip, green LED chip, blue LED chip) in each of the LEDs 655a to 655h are configured to be adjustable in a plurality of steps (for example, 10 steps). A plurality of transmission data may be multiplexed using this.

  For example, the data of “10101010”, the data of “10001000”, and the data of “11111111” are combined, and the red LED chips of each of the LEDs 655a to 655h are displayed at luminance levels “3”, “1”, “2”, “1”. “3”, “1”, “2” and “1” may be configured to be able to transmit and multiplex three types of data by emitting light.

  The data multiplexing method is not limited to the multiplexing of each color of RGB in the above embodiment or the method of multi-leveling the luminance level, and various known multiplexing methods can be adopted.

  (A-9) A light measurement means capable of measuring the brightness (or brightness) of the pachinko machine 10 outside, provided with light measurement means based on the measurement result of the light measurement means, the brightness of the light emitted from the light emission means (LEDs 655a to 655h) The level may be changed. Examples of the light measurement means include an illuminance meter, a luminance meter, a light meter, a photo diode, and an optical sensor equipped with a photomultiplier (photomultiplier).

  In addition, the light emission communication control unit 653 may be configured to be able to change the value of the predetermined luminance level to be the threshold value δ for extracting the reception data. For example, when the brightness outside the pachinko machine 10 is relatively bright, the brightness level of the light emitted from the light emitting means (LEDs 655a to 655h) is set to level 10 (10 out of 10 steps) when performing data transmission The predetermined luminance level to be δ is set to level 9 (in 10 steps). In the game hall, various lights such as in-store illumination and effect lights emitted from various game machines are jumping, and there is a possibility that the light receiving means can not properly detect communication light. In this respect, according to the above configuration, the luminance level of the light emitted from the light emitting means can be made suitable according to the peripheral environment of the gaming machine. As a result, the stability of optical communication can be enhanced.

  (A-10) In the above embodiment, at the normal time when the data signal waveform is not superimposed, the level 8 in 10 steps is set to the upper limit luminance level (threshold value δ), and only when the data signal waveform is superimposed. And the luminance level of level 9 or 10 is obtained. In accordance with this, for example, a filter unit may be provided which transmits only light having a level 8 (brightness level δ) or higher.

  (A-11) The light receiving unit 656 may be configured to include a polarization filter (a filter that allows only light polarized in a specific direction to pass).

  In addition, regarding the color filter of the above embodiment, by setting a specific wavelength range of light to be passed relatively narrow, only visible light (light of each color of RGB) output from each of the LEDs 655a to 655h is transmitted. It may be configured to be capable of blocking external light.

  As a result, since it becomes difficult to receive the influence of the in-store illumination in the game hall and the effect light emitted from various game machines, the light receiving unit 656 can easily detect the communication light properly, and the stability of the optical communication can be improved. It can be enhanced.

  (A-12) In the above embodiment, eight LEDs 655a to 655h are arranged in a ring as a light emitting means at predetermined intervals. The number and arrangement of the light emitting means are not limited to this. For example, five LEDs may be linearly arranged, or a plurality of LEDs may be arranged in a matrix (for example, 3 × 3). Also, the light emitting means may be constituted by one LED.

  Furthermore, in order to prevent the scattered light of the LEDs 655a to 655h from being mixed, a partition wall (light shielding wall) may be provided between the adjacent LEDs 655a to 655h. Thereby, the communication quality can be improved.

  Similarly, a partition (light shielding wall) may be provided between each of the LEDs 655 a to 655 h and the light receiving unit 656 so that light emitted from each of the LEDs 655 a to 655 h does not enter the light receiving unit 656 thereof. .

  (A-13) An image sensor (imaging means capable of detecting the light of each of RGB colors emitted from all eight annularly arranged LEDs 655a to 655h individually and simultaneously as two-dimensional image data (a-13) And a color CCD camera, a color CMOS camera, etc.

  The configuration of the light receiving unit 656 is not limited to this. For example, instead of the image sensor, a photodetector with a high communication speed may be used. In addition, one light receiving element (photodiode, phototransistor, etc.) may be provided corresponding to one light emitting means (LED, etc.) on the transmission side.

  (A-14) In the above embodiment, 8-bit data is transmitted by the red (R) component of eight LEDs 655a to 655 h, 8-bit data is transmitted by the green (G) component, and blue (B) component Various types of data are parallelly transmitted such that 8-bit data is transmitted.

  Not limited to this, for example, data may be serially transmitted by one component (for example, red (R) component) of one LED (for example, the LED 655a). Of course, after multiplexing a plurality of data, serial transmission may be performed using one component (for example, red (R) component) of one LED (for example, the LED 655a).

  In addition, data may be transmitted in parallel by a plurality of components (for example, a red (R) component and a green (G) component) of one LED (for example, the LED 655a).

  (A-15) In the above embodiment, the intensity modulation method of intensity modulating the drive pulse waveform based on the data signal waveform is adopted as the modulation method, but the modulation / demodulation method is not limited to this. Various known techniques can be used. For example, pulse position modulation (PPM) that expresses the amplitude at the position of the pulse, or a modulation method that performs modulation by on / off control that changes the pulse width of the drive pulse may be adopted.

  In addition, when transmission data is fixed (for example, when only three commands of command A, command B, and command C are set as transmission data), various modulation patterns corresponding to various transmission data are made in advance. A modulation pattern storage means is stored, and when transmitting predetermined data, a modulation pattern corresponding to the predetermined data is selected from a plurality of modulation patterns stored in the modulation pattern storage means, and the modulation is performed. The modulation may be performed based on the pattern.

  (A-16) Among the lights output from the respective LEDs 655a to 655h, light having a light emission intensity exceeding the threshold value δ is detected as a data signal. The detection method of the data signal is not limited to this.

  For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a timing pulse (timing signal) serving as a detection trigger on the reception side is output.

  As shown in FIG. 57, after the timing pulse (light) PT1 exceeding the threshold value δ is transmitted and the rising edge (or falling edge) of the timing pulse PT1 is detected on the reception side, the threshold value for a predetermined time TM1 set in advance. Pulses (light) less than δ may be detected as data signals.

  Also, after the rising edge (or falling edge) of the timing pulse PT1 is detected on the reception side, a pulse less than the threshold δ during a predetermined period TM2 until the rising edge (or falling edge) of the next timing pulse PT2 is detected ) May be detected as a data signal.

  Although FIG. 57 shows a timing chart under the configuration in which serial transmission is performed in one light emitting element, a configuration using the above-mentioned timing pulse can also be adopted in parallel transmission.

  In parallel transmission, for example, one of eight LEDs 655a to 655h may be used as a timing LED, and data may be transmitted by the remaining seven LEDs.

  Also, instead of the above configuration, for example, a timing pulse (light) PT1 exceeding the threshold value δ1 is transmitted, and after the rise (or fall) of the timing pulse PT1 is detected on the reception side, the predetermined time TM1 is set in advance. The pulse (light) exceeding the threshold value δ2 in the above may be detected as a data signal. Similarly, after the rising edge (or falling edge) of the timing pulse PT1 is detected on the reception side, a pulse exceeding the threshold δ2 during a predetermined period TM2 until the rising edge (or falling edge) of the next timing pulse PT2 is detected ( Light) may be detected as a data signal.

  The configuration using the timing pulse (timing signal) can handle all the light less than the threshold value δ as a data signal, and there is no restriction on the light emission effect etc. For example, a plurality of light emission effect patterns are stored beforehand It is more effective under the configuration of performing the light emission effect control based on the above. In such a configuration, by incorporating the timing pulse into the light emission effect pattern in advance, it is possible to detect, as the data signal, a specific effect pattern included between the predetermined time TM1 and the predetermined period TM2 in the light emission effect pattern. .

  (A-17) In the above embodiment, the rising of the driving pulse waveform is detected, and the driving pulse waveform including the rising is intensity-modulated based on the data signal waveform, and data is output. The present invention is not limited to this. If priority is given to preventing delay of data transmission and the like, the data signal may be output regardless of the presence or absence of the drive pulse regardless of the light emission effect.

  In addition, when outputting a data signal regardless of the drive pulse, in order to reduce the unnaturalness of light emission, for example, the presentation pattern information stored in the sub hold buffer Bf is read ahead, and the data output becomes inconspicuous. It is good also as composition which makes data transmission stand by until the timing to which such predetermined luminescence production (for example, reach production etc.) is started.

  (B) The wireless communication mode is not limited to the communication mode using light as a medium as in the above embodiment, but instead of or in addition to this, communication may be performed using a sound wave.

  (B-1) For example, as shown in FIG. 53, instead of the left and right corner lamps 103 in the above embodiment, a speaker 1055 as a transmitting means (sound wave output means, voice presentation means), and receiving means (sound wave detecting means) The microphone 1056 may be configured to be communicable between a plurality of pachinko machines 10 using sound as a medium.

  More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 53 and 54, the left and right corner acoustic units 1050 provided at the left and right upper corner portions of the pachinko machine 10 are laterally outward of the pachinko machine 10 in the left and right sides thereof respectively. A side acoustic wave communication unit 1051 provided on the side corresponding to the side ("left side" in the left corner sound unit 1050, "right side" in the right corner sound unit 1050), and a front part provided on the front side of the self A sound wave communication unit 1052 and a sound wave communication control unit 1053 capable of controlling both sound wave communication units 1051 and 1052 are provided. Each sound wave communication control unit 1053 is electrically connected to the sub control device 262, and is configured to be able to transmit and receive various data in both directions with the sub control device 262.

  In addition, a speaker 1055 and a microphone 1056 are respectively provided on the side and front of the corner sound unit 1050 (see FIG. 53, the front side is not shown), and the side sound wave communication unit 1051 or the front sound wave communication unit 1052 respectively. Controlled by

  The speaker 1055 and the microphone 1056 in the present embodiment have directivity, and the sound wave communication units 1051 and 1052 are the sound wave communication units 1051 and 1052 of the other pachinko machines 10 disposed at positions facing each other. Each is configured to be able to transmit and receive various data by sound waves.

  The speaker 1055 according to the present embodiment is configured to be used for both presentation and communication, and the sub control device 262 performs control related to the speaker 1055 simultaneously with control related to the speaker SP. Is configured.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 55, the sound wave communication control unit 1053 receives a sound buffer 1061 capable of storing audio data received from the sub control device 262, and a network which receives from the sub control device 262 and externally outputs it from the speaker 1055. A transmission data buffer 1062 capable of storing various data such as commands, an audio generation unit 1063 for converting audio data stored in the sound buffer 1061 into an audio signal, various data stored in the transmission data buffer 1062 Based on the signal waveform generation unit 1064 that generates a data signal waveform to be transmitted as a sound wave of a specific frequency band, and the audio signal generated by the audio generation unit 1063 based on the data signal waveform generated by the signal waveform generation unit 1064 A modulation unit 1065 as a modulation unit that modulates An audio output unit 1066 that amplifies an audio signal generated by the generation unit 1063 or an audio signal modulated by the modulation unit 665 and outputs the amplified audio signal to the speaker 1055 and an audio that sequentially stores audio data detected by the microphone 1056 in time series It received from the microphone 1056 based on the information extracted by the memory 1067, the extraction unit 1068 as specific sound wave extraction means for extracting the sound wave of the specific frequency band from the audio data stored in the audio memory 1067, and the extraction unit 1068 A demodulation unit 1069 as demodulation unit (information extraction unit) that demodulates various data, and a reception data buffer 1070 capable of storing various data demodulated by the demodulation unit 1069 are provided.

  Under this configuration, for example, in the pachinko machine 10 on the left side among the two pachinko machines 10 juxtaposed left and right, the sub-control device 262 externally outputs the sound wave communication control unit 1053 of the corner acoustic unit 1050 on the right side. When various data and the like are transmitted, the sound wave communication control unit 1053 temporarily stores the data in the transmission data buffer 1062.

  Subsequently, the sound wave communication control unit 1053 generates a data signal waveform to be transmitted as a sound wave signal in the signal waveform generation unit 1064 based on various data stored in the transmission data buffer 1062 and the like. Then, the modulation unit 1065 modulates the audio signal generated by the audio generation unit 1063.

  Then, the sound wave communication control unit 1053 amplifies the modulated sound signal and outputs the amplified sound signal to the speaker 1055.

  On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 10 on the right side, when a sound wave signal emitted from the pachinko machine 10 on the left side is detected by the microphone 1056 of the side sound communication unit 1051 of the corner sound unit 1050 on the left, The sound wave communication control unit 1053 sequentially stores the voice data in the voice memory 1067 in time series.

  Next, the sound wave communication control unit 1053 extracts sound waves in a specific frequency band from the sound data stored in the sound memory 1067, and the demodulation unit 1069 demodulates various data based on the extracted sound waves (information). Then, various data demodulated are temporarily stored in the reception data buffer 1070.

  Then, the sound wave communication control unit 1053 periodically reads the reception data stored in the reception data buffer 1070 and transmits the reception data to the sub control device 262.

  As a result, the data signal transmitted from the sub controller 262 of the predetermined pachinko machine 10 is received by the sub controller 262 of another pachinko machine 10 using the sound wave as a medium.

  The above-mentioned "sound waves in a specific frequency band" includes not only "sound waves in the audible range (for example, about 20 Hz to 20 kHz)" but also "sound waves outside the audible range (so-called ultrasonic waves)". Here, in the case of using an ultrasonic wave, a speaker in which an ultrasonic wave generator is incorporated is used as the speaker 1055, and a speaker in which an ultrasonic wave sensor is incorporated as the microphone 1056 is used.

