JP2018161218A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology which can perform efficient processing when a first controller communicates with a second controller.SOLUTION: A performance controller 124 (a first controller) first performs acquisition communication start processing (F12) of current time of day information in system initialization processing (RTC initialization processing). After that, while performing another initialization processing (debug communication initialization processing of F20 and main command initialization processing of F22), by using interruption processing on the other side, the performance controller 124 communicates with an RTC 184 (a second controller) to end communication with the RTC 184 in the interruption processing (F14 to F18). Thus, in validity confirmation processing (F24) of the acquired current time of day information, it is possible to confirm validity of the current time of day information acquired from the RTC 184 without a waiting time. By adopting such a control system, system initialization processing can be performed without waiting for a communication time with the RTC 184.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 31

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a predetermined game is executed.

  Conventionally, a gaming machine equipped with a real time clock (RTC) is known as this type of gaming machine (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP2015-163305A

Patent Document 1 describes contents related to RTC, but does not describe contents related to RTC communication.
For this reason, if it is necessary to perform communication between the effect control device and the RTC, efficient processing cannot be executed.
This is a problem that occurs not only when communication is performed between the effect control device and the RTC, but also when the first control device (effect control device) and the second control device (other devices) perform communication. It is.

  Then, this invention makes it a subject to provide the technique which can perform an efficient process, when a 1st control apparatus and a 2nd control apparatus communicate.

  The present invention employs the following means for solving the above-described problems. In addition, the wording in the following brackets is an illustration to the last, and this invention is not limited to this. Moreover, this invention can be set as the invention containing each invention specific matter shown in the following solution means. Furthermore, each invention specific matter shown in the following solution means can be subordinated by adding an element that limits the invention specific matter, and can also be subordinated by deleting an element that limits the invention specific matter. .

  Solution 1: A gaming machine of the present solution includes a first control device and a second control device capable of communicating with the first control device and holding predetermined information, and the first control device. Includes an acquisition start process executing means for executing an acquisition start process for starting acquisition of the predetermined information held in the second control device, and the acquisition start process is executed based on the execution of the acquisition start process. An acquisition process execution means for executing an acquisition process for communicating with the second control apparatus and acquiring the predetermined information from the second control apparatus; and a process executed in parallel with the acquisition process during the execution of the acquisition process And another control process execution means for executing another control process, which is a control process different from the acquisition process, and a post-process execution for executing a post-process related to the acquired predetermined information when the acquisition process is completed Specially provided with means It is a game machine to be.

The gaming machine of the present solution has the following configuration.
(1) The gaming machine includes a first control device. A 1st control apparatus is an apparatus which controls the content regarding a game, for example, is an effect control apparatus.
(2) The gaming machine includes a second control device. The second control device can communicate with the first control device (1) and holds predetermined information (current time information). The second control device is, for example, a real-time clock (RTC or RTC IC).

(3) The first control device of (1) executes acquisition start processing for starting acquisition of predetermined information (current time information) held in the second control device of (2). The acquisition start process is a process executed as a trigger (command) for starting the acquisition process before executing the acquisition process (communication process) for acquiring predetermined information.

(4) The first control device of (1) is based on the fact that the acquisition start process of (3) is executed (triggered by the execution of the acquisition start process), and the second control device of (2) above. And obtaining processing for obtaining predetermined information from the second control device (2). A certain communication time (a certain waiting time) is required from the start of the acquisition process to the end of the acquisition process.

(5) The first control device of (1) is a process executed in parallel with the acquisition process of (4) during the execution of the acquisition process of (4). A separate control process, which is a separate control process, is executed. The acquisition process and the separate control process only need to overlap at least part of the execution time.

Here, parallel means that two processes are not executed at the same time, but two processes are switched at a high speed and executed as if the two processes are being executed simultaneously. Yes, for example, it means the following situation.
Since the RTC information is also acquired in the middle of the debugging communication initialization process, the execution period is parallel, but the two processes are not performed at the same time, but are performed by switching the processes when an interrupt occurs and executing them. Are proceeding in parallel. That is, RTC information is acquired when an interrupt occurs during execution of the debug communication initialization process, and then the debug communication initialization process is performed again.

(6) When the acquisition process of the above (4) is completed, the first control device of the above (1) executes a post-process regarding the acquired predetermined information. The post-processing is, for example, processing for confirming the validity of the acquired predetermined information, or processing for storing the acquired predetermined information in a predetermined buffer.

  Thus, according to this solution, the first control device performs another control process that is a process that is executed in parallel with the acquisition process and that is different from the acquisition process during the execution of the acquisition process. In order to execute, another control process can be performed using the waiting time until the acquisition process ends. As a result, it is possible to execute the separate control process ahead of schedule as compared with the method of executing the separate control process after waiting for the acquisition process to end. As a result, the first control device and the second control device When performing communication, efficient processing can be executed.

  Solution 2: The gaming machine of the present solution is any one of the solutions described above, wherein the acquisition start process, the separate control process, and the post-process are executed when the first control device is powered on. It is executed in a series of initialization processes, and the acquisition process is a process different from the series of initialization processes, and is executed in an interrupt process executed in response to a predetermined interrupt. Is a gaming machine characterized by

  According to this solution, the acquisition start process, the separate control process, and the post-process are executed in a series of initialization processes, and the acquisition process is executed in an interrupt process. And the acquisition process can be executed by processes of different systems. Thus, by separating the processing systems, the processing can be executed in parallel in the two systems, and efficient processing is performed when the first control device and the second control device communicate. Can be executed.

  Other solution means: The gaming machine of this solution means is a game machine according to any one of the solution means described above, wherein the execution time of the separate control process is longer than the execution time of the acquisition process.

  According to this solution, the execution time of the separate control process is longer than the execution time of the acquisition process, so that the separate control process does not end before the acquisition process ends. For this reason, when the separate control process ends, the acquisition process is always ended, and a situation in which a wasteful waiting time of waiting for the end of the acquisition process occurs can be avoided. When the control device and the second control device communicate with each other, efficient processing can be executed.

  Other solution means: The gaming machine of this solution means that in any one of the solution means described above, the first control device is a device for controlling the contents of the effects relating to the game, and the second control device is a game machine. The gaming machine is a device that counts the current time regardless of whether or not is in a power interruption state and updates the current time information as the predetermined information.

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) A 1st control apparatus is an apparatus (effect control apparatus) which controls the content of the effect regarding a game.
(2) The second control device measures the current time regardless of whether or not the gaming machine is in a power-off state, and updates the current time information as predetermined information (RTC or RTC IC) It is.

  According to this solution, when the production control device and the RTC communicate with each other, inter-IC communication is performed by another IC and the communication time becomes long. Even in this case, another control process is performed during the communication time. By executing, efficient processing can be executed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when a 1st control apparatus and a 2nd control apparatus communicate, an efficient process can be performed.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows a game board unit independently. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board unit. It is a block diagram which shows the various electronic devices with which the pachinko machine was equipped. It is a block diagram showing a functional configuration in the effect control device. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the example of a procedure of CPU initialization processing. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the example of a procedure of CPU initialization process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the saving process at the time of a power-off. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a command reception interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a switch input event process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a 1st special symbol memory update process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a 2nd special symbol memory update process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the production | presentation determination process at the time of acquisition. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a special symbol game process. It is a continuation figure showing an example of a production picture corresponding to change display and stop display of a special symbol. It is a continuation figure showing the flow of reach production (super reach production) performed at the time of big hit (winning). It is a continuation figure shown about the example of production of simultaneous production (1/2). It is a continuous figure shown about the example of a production of simultaneous production (2/2). It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the CPU initialization process performed with an effect control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of RTC initialization processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a RTC related process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of various timer interruption processes. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an operation | movement memory production | presentation management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect design management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an effect design change pre-process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a process at the time of variable winning apparatus operation | movement. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of simultaneous production management processing. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow of control processing executed between the effect control device 124 and the RTC 184 (embodiment). FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow of control processing executed between the effect control device 124 and the RTC 184 (comparative example).

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as “pachinko machine”) 1. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 uses a game ball as a game medium, and a player borrows a game ball from a game hall operator to play a game with the pachinko machine 1. In the game of the pachinko machine 1, each game ball is a medium having a game value, and a privilege (profit) that the player enjoys as a result of the game is, for example, a game ball acquired by the player Based on the number of games, it can be converted into a game value. Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

〔overall structure〕
The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame unit 2, an integrated door unit 4, and an inner frame assembly 7 (a plastic frame, a gaming machine frame) as its main body. The integrated door unit 4 is located on the foremost side when viewed from the front facing the player. An inner frame assembly 7 is located on the back side (back side) of the integrated door unit 4, and the outer frame unit 2 is disposed so as to surround the outer side of the inner frame assembly 7.

  The outer frame unit 2 is a structure in which wood and metal materials are combined in a vertically long rectangular shape. The outer frame unit 2 has a fastener such as a screw attached to an island facility (not shown) in the game hall. It is used and fixed. In the vertically long rectangular outer frame unit 2, wood is used for a portion corresponding to the upper and lower short sides, and a metal material is used for a portion corresponding to the left and right long sides.

  The integrated door unit 4 has a structure in which the tray unit 6 is integrated at a lower position thereof. The integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are attached to the island facility via the outer frame unit 2, and these operate in an openable manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). An opening / closing axis of a hinge mechanism (not shown) extends in the vertical direction along the left end as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1.

  A unified lock unit 9 is provided on the inner side of the right edge (the left edge in FIG. 2) of the inner frame assembly 7 when viewed from the front in FIG. Correspondingly, a locking tool (not shown) is also provided on the right side edge (back side) of the integrated door unit 4 and the outer frame unit 2. As shown in FIG. 1, in the state where the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are closed with respect to the outer frame unit 2, the unified lock unit 9 on the back side of the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly together with the locking device. 7 cannot be opened.

  Further, a cylinder lock 6 a with a key hole is provided on the right edge of the tray unit 6. For example, when an administrator of the game hall inserts a dedicated key into the keyhole and twists the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the unified lock unit 9 operates and the integrated door unit 4 can be opened together with the inner frame assembly 7. . If these are opened from the outer frame unit 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed on the front side.

  On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6a is twisted counterclockwise, only the locking of the integrated door unit 4 is released while the inner frame assembly 7 remains locked, and the integrated door unit 4 can be opened. When the integrated door unit 4 is opened to the front side, the game board unit 8 is directly exposed, and in this state, the manager of the game hall can remove obstacles such as ball clogging in the board surface. Further, when the integrated door unit 4 is opened, the tray unit 6 is also opened to the front side together.

  The pachinko machine 1 includes a game board unit 8 as a game unit. The game board unit 8 is supported by the inner frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the integrated door unit 4. The game board unit 8 can be attached to and detached from the inner frame assembly 7 with the integrated door unit 4 opened to the front side, for example. The integrated door unit 4 is formed with a vertically oval window 4a at the center thereof, and a glass unit (no reference numeral) is attached in the window 4a. The glass unit is a combination of, for example, two transparent plates (glass plates) cut in accordance with the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the back side of the integrated door unit 4 via a fixture (not shown). A game area 8a (board surface, game board) is formed on the front surface of the game board unit 8, and this game area 8a is visible to the player from the front side through the window 4a. When the integrated door unit 4 is closed, a space in which a game ball can flow down is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the board surface.

  The saucer unit 6 has a shape projecting from the integrated door unit 4 to the front side as a whole, and an upper plate 6b is formed on the upper surface thereof. The upper plate 6b can store a game ball (rental ball) lent to a player and a game ball (prize ball) acquired by winning a prize. In the tray unit 6, a lower plate 6c is formed at the lower position of the upper plate 6b. The lower tray 6c stores game balls that are further paid out when the upper tray 6b is full. The pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called CR machine (model connected to the CR unit), and the game balls borrowed by the player are separated from the payout device unit 172 on the back side separately from the prize balls. It is paid out to the dish 6b or the lower dish 6c).

  A lending operation unit 14 is provided on the upper surface of the tray unit 6, and a ball lending button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged on the lending operation unit 14. When a player operates the ball lending button 10 with a valuable medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium, a storage IC built-in medium, etc.) inserted in a CR unit (not shown), the number corresponding to a predetermined frequency unit (for example, 5 degrees). (For example, 125) game balls are lent out. For this reason, a frequency display unit (not shown) is arranged on the upper surface of the lending operation unit 14, and the remaining frequency of the valuable medium put in the CR unit is displayed on this frequency display unit. The player can receive the return of the valuable medium with the remaining frequency by operating the return button 12. Although the CR machine is taken as an example in the present embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 may be a cash machine (a model not connected to the CR unit) different from the CR machine.

  Further, on the upper surface of the tray unit 6, an upper dish ball removal button 6d is installed in front of the upper dish 6b in the upper position, and a lower dish ball removal lever 6e is located in the center of the lower dish 6c. Is installed. The player can cause the game balls stored in the upper plate 6b to flow down to the lower plate 6c by, for example, pressing the upper plate ball removing button 6d. Also, the player can drop the game balls stored in the lower plate 6c downward and discharge them by sliding the lower plate ball removal lever 6e to the left, for example. The discharged game ball is received by, for example, a ball receiving box (not shown).

  A handle unit 16 is installed at the lower right of the tray unit 6. The player operates the handle unit 16 to operate the launch control board set 174 and can launch (shoot) a game ball toward the game area 8a (ball launcher). The launched game ball rises from the lower edge portion of the game board unit 8 along the left edge portion, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails, windmills (without reference numerals in the drawing) and the like are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown-in game balls flow down in the game area 8a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and the windmill. The configuration of the game area 8a (board surface, game board) will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

[Configuration of the front of the frame]
The integrated door unit 4 is provided with a left top lens unit 47 and an upper right illumination unit 49 as components for production. Among these, the left top lens unit 47 incorporates a glass frame top lamp 46 and a left glass frame decoration lamp 48, and the upper right electrical decoration unit 49 incorporates a right glass frame decoration lamp 50. In addition, left and right glass frame decoration lamps 52 are installed in the integrated door unit 4 so as to be connected to the lower part of the left top lens unit 47 and the upper right illumination unit 49, respectively. It extends from the left and right edges of the integrated door unit 4 to the front surface of the tray unit 6. In the integrated door unit 4, the glass frame top lamp 46 and the left and right glass frame decoration lamps 48, 50, and 52 are arranged so as to surround the glass unit.

  The various lamps 46, 48, 50, and 52 described above perform effects by, for example, the light emission of the built-in LEDs (lighting and blinking, change in luminance gradation, change in color tone, and the like). In addition, on the upper part of the integrated door unit 4, speakers on the glass frame 54 and 55 are incorporated in the left top lens unit 47 and the upper right illumination unit 49, respectively. On the other hand, an outer frame speaker 56 is incorporated in the lower left position of the outer frame unit 2. These speakers 54, 55, and 56 output sound effects, BGM, voice, etc. (sound in general) and execute effects.

  In the center of the tray unit 6, an effect switching button 45 is installed at a position before the upper plate 6b (operation input means). The player switches the contents of the effect (for example, the background screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 42) by pressing the effect switching button 45, or is changing the symbol, displaying the big hit, or playing the big hit game. It is possible to generate a certain effect (notice effect, probability change promotion effect, promotion effect while playing a big role, etc.).

  Furthermore, a jog dial 45a is installed around the effect switching button 45 so as to surround the effect switching button 45 (operation input means, rotary selector). The player can change the contents of the effect displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, for example, by rotating the jog dial 45a.

[Configuration on the back side]
As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, there are a power supply control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a dispensing device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, and a dispensing control board unit 176. A back cover unit 178 and the like are installed. In addition, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) constituting the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, A ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), and the like are installed.

  The payout device unit 172 includes, for example, a prize ball tank 172a and a prize ball case (no reference numeral), and the prize ball tank 172a is installed on the upper edge (back side) of the inner frame assembly 7. The game balls replenished from a replenishment route (not shown) can be stored. The game balls stored in the prize ball tank 172a are guided to a prize ball case through an upper prize ball basket (not shown). The flow path unit 173 guides the game ball sent out from the payout device unit 172 toward the tray unit 6 on the front side.

  The external terminal board 160 is used to connect the pachinko machine 1 to an external electronic device (for example, a data display device, a hall computer, etc.). And various external information signals (for example, award ball information, door opening information, symbol determination number information, jackpot information, start opening information, etc.) indicating the maintenance status and the like are output to an external electronic device. .

  The power cord 164 secures a power source (electric power) necessary for the operation of the pachinko machine 1 by being connected to, for example, a power source device (for example, AC 24V) installed in an island facility of a game arcade. In addition, the ground wire 166 is connected to a ground terminal that is also installed in the island facility, thereby securing the ground (ground) of the pachinko machine 1.

  FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board unit 8 alone. The game board unit 8 includes a game board 8b serving as a base, and a game area 8a is formed on the front side of the game board 8b. The game board 8b is made of, for example, a transparent resin plate. With the game board unit 8 fixed to the inner frame assembly 7, the front surface of the game board 8b is parallel to the glass unit. On the front surface of the game board 8b, a game area 8a is formed on the inner side of a launch rail (without reference numeral) installed in a substantially circular shape.

  In the game area 8a, a relatively large effect unit 40 is arranged at the center position, and the game area 8a is largely divided into a left part, a right part and a lower part with the effect unit 40 as the center. The left part of the game area 8a is a first game area (left-handed area) used in a normal game state (low probability non-time shortened state), and the right part of the game area 8a is a special game state (big hit game state) The second game area (right-handed area, specific area) used in a small hit game state, a low probability time shortened state, a high probability time shortened state, or the like. The left portion of the game area 8a is also used in the high probability non-time shortened state (advantageous game state). Further, in the game area 8a, a middle start winning opening 26, a starting gate 20, a normal winning opening 22, 24, a variable starting winning apparatus 28, a first variable winning apparatus 30, and a second variable winning apparatus are provided around the effect unit 40. 31 etc. are distributed and installed.

  Among these, the middle start winning opening 26 is arranged at the center of the lower part of the game area 8a. The start gate 20, the variable start winning device 28, the second variable winning device 31, and the first variable winning device 30 are arranged in this order from the top in the right portion of the game area 8a. Here, the first variable winning device 30 is disposed on the right side of the middle start winning port 26, and the second variable winning device 31 is disposed on the upper right side of the first variable winning device 30. Further, the three left normal winning holes 22 are arranged in the left part of the game area 8a, and the one right normal winning hole 24 (predetermined winning hole) is arranged below the variable start winning device 28. .

Further, four obstacle nails are arranged above the variable start winning device 28, and further, a ball entrance 19a and a discharge port 19b are arranged above the nail. The ball inlet 19a and the outlet 19b are connected by a communication passage on the back side (not shown). The game ball that has entered the entrance 19a is decelerated and rectified through this communication passage, and is released from the exit 19b.
Further, an out port 19c (predetermined entrance) is arranged on the right side of the start gate 20. The game ball released from the discharge port 19b basically falls straight and passes through the start gate 20, but enters the out port 19c when it is flipped to the right by the obstacle nail.

  The game balls thrown into the game area 8a enter the middle start winning opening 26, the normal winning openings 22, 24, pass through the start gate 20, and the variable start winning apparatus at the time of operation. 28, the first variable winning device 30 during the opening operation, and the second variable winning device 31 during the opening operation. Here, there is a possibility that game balls flowing down the left area of the game area 8 a mainly enter the middle start winning opening 26 or enter the normal winning opening 22. On the other hand, the game ball flowing down the right area of the game area 8a enters the entrance 19a and is released from the exit 19b, and mainly passes through the start gate 20 or enters the variable start prize device 28 during operation. There is a possibility of entering a ball, entering a first variable winning device 30 during an opening operation, entering a second variable winning device 31 during an opening operation, or entering a normal winning port 24. The game balls that have passed through the start gate 20 continue to flow down in the game area 8a, but the medium start winning port 26, the normal winning ports 22, 24, the variable start winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, and the second variable winning device. The game balls that have entered the device 31 and the out port 19c are collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 through through holes formed in the game board (plywood material, transparent board, etc. constituting the game board unit 8).

  Here, in the present embodiment, due to the configuration of the game area 8a (the board surface), when a game ball is to enter the middle start winning opening 26 or the normal winning opening 22, an area on the left side in the game area 8a (left-handed) It is necessary to drive a game ball into the area (so-called “left-handed” is executed).

  On the other hand, when a game ball is to be placed in the variable start winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, the second variable winning device 31, or the normal winning port 24, the right side region (right-handed region) in the game region 8a. ) To play a game ball (perform so-called “right-handed”).

  In the present embodiment, the variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined operating condition is satisfied (when a normal symbol is stopped and displayed for a predetermined stop display time in a winning manner), and accordingly a right start is performed. It is possible to enter the winning entrance 28a (predetermined entrance) (ordinary electric accessory). The variable start winning device 28 is provided with a tongue-type opening / closing member 28b. In the state shown in the figure, the opening / closing member 28b is in a position (retreat position) retracted from the board surface, making it impossible or difficult for the game ball to enter the right start winning opening 28a. On the other hand, when the opening / closing member 28b moves to a position (driving position) that protrudes toward the front side from the board surface, the opening / closing member 28b receives the game ball flowing down from above and guides the game ball to the right starting winning opening 28a (right It is possible or easy to enter the starting prize opening 28a). Note that the variable start winning device 28 may be a device that opens the right start winning port by displacing the opening / closing member so as to fall forward with the lower edge portion of the opening / closing member as a hinge.