  When sound waves in the audible range (for example, about 20 Hz to 20 kHz) are used as a communication medium, the sound is output in conjunction with sound effects such as sound effects or BGM so as not to give the player a sense of discomfort or to hear as noise. There is a need.

  Therefore, under the above configuration, when sound waves in the audible range are used as communication media, among the sound waves in the audible range, high-frequency sound waves of a predetermined frequency or higher (for example, sound waves of about 17 kHz to 20 kHz, so-called mosquito sound etc.) are used Is preferred.

  When such a mosquito sound or an ultrasonic wave is used as a communication medium, communication can be performed at an arbitrary timing at which sound presentation is not performed because the sound can not be heard by the human ear. In addition, in gaming facilities such as pachinko parlors, entry of a person under the age of 18 is prohibited as a guest, so that special problems hardly occur even if the above-mentioned high-frequency noise (mosquito noise etc.) is used. Conversely, by using the above-mentioned high-frequency sound (such as mosquito sound), it is possible to make it difficult for persons under the age of 18 to approach the game arcade.

  In the game hall, various noises are scattered such as in-store broadcast, voice output from speakers for effect of various game machines, sound from which game media are paid out, etc., and simply using sound waves as communication media, These noises may be picked up as noises and communication may not be properly performed. On the other hand, as described above, the communication stability can be secured by performing communication with sound waves in a specific frequency band.

  Furthermore, if the configuration is provided with filter means (such as a band pass filter) that allows only sound waves in a specific frequency band to pass corresponding to the microphone 1056 and the like, the above-described effects can be further enhanced.

  Further, for example, a sound wave detection unit capable of detecting the frequency of the sound wave around the pachinko machine 10 is provided, and the frequency band of the sound wave of the specific frequency band for performing data communication is changed based on the detection result of the sound wave detection unit. The configuration may be possible. With this configuration, data communication can be made suitable for the peripheral environment of the pachinko machine 10, and communication stability can be enhanced. Of course, in such a case, the information for changing the frequency band and the information for specifying the changed frequency band will be transmitted to the pachinko machine 10 on the receiving side in advance. Further, it is preferable that the filter means (band pass filter etc.) be provided with filter means capable of changing the frequency band of the sound wave to be passed.

  In the above configuration, the sound wave communication control unit 1053 is provided with a voice ROM (sound wave pattern storage means) in which a plurality of sound data (sound wave patterns) are stored instead of the sub control device 262. Based on a plurality of voice data stored in the voice ROM, predetermined voice data corresponding to various game states, effects and the like are selected (sound wave pattern selection means), and the voice data is converted into a voice signal, A sound may be output from the speaker 1055 (sound wave control means) (the same applies to the following).

  Furthermore, various known techniques can be used as a modulation method for modulating an audio signal. In addition, when transmission data is fixed (for example, when only three commands of command A, command B, and command C are set as transmission data), various modulation patterns corresponding to various transmission data are made in advance. A modulation pattern storage means is stored, and when transmitting predetermined data, a modulation pattern corresponding to the predetermined data is selected from a plurality of modulation patterns stored in the modulation pattern storage means, and the modulation is performed. The modulation may be performed based on the pattern.

  (B-2) Under the configuration of (b-1), the modulation unit 1065 has a configuration in which the audio output unit 1066 has a plurality of channels and can simultaneously output a plurality of audio signals (sound waves) to the speaker 1055. May be omitted. That is, the audio signal generated by the audio generation unit 1063 and the data signal generated by the signal waveform generation unit 1064 may be output through different channels.

  (B-3) Instead of the configuration of the above (b-1), for example, the sound wave communication control unit 1053 may use a plurality of sound wave patterns (voice patterns) that can be output from the speaker 1055 (sound wave output means) A predetermined sound wave pattern corresponding to various game states, effects, etc. is selected from among the plurality of sound wave patterns stored in advance based on an instruction from the sub controller 262, etc. (sound wave pattern storage hand) Pattern selection means), a predetermined sound wave pattern including a pattern corresponding to predetermined information (predetermined network command etc.) under the configuration (sound wave control means) configured to control the sound wave output from the speaker 1055 based on the sound wave pattern Are stored in advance, and when the predetermined information is externally output based on a command from the sub control device 262, the plurality of sound The sound wave communication control unit 1053 of the other pachinko machine 10 in which the microphone 1056 detects the sound wave based on the predetermined sound wave pattern while selecting the predetermined sound wave pattern from the run, the predetermined information from the sound wave It may be configured to extract (information extraction means).

  Here, a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information (a predetermined network command or the like) is formed of sound waves in a specific frequency band, and the other portion is formed by sound waves in a frequency band other than the specific frequency band. Then, on the reception side, the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information can be easily detected, and the detection performance can be improved (the same applies hereinafter).

  In addition, if a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information (predetermined network command or the like) is regarded as a kind of effect pattern, the gaming machine according to the above configuration is a sound effect means (speaker 1055) that performs a predetermined effect by sound. Effect pattern storage means (the sound wave pattern storage hand (ROM)) storing a plurality of sound effect patterns to be performed by the sound effect means, and a plurality of sounds stored in advance in the effect pattern storage means based on establishment of predetermined conditions An effect pattern selection means (the above-mentioned sound wave pattern selection means) which selects a predetermined sound effect pattern from among the effect patterns, and an effect pattern which controls the sound effect means based on the sound effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means Sound effect being executed in control means (above sound wave control means) and the above-mentioned sound effect means provided in other game machines Effect pattern detecting means (microphone 1056) capable of detecting a turn, and effect pattern judging means (sound wave communication control) for judging whether the sound effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detecting means includes a specific sound effect pattern When the sound effect pattern detected by the CPU of the unit 1053 and the like and the effect pattern detection means includes a specific sound effect pattern, the specific sound effect pattern is handled with reference to, for example, a predetermined table or the like. In other words, the gaming machine is characterized by including control means (sub-control device 262) capable of executing predetermined control.

  According to this configuration, the predetermined effect pattern (for example, the Premier Reach effect, etc.) performed in the predetermined game machine (the game machine on the primary side) is compared with the effect pattern of the other game machine (the game machine on the secondary side) As the detection means detects, predetermined control (for example, predetermined effect control such as notification effect for notifying that a premium reach effect or the like is performed in another game machine) is executed in the other game machine. Ru.

  As a result, when a predetermined effect (informing effect or the like) is performed in a predetermined game machine, the same predetermined effect (informing effect or the like) is performed also in the other gaming machines which detect this, etc. It is possible to perform game effects associated with a plurality of game machines, such as sequentially executing predetermined effects (informing effects etc.) in a plurality of game machines.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, transmission and reception of information are not performed bi-directionally between a predetermined gaming machine and another gaming machine, and a predetermined effect pattern is performed in a predetermined gaming machine. Information is transmitted only in one direction such that another detected gaming machine executes a predetermined control. That is, a predetermined gaming machine only needs to perform normal effect control, and there is no need to newly execute special processing such as command transmission, for example, so that it is possible to suppress complication of control processing.

  In addition, data communication can be performed without giving a sense of discomfort to the player while using sound waves in the audible range (except for the mosquito sound).

  (B-4) Here, a more specific configuration of the configuration described in (b-3) above will be described with reference to FIG. The sound wave communication control unit 1053 (or the sub control device 262) includes a sound wave pattern selection counter used for selecting a sound wave pattern, and a plurality of sound wave pattern selection counters are obtained based on the value of the sound wave pattern selection counter acquired due to a predetermined trigger. In a configuration in which a sound wave pattern selection table for selecting one sound wave pattern from among the sound wave patterns of the above is stored in advance in its own ROM (sound wave pattern selection table storage means), the predetermined information (for example, The first sound wave pattern (for example, “pattern 1” in the “commandless table” in FIG. 56) not including the pattern corresponding to command “A”, “command B” or “command C”), and the predetermined information Second sound wave pattern including corresponding pattern (for example, “pattern 1 of“ table with command A ”in FIG. 56) A), “pattern 1 (B)” of “table with command B” or “pattern 1 (C)” of “table with command C” are stored, and do not include the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information 56. A first sound wave pattern selection table (eg, "commandless table" in FIG. 56) corresponding to a first sound wave pattern, and a second sound wave pattern corresponding to a second sound wave pattern including a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information. The acoustic wave pattern selection table (for example, "command A table", "command B table" or "command C table" in FIG. 56) is stored, and the predetermined pattern is stored based on a command from sub controller 262 or the like. When outputting the information to the outside, a second sound wave pattern selection table corresponding to a second sound wave pattern including a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information is selected, By referring to the second wave pattern selection table, based on the value of the wave pattern selection counter may be configured to elect the second wave pattern including a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information.

  Also, if a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information (predetermined network command etc.) is regarded as a kind of effect pattern, the gaming machine according to the above configuration is a sound pattern selection counter (the sound wave pattern used for selecting the sound effect pattern) In order to select one sound effect pattern from among a plurality of sound effect patterns, the effect pattern selecting means selects one of a plurality of sound effect patterns based on the selection counter) and the value of the sound pattern selection counter acquired due to a predetermined trigger. Sound pattern selection table storage means (the sound wave pattern determination table storage means) for storing the sound pattern selection table of the first sound effect pattern storage means (the sound pattern determination table storage means) A second sound effect pattern (the second sound effect pattern including the first sound wave pattern) and the specific sound effect pattern And the sound pattern selection table storage means includes a first sound pattern selection table (the first sound wave pattern determination table) corresponding to the first sound effect pattern, and the second sound The second sound pattern selection table (the second sound wave pattern determination table) corresponding to the effect pattern is stored, and when the first condition is satisfied (for example, in the normal state), the effect pattern selection means Controlling the sound effect pattern so that it can be selected by referring to the first sound pattern selection table based on the value of the sound pattern selection counter, and the second condition is satisfied (for example, the advance effect When performing), the effect pattern selection means may select the sound effect pattern based on the value of the sound pattern selection counter by referring to the second sound pattern selection table. Control that can in other words the gaming machine, wherein as a.

  (B-5) A filter means (a band pass filter or the like) which allows only sound waves in a specific frequency band to pass through sound waves input from the microphone 1056, for example, under the configuration for performing communication between gaming machines using sound as a medium A plurality of data may be provided corresponding to sound waves of a plurality of frequency components, and in data transmission processing, a plurality of data may be allocated to sound waves of a plurality of frequency components, and a plurality of data may be multiplexed at one timing and simultaneously transmitted. As a result, it is possible to increase the communication speed and increase the amount of information that can be simultaneously transmitted and received.

  (B-6) The microphone 1056 may be configured to be provided with sound collecting means (for example, a parabolic sound collector having a paraboloid) for collecting sound waves. Thereby, the directivity in the predetermined direction can be enhanced, and the stability of communication can be enhanced.

  (B-7) It is good also as composition provided with the noise removal means which can remove the noise contained in the sound wave detected by microphone 1056. Such a configuration can improve the stability of communication. The noise removing means may be, for example, a noise canceler which removes (reduces) noise entering from the outside by collecting ambient sound and mixing a signal in reverse phase with the sound signal and outputting the mixed signal. .

  In addition, it may be configured to intentionally add noise from the speaker 1055 at the time of data transmission so that communication between gaming machines using sound as a medium is not intercepted illegally. In such a case, noise may be canceled by reverse phase control at the time of data reception.

  (B-8) A sound volume measurement unit capable of measuring the sound volume outside the pachinko machine 10 may be provided, and the output level of the sound wave output from the speaker 1055 may be changed based on the measurement result of the sound volume measurement unit. For example, when noise outside the pachinko machine 10 is relatively large, the volume level output from the speaker 1055 is changed from level 7 (during 10 steps) to level 9 during the data transmission. With this configuration, the output level of the sound wave can be made suitable according to the peripheral environment of the pachinko machine 10, and the stability of communication can be enhanced.

  (B-9) In the above configuration, the speaker 1055 is used for both effect and communication. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the speaker 1055 may be dedicated for communication. Also, the speaker SP may be used for effect and communication.

  The configuration can be simplified by using the speaker for both presentation and communication. In addition, the conventional speaker provided for sound effect can be used for communication, and communication between gaming machines can be realized without adding a new configuration for communication.

  (B-10) In the above configuration, the sound wave communication units 1051 and 1052 (speaker 1055 and microphone 1056) are controlled by the sound wave communication control unit 1053. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. It may be configured to be controlled by another control means.

  (B-11) In the above configuration, the corner sound unit 1050 communicates with the side sound wave communication unit 1051 for communicating with the left and right pachinko machines 10 and the front sound wave communication unit for communicating with the front pachinko machine 10 It is configured to have 1052. The present invention is not limited to this, and it may be configured to switch between left and right communication and forward communication by one speaker. For example, a nondirectional speaker and a microphone may be provided, and the left and right communication and the forward communication may be switched depending on the difference in the frequency band of sound waves or the like.

  (B-12) Under the configurations of (b-3) and (b-4) above, when the receiving side extracts a pattern (specific sound effect pattern) corresponding to predetermined information, an audio signal serving as a trigger is extracted. It may be configured to output.

  For example, after transmitting an audio signal of a specific frequency and detecting the audio signal on the receiving side, a sound pattern during a predetermined time set in advance may be detected as a data signal. In addition, the sound pattern may be detected as a data signal during a predetermined period until the audio signal of the specific frequency is detected after the audio signal of the specific frequency is detected on the reception side.

  (C) The wireless communication mode is not limited to the communication mode using light or sound as a medium as in the above embodiment etc. Instead of or in addition to this, other wireless communication modes such as radio waves may be used. It is good also as composition which pachinko machines 10 comrades which adjoin right and left, or pachinko machines 10 comrades to oppose perform communication between gaming machines on a one-to-one basis using it. As a form of communication using radio waves, an example using short distance communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be mentioned.

  Of course, it is possible to give directivity to radio waves by the configuration of an antenna or the like. By giving directivity to radio waves, it is possible to suppress various problems that may occur when non-directional radio waves as described later are used. .

  (D) In the above embodiment, the pachinko machines 10 adjacent to each other on the left and right or the pachinko machines 10 facing each other perform communication between gaming machines on a one-on-one basis, and can transmit various data sequentially. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and one pachinko machine 10 (for example, pachinko machine 10a) uses a plurality of pachinko machines 10 (pachinko machines 10b to 10j) using nondirectional or low directivity light, sound or radio waves. It is good also as composition which can communicate.

  Further, information may be distributed simultaneously from one pachinko machine 10 to a plurality of pachinko machines 10. For example, the pachinko machine 10a simultaneously distributes network effect setting commands to a plurality of pachinko machines 10b to 10j, and then, from the pachinko machine 10 serving as the starting point, the network effect execution command sequentially It may be configured to be transferred to the facing pachinko machine 10.

  (E) Two or more of the wireless communication modes using light, sound, and radio waves may be combined.

  (E-1) For example, the pachinko machine 10a simultaneously distributes network effect setting commands to the plurality of pachinko machines 10b to 10j by using the first wireless communication mode (for example, radio wave or sound wave), and then the second The network effect execution command may be sequentially transferred from the pachinko machine 10 serving as the starting point to the pachinko machine 10 adjacent to the left or right or the pachinko machine 10 opposite to each other according to the wireless communication mode (for example, light).

  (E-2) Also, between the pachinko machines 10 adjacent to each other at relatively short distances, communication between gaming machines is performed using the first wireless communication mode (for example, light), and the relative distance is slightly longer Between the pachinko machines 10 facing each other, communication between gaming machines may be performed using a second wireless communication mode (for example, sound wave).

  (E-3) It is good also as composition provided with the switching means which can change a wireless-communications form according to the environment around the pachinko machine 10.

  For example, a reception level detection unit (may be used as a reception unit) capable of detecting the reception level of a communication medium (light, sound or radio wave) is provided, and the quality of the communication state is determined based on the detection result. The wireless communication mode may be changed based on the result of the quality determination.

  According to this configuration, for example, in an environment where noise is large, light or radio waves are used for wireless communication, light is blocked by an obstacle or the like, or in an environment where illumination is bright, radio waves or sound waves are used for wireless communication, Information can be transmitted and received more reliably by switching the wireless communication mode in accordance with the environment around the gaming machine. As a result, communication quality can be improved.

  More specifically, first, the link confirmation process (step S4901) and the link response process (step S4902) are executed in the first wireless communication mode (for example, light), and when the link is not established by this, The link confirmation process and the like are executed in the second wireless communication mode (for example, sound), and when the link is not established by this, the link check process and the like are further executed in the third wireless communication mode (for example, radio wave) It is good also as composition like this.

  (E-4) A configuration in which two or more wireless communication modes of the wireless communication modes using light may be combined. Similarly, two or more of the wireless communication modes using sound may be combined.

  For example, the link confirmation process (step S4901) and the link response process (step S4902) are executed by infrared communication (or ultrasonic communication or radio wave communication) which the player can not recognize or can not recognize. It may be configured to be performed by visible light communication (or audio communication in the audible range) that combines effects.

  (E-5) In a specific situation (for example, during demonstration display), the player performs data communication by a wireless communication form (for example, infrared communication, ultrasonic communication, radio wave communication) which is difficult or impossible to recognize. Alternatively, the data communication may be performed by a wireless communication form (for example, visible light communication or audio communication in the audible area) that can be recognized by the player in combination with the effect. With this configuration, it is possible to perform communication between gaming machines without making the player feel uncomfortable, for example, the light emitting means is lighted suddenly or a sound is outputted from the sound output means during demonstration display, for example. .

  (E-6) A communication system excellent in crime prevention effect may be constructed by combining a plurality of wireless communication modes.

  For example, the transmission data is encrypted and output in a first wireless communication mode (for example, visible light communication or audio communication in the audible range) using a known encryption technique, and the decryption key is output as a second wireless communication The data may be output in a form (for example, infrared communication, ultrasonic communication, radio wave communication), and the receiving side may be configured to decrypt the encrypted data using the decryption key. With such a configuration, the secrecy of communication between gaming machines can be improved.

  Also, a configuration in which the communication medium for performing data communication can be changed by a first wireless communication mode (for example, sound communication or radio wave communication) (for example, a configuration in which a specific frequency band used for data communication can be periodically changed Information that can grasp the communication medium (specific frequency band used for data communication) in advance by the second wireless communication form (for example, optical communication) under the Data may be extracted based on information.

  (F) In the above embodiment, the gaming machine network can be formed by the plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10j existing in two opposing gaming machine installation islands 1A and 1B, but the present invention is not limited to this. The front light emission communication unit 652 is omitted or dedicated to rendering, and a gaming machine network is formed only by a plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10e (or 10f to 10j) in the same gaming machine installation island 1A (or 1B). The configuration may be Here, the front light emission communication unit 652 may be configured to be switchable to any of the effect communication common mode, the communication only mode, and the effect only mode.

  Further, the side light emission communication unit 651 is configured to be switchable to any of the effect communication combination mode, the communication only mode, and the effect only mode, and for example, network effects are executed on predetermined game machine installation islands 1A and 1B of the game hall. It may be possible to select whether the person in charge of the game hall or not.

  Further, in the configuration in which communication between gaming machines is performed using sound and radio waves, the pachinko machine 10 existing in another gaming machine installation island on the back side of the predetermined gaming machine installation island 1A (or 1B) is also between gaming machines. The configuration may be such that communication can be performed. Thus, for example, all the same type of pachinko machines 10 present in the game hall may be connected to the network, and a specific effect may be simultaneously started in all the pachinko machines 10.

  (G) Information transmitted and received by communication between gaming machines is not limited to the network command in the above embodiment, and other information such as other commands may be transmitted and received.

  (G-1) For example, history information of the pachinko machine 10 (big hit frequency information and outgoing ball information, etc.) is transmitted and received, and history information of each pachinko machine 10 is shared among a plurality of pachinko machines 10 configuring the network. The pachinko machine 10 (e.g., the pachinko machine 10a) may be configured to be able to browse history information of other pachinko machines 10 (e.g., the pachinko machines 10b to 10j).

  (G-2) Further, image data such as still images and moving images, audio data, and the like may be transmitted and received. For example, a camera capable of capturing an image of a player may be provided, and the image of the player of the pachinko machine 10 in which the jackpot has occurred may be photographed, the image data may be transmitted to another pachinko machine 10, and displayed together with the jackpot notification. Similarly, a microphone capable of recording a voice emitted by a player may be provided, and the recorded voice may be transmitted to another pachinko machine 10 and used as a staging sound in the other pachinko machine 10.

  (H) In the above embodiment, a link confirmation process (step S4901) or the like for establishing a link between the pachinko machines 10 is performed once at the time of activation of the pachinko machine 10 (sub controller 262). When it is turned on, it will not be performed after that. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, the link confirmation completion flag may be periodically reset, and the link confirmation process or the like may be periodically performed. In addition, when the network effect is performed, the link confirmation process or the like may be performed each time in the previous stage. According to this configuration, the current state can be grasped in real time.

  (I) In the above embodiment, the sub control device 262 pre-reads various types of information stored in the holding area of the sub holding buffer Bf to determine whether or not to perform the network effect, and in addition to setting the network effect in advance. By outputting a command to another pachinko machine 10, network pachinko machines 10 are set in advance to perform network presentation, and then network presentation is started at a predetermined timing.

  The present invention is not limited to this, and the sub control device 262 executes the sub hold buffer Bf without performing the prefetching process of the hold area of the hold buffer Bf and without outputting the network effect setting command (without performing the presetting of the network effect). When executing a predetermined effect based on various information stored in the area, a network effect execution command may be output, and based on this, the network effect may be executed in a plurality of pachinko machines 10.

  (J) In the above embodiment, the network effect is performed as the big hit advance effect, but the type of the network effect is not limited to this.

  (J-1) For example, when a premier reach effect or the like is performed in a predetermined pachinko machine 10, a reach notification effect of notifying that effect to the entire network may be performed as a network effect.

  (J-2) The various information stored in the eight reserve areas of the sub reserve buffer Bf are read ahead processing, and for example, the above implementation is performed over a period in which the variable display related to the special display devices 43L and 43R is performed a plurality of times. A configuration in which a large fish school effect (first network effect) or the like in a form is continuously performed a plurality of times (a so-called continuous notice effect) may be performed.

  (J-3) It is good also as composition which can carry out a series of control which changes a production mode in steps. For example, the display mode of the fish group G gradually changes such that the fish group G displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 changes from "small fish group" to "medium fish group" and further from "medium fish group" to "large fish group" It may be configured to

  Alternatively, a vibrator or the like may be disposed in the handle 18 and the handle 18 may be vibrated before the school of fish G is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42.

  (J-4) A player participation type network effect may be performed using an operation means (effect button 125 or the like) operable by the player.

  For example, when a predetermined condition is established in a predetermined pachinko machine 10 (for example, pachinko machine 10a), a predetermined network command is sequentially transferred to other pachinko machines 10 (for example, pachinko machines 10b to 10j). The player can execute a popular vote effect of selecting one music from three music (melody A, melody B, melody C) stored in the ROM 552 of the sub controller 262 using the effect button 125 In addition to the configuration, predetermined pachinko machine 10 (for example pachinko machine 10a), tabulated data pertaining to popularity votes obtained by sequentially transferring each pachinko machine 10a to 10j (for example "5 votes for melody A", melody B "3 votes" and "2 votes" for melody C, and the music determined based on the total data (for example, melody A) A network effect setting command for performing performance is sequentially transferred to other pachinko machines 10 (for example, pachinko machines 10b to 10j), and a plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10j perform the same music (for example, melody A) synchronously. It is good also as composition.

  The total data is variable information whose content changes each time the pachinko machines 10a to 10j are transferred. For example, at the stage when a predetermined pachinko machine 10b receives, the contents of the total data are “1 vote” for melody A, “0 votes” for melody B, and “0 votes” for melody C, the predetermined pachinko When the melody B is voted in the popular vote effect in the machine 10b, the contents of the total data change to "1 vote" for the melody A, "1 vote" for the melody B, and "0 votes" for the melody C. Then, when the tabulated data is transferred to the pachinko machine 10c, the tabulated data of the contents changed by the pachinko machine 10b is transferred.

  (K) The presentation means used as the communication means is not limited to the above embodiment and the like.

  (K-1) For example, when communicating with the pachinko machine 10 which opposes ahead, you may use the decoration symbol display apparatus 42 as a communication means. More specifically, the sub-control device 262 stores a plurality of display effect patterns to be performed in the decorative symbol display device 42 (display effect means) in its own ROM 552 (display effect pattern storage means), and based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions. And select a predetermined display effect pattern from a plurality of display effect patterns (effect pattern selection means), and control the decorative symbol display device 42 based on the selected display effect pattern (effect pattern control means), The display effect detected by the camera is provided with a camera (effect pattern detection means) capable of detecting the display effect pattern being executed in the decorative symbol display device 42 provided in the other pachinko machine 10, and the display effect detected by the camera Pattern matching whether the pattern includes a specific display effect pattern (for example, premium reach effect) When the display effect pattern detected by the camera is determined to include the specific effect pattern, predetermined control corresponding to the specific effect pattern (for example, reach notification) It may be configured to be capable of effecting.

  (K-2) The movable part may be used as the communication means. For example, in a configuration provided with a shutter accessory capable of opening and closing the decorative symbol display device 42 as a movable accessory, the shutter accessory may be used as a communication means. More specifically, the sub-control device 262 stores a plurality of open / close patterns (rendering patterns) performed in the shutter combination (rendering means) in its own ROM 552 (rendering pattern storage means), and based on the fulfillment of the predetermined conditions, A predetermined opening / closing pattern is selected from a plurality of opening / closing patterns (reproduction pattern selection means), and the shutter role is controlled (reproduction pattern control means) based on the selected front opening / closing pattern, while the other pachinko machine 10 The camera has a camera (effect pattern detection means) capable of detecting the opening and closing pattern being executed in the shutter role provided in the sub-control unit 262, the opening and closing pattern detected by the camera is a specific opening and closing pattern (eg full opening It is determined by a method such as pattern matching whether or not the pattern is included (effect pattern determination means), When closing pattern detected by the camera is intended to include the specific opening pattern, a predetermined control (e.g. jackpot notification effect) corresponding to the specific opening patterns may be capable of executing configuration.

  (L) In the above embodiment, in each pachinko machine 10, the mode shuffle effect (mode effect change effect) is performed in response to the first network effect (large fish group effect) being performed. That is, based on the signal input from the outside, the production | presentation aspect of internal production | presentation changes.