  The first variable winning device 30 is a case where a prescribed condition is satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a big-hit or small-hit manner) and a predetermined first condition (for example, from the first round of the big-hit game) Operates when the 5th round or 7th to 16th rounds, the condition that the small hit game is open), and can enter the first big prize opening 30b (Special electric accessory, first special entry event generating means).

  The first variable winning device 30 is a device arranged on the right side of the middle start winning opening 26 (so-called lower attacker), and has, for example, one opening / closing member 30a. The first variable winning device 30 is a device of a type in which the opening / closing member 30a slides inside the board surface (sliding type attacker). The opening / closing member 30a reciprocates in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by, for example, a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown). The opening / closing member 30a is in the closed position (closed state) in a state of protruding from the board surface to the player side. At this time, the game ball rolls on the upper surface of the opening / closing member 30a. Is impossible or difficult (the first big prize opening 30b is closed). When the first variable winning device 30 is activated, the opening / closing member 30a is drawn into the board surface, and the first big winning opening 30b is opened (open state). During this time, the first variable winning device 30 is in a state where the inflow of the game ball is not impossible (possible or easy), and can generate an event of entering the first big winning opening 30b.

  The second variable winning device 31 is the same as the first variable winning device 30 when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a big win mode), and a predetermined second condition (for example, Operates when the 6th round of the jackpot game is satisfied) and enables entry into the second grand prize opening 31b (specific prize opening) (special electric accessory, second special entry) Sphere event generation means).

  The second variable winning device 31 is a device arranged at the upper right of the first variable winning device 30 (so-called upper attacker), and has, for example, one opening / closing member 31a. The second variable winning device 31 is a device of a type in which the opening / closing member 31a slides inside the board surface (sliding type attacker). The opening / closing member 31a reciprocates in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by, for example, a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown). The opening / closing member 31a is in the closed position (closed state) in a state protruding from the board surface to the player side. At this time, the game ball rolls on the upper surface of the opening / closing member 31a. Is impossible or difficult (the second grand prize winning opening 31b is closed). Then, when the second variable winning device 31 is activated, the opening / closing member 31a is drawn into the board surface, and the second large winning opening 31b is opened (open state). During this time, the second variable winning device 31 is in a state where the inflow of game balls is not impossible (possible or easy), and can generate an event of entering the second large winning opening 31b.

  In addition, a guide passage 31 c for guiding a game ball that has entered the second variable winning device 31 is disposed inside the second variable winning device 31. The guide passage 31c extends downward from the second major winning opening 31b, turns left from there, extends to the lower left, and then extends downward again.

  A second count switch 85 is disposed upstream of the guide passage 31c, and a probability variation region blade member 31d and a probability variation region hole 31e are disposed in the middle flow of the guide passage 31c. A discharge port 31f is disposed downstream of the air outlet.

  A game ball that has entered the second variable winning device 31 is detected by the second count switch 85 to enter first. Here, when the probability variation region solenoid that operates the probability variation region blade member 31d is ON, the probability variation region blade member 31d rises and guides the game ball to the probability variation region hole 31e. On the other hand, when the probability variation region solenoid for operating the probability variation region blade member 31d is OFF, the probability variation region blade member 31d does not rise, so the game ball passes through the upper portion of the probability variation region blade member 31d, It is guided to the discharge port 31f.

[Probability change area (specific area)]
Further, a probability variation region (no reference sign) is provided in the probability variation region hole 31e. The probability variation area is an area in which a game ball cannot pass when the second variable winning device 31 is in a closed state, and the probability varying region blade member 31d is activated when the second variable winning device 31 is in an open state. If it is, it is an area through which game balls can pass.

  The probability variation region blade member 31d operates when the second variable prize-winning device 31 is released during the big hit game. The operation pattern of the probability variation region blade member 31d is that the production region is opened for a short period of time (for example, 0.1 seconds) simultaneously with the start of the round, and then closed for a few seconds (about 2 to 3 seconds), and then the probability variation region is extended for a long time. It is a pattern that is opened for a long time (for example, about 20 seconds). Note that the game ball does not reach the probability variation region blade member 31d in the short-term release that is executed simultaneously with the start of the round, and therefore, the game ball is not guided to the probability variation region by this operation. Even if the probability variation area blade member 31d is operated, the game ball does not pass through the probability variation area when the second variable winning device 31 is short-circuited.

  The game board unit 8 is provided with an effect unit 40 from the center position to the right side. The effect unit 40 has an upper edge portion 40a that functions as a guide member that changes the flow direction of the game ball, and includes various decorative parts 40b and 40c on the inner side. The decorative parts 40b and 40c can enhance the decorativeness of the game board unit 8 by three-dimensional modeling, and can perform a stunning operation by emitting transmitted light from, for example, a built-in light emitter (LED or the like). . In addition, a liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is installed inside the effect unit 40, and various effect images are displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, including effect symbols corresponding to special symbols. . In this way, the game board unit 8 impresses the player with the characteristics of the pachinko machine 1 based on the configuration of the board surface and the decorativeness of the effect unit 40. Further, when the game board 8b is a transparent resin board (for example, an acrylic board) as in the present embodiment, various decorative bodies (including a movable body and a light emitting body) arranged not only on the front side but also behind the game board 8b. ) Can be added.

  In addition, a drive source (for example, a motor, a solenoid, or the like) is attached to the interior of the effect unit 40 together with a movable body 40f (for example, a decoration imitating a vehicle on which a female character is riding). The effect movable body 40f can execute an effect accompanied by an operation of a tangible object in addition to an effect using an image by the liquid crystal display 42 and an effect by a light emitter. Due to the effects using these movable bodies 40f, appealing power different from the effects using two-dimensional images can be exhibited.

  In addition, a ball guide passage 40d is formed at the left edge of the effect unit 40, and a rolling stage 40e is formed at the lower edge thereof. The ball guide passage 40d is opened obliquely upward to the left in the game area 8a. When a game ball flowing down in the game area 8a randomly flows into the ball guide path 40d, it passes through the inside and rolls. Released onto the stage 40e. The upper surface of the rolling stage 40e has a smooth curved surface. Here, the game ball can roll in the left-right direction. The game ball that has rolled on the rolling stage 40e will eventually flow into the lower game area 8a. A ball discharge path 40k is formed at the center position of the rolling stage 40e, and the game ball guided from the rolling stage 40e to the ball discharge path 40k easily flows into the middle start winning opening 26 just below the ball discharge path 40k. .

  In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 8 a, and game balls that have not entered (winned) in various winning ports are finally collected through the out port 32 to the back side of the game board unit 8. In addition, the game area includes game balls that have entered the normal winning ports 22, 24, the middle starting winning port 26, the right starting winning port 28a, the first variable winning device 30, the second variable winning device 31, and the out port 19c. All game balls that have been driven into the 8a are collected to the back side of the game board unit 8. The collected game balls are discharged out of the frame from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (not shown), and further join a supply path of an island facility (not shown).

  FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the game board unit 8 (lower left position in the window 4a). That is, the game board unit 8 is provided with a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a at the lower left position in the window 4a, for example, as well as a first special symbol display device 34 and a second special symbol display device 35. And a game state display device 38 is provided. Among these, the normal symbol display device 33, for example, turns on two lamps (LEDs) alternately to display the normal symbols variably, and stops and displays the normal symbols when the lamps are turned on or off. The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a displays 0 to 4 memory numbers depending on, for example, a combination of turning off, lighting, or blinking of two lamps (LEDs). For example, in a display mode in which both lamps are extinguished, a memory number of 0 is displayed, in a display mode in which one lamp is lit, a memory number of 1 is displayed, and in a display mode in which the same one lamp is blinked. In the display mode in which two stored numbers are displayed, and in addition to blinking one lamp, the other lamp is lit, three stored numbers are displayed, and in the display mode in which the two lamps are flashed together, the stored number is four. For example, the individual is displayed. Here, although two lamps (LEDs) are used here, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a may be configured using four lamps (LEDs). In this case, the number of working memories can be displayed by the number of lamps to be lit.

  Each time the game ball passes through the start gate 20, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a changes to the display mode after being incremented one by one in the sense of memorizing the occurrence of the passage that triggers the operation lottery. Every time (up to a maximum of four), the change of the normal symbol is started every time the change of the normal symbol is started. In this embodiment, when the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the game ball passes through the start gate 20 in a state in which the normal symbol can already start to change (during stop display). However, the display mode does not change. That is, the memorized number (maximum 4) represented by the display mode of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a represents the number of passages at which the variation of the normal symbol has not started yet.

  In addition, the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 display, for example, a change state and a stopped state of the corresponding first special symbol or second special symbol by 7 segment LED (with dots), respectively. (Symbol display means). The first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 may have a form in which a plurality of dot LEDs are arranged geometrically (for example, in a circular shape).

  Further, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a have 0 to 4 each, for example, depending on a display mode constituted by a combination of extinction or lighting and blinking of two lamps (LEDs). Is stored (memory number display means). For example, in a display mode in which both lamps are extinguished, a memory number of 0 is displayed, in a display mode in which one lamp is lit, a memory number of 1 is displayed, and in a display mode in which the same one lamp is blinked. In the display mode in which two stored numbers are displayed, and in addition to blinking one lamp, the other lamp is lit, three stored numbers are displayed, and in the display mode in which the two lamps are flashed together, the stored number is four. For example, the individual is displayed.

  The first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is displayed after being incremented by one in the sense of memorizing that a game ball has entered the middle start winning opening 26 every time a game ball enters the middle start winning opening 26. It changes to a mode (up to a maximum of 4), and changes to the display mode after being reduced one by one each time the change of the special symbol is triggered by the entry. Further, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is incremented by one in the sense that each time a game ball enters the variable start winning device 28, it stores that the game ball has entered the right start winning port 28a. Change to the display mode (up to 4), and each time the change of the special symbol is started with the entry, the display mode is changed by 1 each. In the present embodiment, when the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the middle start winning opening 26 is in a state where the first special symbol can already start to change (when stopped). Even if a game ball enters, the display mode does not change. In addition, when the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), a game ball enters the variable start winning device 28 in a state where the second special symbol can already start to change (when stopped). Even if it is a sphere, the display mode does not change. That is, the number of memories (maximum of 4) represented by the display mode of each special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, 35a is the number of incoming balls for which the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has not yet started. It represents the number of times.

  The game state display device 38 includes LEDs corresponding to, for example, jackpot type display lamps 38a, 38b, and 38c, a probability variation state display lamp 38d, a time-short state display lamp 38e, and a launch position designation lamp 38f. In the present embodiment, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol are described. The symbol operation memory lamp 35a and the game state display device 38 are attached to the game board unit 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display board 89.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 70 (main control computer) that serves as the center of the control operation. The main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. Yes. The main controller 70 is built in the main control board unit 170.

  The main controller 70 is equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72 as a central processing unit is mounted. The main control CPU 72 includes a ROM 74, a RAM ( RWM) 76 and other semiconductor memories are integrated as an LSI. The main controller 70 also includes a random number circuit (random number generator) 75, an interrupt controller (interrupt CTR) 192, a parallel I / O port 79, a timer circuit (PTC) 194, and a serial communication circuit (SCU) 196. Equipped. Among these, the random number circuit 75 generates a hardware random number (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for the big symbol determination of the special symbol lottery or the normal symbol lottery determination, and the generated random number is Input to the main control CPU 72. The interrupt controller 192 accepts each interrupt request (XINT interrupt, PTC interrupt, SCU interrupt) from the parallel I / O port 79, the timer circuit 194, and the serial communication circuit 196, and outputs these interrupt requests. Control based on priority. In addition, the main controller 70 is equipped with a clock generation circuit (not shown) and peripheral ICs such as a reset controller for monitoring various states and generating a reset as necessary. Implemented above. A signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus, and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or the inner layer portion). The I / O port of the main controller 70 may be in a serial format.

  The start gate 20 described above is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting the passage of a game ball. In addition, the game board unit 8 includes a medium start winning port 26, a variable start winning device 28, a first variable winning device 30, and a second variable winning device 31 corresponding to the middle start winning port switch 80 and the right start winning port, respectively. A switch 82, a first count switch 84, and a second count switch 85 are provided. Each start winning port switch 80, 82 is for detecting the entrance of a game ball into the middle start winning port 26 and the variable start winning device 28 (right start winning port 28a). The first count switch 84 is for detecting the number of game balls that have entered the first variable prize-winning device 30 (first big prize opening) and counting the number thereof. Furthermore, the second count switch 85 is for detecting the number of game balls that have entered the second variable winning device 31 (second big winning port 31b) and counting the number thereof. Further, the probability variation area switch 95 is a switch for detecting that the game ball has passed through the probability variation area disposed inside the second variable winning device 31 (detection means).

  Similarly, the game board unit 8 includes a first winning port switch 86 for detecting a game ball entering the normal winning port 22 and a second winning port switch for detecting a game ball entering the normal winning port 24. 81 is equipped. In addition, although the configuration using the common winning opening switch 86 is given as an example for the three normal winning openings 22 on the left side, for example, three winning opening switches are installed, and the game balls for the respective normal winning openings 22 are arranged. Incoming balls may be detected individually.

  In any case, winning detection signals of these switches are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown). In this embodiment, the game board unit 8 has a gate switch 78, a first count switch 84, a second count switch 85, a first winning port switch 86, a second winning port switch 81, and a probability changing area switch 95. The winning detection signal is transmitted via the panel relay terminal board 87, and the panel relay terminal board 87 is provided with a wiring pattern, a connection terminal, and the like for relaying each winning detection signal.

  The above-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a and game The state display device 38 is controlled in display operation based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals for the display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a, 35a according to the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED. The display devices 33, 34, 35, and 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a, and 35a are installed in the game board unit 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display board 89 as described above. A control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to the display substrate 89 via the panel relay terminal board 87.

  In addition, the game board unit 8 includes a variable start winning device 28, a first variable winning device 30, a second variable winning device 31, and a normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and a first large winning opening corresponding to the upstream of the probability changing region, respectively. A solenoid 90, a second big prize opening solenoid 97, and a probability changing area solenoid 99 are provided. These solenoids 88, 90, 97, 99 are operated (excited) based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72, and open / close operations of the variable start winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, and the second variable winning device 31, respectively ( Actuating) or moving the probability variation region blade member 31d. Note that these solenoids 88, 90, 97, 99 also transmit control signals from the main control CPU 72 through the panel relay terminal plate 87.

  In addition, a glass frame opening switch 91 is installed in the integrated door unit 4, and a plastic frame opening switch 93 is installed in the inner frame assembly 7. When the integrated door unit 4 is opened alone, a contact signal from the glass frame opening switch 91 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72), and the inner frame assembly 7 is opened from the outer frame unit 2. Then, a contact signal from the plastic frame opening switch 93 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the open state of the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 from these contact signals. When the main control CPU 72 detects the open state of the integrated door unit 4 or the inner frame assembly 7, the main control CPU 72 generates a door open information signal as an external information signal.

  On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a payout control device 92 is provided. The payout control device 92 (payout control computer) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 described above. The payout control device 92 is equipped with a circuit board (payout control board) on which a payout control CPU 94 is mounted. The payout control CPU 94 also includes a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 96 and a RAM (RAM) 98 together with a CPU core (not shown). It is configured as an integrated LSI. The payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 based on the prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and executes the payout operation of the requested number of game balls. The main control CPU 72 generates a prize ball information signal as an external information signal together with a prize ball instruction command.

  In a prize ball case (not shown) of the payout device unit 172, a payout device substrate 100 is installed together with a payout motor 102 (for example, a stepping motor). The payout device substrate 100 is provided with a drive circuit for the payout motor 102. Yes. The payout device substrate 100 specifically controls the rotation angle of the payout motor 102 based on the payout number instruction signal from the payout control device 92 (the payout control CPU 94), and pays out the designated number of game balls from the prize ball case. Let it come out. The paid-out game balls are sent to the tray unit 6 through the payout flow path in the flow path unit 173.

  Further, for example, a payout path ball cut switch 104 is installed at an upstream position of the prize ball case, and a payout counting switch 106 is installed at a downstream position of the payout motor 102. When a prize ball is actually paid out by driving the payout motor 102, a count signal from the payout count switch 106 is input to the payout device substrate 100 each time. Further, when a ball break occurs at an upstream position of the prize ball case, a contact signal from the payout path ball break switch 104 is input to the payout device substrate 100. The dispensing device substrate 100 transmits the input count signal and contact signal to the dispensing control device 92 (dispensing control CPU 94). The payout control CPU 94 can detect the actual payout number and the out-of-ball state based on the signal received from the payout device substrate 100.

  Further, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a full tank switch 161, for example, inside the lower plate 6c (the position of the bowl as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1). The award balls (game balls) that are actually paid out are discharged to the upper plate 6b through the flow path unit 173, but when the upper plate 6b is filled with game balls, the game balls that have been paid out more than those are described above. Into the lower plate 6c. Further, when the lower plate 6c is filled with game balls, the full tank switch 161 is turned ON, and a full tank detection signal is input to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). In response to this, even if the payout control CPU 94 receives a prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, it temporarily suspends further prize ball operations, and stores the unpaid prize ball remaining number in the RAM 98. Note that the RAM 98 can be backed up even when the power is cut off, so that even if a power failure (including momentary power failure) occurs during the game, the information on the number of remaining unsold prize balls will not be lost. .

  In addition, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a firing solenoid 110 is installed together with the launch control board 108. A ball feed solenoid 111 is provided in the tray unit 6. The launch control board 108, the launch solenoid 110, and the ball feed solenoid 111 constitute the launch control board set 174 described above, and the launch control board 108 is provided with drive circuits for the launch solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111. ing. Among these, the ball feed solenoid 111 performs an operation of sending out the game balls stored in the tray unit 6 one by one to a predetermined launch position in the launcher case. Moreover, the launch solenoid 110 hits the game ball sent to the launch position, and performs the operation of launching game balls one by one continuously (intermittently) toward the game area 8a as described above. Note that the game ball is fired at intervals of, for example, about 0.6 seconds (within 100 per minute).

  On the other hand, the handle unit 16 located on the front side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a firing lever volume 112, a touch sensor 114, and a firing stop switch 116. Among these, the firing lever volume 112 generates an analog signal proportional to the operation amount (so-called stroke) of the firing handle by the player. Further, the touch sensor 114 detects that the player's body is touching the handle unit 16 (launching handle) from the change in capacitance, and outputs a detection signal thereof. The firing stop switch 116 generates a firing stop signal (contact signal) in accordance with the player's operation.

  A launch relay terminal plate 118 is installed in the saucer unit 6, and each signal from the launch lever volume 112, the touch sensor 114, and the launch stop switch 116 is transmitted to the launch control board 108 via the launch relay terminal plate 118. Is done. The drive signal from the launch control board 108 is applied to the ball feed solenoid 111 via the launch relay terminal board 118. When the player operates the firing handle, an analog signal (which may be an encoded digital signal) is generated by the firing lever volume 112 according to the operation amount, and the firing solenoid 110 is driven based on the signal at this time. Thereby, the strength of launching a game ball is adjusted according to the operation amount of the player. The drive circuit of the firing control board 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110 when the detection signal from the touch sensor 114 is off (low level) or when the firing stop signal is input from the firing stop switch 116. To do. In addition to this, the launch relay terminal plate 118 is connected with a lending device connection terminal plate 120 such as a game ball, and when a CR unit is not connected to this lending device connection terminal plate 120 such as a game ball, the launch control board is also used. The drive circuit 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110.

  The tray unit 6 includes a frequency display board 122 and a lending / return switch board 123. Of these, the frequency display board 122 is provided with a display of a frequency display section (7-segment LED for 3 digits). In addition, switch modules connected to the ball lending button 10 and the return button 12 are mounted on the lending / return switch board 123, and when the ball lending button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, the operation signal is lended. And the return switch board 123 via the game ball lending device connection terminal board 120 to the CR unit. Further, a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is transmitted from the CR unit to the frequency display board 122 via the gaming ball lending device connection terminal board 120. A display circuit (not shown) on the frequency display board 122 drives the display unit based on the frequency signal, and displays the remaining frequency of the valuable medium as a numerical value. In addition, when no valuable medium is inserted into the CR unit, or when the remaining frequency of the inserted valuable medium becomes zero, the display circuit of the frequency display board 122 drives the display to display a demonstration (value medium). Display for urging the user to input.