  The configuration in which the effect mode of the internal effect changes based on the signal input from the outside is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the variation pattern mode of the symbol in the decorative symbol display device 42 may be changed .

  (M) A pachinko machine of a type different from that of the above embodiment may be implemented.

  (M-1) For example, in the above embodiment, there are "permanent variation big hit" and "usually big hit" as jackpot types, and in the jackpot state, the variable winning device 32 is opened for 30 seconds, or the variable winning device This is repeated 16 times (16 rounds), assuming that eight game balls win in 32. The number of jackpot probability and jackpot types, and various jackpot types of variable winning device 32 The opening and closing patterns and the like are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set for each model.

  For example, under the configuration in which the jackpot winning probability fluctuates as described above, or under the configuration in which the jackpot winning probability does not fluctuate, a period of the later-described "high support status (time reduction status)" (Variation count) may be configured as a plurality of patterns.

  (M-2) In the above embodiment, the "high probability state" and the "low probability state" can be set as the gaming state. Not limited to this, another gaming state may be set.

  For example, instead of or in addition to the "high probability state" or the "low probability state", a "high support state" may be set in which the variable display time in at least the special display devices 43L and 43R is shortened. As a result, for example, the so-called "probability mode" in the "high probability state and high support state", the so-called "time shortening mode" in the "low probability state and high support state", and the so-called in the "high probability state and low support state" It becomes a "latency mode" and becomes a so-called "normal mode" in the "low probability state and low support state".

  In addition, in at least one of the central start opening 33 and the right start opening 34, the game ball can enter the ball or can easily enter the start hole 33, 34, and the game ball can not enter the ball or can not enter the ball. It is configured to have an open / close member that can be switched to the closed state, and when the “high support state” is set, the opening time of the start ports 33 and 34 (open / close member) is extended together, the number of times of opening is increased, etc. The conventional configurations of the above may be combined. In addition, for example, “high probability state” and “high support state” are shifted to “low probability state” and “low support state” after the variable display is performed a total of 100 times on the special display devices 43L and 43R. It is good also as composition. Here, it can be said that the “high support state” is a gaming state in which the ratio of the open state to the closed state per unit time in the starting openings 33 and 34 is higher than the ratio in the “low support state”.

  More specifically, a through gate in which gaming balls flowing down the game area can pass one ball at a time, and a through gate switch capable of detecting the gaming balls passing through the through gate are provided by the through gate switch. When a game ball is detected, an open lottery is performed to determine whether or not the central start opening 33 or the right start opening 34 is to be opened, and variable display is performed on the normal symbol display device, and the open lottery is performed. When the player wins, the stop display is made in a specific manner on the normal symbol display device, and the central start opening 33 or the right start opening 34 (opening and closing member) is opened for a specified time or a specified number of times.

  As the "high support state", for example, (1) a state where the variable display time in the normal symbol display device is shorter than that in the low support state, (2) one opening of the central start opening 33 or the right start opening 34 The time (specified time) is longer than in the low support state, and (3) the specified number of gaming balls that can enter the ball per opening of the central start opening 33 or the right start opening 34 is lower than in the low support state A large number of states, (4) a state where the number of opening times of the central starting opening 33 or the right starting hole 34 per one winning of the opening lottery is larger than in the low support state, (5) a winning probability of the opening drawing is from the low support state It is also possible to keep it high. Here, any one of the configurations (1) to (5) or any combination of these configurations (1) to (5) may be adopted as the “high support state”. As a result, the game ball tends to be played more frequently with respect to the central start opening 33 or the right start opening 34, and the number of times the jackpot lottery is executed is increased, and a decrease in the player's ball is suppressed. It becomes a state.

  (M-3) Also, based on the entry of the gaming ball into the starting opening 33, 34, the second whether or not the small hitting state is generated separately from the winning or not drawing of whether or not the large hitting state is generated. In the case where the player has won the second lottery, the small hit state may be given.

  The "small hit" referred to herein is, for example, a winning to continue the gaming state at the time of the small hit, even after the small hit game in which the variable winning device 32 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times is performed. For example, if the gaming state at the time of the small hitting is high probability state, the high probability state continues even after the end of the small hitting game, and if the gaming state at the time of small hitting is the normal state The normal state is continued even after the end of the hit game.

  (M-4) In addition, in the case of winning a big hit based on the entry of the gaming ball to the central starting opening 33, and in the case of winning the big hit based on the entry of the gaming ball to the right starting opening 34, You may comprise so that the ratio of the jackpot classification provided may differ.

  For example, there are "16R probability variation jackpot", "8R probability variation jackpot", "2R probability variation jackpot", "2R hour junior high jackpot" and "2R regular jackpot" as jackpot types, with a game ball winning to the central starting opening 33 as a trigger If you win the winning lottery, the percentage of 40% "16R probability variation jackpot", 30% of the "8R probability variation jackpot", 10% of the "2R probability variation jackpot" and the percentage of 20% "2R When the player is assigned to one of the "normal jackpot" and wins the lottery with the game ball to the right starting opening 34 as a trigger, it is 70% of the "16R probability variation jackpot" and 20% of the " The configuration may be such that it can be distributed as either “2R probability variation jackpot” or 10% “2R hourly junior high strike”. Further, the "small hit" may be generated only when a win lottery with the game ball in the right starting opening 34 as a trigger is won. In addition, the above-mentioned "time and time big hit" means the big hit to which "the low probability state and the high support state" are provided after the end of the big hit.

  (M-5) In the above embodiment, when both of the variable display triggered by a winning on the central start opening 33 and the variable display triggered by entering the ball to the right start opening 34 are suspended. The variable display is configured to be digested in accordance with the order in which the gaming balls enter the central starting opening 33 or the right starting opening 34. The present invention is not limited to this, and the variable display triggered by entering the ball into either one of the central starting opening 33 or the right starting opening 34 may be given priority and may be configured to be suspended.

  (M-6) In the above embodiment, the two start ports (the center start port 33 and the right start port 34) are provided separately from each other on the left and right, but the configuration of the start ports is limited thereto. It is not a thing. For example, one starting opening may be provided, or three or more starting openings may be provided. In addition, two starting ports may be vertically arranged, or may be provided with an opening and closing member that can open and close the starting ports.

  (M-7) The position of the variable winning device 32 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the variable winning device 32 may be disposed in the right side area of the variable display unit 35 (a position where the game ball which has flowed down the left side area of the variable display unit 35 can not reach). In such a configuration, as in the normal time, when the player continues the action of firing the game ball toward the left side area of the variable display unit 35 (this action is hereinafter referred to as "left strike"), the variable winning is achieved. It is not possible to win a game ball on the device 32. Therefore, when the jackpot state occurs, the player performs an action of firing the game ball toward the right side area of the variable display device unit 35 (this action is hereinafter referred to as “right-handed”).

  (N) In addition to pachinko machines, various types of game machines such as arrange ball machines and ball ball similar to them, slot machines as rotating game machines, slot machines as game machines combining slot machines and pachinko machines, etc. You may

  (O) The communication partner performing data communication in the wireless communication mode such as the optical communication is not limited to the gaming machines such as the pachinko machine 10 as in the above embodiment. For example, as long as the electronic device has the same communication means as the pachinko machine 10, data may be communicated between the electronic device and the pachinko machine 10. As the electronic device, for example, an intermediate machine (sand) installed on the side of the pachinko machine 10, a counting machine of game balls (jet counter) arranged in a place away from the pachinko machine 10, a player owns A portable device etc. are mentioned as an example.

  Hereinafter, the technical ideas which are not described in the claims of the claims and can be grasped from the above embodiment will be described together with the effects thereof.

Means A1. Lottery means for performing a lottery process based on a predetermined opportunity;
Variation display means for performing stop display in a mode based on the lottery result of the lottery process after performing the variation display;
In a gaming machine provided with a game value giving unit capable of giving a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process.
Transmission means capable of transmitting various information to the outside of the gaming machine (such as the receiving means of other gaming machines) in a predetermined wireless communication mode (light, sound, etc.);
A receiving unit capable of receiving various information transmitted in the predetermined wireless communication form from the outside of the gaming machine (such as transmission means of other gaming machines);
A game machine characterized by comprising control means (for example, a sub control device or the like) capable of executing predetermined control (control of a predetermined effect means such as a display means) based on the information received by the reception means. .

  In addition, although it is the same as the following means, as the above "predetermined trigger", for example, "a trigger having detected the entry of the game ball into a predetermined entry means provided in the game area by a predetermined detection means And “a trigger that is detected by the predetermined detection means that the start operation means for starting variable display on the predetermined display means is operated” and the like.

  Providing “game value” includes, for example, paying out game media such as winning balls, and providing a special game state advantageous to the player.

  The “wireless communication form” means “a communication form in which information is transmitted using a wireless medium without using a communication cable or the like”. Here, “wireless medium” means “medium (transmission path) for performing wireless communication”, and includes, for example, radio waves, infrared rays, visible light, sound waves, and ultrasonic waves. The "various information" to be transmitted / received includes commands, game data, sounds, images and the like.

  According to the means A1, it is possible to output information to the outside and input information from the outside using a wireless medium. As a result, transmission and reception (bidirectional communication) of various information such as commands can be performed between a plurality of gaming machines, and various controls such as game effects can be performed based on information input from the outside of the gaming machine.

  Means A2. It is possible to transmit and receive various information among a plurality of gaming machines including itself, and the gaming machine according to the means A1.

  According to the above means A2, a gaming machine network capable of transmitting and receiving various information among a plurality of gaming machines including itself is configured. Thereby, control of various game effects in a plurality of game machines can be performed jointly. For example, it is possible to perform game effects associated with a plurality of game machines, such as performing predetermined game effects such as display effects in a plurality of game machines in synchronization or interlocking. As a result, compared to the configuration in which each game machine performs various game effects individually, it is possible to make the game effects more colorful and to improve the interest for the player.

  In addition, as one of the configurations in which a plurality of gaming machines are synchronized and the same effect is simultaneously performed in each gaming machine, for example, the power supplies of the plurality of gaming machines are simultaneously activated to synchronize a predetermined timer provided in each gaming machine. Thus, a configuration may be considered in which the same effect is produced in each gaming machine at the same timing after a predetermined time has elapsed from when the power is turned on, or when the predetermined time has come.

  However, in such a configuration, for example, when one malfunction occurs in one game machine during business hours, and only the game machine is powered on again, the timer time of the game machine is deviated, and so on. There is a risk that synchronization with the gaming machine can not be achieved.

  On the other hand, according to the present means, communication can be appropriately performed among a plurality of game machines, and cooperation such as synchronization can be achieved, so that the above-mentioned problems are less likely to occur.

  Further, according to this means, since communication between gaming machines can be performed by a wireless method, it is not necessary to connect a plurality of gaming machines with a communication cable or the like.

  In addition, when performing data communication (inter-gaming machine communication) between a plurality of gaming machines, use a communication cable (for example, it is possible to communicate a plurality of gaming machines directly with the communication cable or indirectly via an island facility etc. In such a configuration, various problems as described below may occur.

  Conventionally, a large number of various cables are disposed on the back side of a gaming machine or inside an island facility, so when a communication cable for communication between gaming machines is disposed here, a communication error occurs due to the influence of noise or the like. There is a possibility that communication between gaming machines can not be properly performed, for example, because data corruption may occur.

  In addition, when installing a gaming machine in an island facility, since the communication cable wiring operation is required, the installation operation takes time and time. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the communication function may not operate normally due to a connection failure of the communication cable or a connection error by a worker.

  In addition, when an external input terminal for connecting a communication cable for communication between gaming machines is provided in the gaming machine, an unauthorized signal is input to the gaming machine via the terminal or the communication cable connected thereto. There is a possibility that fraudulent acts such as so-called "hanging" may be performed.

  On the other hand, according to the present means, it is not necessary to use a communication cable to perform communication between gaming machines, so simplification of wiring on the back side of gaming machines and inside of island facilities, introduction of new gaming machines, etc. It is possible to simplify the work at the time of replacement and the like.

  In addition, since other cables do not easily receive the influence of noise and the like, connection failures of communication cables and connection errors by workers do not occur, so communication between gaming machines can be performed more properly.

  Furthermore, since it is not necessary to newly provide the gaming machine with an external input terminal for connecting a communication cable for communication between gaming machines, fraudulent acts such as "hanging" are less likely to be conducted.

Means B1. Lottery means for performing a lottery process based on a predetermined opportunity;
Variation display means for performing stop display in a mode based on the lottery result of the lottery process after performing the variation display;
In a gaming machine provided with a game value giving unit capable of giving a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process.
A light emitting means (such as an LED) capable of emitting a predetermined light (for example, an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength of about 1 nm to 1 mm, such as visible light or infrared light);
Light receiving means (such as a photodiode or an image sensor) capable of detecting the predetermined light;
A transmitting unit configured to be able to control the light emitting unit and capable of transmitting various information to the outside of the gaming machine (such as a receiving unit of another gaming machine) in a wireless communication mode using light;
Receiving means capable of receiving various information transmitted in a wireless communication mode using the light from the outside of the gaming machine (such as a transmitting means of another game machine) based on the light detected by the light receiving means;
A game machine characterized by comprising control means (for example, a sub control device or the like) capable of executing predetermined control (control of a predetermined effect means such as a display means) based on the information received by the reception means. .

  According to the above-mentioned means B1, the same operation and effect as the above-mentioned means A1 are exerted. In the present means, in particular, light waves are used as a wireless communication medium (carrier wave) when performing communication between gaming machines and the like.

  As a wireless communication form not using a communication cable, a communication form using so-called radio waves (electromagnetic waves having a wavelength of about 1 mm or more) is generally known. However, in recent years, a wide variety of radio waves such as a wireless LAN and a mobile phone are scattered in the game hall. Therefore, when radio waves are used to perform communication between gaming machines, etc., there is a possibility that communication between gaming machines can not be properly performed due to the influence of other radio waves. Conversely, it is also conceivable that radio waves for communication between gaming machines may affect other electronic devices such as gaming machines and ball lending machines.

  When a low directivity carrier wave such as a nondirectional radio wave is used, a plurality of opponents from a predetermined gaming machine (for example, one gaming machine of different island facilities facing the front of the predetermined gaming machine) And, there is a possibility that information may be transmitted to a total of three game machines) of the game machines arranged on the left and right.

  In the case of using a carrier wave that is easily diffracted such as radio waves or sound waves, for example, when information is transmitted by radio waves or the like from a predetermined gaming machine to another gaming machine disposed adjacent to the left side or the right side thereof Information may be transmitted to the two adjacent gaming machines in the same island facility beyond the gaming machines arranged in the above.

  Furthermore, in game machines such as pachinko machines in recent years, radio waves that detect radio waves as measures against fraudulent acts called radio wave goths that cause an alarm detection switch etc. to malfunction by using equipment that transmits radio waves A game machine etc. to which a detection sensor etc. were attached can also be seen. For this reason, when the directivity of the radio wave transmitted from the transmission means is low, the radio wave may be detected by the radio wave detection sensor.

  In addition, even if it is intended to individually set the frequency band (channel) to be used for each gaming machine, in the gaming hall where a large number of gaming machines are installed, a frequency band that does not cause radio interference is secured for each gaming machine. It is difficult to do, and it takes a lot of time to set it up.

  In the gaming hall, in particular, a large number of gaming machines are densely arranged in a narrow area such as an island facility, so the above-mentioned various problems are likely to occur.

  On the other hand, since the light wave has a frequency higher than that of the radio wave or the sound wave, the straightness is strong and it is hard to be diffracted behind the shield or the like. Furthermore, the directivity can be easily and inexpensively enhanced using an existing device such as an LED. As a result, predetermined information can be transmitted only from a predetermined gaming machine to a specific opponent (for example, one gaming machine on a different island facility facing the front of the predetermined gaming machine). As a result, communication can be properly performed between the gaming machines without setting different channels between the gaming machines, and information leakage to the outside can be reduced.

  Furthermore, since lightwaves have a higher frequency (shorter wavelength) than radio waves and sound waves, they have more data capacity to transmit and receive within a given time (faster data communication speed), increasing communication speed and capacity of communication between gaming machines. Can be

Means B2. The transmission means is
It comprises modulation means capable of modulating the light emitted from the light emitting means based on various information outputted to the outside of the gaming machine,
The receiving means is
The gaming machine according to the means B1, further comprising demodulation means capable of demodulating various information from the light detected by the light receiving means.

  In addition, although the same applies to the following, “modulation” means that various information such as voice, image and data is put on a radio wave, a light wave or a sound wave which is a carrier wave. In other words, this is processing to convert parameters (amplitude, frequency, phase, etc.) of carrier waves such as sine waves and pulse waves according to various information in the form of electrical signals (base band signals). It includes processing of synthesizing signal waves based on information. On the other hand, "demodulation" means to extract various information such as original voice, image, and data from a modulated wave (radio wave which is a modulated carrier wave, light wave or sound wave).

  Further, the modulation processing includes modulation pattern storage means for storing various modulation patterns corresponding to various information in advance, and when transmitting predetermined information, a plurality of modulation patterns stored in the modulation pattern storage means A configuration is also included which selects a modulation pattern corresponding to the predetermined information from among the above and performs modulation based on the modulation pattern.

  As the modulation / demodulation method, various known techniques such as an intensity modulation method of performing intensity modulation (modulation of light emission intensity) of output light by changing a drive current of a light emitting element can be used, for example.

  If the modulation processing is performed as in the above-mentioned means B2, not only pre-stored information but also various information generated at any time and variable information (time information etc.) whose contents change appropriately can be transmitted. Since this becomes possible, more complex data can be transmitted and received between gaming machines and the like. As a result, it is possible to perform more various effects, and it is possible to improve the interest for the player.

Means B3. Light emission pattern storage means for storing a plurality of light emission patterns in advance;
A light emission pattern selection means capable of selecting one light emission pattern from a plurality of light emission patterns stored in the light emission pattern storage means based on a predetermined opportunity;
And light emission control means capable of controlling the light emitted from the light emission means based on the selected light emission pattern.
The light emission pattern storage means is
Storing in advance a predetermined light emission pattern including a pattern corresponding to predetermined information (such as a command);
The transmission means is
When the predetermined information is output to the outside, the light emission pattern selection unit is controlled to select the predetermined light emission pattern from the plurality of light emission patterns,
The receiving means is
The gaming machine according to the means B1, further comprising: information extraction means capable of extracting the predetermined information from the light detected by the light receiving means.

  According to the above means B3, when outputting various information to the outside, it is only necessary to control the light emitting means based on the light emission pattern set in advance, so that it is not necessary to perform modulation processing etc. like the above means B2 as needed. Processing can be simplified. Further, under the configuration of the means B3, the following configuration may be employed.

For example, “a light emission pattern selection counter used to select the light emission pattern,
The light emission pattern selection unit stores a light emission pattern selection table for selecting one light emission pattern from a plurality of light emission patterns based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter acquired due to a predetermined trigger. And a light emission pattern selection table storage means,
The light emission pattern storage means is
A first light emission pattern not including a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information;
Storing a second light emission pattern including a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information;
The light emission pattern selection table storage means is
A first light emission pattern selection table corresponding to the first light emission pattern;
Storing a second light emission pattern selection table corresponding to the second light emission pattern;
The transmission means is
When the predetermined information is not output to the outside, the light emission pattern selection unit can select the light emission pattern by referring to the first light emission pattern selection table based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter. Control
When the predetermined information is output to the outside, the light emission pattern selection unit can select the light emission pattern based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter with reference to the second light emission pattern selection table. It may be configured to “control”.

  With this configuration, it is only necessary to switch the pattern table to be referred to in accordance with the presence or absence of the information to be externally output, so that the control processing can be simplified.

Means B4. The light emitting means is configured to be capable of emitting at least visible light (for example, an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength of about 380 nm to 780 nm).
The gaming machine according to any one of the means B1 to B3, wherein the light receiving means is configured to detect at least visible light.

  According to the means B4, visible light communication can be performed between a plurality of gaming machines or the like.

  Even if the lighting state of the light emitting means and the light emission intensity are changed at high speed, it is difficult for the human eye to recognize this change, and it can only be seen as being always on. Therefore, light emitting means for visible light communication can be used as illumination light. In other words, visible light communication can be performed using existing light emitting means provided for illumination and effect. Moreover, there is little possibility that trouble may arise in a light-emitting production etc.

  Furthermore, visible light can be visually recognized unlike radio waves, infrared rays, and the like, so that it is possible to easily grasp the communication status, set the communication environment, and the like. As a result, even if the fraudster inputs a signal to the light receiving means using a fraudulent device, the fraud can be easily detected early.

  In addition, when visible light is used, even if it is output with high power (high signal strength) compared to infrared rays etc., the influence on the human body etc. is less, and the stability of communication can be enhanced.

Means B5. The light emitting means is configured to be capable of separately and simultaneously emitting plural types of light having different wavelengths (for example, red (R), green (G), blue (B), infrared, etc.) (for example, plural light emitting colors different) Light emitting element),
The transmitting means is configured to be capable of individually controlling the plurality of types of light;
The light receiving unit is configured to be capable of detecting each of the plurality of types of light,
The gaming machine according to any one of the means B1 to B4, wherein the receiving means is configured to be able to extract various information individually from the plurality of types of light.

  According to the above-mentioned means B5, transmission and reception of various information becomes possible by combination of light emission modes of a plurality of color components (combination of lighting states of a plurality of light emitting elements with different light emission colors). For example, the lighting state (lighting or extinguishing) of each light emitting element of one multi-color LED having three light emitting elements of red (R) component, light emitting element of green (G) component, and blue (B) component By switching), data transmission of 3 bits can be performed at one lighting timing of the multicolor LED. Therefore, data of 3 bits can be multiplexed at one timing and simultaneously transmitted. As a result, the amount of information that can be simultaneously transmitted and received can be increased without increasing the modulation rate.

Means B6. A plurality of the light emitting means disposed at different positions;
The transmitting means is configured to be capable of individually and simultaneously controlling the light emitted from the plurality of light emitting means,
The light receiving unit is configured to be able to simultaneously detect the light emitted from the plurality of light emitting units.
The gaming machine according to any one of the means B1 to B5, wherein the receiving means is configured to be able to extract various information from light emitted from the plurality of light emitting means.

  According to the above-mentioned means B6, various information can be transmitted / received by the combination (relative positional relationship) of the lighting states (lighting or extinguishing) of a plurality of light emitting means arranged at different positions. For example, 8-bit data can be transmitted at one timing by a combination of lighting states (lighting or extinguishing) of eight LEDs arranged in a straight line. In addition, when the configuration of the means B5 is combined, for example, one multicolor LED having three light emitting elements of red (R) component, green (G) component and blue (B) component. When eight are arranged, data transmission for 24 bits can be performed at one timing. As a result, the amount of information that can be simultaneously transmitted and received can be increased.

  Means B7. The light receiving means includes a plurality of light receiving elements capable of detecting the predetermined light (for example, a line sensor in which light receiving elements such as photodiodes are linearly arranged, or a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged in a matrix) A gaming machine according to any one of means B1 to B6 characterized by an area sensor or the like.

  According to the above-mentioned means B7, it is possible to simultaneously detect the light emitted from the plurality of light emitting means, and it is possible to increase the amount of information that can be transmitted and received simultaneously.

  Also, for example, as compared with the case where optical communication is established by one LED (light emitting unit as transmitting unit) and one photodiode (light receiving unit as receiving unit), the transmitting unit of a predetermined gaming machine There is no need to accurately align the optical axis with the receiving means of other game machines, etc., and even if the direction of the optical axis of the light emitting means with respect to the light receiving means is slightly misaligned, It is acceptable. As a result, since problems in optical communication due to installation errors of the gaming machine and the like are hard to occur, it is not necessary to exactly align the optical axis when the gaming machine is installed, and the work can be simplified. As a result, even when the distance between the gaming machines (communication distance) is relatively long, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the communication quality.

Means B8. The transmission means is
When light is emitted from the light emitting means based on various information output to the outside of the gaming machine, light of a predetermined luminance level or more is emitted as the light,
The receiving means is
A game machine according to any one of means B1 to B7, which extracts various types of information from light detected by the light receiving means from light having the predetermined luminance level or more.

  In recent years, in LED lighting and the like, dimming control of illumination light is configured to be generally possible by driving the LED with a pulse waveform driving current by pulse width control (PWM). Therefore, in the LED lighting apparatus capable of such light adjustment control, there is a possibility that proper optical communication can not be performed by merely performing on / off control of the LED or the like.

  On the other hand, according to the means B8, for example, in the normal state where the data signal waveform is not superimposed, the level 8 in 10 steps is set to the upper limit luminance level (threshold) and the data signal waveform is superimposed. By using only light of a predetermined luminance level or more as communication light, it is possible to perform stable optical communication, such that the luminance level of 9 or 10 is exceeded.

  Further, under the configuration of the means B8, for example, “a light measuring means capable of measuring the brightness (or brightness) outside the gaming machine is provided, and the light emitted from the light emitting means based on the measurement result of the light measuring means The luminance level may be changed, and the value of the predetermined luminance level, which is a threshold for extracting various information by the receiving unit, may be changed. Examples of the light measurement means include an illuminance meter, a luminance meter, a light meter, a photo diode, and an optical sensor equipped with a photomultiplier (photomultiplier).

  In the game hall, various lights such as in-store illumination and effect lights emitted from various game machines are jumping, and there is a possibility that the light receiving means can not properly detect communication light. In this respect, according to the above configuration, the luminance level of the light emitted from the light emitting means can be made suitable according to the peripheral environment of the gaming machine. As a result, the stability of optical communication can be enhanced.

  Means B9. The gaming machine according to the means B8, wherein the light receiving means comprises filter means for passing only light of the predetermined luminance level or more.

  According to the above-mentioned means B9, the operation and effect of the above-mentioned means B8 can be further enhanced.

  Means B10. The gaming machine according to any one of the means B1 to B9, wherein the light receiving means comprises a polarization filter (a filter that allows only light polarized in a specific direction to pass).

  As described above, in the game hall, various lights such as in-store illumination and effect lights emitted from various game machines are jumping, and there is a possibility that the light receiving means can not properly detect the communication light. In this respect, by providing the polarization filter as in the above-mentioned means B10, the occurrence of such a defect can be reduced and the stability of the optical communication can be enhanced.