  Further, the pachinko machine 1 includes an effect control device 124 (effect control computer) as a control configuration. The effect control device 124 is provided at a position covered by the back cover unit 178 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. The effect control device 124 controls the effect accompanying the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The effect control device 124 is also equipped with an effect control CPU 126, which is a central processing unit, on a circuit board (composite sub-control board). The effect control CPU 126 is configured as an LSI including a CPU core (not shown) and a semiconductor memory such as a RAM (RWM) 130 and an eDRAM 131. The effect control device 124 is equipped with various functions necessary for realizing the effect in the pachinko machine 1. For example, to control devices such as a VDP 152 for rendering an effect screen reproduced on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, lamps 46 to 52 that produce visual effects, a panel lamp 53, a movable body motor 57, and a status LED 58. Driver IC 132, voice IC 134 for controlling the speakers 54, 55, and 56 for outputting voice, and the like. The functional configuration inside the effect control device 124 will be described later in detail with reference to another drawing.

  The effect control device 124 and the main control device 70 are connected to each other via a communication harness (not shown), for example. However, the communication between these is performed only in one direction from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124, and communication in the reverse direction is not performed. Note that the communication harness adopts a parallel format according to the bus widths of various effect commands (hereinafter referred to as “effect commands”) transmitted from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124. Alternatively, a serial format may be adopted according to the hardware configuration of each driver (I / O).

  In this embodiment, the sub connection board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the integrated door unit 4, and drive signals from the driver IC 132 and the audio IC 134 pass through the sub connection board 136 and various lamps 46 to 52 and speakers 54, 55,. 56 is applied. Further, the sub connection board 136 is connected with an effect switching button 45 and a volume adjustment switch (not shown), and when the player operates the effect switching button 45 and the volume adjustment switch, those contact signals are transmitted through the sub connection board 136. It is input to the production control device 124. Further, a jog dial 45 a is connected to the sub connection board 136, and when the player rotates the jog dial 45 a, the rotation signal is input to the effect control device 124 through the sub connection board 136. In addition, although the example which connected the production | presentation switch button 45 and the jog dial 45a to the sub connection board | substrate 136 is given here, when installing a saucer electrical decoration board, the presentation switch button 45 and the jog dial 45a are connected to a saucer electrical decoration board. It may be.

  In addition, a driver board 138 is installed in the game board unit 8, and a movable body motor 57 and a status LED 58 are connected to the driver board 138 in addition to the board surface lamp 53. The movable body motor 57 drives the movable body 40f via a link mechanism (not shown), for example. The drive signal from the driver IC 132 is applied to the panel lamp 53, the movable body motor 57, and the status LED 58 via the driver board 138, respectively.

  The liquid crystal display 42 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and the display screen is visible through a substantially rectangular opening formed in the game board unit 8. Further, an inverter board 158 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and the inverter board 158 generates an AC power source that is applied to a backlight (for example, a cold cathode tube) of the liquid crystal display 42.

  In addition, a power supply control unit 162 is provided on the back side of the inner frame assembly 7. The power supply control unit 162 has a built-in switching power supply circuit. When external power (for example, AC 24V) is taken from the island facility through the power cord 164, necessary power (for example, DC + 34V, + 12V) can be generated therefrom. The electric power generated by the power supply control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70, the payout control device 92, the effect control device 124, and the inverter board 158. Furthermore, power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is supplied to the CR unit via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120. The low voltage power for logic (for example, DC + 5V) is generated by a power supply IC (3-terminal regulator or the like) built in each device. Further, as described above, the power supply control unit 162 is grounded (grounded) to the island facility through the ground wire 166.

  In addition, the power supply control unit 162 is provided with a RAM clear switch 163. The RAM clear switch 163 is a switch for clearing the RAM (initializing all areas except the use-prohibited area of the RAM 76). When the RAM clear switch 163 is operated when the power is turned on, the RAM clear signal is sent to the main controller. 70 and the payout control device 92. A RAM clear switch may be provided in the main controller 70. The main controller 70 transmits a RAM clear command to the payout controller 92 when the main controller 70 accepts the input of the RAM clear signal without inputting the RAM clear signal to the payout controller 92. Also good.

  The external terminal plate 160 is connected to the payout control device 92, and various external information signals generated by the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) are externally transmitted from the external terminal plate 160 via the payout control device 92. Is output. The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) and the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) can output an external information signal to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the external terminal board 160. The signals output from the external terminal board 160 are collected by, for example, a hall computer (not shown) in a game hall. Here, the configuration via the payout control device 92 is taken as an example, but a configuration in which an external information signal is directly output from the main control device 70 to the external terminal board 160 may be used.

[Internal structure of production control device]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal functional configuration of the effect control device 124.
As described above, the effect control device 124 has a role as an effect control processor that controls an effect as the game progresses. Therefore, in addition to the effect control CPU 126, the effect control device 124 is equipped with a control ROM 180 and a watchdog timer IC (WDTIC) 188 that are necessary for the effect control device 124 to function as an effect control processor. The control ROM 180 stores a basic program related to production control. The effect control CPU 126 controls the effect by accessing the control ROM 180 via a CPU bus (not shown) and executing a program stored in the control ROM 180. The watchdog timer IC 188 is a timer that monitors whether the control executed by the effect control device 124 is normally performed (whether the process is completed within the assumed time), and is connected to the reset terminal of the effect control CPU 126. Yes. When the signal (clear pulse) for clearing the monitoring timer of the watchdog timer IC 188 is not input within a predetermined time, the watchdog timer IC 188 outputs a signal (reset pulse) for starting the effect control CPU 126 to be reset. To do. As a result, the production control device 124 is forcibly reset and activated.

  In addition to these functions, the effect control device 124 includes an SRAM 182 that is a storage area for backup data, a crystal oscillator 181 that generates a clock signal of a predetermined frequency, and a real-time clock (RTC) 184 that performs time management. A lithium battery 186 that supplies backup power to the SRAM 182 and the RTC 184, peripheral ICs such as an input / output driver and a counter / timer circuit (not shown), and the like are provided. The lithium battery 186 stores this electric power and charges itself while driving power is supplied from the power supply control unit 162 to the effect control device 124. The SRAM 182 and the RTC 184 are connected to the lithium battery 186 and can be driven by the lithium battery 186 when the supply of drive power from the power supply control unit 162 to the effect control device 124 is cut off. Accordingly, the SRAM 182 and the RTC 184 continue to operate during a period (for example, about one and a half months) until the lithium battery 186 is charged even when the power supply from the power supply control unit 162 is cut off. The stored information can be held for a while even under power-off conditions.

  Note that the effect control program is configured to save information on security, monitoring, malfunction, and the like that should not be easily deleted in the SRAM 182. Thereby, for example, when some trouble occurs in the production control device 124, the pachinko machine 1 is collected (or inspected in the installed state), and the cause investigation of the trouble is advanced by analyzing the information held in the SRAM 182. It becomes possible.

The effect control device 124 (first control device) is a device that controls the content of the effect related to the game.
The RTC 184 (second control device) is a device that can communicate with the effect control device 124 by serial communication or the like and holds current time information (predetermined information). The RTC 184 is a device that counts the current time and updates the current time information regardless of whether or not the gaming machine is in a power-off state.

  By the way, in the production control executed by the production control CPU 126 according to the program stored in the control ROM 180, as described above, the liquid crystal display 42, the various lamps 46 to 53, the speakers 54, 55, 56, the status LED 58, etc. The control of the production using the device is included. The flow of the production control is roughly divided into two stages of “overall control (reproduction instruction)” and “individual control (reproduction control)”. The effect control CPU 126 first receives an effect command transmitted from the main control device 70, and indirectly instructs each device to reproduce the effect according to the content of the effect command (overall control). Next, the production control CPU 126 generates instruction data in which the instruction content is converted into a more specific expression suitable for each device, and each control device 134, 152, 198, 199 relays between the production control CPU 126 and each device. (Individual control). As a result, each control device 134, 152, 198, 199 controls each device based on the instruction data, and effects reproduction using each device in the pachinko machine 1 (screen display, audio output, lamp emission, movable body displacement) Etc.) is realized.

  In this way, the effect control CPU 126 has different functions depending on the stage of effect control, and these functions are realized by using the resources of the effect control CPU 126 separately. In the stage of overall control, the effect control unit 210 in the effect control CPU 126 becomes the operation subject. In the individual control stage, the display control unit 220, the sound control unit 222, the lamp control unit 224, the motor control unit 226, or the sensor control unit 228 in the effect control CPU 126 is operated according to the device to be controlled. It becomes. The production control unit 210 may directly control the control devices 134, 152, 198, and 199.

  The effect control device 124 functions as an effect control processor in the overall control stage, whereas it functions as an effect reproduction processor in the individual control stage. Therefore, in addition to the circuit board (effect display control board) on which the VDP 152 is mounted and the CGROM (image / audio ROM) 190, the effect control device 124 includes an audio IC 134 for controlling various devices used for reproducing the effect, An LED driver 198, an SMC (serial control controller) 199, and a driver IC 132 are provided.

  The CGROM 190 stores the drawing material (moving image data) constituting the effect screen and the sound material (audio data) output with the progress of the effect in a state compressed by a predetermined compression algorithm. The CGROM 190 is connected to the VDP 152 and the audio IC 134 via a CG bus (not shown).

  The VDP 152 is a processor dedicated to rendering effect images, and is integrated with the effect control CPU 126 in one chip. Further, the VDP 152 incorporates a VRAM 156 mainly used when decompressing the drawing material and a drawing material decoder 157 for decompressing (decoding) the drawing material in a compressed state. The VDP 152 first analyzes the instruction content transmitted from the display control unit 220, reads the necessary drawing material from the CGROM 190 via the CG bus, and transfers it to the VRAM 156. Then, the drawing material read out is decoded by the drawing material decoder 157, and the effect image is drawn on the VRAM 156, and the effect image is developed in the frame buffer for each frame (still image per unit time). Reproduction of the effect screen is realized by individually driving each pixel (full color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the buffered image data.

  The audio IC 134 is a sound generator that generates sound such as sound effects and BGM reproduced during the performance, and is connected to an amplifier (not shown), an external DRAM, and a CG bus. The audio IC 134 incorporates an audio material decoder 135 that decompresses (decodes) the compressed audio material. The audio IC 134 first analyzes the instruction content transmitted from the audio control unit 222 and reads the necessary audio material from the CGROM 190 via the CG bus. Then, the read audio material is decoded using the audio material decoder 135 on the external DRAM. By outputting the decoded sound to the glass frame speakers 54 and 55 and the outer frame speaker 56 via the amplifier, stereo 2ch or monaural 2ch sound reproduction (a larger number of channels may be realized) is realized. The audio IC 134 adjusts the output volume of each speaker 54, 55, 56 based on a contact signal input when the volume adjustment switch is operated.

  The LED driver 198 controls lighting patterns and luminance patterns of various lamps 46 to 53 and the status LED 58 provided on the front side of the pachinko machine 1. The LED driver 198 employs an addressed synchronous serial system. First, the LED driver 198 controls the lighting pattern and the luminance pattern based on the instruction content transmitted from the lamp control unit 224, and transfers drive data corresponding thereto to the driver IC 132.

  The SMC 199 controls the drive pattern of the movable body motor 57 serving as a drive source for the effect movable body 40f provided in the effect unit 40. In SMC199, the clock synchronous serial system is adopted. First, the SMC 199 generates a drive pattern based on the instruction content transmitted from the motor control unit 226, and transfers this to the driver IC 132. Here, the SMC 199 is used only for generating the motor driving pattern, but the SMC 199 can generate not only the motor but also the lamp lighting pattern and the luminance pattern, so the SMC 199 is applied instead of the LED driver 198 described above. However, the SMC 199 may be configured to generate both lamp and motor data patterns.

  The driver IC 132 controls the drive voltage applied to the lamp and the motor based on the drive data transferred from the LED driver 198 and the SMC 199. The driver IC 132 includes, for example, a switching element such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC or a MOSFET (not shown), and switches driving voltages (or duty switching) applied to the various lamps 46 to 53, the movable body motor 57, and the status LED 58. Then, by managing the operation, it is possible to realize the effect reproduction using the lamp and the movable body. Of the various lamps 46 to 53, the panel lamp 53 is an LED built in the effect unit 40, an LED built in the variable start winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, the second variable winning device 31, or the like. It is equivalent. The status LED 58 is composed of one or a plurality of LEDs, and is a lamp that indicates a status state (for example, a pre-system initialization state, a post-system initialization state, a normal state, etc.) of the effect control device by a lighting pattern. Further, here, an example is given in which the glass frame decoration lamp 52 is connected to the sub-connection board 136, but a saucer illumination board is installed in the saucer unit 6, and for the glass frame decoration lamp 52, a saucer illumination board is installed. It may be configured to be connected to the driver IC 132 via

  In addition, the driver IC 132 transfers a contact signal input when the effect switching button 45 or the jog dial 45 a is operated to the effect control unit 210 via the sensor control unit 228. The effect control unit 210 changes the content of the effect to be reproduced as appropriate based on the content of the transferred contact signal.

  The above is a configuration example relating to the control of the pachinko machine 1. Next, control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 of the main control device 70 will be described.

[CPU initialization (main) processing in main controller]
When the pachinko machine 1 is powered on, the main control CPU 72 starts the CPU initialization process in the main controller 70. The CPU initialization process restores the gaming state based on the backup information saved at the previous power shutdown (so-called power recovery), or conversely clears the backup information, so that the initial state of the pachinko machine 1 is restored. It is a process for arranging. Further, the CPU initialization process is positioned as a main process (main control program) for guaranteeing a stable gaming operation of the pachinko machine 1 after adjusting the initial state.

  7 and 8 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure of the CPU initialization process. Hereinafter, the process performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described step by step.

  Step S100: First, the main control CPU 72 sets the top address of the stack area in the stack pointer.

  Step S102: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 sets an interrupt vector table. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets the address of the interrupt vector table in the I register (interrupt vector register) used for interrupt control. The interrupt vector table defines priorities necessary for controlling interrupt requests generated during the execution of the CPU initialization process, and the main control CPU 72 sets the priorities defined in the interrupt vector table. Based on this, a plurality of interrupt requests are executed in order. The interrupt process control will be described later in detail.

  Step S104: The main control CPU 72 saves the RAM clear signal (input signal from the RAM clear switch 163). More specifically, the value of the input port to which the RAM clear signal is input is obtained twice in succession, and the logical sum of these values is saved as the input port value.

  Step S106: The main control CPU 72 executes standby processing here. This process secures a certain waiting time (for example, about several thousand ms) after power-on, and checks the power-off notice signal (a signal indicating that power-off is occurring) during that time. Is. Specifically, when the main control CPU 72 sets the loop counter for the waiting time, the main control CPU 72 bit-checks the input port of the power-off notice signal while decrementing the value of the loop counter. The power-off notice signal is input by an IC that monitors the voltage level of the drive voltage. When the input of the power-off notice signal is confirmed before the loop counter reaches 0, the main control CPU 72 restarts the process from the beginning. As a result, for example, the system can be protected when a main power switch (not shown) is turned on and off repeatedly within a short time (about 1 to 2 seconds).

  Step S108: Next, the main control CPU 72 permits access to the work area of the RAM 76. Specifically, the RAM protect setting value in the work area is reset (00H). As a result, thereafter, access to the work area of the RAM 76 is permitted.

  Step S110: The main control CPU 72 refers to the RAM clear signal by checking the specific bit of the input port value saved in the previous step S104, and confirms whether or not the RAM clear switch 163 has been operated (switch ON). To do. If the RAM clear switch 163 is not operated (No), step S112 is executed next.

  Step S112: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether or not a backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup is normally completed by the process executed at the previous power shutdown and the backup validity determination flag (for example, “A5H”) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S114. Note that the processing executed when the power is turned off will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S114: The main control CPU 72 executes a sum check on the backup information in the RAM 76. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sum-checks all areas of the work area of the RAM 76 (a user work area including a use-prohibited area and a stack area) except the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. If the result of the sum check is normal (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S116.

  Step S116: The main control CPU 72 clears the stored contents of a partial area of the RAM 76. The partial area of the RAM 76 is a work area within a predetermined range based on the address of the backup validity determination flag to be cleared when the power is restored. By maintaining the valid backup information stored while clearing the stored contents of this area, the main control CPU 72 can recover the state at the time of power-off (storage restoration means).

  Step S118: The main control CPU 72 is to send a power command indicating that the power has been restored after being turned off and activated (command to be sent to the production control device 124) and a payout command (to be sent to the payout control device 92). Command).

  On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch 163 is operated at the time of power-on (step S110: Yes), the backup validity determination flag is not set (step S112: No), or the backup information is not normal. In the case (step S114: No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S120.

Step S120: The main control CPU 72 clears the stored contents other than the use prohibited area of the RAM 76. As a result, the work area and stack area of the RAM 76 are all initialized, and even if valid backup information is stored, the contents are erased.
Step S122: The main control CPU 72 performs initial setting of the RAM 76.

  Step S124: The main control CPU sets a RAM clear designation effect command (command for the effect control device 124) and a payout command (command for the payout control device 92) indicating that the RAM clear has been activated.

  Step S126: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a payout control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the payout command (power return designation) set in step S118 or the payout command (RAM clear designation) set in step S124 to the payout command buffer.

  Step S128: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this process, first, the main control CPU 72 outputs the effect command (power supply return designation) set in step S118 or the effect command (RAM clear designation) set in step S124 to the effect command buffer. The main control CPU 72 further performs other various effect commands required for effect control (for example, a model designation command, a special symbol probability state designation command, a special figure destination determination effect command, an effect command when the working memory number is increased, and a decrease in the working memory number. (Time production command, remaining count counter remaining command, special gaming state designation command, launch position designation command, etc.) are set and output to the production command buffer. At this time, the main control CPU 72 sets different values for these effect commands when the power is restored and when the RAM is cleared.

  For example, when the power is restored, the value of each effect command is set based on the backup information. By transmitting these effect commands to the effect control device 124 in the subsequent effect command transmission processing (step S142), the effect control device 124 is in the effect state (for example, internal) (Probability state, effect symbol display mode, working memory number effect display mode, sound output content, light emission state of various lamps, etc.) can be restored.

  Step S130: The main control CPU 72 executes input port processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 acquires the contents of each input port, and stores the result of performing a predetermined calculation on the value in the status flag of each input port. When this process is finished, the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S131 (connection symbol A → A).

  Step S131: The main control CPU 72 sets a main command permission signal to a specific bit of the output port. The main command permission signal is a signal that indicates to the payout control device 92 that the main control device 70 permits command transmission to itself. When the main command permission signal is input to the payout control device 92, the payout control device 92 receives this and inputs a payout command permission signal indicating that the main control device 70 is permitted to transmit the payout command. It becomes.

  Step S132: The main control CPU 72 resets (turns off) the specific bit of the output port to clear the firing permission signal (specific output information clearing means). The launch permission signal is included in the backup target when the power is shut off. Accordingly, when the main controller 70 (pachinko machine 1) returns to the power supply state, the main control CPU 72 executes the flow for returning the power supply in the CPU initialization process, and the main controller 70 is in a state when the power supply is shut off based on the backup information. (Step S116), but as part of this, the firing permission signal is also returned to the power-off state.

  The firing permission signal is set to a specific bit (for example, bit 0) in a specific output port buffer (for example, a buffer for the output port 3) stored in the RAM 76. However, the address of the target output port buffer here is located in the address space of the RAM 76 that is out of the continuous area to be cleared in step S116. For this reason, if it is attempted to clear the value of the specific bit of the specific address in which the firing permission signal is set in addition to the clear target area as part of the process of step S116, the specific address is specified. An exceptional process must be performed in which only the specific bit data of the 8-bit data stored at the address is cleared while the remaining 7-bit data is maintained. The efficiency of the process of clearing the area becomes very poor. Under such circumstances, the main control CPU 72 does not clear the firing permission signal in the previous step S116, handles it in the same manner without distinguishing it from other backup target data, and temporarily returns to the power-off state.

  However, at the stage where the backup information is returned in the main control device 70 (step S116), communication with the payout control device 92 has not been established yet, and the payout control device 92 has been started normally (main control device). It is not possible to confirm whether or not an instruction by a command from 70 can be accepted. When the power supply is cut off with the firing permission signal ON, the firing permission signal is returned to ON, and as a result, the game ball can be fired even though the normality of the payout control device 92 is unknown. A state will occur. Here, temporarily, the payout control device 92 is replaced with a modified product that does not conform to the original inspection (for example, a modified number of prize balls, etc.) while the power supply is shut off. When activated, the game ball can be launched by returning the launch permission signal to ON. Such a state is not preferable from the viewpoint of security.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, regardless of whether the activation is due to power recovery or the activation of RAM clear designation, the firing control signal is explicitly cleared once before the main control CPU 72 transitions to the main loop ( (Reset to OFF). Thereafter, when the main control CPU 72 confirms that a payout command permission signal has been input from the payout control device 92 to the main control device 70, and then transmits a payout command to the payout control device 92, as an opportunity. Control that sets the firing permission signal to ON is adopted. By performing such control, even if the game is started (restarted) by processing of the main loop, as long as communication between the main control device 70 and the payout control device 92 is not established, the launch of the game ball is not permitted. In the case where the above-described fraud is made, it is possible to avoid the illegal launch of the game ball.