  Means B11. A gaming machine according to any one of the means B1 to B10, wherein various information can be transmitted and received among a plurality of gaming machines including itself.

  According to the means B11, a gaming machine network capable of transmitting and receiving various information between a plurality of gaming machines including itself is configured. Thereby, control of various game effects in a plurality of game machines can be performed jointly. For example, it is possible to perform game effects associated with a plurality of game machines, such as performing predetermined game effects such as display effects in a plurality of game machines in synchronization or interlocking. As a result, compared to the configuration in which each game machine performs various game effects individually, it is possible to make the game effects more colorful and to improve the interest for the player.

  Means B12. The gaming machine according to any one of the means B1 to B11, wherein the light emitting means is a light emitting effect means capable of executing a predetermined light emitting effect.

  According to the means C12, since the light emitting means can be used for effect and for communication, the configuration can be simplified. In other words, it becomes possible to use the conventional light emitting means provided for the light emission effect for communication, and it becomes possible to realize communication between gaming machines etc. without adding a new configuration for communication.

  In addition, since communication can be performed simultaneously with the light emission effect, for example, communication between the gaming machines can be performed without making the player feel discomfort, for example, the light emitting means may be illuminated suddenly regardless of the game effect (including demonstration display etc.) It is also possible to

Means C1. Lottery means for performing a lottery process based on a predetermined opportunity;
Variation display means for performing stop display in a mode based on the lottery result of the lottery process after performing the variation display;
In a gaming machine provided with a game value giving unit capable of giving a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process.
Sound wave output means (speaker, ultrasonic wave generator, etc.) capable of outputting sound waves (including audio in the audible range, ultrasonic waves outside the audible range, etc.);
Sound wave detection means (microphone, ultrasonic receiver, etc.) capable of detecting sound waves;
A transmission unit configured to be able to control the sound wave output unit and capable of transmitting various information to the outside of the gaming machine (such as a receiving unit of another game machine) in a wireless communication mode using the sound wave;
Receiving means capable of receiving various information transmitted in a wireless communication mode using the sound wave from the outside of the gaming machine (transmission means of another game machine or the like) based on the sound wave detected by the sound wave detection means;
A game machine characterized by comprising control means (for example, a sub control device or the like) capable of executing predetermined control (control of a predetermined effect means such as a display means) based on the information received by the reception means. .

  According to the above-mentioned means C1, the same operation effect as the above-mentioned means A1 is exerted. Particularly in this means, sound waves are used as a wireless communication medium (carrier wave) when performing communication between gaming machines and the like.

  If light is used as a communication medium, for example, the light may be blocked by a part of an overhead machine such as a ball rental machine disposed between two adjacent gaming machines on the left and right, However, there is a concern that the light may be interrupted when inserting a bill or a card, or the light may be disturbed by the smoke of cigarette flowing into the game arcade.

  On the other hand, when sound waves are used as a communication medium, proper communication can be performed between the two gaming machines even when there is an obstacle between the gaming machines as described above.

  Further, it is not necessary to strictly align the transmission means of a predetermined gaming machine and the reception means of another gaming machine, and some positional deviation can be allowed. As a result, it is possible to simplify the work when installing the gaming machine. As a result, even when the distance between the gaming machines (communication distance) is relatively long, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the communication quality.

Means C2. The transmission means is
It comprises modulation means capable of modulating the sound wave outputted from the sound wave output means based on various information outputted to the outside of the gaming machine,
The receiving means is
A gaming machine according to the means C1, comprising demodulation means capable of demodulating various information from the sound wave detected by the sound wave detection means.

  According to the above-mentioned means C2, by performing modulation processing, it is possible to transmit not only information stored in advance but also various information generated at any time and variable information (time information etc.) whose contents change as appropriate. Therefore, more complex data can be transmitted and received between gaming machines and the like. As a result, it is possible to perform more various effects, and it is possible to improve the interest for the player.

Means C3. Sound wave pattern storage means for storing a plurality of sound wave patterns in advance;
Sound wave light pattern selection means capable of selecting one sound wave pattern from among a plurality of sound wave patterns stored in the sound wave pattern storage means based on a predetermined opportunity;
And sound wave control means capable of controlling the sound wave output from the sound wave output means based on the selected sound wave pattern,
The sound wave pattern storage means
Storing in advance a predetermined sound wave pattern including a pattern corresponding to predetermined information (such as a command);
The transmission means is
When the predetermined information is output to the outside, the sound wave pattern selection unit is controlled to select the predetermined sound wave pattern from the plurality of sound wave patterns,
The receiving means is
A game machine according to means C1, comprising information extraction means capable of extracting the predetermined information from the sound waves detected by the sound wave detection means.

  According to the above means C3, it is only necessary to control the sound wave output means on the basis of the sound wave pattern set in advance when outputting various information to the outside, and there is no need to perform modulation processing etc. like the above means C2 as needed. Control processing can be simplified. Further, under the configuration of the means C3, the following configuration may be employed.

For example, “a sound wave pattern selection counter used to select the sound wave pattern,
The sound wave pattern selection means stores a sound wave pattern selection table for selecting one sound wave pattern from a plurality of sound wave patterns based on the value of the sound wave pattern selection counter acquired due to a predetermined trigger. Acoustic wave pattern selection table storage means,
The sound wave pattern storage means
A first sound wave pattern not including a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information;
Storing a second sound wave pattern including a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information;
The sound wave pattern selection table storage means
A first sound wave pattern selection table corresponding to the first sound wave pattern;
Storing a second sound wave pattern selection table corresponding to the second sound wave pattern;
The transmission means is
When the predetermined information is not output to the outside, the sound wave pattern selection unit can select the sound wave pattern by referring to the first sound wave pattern selection table based on the value of the sound wave pattern selection counter. Control
When the predetermined information is output to the outside, the sound wave pattern selection unit can select the sound wave pattern by referring to the second sound wave pattern selection table based on the value of the sound wave pattern selection counter. It may be configured to “control”.

  With this configuration, it is only necessary to switch the pattern table to be referred to in accordance with the presence or absence of the information to be externally output, so that the control processing can be simplified.

Means C4. The sound wave output unit is configured to be able to output sound waves of at least a specific frequency band,
The sound wave detection means is configured to be able to detect sound waves of at least the specific frequency band,
The transmission means is
The sound wave output unit is controlled so that various information can be transmitted to the outside of the gaming machine by the sound wave of the specific frequency band,
The receiving means is
A game machine according to any one of the means 1 to C3, wherein various information can be extracted from the sound wave of the specific frequency band detected by the sound wave detection means.

  In the game hall, various noises are scattered such as in-store broadcast, voice output from speakers for effect of various game machines, sound from which game media are paid out, etc., and simply using sound waves as communication media, These noises may be picked up as noises and communication may not be properly performed. On the other hand, the communication stability can be secured by performing communication with sound waves in a specific frequency band being limited as in the above-mentioned means C4.

  Means C5. The gaming machine according to the means C4, wherein the reception means includes filter means (band pass filter etc.) for passing only sound waves in the specific frequency band.

  According to the above-mentioned means C5, the operation and effect of the above-mentioned means C4 can be further enhanced.

  Means C6. The gaming machine according to the means C4 or C5, wherein the sound wave in the specific frequency band is a sound wave outside the audible range.

  If a sound wave in the audible range (for example, about 20 Hz to 20 kHz) is used as a communication medium, it is necessary to output in conjunction with effects such as sound effects or BGM so as not to give the player a sense of discomfort. Communication can be performed at an arbitrary timing by using, as the communication medium, sound waves outside the audible range that can not be heard by the human ear (for example, ultrasonic waves exceeding the audible range) as in the means C5.

  Means C7. The sound wave in the specific frequency band is a sound wave of high frequency (for example, a sound wave of about 17 kHz to 20 kHz, so-called mosquito sound, etc.) among sound waves in the audible range, described in the means C4 or C5. Of gaming machines.

  Aging reduces the audible range with age, making it difficult to hear high frequency sounds. Therefore, although there are individual differences, among the sound waves in the audible range, high frequency sound waves (so-called mosquito sound, etc.) higher than a predetermined frequency (for example, 17 kHz) can be heard well by minors, but to persons of older generations. Is considered difficult to hear.

  Therefore, according to the means C7, the same function and effect as the means 6 are exhibited. It should be noted that in gaming facilities such as pachinko parlors, entry of a person under the age of 18 is prohibited as a guest, so that special problems occur even when the communication is performed using the high-frequency sound (mosquito sound etc.) Hateful. Conversely, by using the above-mentioned high-frequency sound (such as mosquito sound), it is possible to make it difficult for persons under the age of 18 to approach the game arcade.

Means C8. The sound wave output unit is configured to be able to simultaneously output a plurality of sound waves having different frequencies,
The sound wave detection unit is configured to be able to detect a plurality of sound waves having different frequencies.
The transmission means is
The sound wave output unit is controlled so that various information can be transmitted to the outside of the gaming machine by a plurality of sound waves having different frequencies.
The receiving means is
A game machine according to any one of the means C1 to C7, wherein various information can be extracted individually from the plurality of sound waves of different frequencies detected by the sound wave detection means.

  According to the above-mentioned means C8, a plurality of data are allocated to sound waves of a plurality of frequency components, and it becomes possible to transmit and receive by a combination thereof. That is, it is possible to multiplex and simultaneously transmit a plurality of data at one timing. As a result, it is possible to increase the communication speed and increase the amount of information that can be simultaneously transmitted and received.

  Here, the sound wave detection means includes a plurality of filter means (band pass filters etc.) for passing only sound waves of a specific frequency band as described in the means C5, corresponding to sound waves of a plurality of frequency components. As a result, the action and effect of the means C8 can be made more reliable.

  Means C9. The receiving means is provided with a sound collecting means (for example, a parabolic sound collector having a paraboloid) for collecting the sound wave to the sound wave detecting means, described in any one of the means C1 to C8. Gaming machine.

  According to the above-mentioned means C9, directivity in a predetermined direction can be improved, and communication stability can be improved.

  Means C10. The gaming machine according to any one of the means C1 to C9, wherein the receiving means comprises noise removing means capable of removing noise contained in the sound waves detected by the sound wave detecting means.

  By providing the noise removing means as in the above means C10, it is possible to remove (reduce) the noise contained in the sound wave detected by the sound wave detecting means, and it is possible to improve the stability of communication. The noise removing means may be, for example, a noise canceler which removes (reduces) noise entering from the outside by collecting ambient sound and mixing a signal in reverse phase with the sound signal and outputting the mixed signal. .

Means C11. Equipped with volume measurement means capable of measuring the volume outside the gaming machine;
The transmission means is
A gaming machine according to any one of the means C1 to C10, wherein the output level of the sound wave output from the sound wave output means can be changed based on the measurement result of the sound volume measurement means.

  As mentioned above, since various noises such as in-store broadcasting, sounds output from speakers for effect of various game machines, sounds from which game media are paid out, etc. are scattered in the game hall, the magnitude of these noises Depending on the situation, there is a possibility that communication can not be performed properly.

  On the other hand, according to the means C11, the output level of the sound wave is made to correspond to the peripheral environment of the gaming machine by changing the output level of the sound wave output from the sound wave output means based on the measurement result of the volume measuring means. It can be suitable. As a result, the stability of communication can be enhanced.

  Means C12. A gaming machine according to any one of the means C1 to C11, wherein various information can be transmitted and received among a plurality of gaming machines including itself.

  According to the above means C12, a gaming machine network capable of transmitting and receiving various information among a plurality of gaming machines including itself is configured. Thereby, control of various game effects in a plurality of game machines can be performed jointly. For example, it is possible to perform game effects associated with a plurality of game machines, such as performing predetermined game effects such as display effects in a plurality of game machines in synchronization or interlocking. As a result, compared to the configuration in which each game machine performs various game effects individually, it is possible to make the game effects more colorful and to improve the interest for the player.

  Means C13. The gaming machine according to any one of the means C1 to C12, wherein the sound wave output means is a sound effect means capable of executing a predetermined sound effect.

  According to the means C13, since the sound wave output means can be used also for effect and for communication, the configuration can be simplified. In other words, the conventional sound wave output means provided for sound effect can be used for communication, and communication between gaming machines can be realized without adding a new configuration for communication.

  In addition, since communication can be performed simultaneously with voice rendition, communication between gaming machines can be performed without making the player feel discomfort, for example, a sound is suddenly produced regardless of game rendition (including demonstration display etc.) It is also possible to

Means D1. Lottery means for performing a lottery process based on a predetermined opportunity;
Variation display means for performing stop display in a mode based on the lottery result of the lottery process after performing the variation display;
In a gaming machine provided with a game value giving unit capable of giving a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process.
Effect means (a light emitting means, a display means, an audio output means, etc.) for performing a predetermined effect;
Effect pattern storage means for storing a plurality of effect patterns to be performed by the effect means;
Effect pattern selection means for selecting a predetermined effect pattern from among a plurality of effect patterns stored in the effect pattern storage means based on the establishment of a predetermined condition;
Effect pattern control means for controlling the effect means based on the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means;
Effect pattern detection means capable of detecting an effect pattern being executed in the effect means provided in another game machine;
Effect pattern determination means for determining whether or not the effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detection means includes a specific effect pattern;
When the effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detection means includes the specific effect pattern, it is possible to execute predetermined control (control of predetermined effect means such as display means) corresponding to the specific effect pattern A game machine comprising control means (for example, a sub control device etc.).