Step S133: The main control CPU 72 sets a timer interruption period. More specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a value corresponding to a timer interrupt period (for example, 4 ms) in the counter setting register of the timer circuit 194.
Step S134: The main control CPU 72 resets the interrupt daisy chain. More specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes the RETI instruction after backing up the head address of the main loop, which will be described later, as advance preparation for interrupt processing. By performing this process, it is possible to normally start the interrupt process that occurs thereafter, and to continue the process from the main loop after executing the interrupt process.

  When the above procedure is executed in the CPU initialization process, the main control CPU 72 transitions to a main loop (steps S136 to S146 described below). As long as the power supply from the power supply control unit 162 is maintained, the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the main loop from start to finish.

  Step S136, Step S138: The main control CPU 72 executes the initial value update random number update process after prohibiting the interruption. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, jackpot determined random numbers (hardware random numbers) and various random numbers excluding hit determined random numbers (hardware random numbers) corresponding to ordinary symbols (for example, jackpot symbol random numbers, reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) Is generated in the program. These software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another timer interrupt process (step S212 in FIG. 11), but every time the random number value makes a round in this process, the initial value of the loop counter (all The random number of may not be the target). The initial value update random number is used to change the initial value at random, and in step S138, the initial value update random number is updated. Note that the reason why step S138 is executed after the interruption is prohibited in step S136 is that the same process is executed in another timer interruption process (step S210 in FIG. 11). ) To prevent the above). In this embodiment, the big hit decision random number and the hit decision random number are hardware random numbers generated by the random number circuit 75, and the update cycle is faster (eg, several μs) than the timer interrupt cycle (eg, several ms). Therefore, it is not necessary to update the big hit decision random number and the initial value of the big hit decision random number. The timer interrupt process will be described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S140: The main control CPU 72 executes a received command management process. In this process, data received from the payout control device 92 is analyzed, and a process corresponding to the result is performed. When the received command is a payout start designation command, the main control CPU 72 outputs a payout start confirmation designation command to the payout command buffer. Otherwise, the main control CPU 72 determines whether the received data is a value within a predetermined range (reception command). If it is out of the range, a payout error designation command is output to the effect command buffer, and a payout radio wave error flag is set according to the situation.

  Step S142: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command transmission process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 transmits each effect command output to the effect command buffer to the effect control device 124.

  Step S144, Step S146: The main control CPU 72 permits interruption and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated by this processing are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not related to the determination of the winning type (winning type) among software random numbers. This process is performed in the remaining time when an interrupt request is generated during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes various interrupt processes. The contents of the interrupt process will be described later using still another flowchart.

[Evacuation process when power is turned off]
Next, a description will be given of processing that is executed when a power interruption occurs (hereinafter abbreviated as “power interruption”). FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the power-off saving process. In main controller 70, the occurrence of power interruption and the occurrence of reset are monitored by the same monitoring IC (for example, an IC mounted on a reset controller (not shown)). This monitoring IC monitors the drive voltage supplied from the power supply control unit 162, and outputs a power-off notice signal to the XINT terminal of the parallel I / O port 79 when the voltage level falls below the reference voltage. The main control CPU 72 executes a power-off save process (XINT interrupt process, backup means) triggered by the input of a power-off notice signal to the XINT terminal (XINT interrupt). Hereinafter, each procedure of the saving process at power-off will be described.

  Steps S150 and S152: The main control CPU 72 reads the power-off detection switch input port of the parallel I / O port 79 and checks a specific bit to confirm whether or not a power-off notice signal is detected. If it is not possible to confirm that the power-off notice signal has been detected (No), the main control CPU 72 permits the interruption, ends the power-off saving process, and completes the CPU initialization process (FIGS. 7 to 8). Return to the program address specified by the stack pointer. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the power-off notice signal has been detected (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S154.

  Step S154: The main control CPU 72 performs test signal terminals and command control in addition to the output ports corresponding to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88, the first large prize opening solenoid 90, the second large prize opening solenoid 97, and the probability changing area solenoid 99. Clear the output port buffer corresponding to the signal.

Step S156, Step S158: Next, the main control CPU 72 adds the entire contents of the work area of the RAM 76 excluding the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer in units of 1 byte, and repeats the addition for all areas. .
Step S160: When the calculation of the sum is completed for all the areas (step S158: Yes), the main control CPU 72 stores the sum result value in the sum check buffer.

Step S162: Next, the main control CPU 72 stores a valid value in the backup validity determination flag area.
Step S164: Further, the main control CPU 72 stores “00H” representing access prohibition in the protect value of the RAM 76, and prohibits access to the work area (including the use prohibition area and the stack area) of the RAM 76.

Step S166: The main control CPU 72 sets a predetermined value for counting the number of checks of the power-off notice signal in the loop counter.
Step S168: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a power-off notice signal has been detected. The confirmation method of the power-off notice signal is the same as the method in step S150 described above. When it is confirmed that the power-off notice signal has been detected (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the previous step S166 again. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the power-off notice signal has been detected (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S170.

Step S170: The main control CPU 72 subtracts 1 from the value of the loop counter.
Step S172: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the loop counter is “0”. When it cannot be confirmed that the value of the loop counter is “0” (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to step S168. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the value of the loop counter is “0” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S174.
Step S174: The main control CPU 72 proceeds from the power-off saving process to the CPU initialization process (FIG. 7). At this time, since the RETI instruction is not executed before the transition to the CPU initialization process, the CPU initialization process can be started while other interrupts are prohibited.

  The processes in steps S166 to S172 described above are so-called standby processes (follow-up observation processes) that are executed in preparation for the interruption of the power supply from the power supply control unit 162. If the power-off notice signal is continuously detected, step S166 to step S168 are repeatedly executed, so that the loop counter does not become “0”. Therefore, the standby state is continued as long as the power supply is continued. On the other hand, if the detection of the power interruption notice signal is temporary (for example, detection due to momentary power failure, etc.), steps S168 to S172 are repeatedly executed, and the loop counter is subtracted with the passage of time. Then, when it becomes “0”, the process proceeds to the CPU initialization process. That is, before the power supply is completely cut off, the main control CPU 72 first calculates the checksum and saves the result, enters a standby state, and performs other processing in a situation where the power supply is being cut off. In the situation where the power supply that should come in a safe state is maintained without maintaining the standby state, the CPU is initialized in a situation where a stable power supply is restored after a temporary power interruption Move to processing and resume main processing. By executing such standby processing, it is possible to ensure stable game operation of the main controller 70 and thus the pachinko machine 1.

  When the power supply from the power control unit 162 is cut off, the power supply source to the main control device 70 is automatically switched to the backup power source. Since main controller 70 is supplied with backup power from a backup power supply circuit (not shown) (for example, a circuit including a capacitive element mounted on main controller 70) after the occurrence of power interruption, the stored contents of RAM 76 are It is maintained without disappearing even after the power is turned off. The backup power supply circuit may be incorporated in the power supply control unit 162, for example.

  Through the above processing, all the information stored in the work area of the RAM 76 to be backed up (sum addition target) is retained in the RAM 76 even after the power is turned off. Further, the stored memory is restored as backup information at the time of power-off after confirming normality of the checksum in the previous CPU initialization process (FIG. 7).

[Command reception interrupt processing]
Next, a process executed when a command is received from the payout control device 92 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of command reception interrupt processing. The payout control device 92 transmits a payout activation designation command indicating that the payout of the game ball has started to the main control device 70, and various devices (for example, a payout ball as the game progresses) (for example, The command transmitted from the payout device board 100 and the full tank switch 161 to the main control device 70 is relayed. These commands transmitted by the payout control device 92 are received by the reception data register of the specific channel of the serial communication circuit 196 of the main control device 70. The main control CPU 72 executes a command reception interrupt process (SCU interrupt process) triggered by this command reception (SCU interrupt). Hereinafter, each procedure of the command reception interrupt process will be described.

  Step S180: First, the main control CPU 72 saves the values of the A register (accumulator) and F register (flag register) used during execution of the main loop in the save area of the RAM 76. Another value can be written to each register after the value is saved in the course of the data reception interrupt process.

Step S182: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks a specific bit of the status register to confirm whether or not there is data in the reception data register (reception FIFO). When it is confirmed that there is data in the reception data register (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S184. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that there is data in the reception data register (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S186.
Step S184: The main control CPU 72 stores the contents of the data register in the reception command buffer.

  Steps S186 and S188: The main control CPU 72 restores the values of the A and F registers saved in step S180 to each register, permits the interrupt, ends the command reception interrupt process, and executes the CPU initialization process. Return to the main loop (FIG. 8).

[Timer interrupt processing]
Next, the timer interrupt process will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the timer interrupt process. Based on the interrupt request (PTC interrupt) output from the timer circuit 194, the main control CPU 72 executes a timer interrupt process (PTC interrupt process) every predetermined time (for example, several ms). Hereinafter, each procedure of the timer interrupt process will be described.

  Step S200: First, the main control CPU 72 stores the values of the AF register (accumulator and flag register pair), BC, DE, and HL register (pair of general purpose registers) used during the execution of the main loop in the save area of the RAM 76. Evacuate. Another value can be written to each register after saving the value during the timer interrupt process.

  Step S202: Next, the main control CPU 72 permits interruption. When the interrupt is permitted here, another interrupt can be generated while executing the subsequent steps of the timer interrupt process. Thus, multiple interrupts are permitted in the timer interrupt process. The interrupt controller 192 performs reception of an interrupt request signal, priority control of multiple interrupts, and the like. The interrupt management by the interrupt controller 192 will be described later.

  Step S204: The main control CPU 72 executes dynamic port output processing. In this processing, in order to control lighting of each lamp mounted on the integrated display substrate 89 by a dynamic lighting method, port output is performed in units of common. More specifically, after clearing the output port, the main control CPU 72 stores the content output to the common output request buffer corresponding to the selected common in the output port.

  Step S206: The main control CPU 72 executes port input processing. In this process, in order to accurately acquire the latest switch state based on the input port information, the main control CPU 72 performs a logical product of the input values of various switch signals from the parallel I / O port 79 and the inverted result value of the previous input value. Is stored in the input port on detection flag. As a result, it is possible to grasp an accurate input state based on the change of various switch signals from the previous time based on the value (ON / OFF) of the input port ON detection flag. Specifically, the various switch signals include a passage detection signal from the gate switch 78 and the probability changing area switch 95, a middle start winning port switch 80, a right starting winning port switch 82, a first count switch 84, and a second count switch. 85, a winning detection signal from the first winning port switch 86, the second winning port switch 81, and the like are included.

  Step S208: The main control CPU 72 executes timer update processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts 1 from counters such as various external information timers and security signal timers in addition to timers for managing the game time and the closing time of the ordinary electric accessory.

  Step S210: The main control CPU 72 executes the initial value update random number update process also here. The contents of the process are the same as those described in the process of the CPU initialization process (step S138 in FIG. 8).

  Step S212: The main control CPU 72 executes a winning symbol random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the counter for generating various random numbers for drawing special symbols and normal symbols. The value of each counter is incremented in the counter area of the RAM 76 and loops within a specified range. Various random numbers include, for example, jackpot symbol random numbers.

  Step S214: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this processing, among the switch signals input in the previous port input processing (step S206), the gate switch 78, the middle start winning port switch 80, the right starting winning port switch 82, the first count switch 84, the second count switch 85. The event occurring during the game is determined based on the winning detection signal from the first winning port switch 86 and the second winning port switch 81, and further processing is executed according to each event that has occurred. The specific contents of the switch input event process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the middle start winning opening switch 80 or the right starting winning opening switch 82, the main control CPU 72 performs internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, respectively. It is determined that an event that triggers the event (lottery opportunity) has occurred. Further, when a passage detection signal (ON) is input from the gate switch 78, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event serving as a lottery trigger corresponding to the normal symbol has occurred. If it is determined that any event has occurred, the main control CPU 72 executes a process corresponding to each event. Note that processing executed when a winning detection signal is input from the middle start winning opening switch 80 or the right starting winning opening switch 82 will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S216, Step S218: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol game process and a normal symbol game process. These processes are for specifically proceeding with the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the special symbol game process (step S216), the main control CPU 72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol described above, or the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 34. 2 The variable display and the stop display by the special symbol display device 35 are determined, and the operations of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 are controlled according to the display result. Details of the special symbol game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  In the normal symbol game process (step S218), the main control CPU 72 determines the variable display or stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, or operates the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. Or control. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number (ordinary random number per symbol) acquired in response to the passage of the start gate 20 in the previous switch input event processing (step S214). The random number value is read out from the memory, and it is determined whether or not it falls within a predetermined hit range (operation lottery execution means). When the random number value falls within the hit range, the normal symbol display device 33 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner, and after stopping the normal symbol in a predetermined hit state, the main control CPU 72 switches the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 on. Excitingly activates the variable start winning device 28 (movable piece actuating means). On the other hand, if the random number value is out of the hit range, the main control CPU 72 performs a normal symbol stop display in a manner of deviation after the variable display.

  Step S220: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes state management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 collects an abnormality in the winning frequency (a state in which the number of balls entering the middle start winning opening 26 and the normal winning openings 22 and 24 is abnormally large) or a base abnormality (behind the game board unit 8). The number of game balls played, that is, the total number of winning balls at each of the winning openings 22, 24, 26, 28a, 30b, 31b is larger than the number of gaming balls driven into the game area 8a). Check for high conditions. When the abnormal state is detected, the main control CPU 72 generates an abnormality by outputting a security signal to the hall computer in the game hall and by transmitting a predetermined effect control command to the effect control device 124. Inform you.

  Step S222: The main control CPU 72 executes a winning opening switch process. In this process, when each input port on detection flag stored based on the winning detection signal input from the various switches 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86 in the previous port input process (step S206) is ON, Each target prize ball control counter is incremented by one and updated.

  Step S224: The main control CPU 72 executes prize ball payout processing. Although the detailed flow is not shown, in this process, the main control CPU 72 first checks whether or not the payout command buffer is not empty (a payout command to be transmitted is set), and is not empty (the payout command is not set). If set, the various payout commands output to the payout command buffer are transmitted to the payout control device 92. For example, a payout command indicating the startup mode at power-on is set during the CPU initialization process (steps S118 and S124 in FIG. 7) and output to the payout command buffer (step S126 in FIG. 7). However, a payout command indicating this activation mode is transmitted here. On the other hand, if the payout command buffer is empty, the process proceeds to a process for instructing payout of the winning ball. The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the prize ball control counter is 0, and if the prize ball control counter is not 0, the prize control device 92 issues a prize ball designation payout command for instructing the number of prize balls corresponding to this counter. Send to. More specifically, a prize ball designation payout command corresponding to each prize ball control counter updated in the previous step S222 is transmitted here. Note that the payout command is transmitted by a payout command permission signal input from the payout control device 92 to the main control device 70, and the number of payout commands set in the transmission data register (transmission FIFO) is a predetermined number. Is less than (more specifically, when the payout command set in the transmission FIFO in step S224 executed before the previous time has already been transmitted, or is currently being transmitted and the transmission FIFO has an empty space. Only executed).

  In particular, in step S224 when the power is turned on, if the payout command set in the course of the CPU initialization process is normally transmitted, the main control CPU 72 turns on the firing permission signal in response to this. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 clears the payout command buffer output when the power is turned on, and turns on the firing permission signal by setting a specific bit of the output port (specific output information setting means). Thereby, after confirming normal operation after power-on, the launch of the game ball is permitted, and this launch permission signal is sent to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, so that the game ball can be launched. It becomes a state.

  Further, the main control CPU 72 outputs a prize ball content command for transmitting the contents of the number of prize balls to the effect control device 124 in the prize ball payout process. When a winning detection signal is input from the first count switch 84 or the second count switch 85 corresponding to the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31, the first profit (for example, for 15 game balls) is received. A corresponding prize ball content command is generated. When a winning detection signal is input from the second winning opening switch 81 corresponding to the normal winning opening 24, a winning ball content command corresponding to the second profit (for example, 10 game balls) is generated. The prize ball content command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect command transmission process in the main loop (step S142 in FIG. 8).

[About the number of prize balls and number of game balls won]
The number of prize balls at the start port of the first special symbol and the number of prize balls at the start port of the second special symbol are each set to a specified number of one or more. In addition, the number of prize balls may be different between the start port of the first special symbol and the start port of the second special symbol. In addition, the minimum number of winning balls is set based on the winning probability of the special symbol and the expected value of the total number of game balls (the average number of balls that can be obtained during the period from the start to the end of the time reduction state) May be. Furthermore, the winning probability of special symbols, the expected number of game balls won, the number of opening of the big prize opening, the opening time of the big winning opening, the maximum number of winning of the big winning opening, the number of winning balls of the big winning opening are predetermined. When the condition is satisfied, a big hit may be set such that the number of game balls acquired by one big hit is less than 1/4 of the maximum number of acquired game balls.

  Step S228: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends an external information signal to the hall computer in the game hall through the external terminal board 160 (for example, prize ball information, door opening information, symbol determination number information, jackpot information, start opening information, security signal, etc.). Is stored in the port output request buffer.

  In this embodiment, among the various external information signals, for example, “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” are output to the outside as jackpot information, so that an external electronic device (data display) connected to the pachinko machine 1 is displayed. Various jackpot information can be provided (external information signal output means). In other words, the jackpot information is divided into a plurality of “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” and output, so that the type of jackpot (winning type) from these combinations can be tabulated and managed by a hall computer (not shown) or internal Recognize changes in the probability state (low probability state or high probability state) or shortened state of symbol variation time, or generate a small hit (a hit where the condition device does not work) that is not classified as a “big hit” even if it is not winning Can be aggregated and managed. Based on the jackpot information, for example, a data display device (not shown) counts and displays the number of jackpot occurrences within the past several business days for each pachinko machine 1, and recognizes whether or not each jackpot is currently hit Or can recognize whether or not each symbol is currently in a shortened state of the symbol variation time. In this external information processing, the main control CPU 72 controls each output state (set of ON or OFF) of “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” in detail.

  Step S230: The main control CPU 72 executes test signal processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 displays various internal states (for example, the normal symbol game management state, the special symbol game management state, the launch position designation, the big hit, the probability variation function is activated, and the time reduction function is activated). Test signals are generated and stored in the port output request buffer. With this test signal, for example, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested outside the main controller 70.

  Step S232: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol. Processing necessary for managing the lighting state of the operation memory lamp 35a, the game state display device 38, and the like is performed. Specifically, in a manner corresponding to the symbol variation display, stop display, working memory number display, game state display, etc. determined in the previous special symbol game processing (step S216) or normal symbol game processing (step S218). The drive signal for lighting each lamp is stored as byte data in the port output request buffer for each common.

  Here, the byte data stored in the port output request buffer for each common is sequentially stored in the output port one by one in the dynamic port output processing (step S204) every time the timer interrupt processing occurs. Is output. For example, in the next timer interrupt process, byte data stored for common 1 is output to the port, and in the timer interrupt process executed next time, byte data stored for common 2 is output to the port. The byte data stored in the port output request buffer for each common is sequentially processed one by one. As a result, each of the lamps constituting a predetermined display mode (a mode for performing symbol variation display, stop display, working memory number display, game state display, etc.) is driven in order in common units, and lighting control is performed by a dynamic lighting system. Will be.

  Step S234: The main control CPU 72 executes solenoid output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 drives each drive signal of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88, the first big prize opening solenoid 90, the second big prize opening solenoid 97, and the probability changing area solenoid 99 stored in the port output request buffer. The test signal and the like are stored together in the port output request buffer.

  Step S236: The main control CPU 72 executes port output processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether a value is stored in each output buffer (port output request buffer), and outputs a port if a value is stored. For example, each drive signal of each solenoid 88, 90, 97, 99 stored in the port output request buffer in the previous step S234 is output to the port. In this case, each drive signal is transmitted to the corresponding solenoid 88, 90, 97, 99, and each solenoid can be operated according to the drive signal.

  In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the processing from step S216 to step S236 (game control program module) is executed as part of the timer interrupt processing. There are also known programming examples.

  Step S238: The main control CPU 72 restores the values of the HL, DE, BC, and AF registers saved in step S200 to each register, ends the timer interrupt process, and the main loop of the CPU initialization process (FIG. 8). Return to.

[Interrupt management by interrupt controller]
As described above, in the main control device 70, during the execution of the CPU initialization process (FIG. 7), which is the main control program, the XINT interrupt (the parallel process that becomes the source of the power-off saving process (FIG. 9)). Interrupt request output by the I / O port 79), SCU interrupt (interrupt request output by the serial communication circuit 196 that is the source of command reception interrupt processing (FIG. 10)), PTC interrupt (timer interrupt) An interrupt request output by the timer circuit 194 that is the source of the interrupt process (FIG. 11) may occur. These interrupt requests are managed / controlled by the interrupt controller 192 installed in the main controller 70. The interrupt controller 192 allows so-called maskable interrupts that permit the acceptance of interrupt requests by the interrupt enable instruction (EI instruction) of the main control CPU 72 and prohibit the acceptance of interrupt requests by the interrupt disable instruction (DI instruction). Control is performed.

  Since XINT interrupts, SCU interrupts, and PTC interrupts are all generated based on independent generation factors having no interdependency, it is naturally considered that a plurality of interrupt requests are generated at the same time. Therefore, the interrupt controller 192 controls each interrupt request according to the priority order of interrupt requests determined in advance in consideration of the importance of interrupt processing, processing efficiency, and the like.

  More specifically, the priority of the interrupt request (interrupt process) is defined in the interrupt vector table, the XINT interrupt (save process at power-off) has the lowest priority, and the SCU interrupt (command (Reception interrupt processing) has the highest priority. By setting the interrupt vector table in the early stage of the CPU initialization process (step S102 in FIG. 7), the interrupt controller 192 can perform priority control of interrupt requests generated at subsequent timings. . Actually, after the CPU initialization process transits to the main loop (steps S136 to S146 in FIG. 8), the interrupt is permitted (step S144 in FIG. 8) until the interrupt is prohibited (FIG. 8). When any interrupt request is generated during step S136), the interrupt controller 192 controls the received interrupt request based on the priority set in the interrupt vector table. For example, when XINT interrupt and PTC interrupt are received at the same time, a higher priority PTC interrupt (timer interrupt process) is processed first. While the timer interrupt process is being executed, the XINT interrupt is in an interrupt wait state, and after the timer interrupt process is completed, the power-off save process is executed.

  In addition, when the procedure example of each interrupt process is checked again, in the power-off saving process (FIG. 9) and the command reception interrupt process (FIG. 10), immediately before returning from each interrupt process (RETI) Interrupts are permitted for the first time (immediately before the instruction is executed) (step S152 in FIG. 9 and step S188 in FIG. 10), but in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 11), at the beginning of the interrupt process. Interruption is permitted (step S202 in FIG. 11), and then the main steps are executed. That is, the interrupt controller 192 (main control CPU 72) prohibits the execution of multiple interrupts during execution of the power-off saving process and command reception interrupt process, while the timer interrupt process is executed. Execution is allowed.

  By controlling the interrupt request based on the priority order in this way, the interrupt controller 192 can execute multiple interrupts in the main controller 70.

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the switch input event process (step S214 in FIG. 11). Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S10: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input (a lottery opportunity is generated) from the middle start winning opening switch 80 corresponding to the first special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S12 and executes the first special symbol memory update process. Specific processing contents will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, when no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S14.

  Step S14: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input (a lottery opportunity is generated) from the right start winning port switch 82 corresponding to the second special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S16 and executes the second special symbol memory update process. Here again, the details of the specific processing will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no input of a winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S18.

  Step S18: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the first count switch 84 corresponding to the first big winning opening of the first variable winning device 30. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S20 and executes the first big winning mouth count process. In the first grand prize winning count process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the first variable prize winning device 30 for each round during the big hit game. On the other hand, if no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S21a.

  Step S21a: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the second count switch 85 corresponding to the second big winning opening of the second variable winning device 31. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S21b and executes the second big winning mouth count process. In the second grand prize winning count process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the second variable prize winning device 31 during the big hit game. On the other hand, if no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S22.

  Step S22: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not a passage detection signal is input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. When the input of the passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S24 and executes the normal symbol memory update process. In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current number of normal symbol working memories is less than the upper limit number (for example, 4), and if it does not reach the upper limit number, obtains a random number per normal symbol To do. Further, the main control CPU 72 increments the normal symbol operation memory number by one. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the acquired random value per normal symbol in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. On the other hand, if there is no input of a winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S26.

  Step S26: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a detection signal is input from the probability changing area switch 95 corresponding to the probability changing area provided in the second variable winning device 31. When the input of the detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S28 and executes the process at the time of passing through the probability changing region. As the process at the time of passing through the probability changing area, the main control CPU 72 executes a process of setting the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag in the flag region of the RAM 76 as a gaming state flag (high probability state transition means, probability variation function operation means) , Advantageous game state transition means, special state transition means). The probability variation function operation flag is reset when the special symbol fluctuates a predetermined number of times (170 times) without obtaining a winning result after the end of the big hit game. Further, as the process at the time of passing through the probability variation area, the main control CPU 72 generates a probability variation area passing command. The probability variation area passing command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect command transmission process (step S142 in FIG. 8). The main control CPU 72 may execute the process at the time of passing through the probability variation area only within a specific effective time (for example, within the time during which the solenoid 99 for the probability variation area is operated during the big hit game). On the other hand, when there is no detection signal input (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the timer interrupt process (FIG. 11).

[First special symbol memory update process]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the first special symbol memory update process (step S12 in FIG. 12). Hereinafter, the procedure of the first special symbol memory update process will be described in order.

  Step S30: First, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the first special symbol working memory number counter to check whether or not the working memory number is less than the maximum value (for example, 4). The working memory number counter represents the number (the number of sets) of big hit determination random numbers and big hit symbol random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. Here, the random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into eight sections (for example, 2 bytes each) used in common for the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and each section has a big hit decision random number and a big hit symbol. Random numbers can be stored one by one. At this time, if the value of the working memory number counter corresponding to the first special symbol has reached the maximum value (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 12). On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter is less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S31.

  Step S31: The main control CPU 72 adds one first special symbol working memory number. The first special symbol operation memory number counter is stored, for example, in the operation memory number area of the RAM 76, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value. Based on the counter value added here, the lighting state of the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is controlled by the display output management process (step S232 in FIG. 11).

  Step S32: The main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the random number circuit 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (first lottery element acquisition means, lottery element acquisition means). The random value is acquired by specifying the pin address of the random number circuit 75. In the case where the main control CPU 72 performs 8-bit processing, the address designation is performed twice for each upper byte and lower byte. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determination random number value from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it at the transfer destination address as a jackpot determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol.

  Step S33: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76. The acquisition of the random number value is also performed by designating the address of the jackpot symbol random number counter area. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot symbol random number value from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it at the transfer destination address as a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the first special symbol.

  Step S34: Also, the main control CPU 72 sequentially acquires a reach determination random number and a variation pattern determination random number from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76 as a random value related to the variation condition of the first special symbol (variation pattern determination element acquisition). Means, element acquisition means). Similarly, these random number values are acquired by designating the address of the random number counter area for variation. Then, when the main control CPU 72 acquires the reach determination random number and the variation pattern determination random number from the designated address, it saves them in the transfer destination address.

  Step S35: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number and variation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the first special symbol, and these random numbers are stored in the empty section in the area. Are stored as a set (storage means, lottery element storage means). The order (for example, first to fourth) is set in the plurality of sections. If all the first to fourth sections are empty at this stage, the random numbers are stored in order from the first section. Alternatively, if the first section is already filled and the other second to fourth sections are empty, the random numbers are stored in order from the second section. Note that the random number storage area is read out in a FIFO (First In First Out) format.

  Step S36: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current special game management status (game state) is a big hit. If it is not during the big hit (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the following steps S37 and S38. If it is a big hit (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips steps S37 and S38 and proceeds to step S38a. The reason why this determination is made in the present embodiment is that the effect of pre-reading is not performed for the incoming ball generated during the big hit.

  Step S37: When the jackpot is not a big hit (Step S36: No), the main control CPU 72 executes an effect determination process at the time of acquisition for the first special symbol. This process determines the result of the internal lottery in advance (before the start of fluctuation) based on the jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number of the first special symbol respectively acquired in the previous steps S32 to S34, and thereby the production contents This is for determination (so-called “look ahead”). The specific processing contents will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S38: After returning from the at-acquisition effect determination process, the main control CPU 72 next sets the upper bytes (for example, “B8H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command for the first special symbol. This high-order byte data describes that the command type is “for special figure destination determination effect relating to the first special symbol”. Since the lower byte of the special figure destination determination effect command is set in the previous acquisition effect determination process (step S37), the upper byte is combined with the lower byte, for example. Will be generated.

  Step S38a: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command at the time of increasing the number of working memories regarding the first special symbol. Specifically, for the preceding value (for example, “BBH”) of the upper byte representing the type of command, a 1-word length in which the increased number of working memories (for example, “01H” to “04H”) is added to the lower byte. A production command is generated. At this time, for the lower byte, the second place is set to “0” by default to indicate that the value is “result (change information) due to increase in number of working memories”. That is, if the lower byte is “01H”, it indicates that the current working memory number has become “01H” as a result of increasing by one from the previous working memory number “00H”. Similarly, if the lower byte is “02H” to “04H”, it is increased by one from the previous working memory numbers “01H” to “03H”, so that the current working memory number is “02H” to “02H”. 04H ". The preceding value “BBH” is a value indicating that the current effect command is the working memory number command for the first special symbol.

Step S39: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output setting process for the first special symbol. This process is for transmitting the special figure destination determination effect command generated in the previous step S38, the effect command for increasing the number of working memories generated in step S38a, and the start opening winning tone control command to the effect control device 124. Is.
When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 12).

[Second special symbol memory update process]
Next, FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the second special symbol memory update process (step S16 in FIG. 12). Hereinafter, the procedure of the second special symbol memory update process will be described in order.

  Step S40: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter to check whether or not the working memory number is less than the maximum value. Similarly to the above, the second special symbol actuated memory number counter represents the number (number of sets) of jackpot determination random numbers and jackpot symbol random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. At this time, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter reaches the maximum value (for example, 4) (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 12). On the other hand, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter is still less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S41 and thereafter.

  Step S41: The main control CPU 72 increments the second special symbol working memory number by one (increments the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter). Similarly to the previous step S31 (FIG. 13), the lighting state of the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is controlled by the display output management process (step S232 in FIG. 11) based on the counter value added here. Will be.

  Step S42: The main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the random number circuit 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (second lottery element acquisition means, lottery element acquisition means). The method for acquiring the random number value is the same as step S32 (FIG. 13) described above.

  Step S43: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76. The method for acquiring the random value is the same as that in step S33 (FIG. 13) described above.

  Step S44: Further, the main control CPU 72 sequentially acquires a reach determination random number and a variation pattern determination random number regarding the variation condition of the second special symbol from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76 (variation pattern determination element acquisition means, element acquisition). means). Acquisition of these random values is also performed in the same manner as step S34 (FIG. 13) described above.

  Step S45: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number, and variation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the second special symbol, and these random numbers in the empty section in the area Are stored as a set (storage means). The storage method is the same as step S35 (FIG. 13) described above.

  Step S45a: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current game management status (game state) is a big hit. If it is not a big hit (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the following steps S46 and S47. Conversely, if it is a big hit (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips steps S46 and S47 and proceeds to step S48. The reason why this determination is made in the present embodiment is that the effect of pre-reading is not performed for the same incoming ball that occurred during the big hit.

  Step S46: When it is other than big hit (step S45a: No), next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect determination process at the time of acquisition for the second special symbol. This process determines the result of the internal lottery in advance (before the start of the change) based on the big hit determination random number and the big hit symbol random number of the second special symbol acquired in the previous steps S42 to S44, respectively, thereby producing the production contents. It is for judging. The specific processing contents will be described later.

  Step S47: After returning from the effect determination process at the time of acquisition, the main control CPU 72 sets the upper byte (for example, “B9H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command. This high-order byte data describes that the command type is “for special figure destination determination effect relating to the second special symbol”. Similarly, since the lower byte of the special figure destination determination effect command is set in the previous effect determination processing at the time of acquisition (step S46), for example, one word is synthesized by combining the upper byte with the lower byte. A long command will be generated.

  Step S48: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command for increasing the number of working memories with respect to the second special symbol. Here, a one-word-length production command in which the increased number of working memories (for example, “01H” to “04H”) is added to the lower byte with respect to the preceding value (for example, “BCH”) representing the command type. Is generated. Similarly, for the second special symbol, the second place of the lower byte is set to “0” by default to indicate that the value is “a result of an increase in the number of working memories (change information)”. it can. The preceding value “BCH” is a value indicating that the current effect command is a working memory number command for the second special symbol.

Step S49: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output setting process for the second special symbol. As a result, preparation for transmitting a special figure destination determination effect command, an effect command for increasing the number of operating memories, a start opening winning sound control command, and the like regarding the second special symbol to the effect control device 124 is performed.
When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 12).

[Acquisition process during acquisition]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of an acquisition effect determination process. The main control CPU 72 executes this acquisition effect determination process in the first special symbol memory update process and the second special symbol memory update process (step S37 in FIG. 13 and step S46 in FIG. 14) (preliminary determination). means). As described above, this processing is executed for each of the first special symbol (when entering the middle start winning opening 26) and the second special symbol (when entering the variable start winning device 28). Therefore, the following description may correspond to a process related to the first special symbol and a process related to the second special symbol. Hereinafter, the contents of the processing will be described along each procedure.

  Step S50: The main control CPU 72 sets the lower byte (for example, “00H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command (point determination information). The byte data set here represents the standard value of the command (at the time of loss).

  Step S52: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot determination random number as the first determination random value. The random numbers to be loaded here are those stored in the RAM 76 in the first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 13) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 14). .

  Step S54: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (here, the lower limit value or less) (lottery result destination determination means, prior determination means). Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a comparison value (lower limit value) in the A register, and subtracts the loaded random number value from this comparison value. The comparison value (lower limit value) is defined in advance according to the winning probability of the internal lottery in the pachinko machine 1. Next, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the calculation result is 0 or a positive value from the value of the flag register, for example. As a result, if the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S80.

  Step S80: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a variation pattern information preliminary determination process at the time of deviation (variation pattern destination determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a variation pattern destination determination command for the variation time at the time of disconnection. In the variation pattern destination determination command generated here, prior determination information regarding the variation time (or variation pattern number) particularly when the “time reduction function” is activated is reflected. For example, if the current state is when the “time reduction function” is activated, the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the “out-of-reach fluctuation fluctuation (non-shortening fluctuation time)” based on the loaded reach determination random number. Judge whether there is. As a result, when the fluctuation time corresponds to “outlier reach fluctuation (non-shortening fluctuation time)”, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to “short-time / non-shortening fluctuation time”. In the case of reach variation, it is also possible to determine a “reach group (type of reach)” from the reach mode random number and generate a variation pattern destination determination command from the result. On the other hand, when the fluctuation time does not correspond to the “outlier reach fluctuation (non-shortening fluctuation time)”, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to the “short / mid-shortening fluctuation time”. Alternatively, if the current state is when the “time reduction function” is inactive (low probability state), the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the “normally out of reach reach fluctuation” based on the loaded reach determination random number. It is determined whether or not. As a result, when the fluctuation time corresponds to “normally deviation reach fluctuation”, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to “normally deviation reach fluctuation time”. On the other hand, when the fluctuation time does not correspond to “normally deviation reach fluctuation”, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to “normal deviation fluctuation time”. Further, the variation pattern destination determination command generated here is set in the transmission buffer in the effect command output setting process (steps S39 and S49). In this process, the main control CPU 72 may generate a change pattern destination determination command for the change pattern at the time of the small hit, similarly to the process at the time of the above-described loss.

  When the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU 72 ends the acquisition effect determination process after executing the determination result management process of step S82, and the first special symbol memory update process (FIG. 13) or the second special symbol of the caller. The process returns to the storage update process (FIG. 14). On the other hand, if it is determined in the previous step S54 that the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but within the range (step S54: No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S56.

  Step S56: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is set. The probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is set when there is a winning value among the jackpot determination random numbers stored so far, although the fluctuation has not yet started. Specifically, if there is a winning value for the big hit decision random number stored so far, if the big hit symbol random number paired with this corresponds to the symbol that can be passed through the probability variation area, the probability state schedule For example, “A0H” is set in the flag. This value represents a flag value for setting as a schedule that a high probability state is to be set in advance determination (prefetching determination) of the jackpot determined random number acquired after the jackpot determined random number. On the other hand, if there is a winning value in the jackpot decision random number stored so far, and the jackpot symbol random number paired with this corresponds to "non-probable (normal) symbol", the probability state For example, “01H” is set in the schedule flag. This value represents a flag value for setting as a schedule that a normal (low) probability state is set in advance determination (prefetching determination) of the big hit determination random number acquired after this big hit determination random number. If the winning value does not exist in the big hit determination random numbers stored so far, the flag value is reset (00H). Further, the value of the probability state schedule flag is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76, for example. Here, an example is given in which the advance hit determination is strictly performed using the “probability state schedule flag”. However, when the advance hit determination is simply performed based on the current probability state, step S56 and the subsequent steps are performed. Step S58, step S60, step S62, step S76, etc. may be omitted.

  If the probability state schedule flag has not yet been set (step S56: No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S66.

  Step S66: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the comparison value for the next low probability (normal time) in the A register. The low probability comparison value is also defined in advance according to the winning probability at the low probability in the pachinko machine 1.

  Step S68: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the “current probability state flag”. This probability state flag indicates whether or not the current internal state has a high probability (probably changing), and is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76. If the current probability state is a high probability (probably changing), the value “01H” is set as the state flag, and if the current probability state is low (normally), the value of the state flag is reset (“00H”). ").

  Step S70: Then, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the loaded current special symbol probability state flag does not represent a high probability (≠ 01H), and if the result indicates a high probability (No Then, step S64 is executed.

  Step S64: The main control CPU 72 sets a comparative value for high probability. As a result, the low-probability comparison value set in the previous step S66 is rewritten. The high probability comparison value is defined in advance according to the winning probability at the high probability in the pachinko machine 1.

  As described above, when the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is not yet set and the current internal state is high probability, the comparison value is rewritten for high probability and the next step S72 is performed. Will be executed. On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S70 that the current probability state flag does not represent a high probability (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips step S64 and executes the next step S72.

  Step S72: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the random number loaded in the previous step S52 is out of the winning value range (lottery result destination determination means). That is, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the jackpot determination random number value from the comparison value set for each state. Similarly, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the calculation result is a negative value (<0) from the value of the flag register, and if the result is that the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes) ), The main control CPU 72 executes a variation pattern information preliminary determination process (step S80). On the other hand, if the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but is within the range (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S74.

  Step S74: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot symbol type determination process. This process is for determining the big hit type (winning type) at that time based on the big hit symbol random number paired with the big hit decision random number. For example, the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot symbol random number for each symbol stored in the first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 13) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 14). Then, the calculation using the comparison value is executed in the same manner as in step S54, and it is determined from the result whether the jackpot type corresponds to the “probable variation region passage difficult symbol” or “probability variation region passage symbol”. The main control CPU 72 stores the determination result at this time as a special symbol destination determination value, and proceeds to the next step S76.

  Step S76: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result. Specifically, when the special symbol destination determination value stored in the previous step S74 represents “probability variation region passage difficult symbol”, the main control CPU 72 sets the value “01H” in the probability state schedule flag. On the other hand, when the special symbol destination determination value indicates “probable change region passable symbol”, the main control CPU 72 sets the value “A0H” in the probability state schedule flag. As a result, in the subsequent processing, it is determined that “flag set has been completed” in step S56.

  Step S78: The main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol destination determination value stored in the previous step S74 as the lower byte of the special symbol destination determination effect command. For example, “01H” is set as the special symbol destination determination value when it corresponds to “probability variation region difficult passage symbol”, and “A0H” is set when it corresponds to “probability variation region passage symbol”. In any case, by setting the lower byte data here, the standard lower byte data “00H” set in the previous step S50 is rewritten.

  Step S79: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit hour variation pattern information prior determination process (variation pattern destination determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates the above-described variation pattern destination determination command for the variation time at the big hit. In the variation pattern destination determination command generated here, for example, prior determination information related to the reach variation time (or variation pattern number) at the time of big hit is reflected. Further, the variation pattern destination determination command generated here is set in the transmission buffer in the effect command output setting process (steps S39 and S49).

  The above is the procedure before the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is set (before the internal first hit). On the other hand, when the probability state schedule flag is set through the previous step S76, the following procedure is executed. However, when the prior hit determination is performed only with the current probability state, it is not necessary to execute the following step S56, step S58, step S60, step S62, and step S76.

  Step S56: When the main control CPU 72 confirms that a value has already been set in the probability state schedule flag (Yes), it next executes step S58.

  Step S58: The main control CPU 72 first sets a low probability (normal time) comparison value in the A register.

  Step S60: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads a “probability state schedule flag”. The probability state schedule flag is for setting a probability state in a subsequent destination determination based on the immediately preceding destination determination result, and is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76. If the probability state based on the immediately preceding destination determination result is scheduled to shift to a high probability (probability change), “A0H” is set as the value of the probability state schedule flag, and conversely the probability state based on the immediately preceding destination determination result Is scheduled to return to a low probability (normal), “01H” is set as the value of the probability state schedule flag.

  Step S62: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the loaded probability state schedule flag does not represent a high-probability schedule (≠ 01H), and if the result indicates a high-probability schedule ( No) Next, step S64 is executed, and a comparative value for high probability is set.

  As described above, when the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is already set and the value is a high probability, the next step S72 and subsequent steps after rewriting the comparison value for the high probability. Will be executed. On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S62 that the probability state schedule flag does not represent a schedule with a high probability but a schedule with a normal (low) probability (Yes), the main control CPU 72 performs a step. S64 is skipped and the subsequent step S72 and subsequent steps are executed. Thus, in the present embodiment, it is possible to make a prior jackpot determination in consideration of subsequent changes in internal state (normal probability state → high probability state, high probability state → normal probability state) based on the previous determination result. .