  According to the above means D1, the effect pattern detection means of another game machine (secondary side game machine) detects a predetermined effect pattern performed in a predetermined game machine (primary side game machine) Thus, the other gaming machine executes predetermined control (for example, predetermined effect control). Thereby, for example, when a predetermined effect is performed in a predetermined gaming machine, predetermined effects in a plurality of gaming machines are performed such that similar predetermined effects are performed in other gaming machines that detect this. The game effect can be performed by associating a plurality of game machines, such as executing a sequence of steps. As a result, compared to the configuration in which each game machine performs various game effects individually, it is possible to make the game effects more colorful and to improve the interest for the player.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, transmission and reception of information are not performed in both directions between a predetermined gaming machine and another gaming machine, and a predetermined effect pattern is detected in a predetermined gaming machine. The configuration is such that the information is transmitted in one direction only, such as the other gaming machines performing predetermined control. That is, a predetermined gaming machine only needs to perform normal effect control, and there is no need to newly execute special processing such as command transmission, for example, so that it is possible to suppress complication of control processing.

Means D2. Lottery means for performing a lottery process based on a predetermined opportunity;
Variation display means for performing stop display in a mode based on the lottery result of the lottery process after performing the variation display;
In a gaming machine provided with a game value giving unit capable of giving a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process.
Light emitting effect means (including liquid crystal display means etc.) for performing predetermined effects with light;
Effect pattern storage means for storing a plurality of light emission effect patterns to be performed by the light emission effect means;
Effect pattern selection means for selecting a predetermined light emission effect pattern from among a plurality of light emission effect patterns stored in advance in the effect pattern storage means based on the establishment of a predetermined condition;
Effect pattern control means for controlling the light emission effect means based on the light emission effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means;
Effect pattern detection means capable of detecting a light emission effect pattern being executed in the light emission effect means provided in another game machine;
Effect pattern determination means for determining whether the light emission effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detection means includes a specific light emission effect pattern;
When the light emission effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detection means includes a specific light emission effect pattern, a predetermined control (control of a predetermined effect means such as a display means) corresponding to the specific light emission effect pattern is executed. A game machine characterized by comprising possible control means (for example, a sub control device etc.).

  According to the above means D2, the same function and effect as the above means D1 are exhibited. In particular, when light effects are used as in the present means, directivity can be easily and inexpensively enhanced using existing devices such as LEDs. As a result, predetermined information can be transmitted only from a predetermined gaming machine to a specific opponent (for example, one gaming machine on a different island facility facing the front of the predetermined gaming machine).

Means D3. A light emission pattern selection counter used for selecting the light emission effect pattern;
A light emission pattern selection table for selecting one light emission effect pattern from among a plurality of light emission effect patterns by the effect pattern selection means based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter acquired due to a predetermined trigger Light emission pattern selection table storage means for storing
The effect pattern storage means is
A first light emission effect pattern that does not include the specific light emission effect pattern;
Storing a second light emission effect pattern including the specific light emission effect pattern;
The light emission pattern selection table storage means is
A first light emission pattern selection table corresponding to the first light emission effect pattern;
Storing a second light emission pattern selection table corresponding to the second light emission effect pattern;
When the first condition is satisfied (for example, in a normal state), the effect pattern selection means takes into consideration the first light emission pattern selection table based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter, and the light emission effect pattern Control to be able to
When the second condition is satisfied (for example, when performing the advance presentation effect), the effect pattern selection means takes into consideration the second light emission pattern selection table based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter. The game machine according to the means D2, characterized in that the light emission effect pattern is controlled to be selectable.

  According to the above means D3, for example, the first condition is satisfied by storing the similar first light emission effect pattern and the second light emission effect pattern which differ only in whether or not the specific light emission effect pattern is included. In the case (for example, normal time), a predetermined effect is performed only in a predetermined gaming machine, and only when the second condition is satisfied (for example, when performing a preliminary effect) In addition, it is possible to diversify the effects without making the player feel a sense of discomfort such that the predetermined effects are performed also in the other gaming machines that detect the specific light emission effect pattern. Further, the processing can be simplified because it is only necessary to switch the pattern table to be referred to in accordance with the presence or absence of a specific light emission effect pattern.

  Means D4. The light emission effect means is configured to be able to separately and simultaneously emit a plurality of types of light of different wavelengths (for example, red (R), green (G), blue (B), infrared, etc.) (for example, a plurality of different light emission colors) The game machine according to the means D2 or D3 comprising the light emitting element of

  According to the above means D4, various effects can be performed by the combination of the light emission modes of the plurality of color components (the combination of the lighting states of the plurality of light emitting elements having different light emission colors), and the interest can be improved.

  Further, the combination of the light emission modes of the plurality of color components can diversify the specific light emission effect pattern detected by the other gaming machine, and like the above-mentioned means B5, the predetermined game from the other gaming machine It is possible to increase the amount of information that can be sent simultaneously to the machine.

  Means D5. A gaming machine according to any one of the means D2 to D4 comprising a plurality of the light emitting effects arranged at different positions.

  According to the above means D5, it is possible to perform various effects by the combination (relative positional relationship) of the lighting states (lighting or extinguishing) of a plurality of light emitting effect means arranged at different positions, and to improve the interest it can.

  In addition, it is possible to diversify a specific light emission effect pattern detected by another game machine by a combination (relative positional relationship) of lighting states (on or off) of a plurality of light emission effect means arranged at different positions. As in the case of the means B6, it is possible to increase the amount of information that can be transmitted simultaneously from a given gaming machine to another gaming machine.

Means D6. The light emitting effect means is configured to be capable of emitting light of a predetermined luminance level or higher.
The specific light emission effect pattern is configured by light of the predetermined luminance level or higher,
A game machine according to any one of the means D2 to D5, wherein the light emission effect pattern other than the specific light emission effect pattern is formed of light less than the predetermined luminance level.

  According to the above means D6, the effect pattern detection means can more easily detect a specific light emission effect pattern than other light emission effect patterns. As a result, it is possible to improve the detection performance of the effect pattern detection means.

Means D7. Lottery means for performing a lottery process based on a predetermined opportunity;
Variation display means for performing stop display in a mode based on the lottery result of the lottery process after performing the variation display;
In a gaming machine provided with a game value giving unit capable of giving a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process.
Sound producing means for producing a predetermined effect by sound;
Effect pattern storage means for storing a plurality of sound effect patterns to be performed by the sound effect means;
Performance pattern selection means for selecting a predetermined sound effect pattern from among a plurality of sound effect patterns stored in advance in the effect pattern storage means based on establishment of a predetermined condition;
Effect pattern control means for controlling the sound effect means based on the sound effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means;
Effect pattern detection means capable of detecting a sound effect pattern being executed in the sound effect means provided in another game machine;
Performance pattern determination means for determining whether the sound effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detection means includes a specific sound effect pattern;
When the sound effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detection means includes a specific sound effect pattern, the predetermined control (control of the predetermined effect means such as the display means) corresponding to the specific sound effect pattern is executed. A game machine characterized by comprising possible control means (for example, a sub control device etc.).

  According to the above-mentioned means D7, the same operation and effect as the above-mentioned means D1 are exerted. In particular, as in the case of this means, when sound effects are used, sound effects can be detected by other game machines even when there is an obstacle between the game machines. If light effect is used, for example, the light may be blocked by a part of an overhead machine such as a ball rental machine disposed between two adjacent gaming machines on the left and right, or the player may be opposed to the overhead machine However, there is a concern that the light may be interrupted when inserting a bill or a card, or the light may be disturbed by the smoke of cigarette flowing into the game arcade.

Means D8. A sound pattern selection counter used for selecting the sound presentation pattern;
A sound pattern selection table for selecting one sound effect pattern from among a plurality of sound effect patterns by the effect pattern selection means based on the value of the sound pattern selection counter acquired due to a predetermined opportunity And sound pattern selection table storage means for storing
The effect pattern storage means is
A first sound effect pattern that does not include the specific sound effect pattern;
Storing a second sound effect pattern including the specific sound effect pattern;
The sound pattern selection table storage means is
A first sound pattern selection table corresponding to the first sound effect pattern;
Storing a second sound pattern selection table corresponding to the second sound effect pattern;
When the first condition is satisfied (for example, at the normal time), the effect pattern selection means takes into consideration the first sound pattern selection table based on the value of the sound pattern selection counter, and performs the sound effect pattern Control to be able to
When the second condition is satisfied (for example, when performing the advance presentation effect), the effect pattern selection means takes into consideration the second sound pattern selection table based on the value of the sound pattern selection counter. The gaming machine according to the means D7, which is controlled to be able to select a sound effect pattern.

  According to the above means D8, for example, the first condition is satisfied by storing the similar first sound effect pattern and the second sound effect pattern which differ only in whether or not the specific sound effect pattern is included. In the case (for example, normal time), a predetermined effect is performed only in a predetermined gaming machine, and only when the second condition is satisfied (for example, when performing a preliminary effect) In addition, it is possible to diversify the effects without making the player feel a sense of incongruity, such as performing predetermined effects in other gaming machines that have detected the specific sound effect pattern. Further, the processing can be simplified because it is only necessary to switch the pattern table to be referred to in accordance with the presence / absence of a specific sound effect pattern.

Means D9. The sound presentation means is configured to be able to output sound waves of at least a specific frequency band,
The effect pattern detection means is configured to be able to detect sound waves of at least the specific frequency band,
The particular sound effect pattern is constituted by sound waves of the particular frequency band,
The game machine according to the means D7 or D8, wherein the sound effect pattern other than the specific light emission effect pattern is configured by a sound wave other than the specific frequency band.

  According to the above means D9, the effect pattern detection means can more easily detect a specific sound effect pattern than other sound effect patterns. As a result, it is possible to improve the detection performance of the effect pattern detection means.

  Means D10. The gaming machine according to the means D9, wherein the sound wave in the specific frequency band is a sound wave outside the audible range.

  According to the above means D10, by using sound waves outside the audible range which can not be heard by the human ear (for example, ultrasonic waves exceeding the audible range), effects such as sound effects or BGM can be provided so as not to give a sense of discomfort to the player. Can be performed, and curtailment of interest can be suppressed.

  Means D11. The sound wave in the specific frequency band is a high frequency sound wave (for example, a sound wave of about 17 kHz to 20 kHz, a so-called mosquito sound, etc.) among sound waves in the audible range, the game described in the means D9 Machine.

  According to the above-mentioned means D11, the same operation and effect as the above-mentioned means D10 are exerted. In addition, in gaming facilities such as pachinko parlors, entry of a person under the age of 18 is prohibited as a guest, so that special problems hardly occur even if the above-mentioned high-frequency noise (mosquito noise etc.) is used. Conversely, by using the above-mentioned high-frequency sound (such as mosquito sound), it is possible to make it difficult for persons under the age of 18 to approach the game arcade.

Means E1. Lottery means for performing a lottery process based on a predetermined opportunity;
Variation display means for performing stop display in a mode based on the lottery result of the lottery process after performing the variation display;
In a gaming machine provided with a game value giving unit capable of giving a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process.
Right communication means capable of transmitting and receiving various information in a predetermined wireless communication mode (light, sound, etc.) on the right side of itself,
On the left side of its own, it has left side communication means capable of transmitting and receiving various information in a predetermined wireless communication mode (light, sound, etc.),
The right side communication means is configured to be communicable with the left side communication means of another gaming machine to which the right side communication means faces.
The left side communication means is configured to be communicable with the right side communication means of the other gaming machine with which it is facing,
A game machine characterized by being capable of transmitting and receiving various information between a plurality of game machines including itself.

  According to the above means E1, a gaming machine network capable of transmitting and receiving various information among a plurality of gaming machines including itself is configured. Thereby, control of various game effects in a plurality of game machines can be performed jointly. As a result, compared to the configuration in which each game machine performs various game effects individually, it is possible to make the game effects more colorful and to improve the interest for the player. As a result, the same effect as that of the above-mentioned means A2 is exhibited.

Means E2. Right side communication judging means for judging whether or not the right side communication means can communicate with the left side communication means of the other gaming machine facing it;
If communication with the left communication means of another gaming machine is not possible based on the judgment result of the right communication judgment means, a plurality of gaming machines (which constitute the gaming machine network) can be transmitted and received by themselves. Right end storage means capable of storing information to the effect that the game machine is located at the right end of the plurality of game machines);
Left side communication determination means for determining whether or not the left side communication means can communicate with the right side communication means of the other gaming machine opposed thereto;
When communication with the right communication means of another gaming machine is not possible based on the judgment result of the left communication judgment means, a plurality of gaming machines (which constitute the gaming machine network that can transmit and receive themselves) A gaming machine comprising: left end storage means capable of storing information to the effect that the gaming machine is located at the left end of a plurality of gaming machines).

  According to the means E2, the right end and the left end of the gaming machine network can be grasped by determining whether or not the communication means can communicate with the communication means of another gaming machine. As a result, for example, when performing sequential effects in a plurality of gaming machines, it becomes possible to set the starting point and the end point, etc. to perform an effect without discomfort when performing network effects using a gaming machine network be able to.

Means E3. The right side communication means is
Right front communication means capable of communicating with the right side communication means capable of communicating with the left side communication means of another game machine facing the right side of the player and with the left communication means capable of communicating with the other game machine facing the front of the player Equipped with
The left side communication means is
Left front communication means capable of communicating with the left communication means capable of communicating with the right communication means of another gaming machine facing the left side of the player, and the right communication means capable of communicating with the other gaming machine facing the front of the player And the gaming machine according to the means E1.