  When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the first special symbol memory update process (FIG. 13) or the second special symbol memory update process (FIG. 14).

[Special design game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 11) will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the special symbol game process. The special symbol game process includes an execution selection process (step S1000), a special symbol change pre-process (step S2000), a special symbol change process (step S3000), a special symbol stop display process (step S4000), and a bonus game variable winning device. This is a configuration including a subroutine (program module) group of a management process (step S5000) and a small winning time variable winning device management process (step S6000). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the special symbol game process will be described along each process.

  Step S1000: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S2000 to S5000) from the “jump table”. For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the special symbol game process as the return address in the stack pointer.

  Which process is selected as the next jump destination differs depending on the progress of the process performed so far (special symbol game management status). For example, if the special symbol has not yet started changing display (special symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation pre-processing (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed (special symbol game management status: 01H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation processing (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and the special symbol variation is in progress. If the process has been completed (special symbol game management status: 02H), the special symbol stop displaying process (step S4000) is selected as the next jump destination. In this embodiment, the jump destination address is specified by the “jump table” and the process is selected. However, apart from such a selection method, a “process flag”, a “process selection flag”, or the like is used. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU selects a process to be executed next. In such a programming example, the CPU CALLs each process in a single way, and at the top step, the conditional branch (continuation / return) is performed by referring to the flag one by one. However, in the selection method of this embodiment, the main control is performed. There is no need for the CPU 72 to call each process one by one.

  Step S2000: In the special symbol variation pre-processing, the main control CPU 72 performs an operation to prepare conditions for starting the variation display of the special symbol. More specifically, the main control CPU 72 first reads out and erases (consumes) random numbers for lottery (big hit decision random number, big hit symbol random number) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76 in order from the first section. The remaining random numbers are moved (shifted) to the previous section one by one. Further, the value of the working memory counter of the special symbol from which the random number for lottery is read is subtracted by one. Then, an internal lottery for this special symbol is performed using the read random number, and a variation pattern and a stop symbol are determined according to the lottery result.

  Step S3000: In the special symbol variation processing, the main control CPU 72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 while counting the variation timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) is output for each segment and dot (0th to 7th) of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, whereby a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

  Step S4000: In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the drive of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. Similarly, an ON or OFF drive signal is output for each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED. However, the pattern of the drive signal is constant, whereby a special symbol is stopped and displayed.

  Step S5000: The jackpot variable winning device management process is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a big-hit manner in the previous special symbol stop display process. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a big hit mode, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit gaming state (a special gaming state advantageous to the player) occurs. During the big hit game, the jump destination is set in the big win time variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the special symbol variation display is not performed. In the big win variable winning device management process, the first big winning port solenoid 90 or the second big winning port solenoid 97 counts a certain time (for example, 29 seconds or 0.1 second or 10 game balls entered). The first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 are opened and closed in a predetermined pattern by being excited for a predetermined number of continuous operations (for example, 16 times). During this time, the game balls are intensively awarded to the first variable prize winning device 30 and the second variable prize winning device 31, thereby giving the player an opportunity to collect a lot of prize balls (special game). Execution means). The opening / closing pattern of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 is defined in advance according to the type of the first special symbol or the second special symbol (winning type, winning symbol) that is stopped and displayed at the time of winning. ing. The opening and closing operation of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 at the time of a big hit is referred to as “round”, and if the total number of continuous operations is 16 times, these are referred to as “16 rounds”. Sometimes referred to generically.

  When the big winning opening opening pattern (number of rounds, number of opening / closing operations per round, opening time, etc.) is set in the big win variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 sets the first variable winning device 30 or the first round for one round. 2 Each time the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 31 is finished, the value of the round number counter is incremented by one. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a round number command representing the value of the round number counter. The round number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect command transmission process (step S142 in FIG. 8). When the value of the round number counter reaches the set number of continuous operations, the main control CPU 72 ends the big hit game (big player) only for that round.

  When the big hit game ends, the main control CPU 72 changes the state after the big hit game (high probability state, time reduction state) based on the game state flag (probability variation function operation flag, time reduction function operation flag) ( High probability time shortening state transition means, advantageous game state transition means, special state transition means). In the “high probability state”, the probability variation function is activated, and the winning probability in the internal lottery becomes, for example, about ten times higher than usual (specific game state transition means, high probability state transition means, high probability state setting means). Further, in the “time reduction state”, the time reduction function is activated, the normal symbol operation lottery is highly probable, the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened, and the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is extended. The number of times of opening increases (so-called electric Chu support is performed). Note that the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state” may be transferred to only one of them in terms of control, or may be transferred in accordance with both of them.

  Step S6000: The small winning hour variable winning device management process is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the small winning manner in the special symbol stop display process. For example, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a small hit state, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the small hit gaming state occurs. During the small hit game, the jump destination is set in the small hit prize variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the special symbol variation display is not performed. In the small hit game, the first variable winning device 30 opens and closes a predetermined number of times (for example, twice) for a predetermined opening time (for example, 0.1 seconds), but the first big prize opening is almost generated. do not do.

[Example of production image]
Next, the effect image actually displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 in the pachinko machine 1 will be described with some examples. As described above, when the big hit internal lottery is performed in the pachinko machine 1, the variation pattern (variation time) is determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and the variation display by the first special symbol and the second special symbol is performed. (Design display means). However, since the first special symbol and the second special symbol itself are lit and blinking display by 7-segment LED, the appealing power is not good. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1, a variable display effect using the effect symbol is performed.

  The effect designs include, for example, a left effect symbol, a middle effect symbol, and a right effect symbol, which are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (see FIG. 1). ). Each effect design is a design of a picture card with a character attached together with the numbers “1” to “9”, for example. Here, the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol all constitute a symbol row in which the numbers are arranged in descending order of “9” to “1”. Such a symbol sequence is variably displayed so as to flow (scroll) in the vertical direction in the left region, middle region, and right region on the screen.

  FIG. 17 is a continuous diagram showing examples of effect images corresponding to the change display and stop display of special symbols. Note that, here, an example of a change display effect and a stop display effect (result display effect) performed using the effect symbol is shown for the variation of the special symbol at the time of non-winning (losing). This variable display effect is performed between the start of the variable display of the special symbol (here, the first special symbol, but may be the second special symbol) and the stop display (including the fixed stop). It corresponds to a series of productions. Further, the stop display effect is an effect that represents that the special symbol is stopped and displayed and the result of the internal lottery at that time is a combination of the effect symbols. Here, before explaining the specific contents of the control processing, the basic flow of the change display effect and stop display effect for each change employed in the present embodiment will be described.

[Before change display]
FIG. 17A: For example, in a state before the first special symbol starts to change (a state where the demonstration effect is not being performed), a row of three effect symbols is displayed large on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. ing. At this time, in accordance with the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the effect symbol is also stopped.

[Memory display effect]
Further, in the pre-change display area X1 at the bottom of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, markers (represented by reference numerals M1 and M2 in the figure) indicating the number of working memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are displayed. ing. Each of the markers M1 and M2 represents the number of operating memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol (the number of displays of the first special symbol operating memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operating memory lamp 35a). The number of displays increases or decreases in conjunction with the change in the number of operating memories during the game.

  In addition, for the markers M1 and M2, the marker M1 corresponding to the first special symbol is displayed as, for example, a circle (◯) in order to facilitate visual discrimination, and the marker M2 corresponding to the second special symbol is, for example, a heart It is displayed with the shape. In the example shown in the figure, all four markers M1 are lit and displayed, indicating that the number of working memories of the first special symbol is four, and all the markers M2 are not displayed (shown by broken lines). This indicates that the number of working memories of the second special symbol is 0 (memory display effect).

  Further, during the variation display of the effect symbols, for example, the fourth symbol (reference numerals Z1 and Z2 are attached in the diagram) is displayed at the upper right of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are “fourth effect symbols” that follow the left, middle, and right effect symbols, and are displayed variably in synchronism with the variability display of the effect symbols. Note that the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are simple marks (for example, “□” figure) with colors, and for example, changing the display color can express a variable display. The fourth symbol Z1 corresponds to the first special symbol, and the fourth symbol Z2 corresponds to the second special symbol.

  Further, the fourth symbols Z1, Z2 are stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the dislocation. This is to objectively clarify that the stop display effect is correctly performed and the pachinko machine 1 is operating normally. Therefore, if the actual result of the internal lottery is not “out of” but any “big hit”, the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to them (for example, blue display color or red display color). Is done.

[Variable display production start]
FIG. 17B: For example, in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol, the variable display effect is started by scrolling the three symbol rows on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (symbol effect). Execution means). In other words, in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol, the display of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol is scrolled (flowed) in the vertical direction on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 so as to change the display. Production begins. The markers M1 and M2 are displayed in the pre-fluctuation display area X1 of the band-like portion in the lower part of the liquid crystal display 42 before the start of change, but are displayed in the lower left part of the liquid crystal display 42 after the start of change. The display moves to the changing display area X2 based on the pedestal image, and continues to be displayed until the change of the special symbol (effect symbol) is stopped and displayed (stored image display maintenance effect). In the figure, the effect symbol variation display is simply indicated by a downward arrow. Also, during the variable display, each effect symbol is displayed in a transparent state (transparent display), and at this time, an image (background image) that is the background of the effect symbol is displayed on the display screen in an easily visible state. Has been.

  The background image in this case represents, for example, a landscape in which a female character wearing a yukata is sitting on a chaise lounge and relaxing as if the evening is cool. Such a background image expresses that the stay mode in the production is, for example, “normal mode”. In the present embodiment, the “normal mode” corresponds to a normal state in which the time reduction function is inactive and the probability variation function is inactive. In addition to this, various modes are provided for effects, and background images with different landscapes and scenes are prepared for each mode (status display effect execution means). The difference between these modes may correspond to an internal “time reduction state” or a “high probability state”. Although not specifically illustrated here, a mode in which a notice effect is performed by displaying an image of a character, an item, or the like on the display screen after that is also possible.

  Further, during the variation display of the effect symbols, the fourth symbol Z1 is variably displayed at the upper right of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the fourth symbol Z1 expresses the variation display by changing its display color.

[Left design stop]
FIG. 17 (C): For example, when a certain amount of time (about half of the fluctuation time) has elapsed, the left effect design first stops changing. In this example, the effect design representing the number “8” is stopped at the left position of the screen. Here, illustration of the background image is omitted (the same applies to the following).

[Example of production when the number of working memories decreases]
Here, as shown in FIG. 17 (B), since the number of working memories of the first special symbol decreases by one as the fluctuation starts, the number of markers M1 displayed is linked accordingly. It is reduced by one. For example, if there are four working memories so far, only the oldest (oldest) memory number display in the marker M1 is moved to the changing display area X2, and the effects consumed by the internal lottery are combined. Done. Thereby, it is possible to tell the player that the working memory number has been consumed for the first special symbol even in the production.

  In the example of (C) in FIG. 17, since the marker M1 at the head in the storage order moves to the changing display area X2, the display in the display area X1 before change becomes three. There is an effect in which the three markers M1 remaining on the screen are shifted in one direction (here, leftward) by one. As a result, the front-rear relationship of the change in the number of working memories is accurately expressed in the production, and the fact that the working memory is consumed and reduced by one for the player or that the working memory is consumed and the special symbol Can be taught intuitively and intelligibly.

[Right production symbol stop]
In FIG. 17, (D): Following the left effect symbol, the right effect symbol then stops changing. In this example, the effect design representing the number “3” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Since it has already been determined that the reach state does not occur at this point, it is almost clear on the appearance that the current fluctuation is a non-reach (normal) fluctuation. Here, reach fluctuations due to slip patterns and the like are excluded. “Slip pattern” means, for example, that once the design symbol representing the number “7” stops, the design symbol slips by one symbol and the design symbol representing the number “8” stops, thereby developing reach It is to do. Alternatively, once the design symbol representing the number “9” stops, the design symbol that represents the number “8” stops as the design sequence slips by one symbol in the opposite direction. is there. In addition, for example, when a production symbol representing a completely different number such as “5” is temporarily stopped and a character appears on the screen and the right production symbol row is changed again, the number “8” is represented. There is also a pattern in which the production design stops and develops to reach.

[Stop display effect]
(E) in FIG. 17: The last medium effect symbol stops in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol. If the result of the current internal lottery is non-winning and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning (out-of-game) manner, the staging display effect is also performed in a non-winning (out-of-game) manner. Is called. That is, in the illustrated example, the effect symbol representing the number “1” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. In this case, the combination of the effect symbols is “8”-“1”-“3”. Since this is a gap, it is expressed in the production that the current variation corresponds to the normal “out of range”. At this time, the fourth symbol Z1 is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the dislocation.

  Further, when the stop display effect is performed, the marker M1 that has been moved to the changing display area X2 and has been continuously displayed is also hidden. Therefore, it can be intuitively and easily instructed to the player that “the variation of the special symbol has ended”.

  The above is an example of the change display effect and the stop display effect (during non-winning) performed using the effect symbol for each change. Through such an effect, the player can have a sense of expectation for winning, and finally the result of the internal lottery can be clearly taught in the effect.

  Moreover, although the example mentioned above is a thing at the time of non-winning, after a reach effect is performed during a variable display effect at the time of a big hit (winning), an effect design is stopped and displayed in the form of a big win in the stop display effect. At this time, the stop display mode of the effect symbol basically corresponds to the winning symbol (stop display mode of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35) selected internally by the main control CPU 72. Selected.

[Production example at the time of big hit]
FIG. 18 is a continuous diagram showing the flow of reach production (super reach production) executed at the time of big hit (winning). Here, in addition to the reach effect, a variable display effect, a stop display effect, and a notice effect are included. In addition, an example of the notice effect (the notice effect before the occurrence of reach, the notice effect after the occurrence of reach) executed during the variable display effect will be described.

  The following reach effects are, for example, after the first special symbol display device 34 performs a variation display based on the variation pattern at the time of the big hit, and then the first special symbol has a big hit (for example, “Self”, “Yo” of the 7-segment LED) , “Mouth”, “巳”, “F”, “E”, “L”, “Γ”, etc.), and so on (reach effect execution means). In addition, in FIG. 18, each production | presentation symbol is simplified and shown only as the number. Further, the markers M1 and M2, the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2, the pre-change display area X1 and the display area X2 during change are not shown (the same applies to the following drawings). Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the flow of production.

[Variable display effects]
18A: For example, the columns of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol are arranged in the vertical direction (for example, from the top) on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 substantially in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol. The variable display effect is started by scrolling down.

[Preliminary production before reach (first stage)]
(B) in FIG. 18: Next, at a relatively early stage of the variable display effect, the first stage pre-reach notice effect using the character image (picture card) is performed. This pre-reach pre-announcement effect is a pre-announcement effect in which the change of the mode progresses step by step from the first step to a plurality of steps (for example, the second to fifth steps) according to a predetermined order. The pattern image used in the pre-reach notice effect is located in front of the effect pattern that is displayed on the screen in a variable manner, for example, so as to appear suddenly from the left edge of the screen (other appearance modes) May be.) Note that the “pre-reach notice” means that a reach or a big hit is announced before any effect symbol is stopped and displayed. By executing such a “pre-reach announcement effect”, an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “it may develop into a reach = the possibility of a big hit increases” is obtained.

[Advance notice before the reach occurs (second stage)]
In FIG. 18, (C): After the first stage of the pre-reach notice effect is executed, the change of the pre-reach notice effect proceeds to the second stage. Here, an effect using a character pattern image different from the previous one is performed as the notice effect before the occurrence of reach in the second stage. Specifically, another pattern image additionally appears from the right end of the screen, and is displayed so as to overlap the front of the previously displayed pattern image. The picture image displayed at this time is larger in size than the picture image displayed previously. And the effect by the sound output that the character expressed by the picture image emits a dialogue (for example, “I will reach” etc.) is also performed.

  Such a pre-reach notice announcement effect (second stage) using the second pattern image is one step further from the pre-reach notice effect (first stage) performed in FIG. It is a development type. In general, it may be expressed as “step-up notice” or the like, referring to the “pre-reach notice notice effect” that develops in this way. Here, an example is given in which the second-stage pattern image appears in the pre-reach notice effect, but the third-stage, fourth-stage, and fifth-stage pattern images appear and appear one after another. There may be. Further, for example, the size may be enlarged each time the third, fourth, and fifth-stage pattern images appear and appear one after another. Even at this stage, the variation display of the effect symbols is continued. In any case, it is possible to indicate to the player that there is a high possibility (expectation) that this change will be a big hit by making the change in the aspect of the pre-reach notice effect to more stages. (For example, the maximum expectation is suggested when progressing to the fifth stage).

[Stop of left design]
(D) in FIG. 18: The middle stage of the variable display effect is approached, and then the variable display of the left effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “5” is stopped at the left position of the screen.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
(E) in FIG. 18: Following the left effect symbol, for example, the change display of the right effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “5” is stopped at the right position of the screen, so that a reach state of “5”-“being changed”-“5” has occurred. On the screen, an image that emphasizes one line that is in a reach state is also displayed. In addition, an effect of outputting a voice such as “Reach!” Is performed.

  After the reach state occurs, the reach production at the time of winning is executed (however, at this point in time, the winning result has not yet been expressed). In the reach effect, only the effect symbol corresponding to the tempered number (here, “5”) is displayed on the screen, and the others are not displayed. At this time, the effect symbols may be displayed in a reduced state at the four corners of the screen.

[Preliminary notice after reach occurs (first time)]
In FIG. 18, (F): After a reach state occurs, for example, an image representing a “heart” figure forms a group, and a post-reach notice effect (first time) is performed that passes diagonally on the screen. . In this case, the image of the “heart group” is suddenly displayed on the screen so that the visual appeal to the player can be enhanced. By executing such a notice presentation effect after the visually lively reach notice occurrence, an effect of giving the player a greater expectation can be obtained.

[Progress of reach production]
In FIG. 18, (G): Following the announcement effect after the first reach, for example, images representing the numbers “2” to “6” are displayed in a three-dimensional column on the screen. There is an effect in which numerical images are erased from the screen in the order of “2”, “3”, “4”. Such an effect is also performed for the purpose of suggesting (impliciting) or reminding the player that the number “5” is left as it is without being erased. If the number “4” is erased and “5” remains in front of the screen, it means “big hit”, and if the number “5” is also erased, it means “out of place”. In the case of a loss, for example, the number “6” is displayed on the screen after the number “5” is deleted. Therefore, during this time, as the images are erased in order of the numbers “2”, “3”, and “4”, the player's tension and expectation also increase. Then, if the production progresses with the number “4” actually being erased on the screen and the number “5” remaining on the screen, the possibility of a “hit” increases, so the player feels nervous. Also increases at a stretch.

[Preliminary notice after the occurrence of reach (second time)]
In FIG. 18 (H): When the reach production is nearing the end of the game, the content that the character image suddenly appears on the screen as if it was split into a large image and the character emits some dialogue (or silently) (The content may be that of smiling). At this time, for example, the content of the reach effect is a development that “if the number“ 5 ”remains without being erased, the possibility of a big hit of“ 5 ”-“ 5 ”-“ 5 ”increases” as it is ”. Therefore, by causing a character image to appear greatly at this timing, an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “may be a big hit” is obtained.

  As another reach effect different from the above, for example, there is a development that “numbers“ 2 ”to“ 4 ”are erased, and if the number“ 5 ”is left unerased at the end, it is a big hit” ”. When the character image appears at such a timing, an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “the jackpot may be close soon” can be obtained.

[Stop display effect]
(I) in FIG. 18: Then, the last medium effect symbol stops. In this example, the effect symbol representing “5” is stopped and displayed at the center of the screen, so that it is possible to convey to the player that the game is a big hit.

  (J) in FIG. 18: For example, a stop display effect as an effect symbol is performed substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol. The stop display effect of the effect symbol is performed, for example, in a state where the left, middle and right effect symbols are restored to their initial sizes. By performing such a stop display effect, the player can be informed that the final winning type has been confirmed on the effect. In other words, by performing an unclear stop display effect on the effect, it can be made undisclosed to the player as to which winning symbol is won.

  If the result of the internal lottery is non-winning, the first special symbol that is the subject of change this time is stopped and displayed as a missing symbol, so that the effect symbol is similarly stopped and displayed in a shifted manner. In this case, by displaying the numbers “4” and “6” other than “5” in the center of the screen, unfortunately, an effect is provided informing that the current change did not result in a big hit. Such an effect is executed as an “out of reach reach effect”.

[Examples of simultaneous production]
19 and 20 are continuous diagrams showing examples of simultaneous production effects.

  Here, the simultaneous effect is an effect that is performed simultaneously on a plurality of gaming machines once in a predetermined time (for example, one hour).

  (A1) and (A2) in the figure show examples of effects by the gaming machine 1A, and (B2) and (B2) in the figure show examples of effects by the gaming machine 1B, and (C1) and (C2) in the figure ) Shows an example of an effect produced by the gaming machine 1C. In the following production examples, in order to facilitate understanding, the display screen is displayed larger than the actual size, and the content of the production that is not related to the simultaneous production is not shown.