  According to the gaming machine according to the above means E3, not only the gaming machines (the gaming machines in the same island installation) located on the left and right sides of itself but also the front side, that is, the opposite side opposite to the island installation where itself is installed It is possible to configure a network with the gaming machines installed on the island facilities of the island, and it is possible to further improve the interest.

Means E4. Right side communication judging means for judging whether or not the right side communication means can communicate with the left side communication means of the other gaming machine facing it;
When communication with the left side communication means of the other gaming machine is not possible based on the determination result of the right side communication determination means, the right front communication means faces the left front side of the other gaming machine opposed thereto. Right forward communication determination means for determining whether or not communication with the communication means is possible;
Based on the determination results of the right side communication determination means and the right front communication determination means, a plurality of gaming machines that can transmit and receive themselves when communication with the left communication means of another gaming machine is not possible. Right end storage means capable of storing information to the effect that the gaming machine is located at the right end of (a plurality of gaming machines constituting the gaming machine network);
Left side communication determining means for determining whether or not the left side communication means can communicate with the right side communication means of the other gaming machine opposed thereto;
When communication with the right side communication means of another game machine is not possible based on the judgment result of the left side communication judgment means, the left front communication means faces the right front of the other game machine facing it. Left forward communication determination means for determining whether or not communication with the communication means is possible;
Based on the determination results of the left side communication determination means and the left front communication determination means, a plurality of gaming machines that can transmit and receive themselves when communication with the right communication means of another gaming machine is not possible. E. The gaming machine according to the means E3, comprising: left end storage means capable of storing information to the effect that the gaming machine is located at the left end of (a plurality of gaming machines constituting the gaming machine network).

  According to the above means E4, the same function and effect as the above means E2 are exhibited.

Means E5. When a predetermined condition is established, predetermined information (such as a command) to the left communication means or the right communication means of the other gaming machine facing this via at least one of the right communication means and the left communication means Is configured to be able to send
When predetermined information is received from another gaming machine through one of the right side communication means or the left side communication means, the other side is opposed to the other through the other of the right side communication means or the left side communication means. The predetermined information can be transmitted to the left side communication means or the right side communication means of the gaming machine of
The right side communication means is
When transmitting the predetermined information, it is determined whether or not it is in a state where it can communicate with the left communication means of the other gaming machine that it faces.
If it is not possible to communicate with the left communication means of another gaming machine based on the determination result, the transmission of the predetermined information is stopped,
The left side communication means is
When transmitting the predetermined information, it is determined whether or not it is possible to communicate with the right communication means of the other gaming machine to which it is facing,
In the case of not being able to communicate with the right communication means of another gaming machine based on the determination result, the transmission of the predetermined information is stopped, according to any one of the means E1 to E4. Gaming machine.

  According to the means E5, predetermined information can be properly transferred in the plurality of gaming machines constituting the gaming machine network. As a result, for example, when performing chained network effects from the gaming machine at one end to the gaming machine at the other end among the plurality of gaming machines connected in series in the network, it is possible to perform an effect without a sense of discomfort.

Means E6. The output predetermined information or the predetermined information received from another game machine through one of the right side communication means or the left side communication means, and the other through the other of the right side communication means or the left side communication means And comparing means for comparing with predetermined information received from the gaming machine,
The output predetermined information or the predetermined information received from another game machine through one of the right side communication means or the left side communication means, and the other through the other of the right side communication means or the left side communication means The gaming machine according to the means E5, wherein transmission of the predetermined information is stopped when the predetermined information received from the gaming machine matches.

  According to the above-mentioned means E6, appropriate information transfer can be performed in the gaming machine network in which a plurality of gaming machines are connected in a ring network.

Means E7. Rendering means (for example, light emitting means, display means, sound output means, etc.) capable of executing various effects;
And an effect control means (for example, a sub control device) for controlling the effect means.
The effect control means is
Information is set to execute a specific process (for example, advance notice process) at a predetermined timing when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and for the other gaming machines via the right communication means or the left communication means. Outputting a control signal (for example, a command or the like) to execute the specific process at a predetermined timing,
When the control signal is input from another gaming machine via the right communication means or the left communication means, information indicating that the specific process is to be executed at a predetermined timing can be set.
The gaming machine according to any one of the means E1 to E6, characterized in that the specific process is executed at a predetermined timing based on setting information indicating that the specific process is to be executed, and the effect means is controlled.

  According to the above means E7, it is possible to perform network effects associated with a plurality of effect means related to a plurality of gaming machines. For example, it is possible to perform game effects associated with a plurality of game machines, such as performing predetermined game effects such as display effects in a plurality of game machines in synchronization or interlocking. As a result, compared to the configuration in which each game machine performs various game effects individually, it is possible to make the game effects more colorful and to improve the interest for the player.

Means E8. The right side communication means and the left side communication means are respectively
A light emitting means (such as an LED) capable of emitting a predetermined light (for example, an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength of about 1 nm to 1 mm, such as visible light or infrared light);
Light receiving means (such as a photodiode or an image sensor) capable of detecting the predetermined light;
A transmitting unit configured to be able to control the light emitting unit and capable of transmitting various information to the outside of the gaming machine (such as a receiving unit of another gaming machine) in a wireless communication mode using light;
A receiving unit capable of receiving various information transmitted in a wireless communication mode using the light from the outside of the gaming machine (such as a transmitting unit of another gaming machine) based on the light detected by the light receiving unit; A game machine according to any one of the means E1 to E7 characterized by the above.

  According to the above-mentioned means E8, the same operation and effect as the above-mentioned means B1 are exerted.

Means E9. The right side communication means and the left side communication means are respectively
Sound wave output means (speaker, ultrasonic wave generator, etc.) capable of outputting sound waves (including audio in the audible range, ultrasonic waves outside the audible range, etc.);
Sound wave detection means (microphone, ultrasonic receiver, etc.) capable of detecting sound waves;
A transmission unit configured to be able to control the sound wave output unit and capable of transmitting various information to the outside of the gaming machine (such as a receiving unit of another game machine) in a wireless communication mode using the sound wave;
A receiver capable of receiving various information transmitted from the outside of the gaming machine (such as a transmitter of another game machine) in a wireless communication mode using the sound wave based on the sound wave detected by the sound wave detection means; A game machine according to any one of the means E1 to E7 characterized in that.

  According to the above-mentioned means E9, the same operation and effect as the above-mentioned means C1 are exerted.

Means E10. The right side communication means and the left side communication means are respectively
It is configured to be able to transmit and receive various information in a wireless communication mode using at least one of light, sound and radio waves,
The gaming machine according to any one of the means E1 to E9, comprising switching means capable of switching the wireless communication mode in accordance with a situation (for example, an environment around the gaming machine).

  The wireless communication quality greatly changes depending on the environment around the gaming machine. For example, in an environment where the illumination is bright, when performing wireless communication by light, the communication quality may be degraded, or when performing wireless communication using sound in an environment where there are many noises, the communication quality may be degraded. There is.

  On the other hand, according to the above means E10, for example, in an environment where noise is large, light and radio waves are used for wireless communication, and in an environment where light is blocked by an obstacle or the like or illumination is bright, radio waves and sound waves are used for wireless communication. Information can be transmitted and received more reliably by switching the wireless communication mode in accordance with the environment around the gaming machine, as in the case of use. As a result, communication quality can be improved.

Means E11. Main control means provided with the lottery means and the game value giving means;
And sub-control means electrically connected to the main control means and capable of executing predetermined control based on at least a control signal from the main control means.
It is a gaming machine configured to be able to communicate in only one direction from the main control means to the sub control means,
The sub control means
At least the right side communication unit and the left side communication unit can be controlled;
A game machine according to any one of the means E1 to E10, wherein various information can be transmitted and received among a plurality of game machines including itself without the main control means.

  According to the means E11, the sub control means can transmit and receive various information (commands and the like) to and from the sub control means of another gaming machine based on its own judgment without using the main control means. As a result, sub control means in a plurality of gaming machines can perform coordination and effects, etc. without using the main control means. As a result, in each of the gaming machines, the main control means performs normal game control, and the subordinate sub control means that is subordinate to the main control means takes the lead, and effects etc. It can carry out without putting a load on the control means.

  Means E12. A game machine according to any one of the means E1 to E11, wherein time information that can be shared among a plurality of game machines including itself can be transmitted and received as one of the various types of information.

  According to the above-mentioned means E12, it becomes possible to perform various processing based on common time information, without being influenced by the time information etc. which were set to each gaming machine itself. For example, the start timings of the specific effects can be matched. More specifically, for example, elapsed time measuring means capable of measuring an elapsed time elapsed since each gaming machine has received the time information, and subtraction capable of subtracting a value corresponding to the elapsed time from the time information Means for outputting the time information after the subtraction to another game machine as an example.

  Below, the basic composition of the various game machines to which each said means is applied is shown.

  A. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a ball game machine. As a more detailed embodiment, “the operation means (game ball emission handle) operated by the player, and the emission means (emission solenoid etc.) for releasing the game ball based on the operation of the operation means A special game is provided when a predetermined condition is established, including a game area in which a game ball is guided and each ball entry means (general winning opening, variable winning device, operation opening, etc.) arranged in the game area A ball game machine in which a state occurs is mentioned.

  B. The gaming machine or the ballistic gaming machine in each of the above means is a pachinko machine or a gaming machine conforming to a pachinko machine.

  C. The gaming machine in each of the above-described means is a drum-type gaming machine such as a slot machine. As a more detailed embodiment, “variation display (specifically, a reel of a symbol, a rotating body such as a reel, a belt, etc. specifically attached with a symbol) consisting of a plurality of identification information (symbols) (specifically, a reel Etc.) (specifically, a rotating unit such as a reel unit) for stopping and displaying the identification information sequence, and the operation of the starting operation means (specifically, the start lever) The variation of identification information (pattern) is started, and the variation of identification information (pattern) is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation means (specifically, stop button). There is a "roll-type gaming machine" configured to be provided with a gaming value on condition that the information is specific identification information.

  D. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a gaming machine of a type in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are integrated (in particular, a gaming machine of a slot machine specification that uses gaming balls as gaming media: ball using type playing machine). As a more detailed embodiment, “variation display (specifically, a reel of a symbol, a rotating body such as a reel, a belt, etc. specifically attached with a symbol) consisting of a plurality of identification information (symbols) (specifically, a reel Etc.) (specifically, a rotating unit such as a reel unit) for stopping and displaying the identification information sequence, and the operation of the starting operation means (specifically, the start lever) The variation of identification information (pattern) is started, and the variation of identification information (pattern) is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation means (specifically, stop button). The game value is provided on condition that the information is specific identification information, and further, a ball receiving plate (upper plate etc.) is provided, and the ball receiving plate is provided with a taking-in means for taking the gaming ball from the ball receiving plate Payout means to pay out game balls Comprising a configuration and gaming machine "and the like as starting condition of the game is satisfied by the game ball is captured by the capturing means.

1A, 1B: gaming machine installation island, 10 (10a to 10e, 10f to 10j), pachinko machine, 42, decoration symbol display device, 45, display control device, 103L, left corner lamp, 103R, right corner lamp, 261 ... Main control unit 262 Sub-control unit 420 Display unit 651 Side light emission communication unit 652 Front light emission communication unit 653 Light emission communication control unit 654 Lamp cover 655 Light emission unit 655a 655 h: LED, 656: light receiving unit, 661: light emission control buffer, 662: transmission data buffer, 663: driving pulse waveform generating unit, 664: signal waveform generating unit, 665: modulating unit, 666: LED driving unit, 667: image Memory, 668 ... image processing unit, 669 ... demodulation unit, 670 ... received data buffer, C7 ... mode switching counter, C8 ... C Network performance counter, G ... a fish, Z ... decorative pattern, Mf ... mode flag, SP ... speaker.

Claims (4)

Lottery means for performing a lottery process based on a predetermined opportunity;
Variation display means for performing stop display in a mode based on the lottery result of the lottery process after performing the variation display;
Game value giving means capable of giving a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process ;
Effect means for performing a predetermined effect;
Effect pattern selection means for selecting an effect pattern to be performed by the effect means;
A game machine comprising: effect control means for controlling the effect means based on the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means ;
It has detection means that can detect external input,
The effect pattern selection means is
An effect pattern selection counter used for selecting the effect pattern;
A pattern selection table storage unit that stores a plurality of effect pattern selection tables for selecting one effect pattern from among a plurality of effect patterns based on the value of the effect pattern selection counter acquired due to the predetermined opportunity Equipped with
If there is no predetermined input from the outside, the first effect pattern selection table is selected from the plurality of effect pattern selection tables stored in the pattern selection table storage means based on the value of the effect pattern selection counter. Configured to select the effect pattern by reference;
When a predetermined input is made from the outside, a second effect pattern selection table is selected from a plurality of effect pattern selection tables stored in the pattern selection table storage means based on the value of the effect pattern selection counter. A game machine characterized in that the effect pattern is selected by referring to . The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect means includes a light emission effect means for performing a predetermined effect by light . 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the effect means includes sound effect means for performing a predetermined effect by sound . The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko machine, a drum-type gaming machine, or a ball-type gaming machine.