[No simultaneous performance]
In FIG. 19, (A1) (B1) (C1): In the gaming machine 1A, the gaming machine 1B, and the gaming machine 1C, the simultaneous effect is not executed, and the variable display effect is executed. Here, in the gaming machine 1A, the game is progressing in the normal mode (for example, the low probability non-time shortening state), and in the gaming machine 1B, the game is proceeding in the coast mode (for example, the low probability time shortening state). In the gaming machine 1C, the game is progressing in the fireworks mode (for example, the high probability time reduction state). Thus, in a state where the simultaneous effect is not executed, the effect using the background image corresponding to the internal state is executed.

[Simultaneous production execution]
In FIG. 19, (A2) (B2) (C2): In the gaming machine 1A, the gaming machine 1B, and the gaming machine 1C, a variable display effect is executed. Here, it is assumed that one hour has elapsed since the power was turned on. In this case, the simultaneous performance execution condition is satisfied. For this reason, simultaneous effects are executed in the gaming machine 1A, the gaming machine 1B, and the gaming machine 1C, respectively. The simultaneous production is a production in which a concert is performed by a plurality of animals. During the execution of the simultaneous effect, the effect display variable display effect is executed small in the upper right part of the screen in order to execute the simultaneous effect on the large screen. Thus, in the state where the simultaneous effect is being executed, the effect using the common background image is executed regardless of the internal state.

  Next, an example of a control method for specifically realizing the above effects will be described. The above-described variable display effect, reach effect, notice effect, memory display effect, big-game effect, simultaneous effect, etc. executed during the big hit game are all controlled through control processing executed in the effect control device 124.

[CPU initialization process (main) process in effect control device]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the CPU initialization process executed in the effect control device 124. 21A shows the entire CPU initialization process, and FIG. 21B shows the process executed in the main loop in the CPU initialization process.

  The CPU initialization process is a process of clearing various information in the effect control device 124 and adjusting the initial state of the pachinko machine 1. When the effect control device 124 is activated (more specifically, to the pachinko machine 1). The effect control CPU 126 executes the effect control device 124 when the power is turned on or when the effect control device 124 is restarted for some reason. By executing the CPU initialization process, a stable performance in the pachinko machine 1 is guaranteed.

  (A) in FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the CPU initialization process executed in the effect control device 124. Hereinafter, the process executed by the effect control CPU 126 will be described step by step.

  Step S300: The effect control CPU 126 releases the reset of the CPU. The production control CPU 126 resets the CPU after turning on the power to the production control device 124 in order to guarantee normal operation in the production control device 124, until the output voltage normally rises to the operation guarantee level and the peripheral circuit is stabilized. During this period, the reset state is continued. By doing so, it is possible to avoid the program from operating in a state where the production control device 124 is not stable. When the reset of the CPU is released, execution of the control program in the effect control device 124 is started with this as an opportunity.

  Step S310: The effect control CPU 126 executes a system initialization process. In the system initialization process, initial settings related to hardware, system operation settings, and the like are performed as initial settings required before various interrupt processes are started. In the system initialization process, for example, the RAM 130 (main memory) and the command buffer are cleared in addition to settings relating to access to each register and I / O port of the effect control CPU 126 and each device connected to the effect control CPU 126. Is called.

  Note that the area of the RAM 130 that is cleared in the system initialization process is not constant, and varies depending on the situation when the effect control device 124 is activated. For example, when power is restored after a temporary power interruption occurs during the execution of a game, the normality of the checksum is confirmed using the checksum value calculated at the time of the power interruption stored in the SRAM 182. If it is confirmed and the checksum is normal (the backup is successful), the checksum target area is not cleared. Since information relating to the game is stored in the checksum target area, the effect is resumed in the same state as when the power is turned off by excluding this area from the RAM 130 clear target. In addition, when the production control device 124 is restarted (reset start) by detecting the runaway of the control program and the watchdog timer is activated, there is a possibility that an incomplete part of the data is generated. The RAM 130 is cleared including the checksum target area. As a result, the effect that has been played before the restart is once cleared, and the effect is constructed from scratch based on the effect command transmitted from the main control device 70 after the restart. Furthermore, if it is confirmed that the checksum is not normal (backup has failed), or if data corruption in the RAM 130 is detected, a serious problem may have occurred. A wider area is cleared than in either case.

  In this system initialization process, the effect control CPU 126 can execute the following process. For example, the effect control device 124 is provided with a plurality of LED lamps (status LEDs 58) that are visible from the back side of the pachinko machine 1, and the internal state of the effect control device 124 is determined by a plurality of lighting patterns using the status LEDs 58. Although notified, the setting of the initial state of the status LED 58 is performed in the system initialization process. In addition, the setting of the frequency for the command input / output port necessary for receiving the effect command transmitted from the main controller 70, the setup of the RTC 184, the permission of the interrupt, and the like are performed. When the system initialization process ends, the status LED 58 lights up in a manner indicating the completion of the initialization process. In the system initialization process, during the execution of the process (for example, when the system initialization process is started), it is possible to receive various effect commands and shift to a state in which various interrupts can occur.

  Note that the effect control device 124 has different types, such as a timer interrupt that is periodically executed at regular intervals and an event interrupt that occurs due to the occurrence of a predetermined event on the effect control device 124. Various interrupts can occur. Priorities are preset for individual interrupts, and when an interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 126 executes the corresponding interrupt process while controlling this according to the priority.

  Step S320: The effect control CPU 126 executes pre-task execution processing. Here, “task” refers to an individual process executed due to the occurrence of an interrupt. In the task execution pre-processing, preparation for executing the task is performed.

  Step S330: The effect control CPU 126 executes effect control main processing. In the effect control main process, other processes that are not executed in various tasks among the controls executed as the game progresses are performed. The contents of the effect control main process will be further described later.

  As shown in FIG. 21A, the effect control main process is incorporated in an infinite loop, and the effect control CPU 126 sets a predetermined execution interval after the effect control main process has been executed once. The execution of the next effect control main process is started again. Therefore, unless the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is maintained and the effect control device 124 is not restarted, the effect control CPU 126 continues to execute the effect control main process repeatedly. Also, during the execution of the effect control main process, various interrupts are triggered by various factors, and the effect control CPU 126 executes a process according to each generated interrupt. In these processes, image display control to the liquid crystal display 42, sound output control to the speakers 54 to 56, drive control of the lamps 46 to 53, the movable body motor 57, the status LED 58, and the like are performed to the effect control device 124. By controlling each device connected directly or indirectly, the production contents are constructed and the production is realized.

  In this way, the infinite loop in FIG. 21A corresponds to the main loop in the effect control device 124, and the effect control main process is literally positioned as the main process executed in the effect control device 124.

  FIG. 21B is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the effect control main process executed in the effect control device 124. Hereinafter, the process executed by the effect control CPU 126 will be described step by step.

  Step S340: The effect control CPU 126 executes a voltage control monitoring process. In the voltage control monitoring process, the effect control CPU 126 performs a monitoring process for releasing the interruption of the 5V signal supplied to the external driver in a certain time. If a voltage is simultaneously applied to the lamp, the movable body, etc., there is a possibility that the lamp, the movable body, etc. will generate excessive heat due to an inrush current, leading to malfunction or failure. Therefore, the inrush current is dispersed by shifting the voltage application timing (signal release timing) to protect the lamp and the movable body from heat generation.

  Step S350: The effect control CPU 126 executes watchdog clear processing. The effect control device 124 is equipped with a watchdog timer IC188 connected to the effect control CPU 126 and a watchdog timer using the built-in function of the effect control CPU 126, and a watchdog timer is implemented by a control program. Yes. That is, in the production control device 124, a total of three watchdog timers including two watchdog timers on hardware and one watchdog timer on software are operating, and each watchdog timer has a different monitoring time. Whether the timer interrupt has occurred normally (whether the timer interrupt process executed with the timer interrupt as a trigger is being executed normally) is monitored.

  Step S360: The effect control CPU 126 executes RTC related processing. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process related to the RTC that was not executed in the system initialization process. Details of the process will be described later.

  When the above procedure is finished, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the main loop of the CPU initialization process ((A) in FIG. 21) and executes the effect control main process again. The effect control main process is executed at substantially constant intervals when the effect control device 124 is in a normal state. For example, during normal operation, the effect control main process is called by a timer interrupt process executed every 33.3 ms, and the process of each step is completed during that period. Therefore, when each step S340 and S350 of the production control main process is completed without delay, the production control CPU 126 performs the standby process for the remaining time until the next production control main process is called, and waits for the start process during that time. Transition to the (sleep) state. As the remaining time is consumed, the effect control CPU 126 ends the standby process, returns to the main loop, and calls the next effect control main process.

[RTC initialization processing]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of RTC initialization processing. This RTC initialization process is executed as a part of the system initialization process (step S310) in FIG. When this RTC initialization process is executed, the state has shifted to a state where various interrupts can occur. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S900: The effect control CPU 126 executes a status LED initial state setting process. By executing this process, the effect control CPU 126 can turn on the status LED 58 with the lighting pattern indicating the pre-system initialization state.

  Step S902: The effect control CPU 126 executes a process for confirming whether or not the backup state of the RTC 184 is valid. Whether or not the backup state of the RTC 184 is valid is confirmed by whether or not the battery capacity of the lithium battery 186 remains (whether or not a flag that is set when the voltage of the lithium battery 186 falls below a certain value is set). be able to. When the battery capacity of the lithium battery 186 remains, the effect control CPU 126 determines that the RTC backup state is valid, and when the battery capacity of the lithium battery 186 does not remain, the effect control CPU 126 It is determined that the backup state of the RTC 184 is invalid.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the backup state of the RTC 184 is valid (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S904. On the other hand, when it is not possible to confirm that the backup state of the RTC 184 is valid (No), that is, when it is confirmed that the backup state of the RTC 184 is invalid, the effect control CPU 126 executes step S906.

  Step S904: The effect control CPU 126 executes acquisition communication start processing for current time information. By executing this process, the effect control CPU 126 can execute an acquisition start process for starting acquisition of the current time information held in the RTC 184 (acquisition start process execution means).

  Step S906: The effect control CPU 126 executes processing for setting the backup state invalid flag to ON. The backup status invalid flag is stored in the RAM 130. When the backup status invalid flag is set to ON, it indicates that the backup status of the RTC 184 is invalid, and when the backup status invalid flag is set to OFF. , The backup status of the RTC 184 is valid.

And after finishing the process of step S904 or step S906, presentation control CPU126 performs the process of step S908 next.
Note that the processing in step S902, step S904, and step S906 corresponds to the RTC setup start processing for starting the setting of the RTC 184.

  Step S908: The effect control CPU 126 executes debug communication initialization processing. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 performs initial settings such as a communication speed, a communication protocol, and a register used for communication for the RTC 184, and executes a process of clearing data that needs to be cleared. This process is a process executed in at least one of the development machine and the mass production machine.

  Step S910: The effect control CPU 126 executes a main command initialization process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 executes an initialization process for communicating a command transmitted from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124, or saves a command transmitted from the main control device 70. For example, a process for determining whether to clear the command buffer area to be stored is executed.

  By executing the debug communication initialization process in step S908 and the main command initialization process in step S910, the effect control CPU 126 performs the current time information acquisition process (acquisition process) in step S1304 in FIG. A debug communication initialization process (separate control process) and a main command initialization process (separate control process), which are processes executed in parallel with the current time information acquisition process and are different from the current time information acquisition process It can be executed (another control processing execution means).

  Step S912: The effect control CPU 126 executes a process for confirming whether or not an acquisition communication start process for the current time information has been executed. In other words, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process for confirming whether or not the acquisition communication start process for the current time information in step S904 has been executed.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the acquisition communication start process of the current time information has been executed (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S914. On the other hand, when it is not possible to confirm that the current time information acquisition communication start process has been executed (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S916. This confirmation may be performed using a predetermined flag indicating that the current time information acquisition communication start processing has been executed, or may be performed with reference to the backup state of the RTC 184.

  Step S914: The effect control CPU 126 executes processing for confirming the validity of the acquired current time information. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 confirms the validity of the current time information acquired from the RTC 184. The acquired current time information includes information about time, information about minutes, information about seconds, and the like. And, for example, only the values of 0 to 59 are stored as information about seconds. For this reason, if the information regarding the second is a value of 0 to 59, it is determined to be normal, and if the information regarding the second is 61 seconds, it is determined to be abnormal.

  The processing after confirming the validity can be arbitrarily set according to the game specifications. For example, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of storing the acquired current time information in the RAM 130 when it is determined to be valid, and the acquired current time information is determined when it cannot be determined as valid. A process of executing a predetermined error process is executed without being stored in the RAM 130.

  By executing such a process, the effect control CPU 126, when the current time information acquisition process (acquisition process) in step S1304 in FIG. 24 is completed, checks the validity of the acquired current time information (post-process). Can be executed (post-processing execution means).

  Note that the processes in steps S912 and S914 correspond to an RTC setup end process for ending the setting of the RTC 184.

Step S916: The effect control CPU 126 executes an execution state notification process using a status LED. By executing this processing, the effect control CPU 126 can turn on the status LED 58 with a lighting pattern indicating a state after system initialization.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to CPU initialization ((A) in FIG. 21).

[RTC related processing]
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure of RTC related processing. This RTC related process is executed as a part of the RTC related process (step S360) in FIG. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S920: The effect control CPU 126 executes a process for confirming whether or not the backup state invalid flag is ON.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the backup state invalid flag is ON (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S922. On the other hand, when it is not possible to confirm that the backup state invalid flag is ON (No), that is, when the backup state is valid, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control main process ((B) in FIG. 21).

  Step S922: The effect control CPU 126 executes processing for setting the backup state invalid flag to OFF.

  Step S924: The effect control CPU 126 executes standby processing for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds). By executing this process, the effect control CPU 126 can stand by until the RTC 184 is stabilized.

  Step S926: The effect control CPU 126 executes a register setting information transmission process of the RTC 184. By executing this processing, the effect control CPU 126 can perform setting processing related to the RTC register.

  Step S928: The effect control CPU 126 executes an initial time information transmission process. By executing this process, the effect control CPU 126 can transmit initial time information to the RTC 184.

Step S930: The effect control CPU 126 executes a timing start process. By executing this process, the effect control CPU 126 can cause the RTC 184 to start measuring the current time.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control main process ((B) in FIG. 21).

[Timer interrupt processing in effect control device]
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of various timer interrupt processes (VSYNC interrupt process, frame interrupt process, phase interrupt process) periodically executed at regular intervals in the effect control device 124. The production control unit 210 permits the generation of an interrupt during the execution of the system initialization process in FIG. 21A, and then performs various timer allocations at a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, a cycle of 521 μs to 33.3 ms). A timer interrupt process corresponding to this is executed at regular intervals.
Hereinafter, the process executed by the effect control CPU 126 will be described step by step.

FIG. 24A is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure of VSYNC interrupt processing. The VSYNC interrupt is an interrupt of an image signal generated at the timing of switching the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and is generated once every 16.6 ms (60 times per second). The effect control CPU 126 executes the VSYNC interrupt process triggered by the occurrence of the VSYNC interrupt.
The VSYNC interrupt is generated when a VSYNC signal periodically output from the VDP of the effect control device 124 to the effect control CPU 126 is input to the effect control CPU 126.

Step S1300: The effect control CPU 126 sets a VSYNC interrupt monitoring flag (sets the flag value to “1”). The VSYNC interrupt monitoring flag is a flag used for confirming whether or not the VSYNC interrupt has occurred normally, and is stored in the RAM 130.
Step S1302: The effect control CPU 126 executes a VSYNC interrupt control process. In the VSYNC interrupt control process, various tasks executed due to the VSYNC interrupt are controlled.

  Step S1304: The effect control CPU 126 executes current time information acquisition processing. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process for confirming whether or not the acquisition communication start process for acquiring the current time information in step S904 in FIG. 22 is executed, and if it is confirmed that it has been executed, communicates with the RTC 184. To execute processing for acquiring current time information from the RTC 184. The communication time for acquiring the current time information is, for example, 0.7 to 1.0 ms. The current time information acquired from the RTC 184 is stored in the current time information storage buffer of the RAM 130.

  By executing such processing, the effect control CPU 126 communicates with the RTC 184 based on the execution of the acquisition communication start processing (acquisition start processing) of the current time information in step S904 in FIG. Current time information acquisition processing (acquisition processing) for acquiring current time information can be executed (acquisition processing execution means).

Note that this current time information acquisition processing has been described with an example of execution by VSYNC interrupt processing, but is executed by other interrupt processing (for example, timer interrupt processing, frame interrupt processing, or phase interrupt processing). May be.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the main loop ((A) in FIG. 21).

  FIG. 24B is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of frame interrupt processing. The frame interrupt is an interrupt that occurs once (60 times per second) at the same frequency as the VSYNC interrupt described above, that is, at an interval of 16.6 ms. The effect control CPU 126 executes a frame interrupt process triggered by the occurrence of a frame interrupt.

Step S1310: The effect control CPU 126 sets a frame interrupt monitoring flag (sets the flag value to “1”). The frame interrupt monitoring flag is a flag used for confirming whether or not a frame interrupt has occurred normally, and is stored in the RAM 130.
Step S1312: The effect control CPU 126 executes a frame interrupt control process. In the frame interrupt control process, various tasks executed due to the frame interrupt process are controlled.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the main loop ((A) in FIG. 21).

  FIG. 24C is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure of phase interruption processing. The phase interruption process is an interruption for controlling the internal device of the effect control device 124, and is generated once at an interval of 521 μs (1920 times per second). The effect control CPU 126 executes the phase interruption process triggered by the occurrence of the phase interruption.

Step S1320: The effect control CPU 126 sets a phase interruption monitoring flag (sets the flag value to “1”). The phase interrupt monitoring flag is a flag used for confirming whether or not the phase interrupt has occurred normally, and is stored in the RAM 130.
Step S1322: The effect control CPU 126 executes a phase interruption control process. In the phase interrupt control process, various tasks executed due to the phase interrupt are controlled.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the main loop ((A) in FIG. 21).

  As described above, in any timer interrupt processing, first, an interrupt monitoring flag for each timer interrupt is set, and then various tasks executed due to the interrupt are controlled.

[Production control processing]
The effect control device 124 has a function as an effect control processor and a function as an effect display processor as described above, and realizes these two functions by assigning different resources of the effect control CPU 126 to each. . The effect control CPU 126 as the effect control processor receives the effect command transmitted from the main control device 70, and transmits the effect reproduction command instructing the reproduction of the effect according to the contents. In addition, the effect control CPU 126 as an effect playback processor gives a more specific instruction to each device based on the contents of the effect playback command transmitted from the effect control processor, thereby operating each device (by the liquid crystal display 42). The pachinko machine 1 controls screen display, sound output by the speakers 54, 55, 56, light emission by the various lamps 46 to 52 and the panel lamp 53, operation of various movable bodies by the movable body motor 57, light emission by the status LED 58, etc. Realization of the production reproduction.

  Therefore, for convenience of explanation, in the following explanation, the operation subject when the effect control CPU 126 functions as an effect control processor is expressed as “effect control unit 210”, and the effect control CPU 126 functions as an effect display processor. The operation subject in this case is appropriately expressed as “display control unit 220”, “voice control unit 222”, “lamp control unit 224”, or “motor control unit 226” depending on the content.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the effect control process. This effect control process is executed as a part of the VSYNC interrupt control process (step S1302) in FIG. Note that this effect control process can also be a process that is executed when the control process has shifted to the main loop in FIG. 21A and a VSYNC interruption has occurred. That is, this effect control process can be a process that is not executed even if a VSYNC interruption occurs when the control process has not shifted to the main loop of FIG.

  The effect control process includes command reception process (step S400), working memory effect management process (step S401), effect symbol management process (step S402), simultaneous effect management process (step S403), lamp effect management process (step S404), This includes a subroutine group of sound production management processing (step S406), production random number update processing (step S408), and other processing (step S410). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect control process will be described along each process.

  Step S400: In the command reception process, the effect control unit 210 receives an effect command transmitted from the main control CPU 72. The effect control unit 210 analyzes the received effect commands and stores them in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 according to type. The effect commands transmitted from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, a special figure destination determination effect command, a (special symbol) effect command when the operating memory number increases, a (special symbol) effect command when the operating memory number decreases, and a start opening prize sound. Control command, demonstration effect command, lottery result command, variation pattern command, variation start command, stop symbol command, symbol stop command, state designation command, number of rounds command, error notification command, jackpot end effect command, turn-off counter value command , Variation pattern destination determination command, stop display time end command, probability variation area passing command, prize ball content command, and the like.

  Step S401: In the action memory effect management process, the effect control unit 210 controls the execution of the memory display effect and the pre-reading notice effect using the markers M1 and M2. The contents of the working memory effect management process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S402: In the effect symbol management process, the effect control unit 210 controls the contents of the variable display effect and the stop display effect using the effect symbol, or when the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 is opened or closed. The content of the production is controlled (production execution means). In this process, the effect control unit 210 selects effect patterns for various notice effects (notice effect before reach occurrence, notice effect after reach occurrence, etc.). Specifically, the effect control unit 210 instructs the display control unit 220 to indicate the content of the effect (for example, the number of working memories of each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the working memory effect pattern number, A pre-reading notice effect pattern number, a fluctuating effect pattern number, a fluctuating notice effect number, a background pattern number, etc.) are transmitted. In response to this, the display control unit 220 gives a specific drawing instruction to the VDP 152 based on the contents of the received effect reproduction command, and controls the display operation by the liquid crystal display 42. The contents of the effect symbol management process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S403: In the simultaneous effect management process, the effect control unit 210 executes a process related to the simultaneous effect. The details of the process will be described later.

  Step S404: In the lamp effect management process, the effect control unit 210 first transmits an effect reproduction command for instructing the content of the effect to the lamp control unit 224. In response to this, the lamp control unit 224 relays the LED driver 198 based on the contents of the received effect reproduction command and outputs a specific drive signal to the driver IC 132, and various lamps 46 to 52, the panel lamp 53, The status LED 58 and the like are driven (lighted or turned off, blinking, luminance gradation change, etc.).

  Step S406: In the sound effect management process, the effect control unit 210 first transmits an effect reproduction command for instructing the content of the effect to the audio control unit 222. In response to this, the audio control unit 222 instructs the audio IC 134 on the specific output contents based on the contents of the received effect reproduction command, and sounds (sound effects) according to the contents of the effects from the speakers 54, 55, and 56. , BGM, etc.) are output.

  Step S408: In the effect random number update process, the effect control unit 210 updates various effect random numbers in the counter area of the RAM 130. The effect random number includes, for example, a random number used for selecting a notice and a random number used for a normal background change lottery (effect lottery).

  Step S410: In other processing, for example, the effect control unit 210 first transmits an effect reproduction command for instructing the content of the effect to the motor control unit 226. In response to this, the motor control unit 226 instructs the SMC 199 on specific control contents based on the contents of the received effect reproduction command. Further, the SMC 199 creates an operation pattern of the movable body 40f based on an instruction from the motor control unit 226, and outputs a control signal corresponding to the operation pattern to the driver IC to drive the movable body 40f. The movable body 40f operates using the movable body motor 57 as a drive source, and produces an effect in synchronism with the display of an image by the liquid crystal display 42 or independently.

  Through the above-described effect control process, the effect control unit 210 can comprehensively control the effect contents in the pachinko machine 1. Next, the contents of the action memory effect management process executed in the effect control process will be described.

[Working memory production management process]
FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the working memory effect management process. Hereinafter, the contents will be described along a procedure example.

  Step S700: First, the effect control unit 210 confirms whether or not an effect command for increasing the number of working memories has been received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control unit 210 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the effect command when the number of working memories increases is stored. When it is confirmed that the effect command at the time of increasing the number of operating memories is stored (step S700: Yes), the effect control unit 210 executes step S702. When it is not possible to confirm that the effect command at the time of increasing the number of operating memories is stored (step S700: No), the effect control unit 210 does not execute step S702.

  Step S702: The effect control unit 210 executes an effect selection process when the number of working memories increases. In this process, the effect control unit 210 selects an effect for displaying the markers M1 and M2 corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

  Step S704: The effect control unit 210 confirms whether or not an effect command for reducing the number of working memories has been received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control unit 210 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the effect command when the number of working memories is reduced is stored. When it is confirmed that the production command when the number of working memories decreases is saved (step S704: Yes), the production control unit 210 executes step S706. If it is not possible to confirm that the effect command at the time when the number of working memories decreases is saved (step S704: No), the effect control unit 210 does not execute step S706.

Step S706: The effect control unit 210 executes an effect selection process when the number of working memories decreases. In this process, the effect control unit 210 causes the marker M1, M2 corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol to slide, and the marker corresponding to the lottery element consumed by the internal lottery varies from the pre-fluctuation display area X1. An effect to be moved to the middle display area X2 is selected. The storage marker moved to the changing display area X2 selects an effect to be deleted when the change ends.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control unit 210 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 25).

[Direction design management processing]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the effect symbol management process. The effect symbol management process includes an execution selection process (step S500), an effect symbol change pre-process (step S502), an effect symbol change process (step S504), an effect symbol stop display process (step S506), and a variable winning device operation. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S508). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect symbol management process will be described along each process.

  Step S500: In the execution selection process, the effect control unit 210 selects a jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S502 to S508). For example, the effect control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the effect symbol management process in the “jump table” as the return address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the situation has not yet started the variation display effect, the effect control unit 210 selects the effect symbol variation pre-processing (step S502) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the pre-change process of the effect symbol has already been completed, the effect control unit 210 selects the process during effect symbol change (step S504) as the next jump destination, and if the process until the effect symbol change is completed, As the next jump destination, the effect symbol stop display processing (step S506) is selected. The variable winning device operating process (step S508) is performed when the big winning variable variable winning device management process (step S5000 in FIG. 16) is selected by the main control CPU 72 or the small winning variable variable winning device management process (FIG. 16). When the middle step S6000) is selected, it is selected as a jump destination. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

  Step S502: In the effect symbol variation pre-processing, the effect control unit 210 performs an operation of preparing conditions for starting the variable display effect using the effect symbol. Also, in this process, the effect control unit 210 selects the contents of the reach effect according to various conditions (lottery result, winning type, variation pattern, etc.), or the effect pattern for the notice effect (other than the pre-read notice effect pattern) Select a pre-reach notice pattern, a reach notice pattern, etc.). In addition, the production control unit 210 also performs demonstration production control when the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state. The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S504: In the effect symbol changing process, the effect control unit 210 generates control information instructing the display control unit 220 as necessary. For example, when performing an effect using the effect switching button 45 during execution of the variable display effect using the effect symbol, the effect control CPU 126 monitors whether or not the player has operated the effect button, and an effect corresponding to the result is displayed. The display control unit 220 is instructed to control the content (button production).

  Step S506: In the effect symbol stop display processing, the effect control unit 210 controls the contents of the stop display effect using the effect symbols and moving images in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery. That is, the effect control unit 210 instructs the display control unit 220 to end the variable display effect and execute the stop display effect. In response to this, the display control unit 220 actually ends the variable display effect that has been executed so far in the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and executes the stop display effect. Thereby, the stop display effect is executed substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the special symbol, and the result of the internal lottery can be effectively taught (disclosure, notification, notification, etc.) to the player (design effect execution). means). In addition, at the time of a small hit, the stop display effect can be executed in a manner similar to or close to the loss.

  Step S508: In the variable winning device operation process, the effect control unit 210 controls the contents of the effect during the small hit or the big hit (special game effect executing means). In this process, the effect control unit 210 selects the contents of the prominent effect according to various conditions (for example, the winning type). For example, in the case of 16 rounds of big hit, the effect control unit 210 selects a 16-round big role effect pattern as the effect contents to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 and instructs the display control unit 220 to select this. As a result, the image of the prominent effect is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the effect contents change as the round progresses.

[Preliminary design change processing]
FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the effect symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S600: The effect control unit 210 confirms whether or not a demonstration effect command has been received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control unit 210 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not a demonstration effect command is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the demonstration effect command is stored (Yes), the effect control unit 210 executes Step S602.

  Step S602: The effect control unit 210 executes a demo selection process. In this process, the effect control unit 210 selects a demo effect pattern. The demonstration effect pattern defines the contents of the effect indicating that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control unit 210 returns to the last address of the effect symbol management process. Then, the effect control unit 210 returns to the effect control process as it is, and in the subsequent display output process (step S404 in FIG. 25) and lamp drive process (step S406 in FIG. 25), the contents of the demonstration effect are displayed based on the demo effect pattern. Control.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S600 that the demonstration effect command is not stored (No), the effect control unit 210 next executes step S604.

  Step S604: The production control unit 210 confirms whether or not the current variation is out of place (non-winning). Specifically, the effect control unit 210 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not a lottery result command at the time of non-winning is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is saved (Yes), the effect control unit 210 executes Step S612. Conversely, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is not saved (No), the effect control unit 210 executes step S606. Note that whether or not the current variation is off can be confirmed based on a variation pattern command or a stop symbol command in addition to the lottery result command. In other words, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to the outlier normal variation or outlier reach variation, it can be determined that the current variation is outlier. Alternatively, if the current stop symbol command specifies a non-winning symbol, it can be determined that the current variation is out of sync.

  Step S606: If the lottery result command is other than non-winning (missing) (step S604: No), the effect control unit 210 next checks whether or not the current fluctuation is a big hit. Specifically, the effect control unit 210 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the lottery result command at the time of the big hit is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of the big hit is stored (Yes), the effect control unit 210 executes Step S610. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of big hit is not stored (No), since only the lottery result command at the time of small hit is left, in this case, the effect control unit 210 executes step S608. . Whether or not the current variation is a big hit can also be confirmed based on a variation pattern command or a stop symbol command. That is, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to the big hit variation, it can be determined that the current variation is a big hit. If the current stop symbol command corresponds to the jackpot symbol, it can be determined that the current variation is a jackpot.

  Step S608: The effect control unit 210 executes a small hit hour variation effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control unit 210 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command received from the main control CPU 72 (for example, “C0H00H” to “D0H7FH”). The effect pattern number is prepared in advance corresponding to the variation pattern command, and the effect control unit 210 selects an effect pattern number corresponding to the variation pattern command at that time with reference to an effect pattern selection table (not shown). Can do. The production pattern numbers may be prepared in pairs with the variation pattern commands, or a plurality of production pattern numbers may be prepared for one variation pattern command.

  When an effect pattern number is selected, the effect control unit 210 refers to an effect table (not shown), and an effect symbol change schedule (change time, reach type and reach occurrence timing) corresponding to the change effect pattern number at that time, The mode of the stop display is determined. Note that the types of effect symbols determined here correspond to the “combination of symbols at the time of a small hit”.

  The above procedure corresponds to the case of “small hit”, but when it corresponds to the big hit, the effect control unit 210 confirms that it is “big hit” in step S606 (Yes). In this case, the effect control unit 210 executes step S610.

  Step S610: The effect control unit 210 performs a big hit hour variation effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control unit 210 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command received from the main control CPU 72 (for example, “E0H00H” to “F0H7FH”). In the big hit time effect pattern selection processing, the processing may be further branched for each big hit time stop symbol.

  In the case of non-winning, the following procedure is executed. That is, when the effect control unit 210 confirms that there is a shift in step S604 (Yes), next, step S612 is executed.

  Step S612: The effect control unit 210 executes a variation effect pattern selection process at the time of deviation. In this process, the effect control unit 210 determines the effect pattern number at the time of deviation based on the variation pattern commands (for example, “A0H00H” to “A6H7FH”) received from the main control CPU 72. The effect pattern numbers at the time of losing are classified into “ordinary deviation fluctuation”, “short-time deviation fluctuation”, “outlier reach fluctuation”, and the like, and a fine reach fluctuation pattern is defined in “outlier reach fluctuation”. Note that which effect pattern number is selected by the effect control unit 210 is determined by the variation pattern command transmitted from the main control CPU 72.

  When the effect pattern number at the time of losing is selected, the effect control unit 210 refers to an effect table (not shown), and the effect symbol change schedule corresponding to the change effect pattern number at that time (change time, presence / absence of reach, occurrence of reach) In this case, reach type and reach occurrence timing) and a stop display mode (for example, “7”-“2”-“4”, etc.) are determined.

  When any one of the above steps S608, S610, and S612 is executed, the effect control unit 210 next executes step S614.

  Step S614: The effect control unit 210 executes a notice selection process (notice effect executing means). In this process, the effect control unit 210 selects the content of the notice effect to be executed during the current variable display effect by lottery. The content of the notice effect is determined based on, for example, the result of internal lottery (winning or non-winning) and the current internal state (normal state, high probability state, time reduction state). The notice effect is for notifying the player of the possibility that a reach state will occur during the variable display effect, or for notifying that there is a possibility that it will eventually be a big hit. Therefore, the selection ratio of the notice effect is set to be low at the time of non-winning, but the selection ratio of the notice effect is set to be relatively high to increase the player's expectation at the time of winning.

  Step S616: The effect control unit 210 executes mode effect management processing. In this process, the effect control unit 210 executes a process of selecting a background image corresponding to the internal state (stay mode). For example, the effect control unit 210 performs a process of selecting a background image (background image shown in (A1) in FIG. 19) corresponding to the normal mode in the low probability non-time shortened state, and in the low probability time shortened state, A process of selecting a background image corresponding to the coast mode (background image shown in (B1) in FIG. 19) is executed, and in a high probability time reduction state, a background image corresponding to fireworks rush (shown in (C1) in FIG. 19). A process of selecting (background image) is executed.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control unit 210 returns to the effect symbol management process (end address). As a result, in the subsequent effect symbol variation processing (step S504 in FIG. 27), the variation display effect and the stop display effect are executed based on the actually selected variation effect pattern (effect execution means), and various A notice effect is executed based on the notice effect pattern.

[Processing when the variable winning device is activated]
FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration example of processing when the variable winning device is activated. The variable winning device operation process is a subroutine of execution selection processing (step S902), variable winning device operation pre-processing (step S904), variable winning device operation in-process (step S906), and variable winning device operation post-processing (step S908). This is a configuration including a (program module) group. Here, first, the basic flow of the variable winning device operating process will be described along each process.

  Step S902: In the execution selection process, the effect control unit 210 selects a jump destination of the process to be executed next (any of steps S904 to S908) from the “jump table”. For example, the effect control unit 210 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the variable winning device operating process in the stack pointer as the return destination address.

  Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the situation has not yet started the variable winning device operation pre-processing, the effect control unit 210 selects the variable winning device operation pre-processing (step S904) as the next jump destination. If the variable winning device operating pre-process has already been completed, the effect control unit 210 selects the variable winning device operating process (step S906) as the next jump destination. Further, if the variable winning device operating process has been completed, the effect control unit 210 selects the variable winning device operating post-process (step S908) as the next jump destination.

  Step S904: In the variable winning device pre-operation process, the effect control unit 210 executes a process of selecting the content of the effect to be executed during the big hit game or the small hit game. For example, in the case of winning with a winning type (ordinary symbol) that does not shift to a high probability state after the big hit game ends, a process of selecting an effect in which the ally character loses to the enemy character is executed. In addition, in the case of winning with a winning type (probability variation pattern) that shifts to a high probability state after the big hit game ends, a process of selecting an effect in which the ally character wins the enemy character is executed.

  Step S906: In the variable winning device operating process, the effect control unit 210 generates control information instructing the display control unit 220 as necessary. For example, when performing an effect using the effect switching button 45 during the execution of the jackpot effect, the effect control unit 210 monitors whether or not the player has operated the effect button, and the contents of the effect according to the result (button effect) Control information is instructed to the display control unit 220. In the variable winning device operating process, when a probability change area passing command is received during the big hit game, a process for selecting an effect indicating that a V winning has occurred is executed, while the probability changing area is determined during the big win game. When the passing command is not received, processing for selecting an effect indicating that no V winning has occurred is executed.

Step S908: In the variable winning device post-operation process, the effect control unit 210 executes the effect of transmitting the transition destination mode to the player during the end time of the variable winning device. For example, the effect control unit 210 executes a coast mode rush effect or a fireworks rush rush effect depending on whether or not the winning symbol or the probability variation area passes. Specifically, when a probability change area passing command is received during the big hit game, a process for selecting an effect indicating that the fireworks rush is entered is executed, and the probability changing area pass command is not received during the big hit game. In such a case, a process of selecting an effect indicating entry into the coast mode is executed.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control unit 210 returns to the effect symbol management process (FIG. 27).

[Simultaneous production management process]
FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of simultaneous effect management processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

Step S940: The effect control unit 210 executes current time information update processing.
In this process, the effect control unit 210 executes a process of updating the current time information stored in the current time information storage buffer of the RAM 130 as time elapses (for each call of this module) (for example, A process of counting up once per second is executed).

  Step S942: The effect control unit 210 confirms whether or not the value of the current time information is a specified value. The specified value can be arbitrarily set according to the game specifications, but if the simultaneous performance is executed once per hour, the specified value should be “arbitrary time, 00 minutes, 00 seconds”. it can.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the current time information is a specified value (Yes), the effect control unit 210 executes Step S944. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the value of the current time information is the specified value (No), the effect control unit 210 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 25).

  Step S944: The effect control unit 210 executes a simultaneous effect selection process. Specifically, the effect control unit 210 executes a process of selecting an effect pattern for executing the simultaneous effects shown in (A2), (B2), and (C2) in FIG. When the simultaneous effect selection process is executed, the effect control unit 210 executes a process of canceling the contents of the mode effect selected in the mode effect management process (step S616 in FIG. 28).

  When the above processing is completed, the effect control unit 210 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 25).

31 and 32 are sequence diagrams showing the flow of control processing executed between the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) and the RTC 184.
FIG. 31 shows a sequence diagram of this embodiment, and FIG. 32 shows a sequence diagram of a comparative example. Note that the sequence diagram of the comparative example does not constitute the prior art, and the contents of the present invention may be included in part.

[System initialization processing]
In the system initialization processing of the effect control device 124, first, [F10] status LED initial state setting processing and [F12] current time information acquisition communication start processing are executed. In addition, since the content of each process is as above-mentioned, description of a content is abbreviate | omitted (the following each process is the same).

[Interrupt processing]
In the interrupt process of the effect control device 124, the communication with the RTC 184 by the [F14] current time information acquisition process is started (communication start) based on the execution of the acquisition communication start process of the current time information of [F12]. ), [F16] The RTC 184 executes the current time information transmission process to the effect control device 124, and [F18] When the communication with the RTC 184 by the current time information acquisition process ends (communication end), the process in the interrupt process is performed. finish. Since the current time information acquired from the RTC 184 is stored in the current time information storage buffer, the current time information can be grasped even in the system initialization process of the effect control device 124.

  In the illustrated example, the communication end timing of [F18] is shown as an example between [F20] debug communication initialization process and [F22] main command initialization process, but depending on the communication time, The communication end timing of [F18] may be during the execution of [F20] debug communication initialization process, and the communication end timing of [F18] may be during the execution of [F22] main command initialization process. is there. That is, the communication with the RTC 184 ends at the latest before the [F22] main command initialization process ends.

[System initialization processing]
In the system initialization process of the effect control device 124, during the execution of the current time information acquisition process from [F14] to [F18] (during communication with the RTC 184), [F20] debug communication initialization process, and [ F22] A main command initialization process is executed.

[System initialization processing]
In the system initialization process of the effect control device 124, since the current time information acquisition process is completed during the execution of the [F20] debug communication initialization process and the [F22] main command initialization process, the RTC 184 Using the acquired current time information, [F24] a validity confirmation process of the acquired current time information is executed, and then [F26] an execution state notification process by a status LED is executed.

  Here, the total execution time (eg, 1.1 to 1000 ms) of the [F20] debug communication initialization process and the [F22] main command initialization process is the current time information acquisition from [F14] to [F18]. It is longer than the total execution time of processing (for example, 0.7 to 1.0 ms).

  [F12] acquisition communication start process (acquisition start process) of current time information, [F20] debug communication initialization process (separate control process), [F22] main command initialization process (separate control process), and F24] The legitimacy confirmation process (post-process) of the acquired current time information is executed in a series of system initialization processes that are executed when the effect control device 124 is turned on, and from [F14] to [F18]. The current time information acquisition process (acquisition process) is a process different from the series of system initialization processes, and is executed in an interrupt process that is executed with a predetermined interrupt as a trigger.

  The above is a sequence that can occur in the present embodiment, but the sequence of the comparative example is as shown in FIG.

  In the sequence of FIG. 32, the flow up to [F18] is the same as the sequence of the present embodiment (FIG. 31), so the contents are omitted.

[System initialization processing]
In the system initialization process of the effect control device 124, during the execution of the current time information acquisition process from [F14] to [F18] (during communication with the RTC 184), no other control process is executed. For this reason, during communication with the RTC 184, [F19] waiting time is generated until the communication with the RTC 184 is completed.

[System initialization processing]
When the communication with the RTC 184 ends, [F24] executes the validity confirmation process of the acquired current time information, [F20] executes the debug communication initialization process, [F22] executes the main command initialization process, and then [F26] An execution state notification process by the status LED is executed.

  As described above, in the control process of the comparative example, as shown in FIG. 32, the [F19] waiting time occurs until the communication with the RTC 184 is completed. I can't.

  On the other hand, in the control processing of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 31, during the communication time with the RTC 184, [F20] debug communication initialization processing and [F22] main command initialization processing are executed. Without any waiting time, the next [F24] legitimacy confirmation process of the acquired current time information can be executed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, there are the following effects.
(1) According to the present embodiment, the production control device 124 (first control device) performs debugging communication initialization processing (FIG. 24) during execution of the current time information acquisition processing (processing of S1304 in FIG. 24, acquisition processing). 22 to execute the process of S908, another control process) and the main command initialization process (the process of S910 of FIG. 22, another control process), using the waiting time until the current time information acquisition process ends, Debug communication initialization processing and main command initialization processing can be executed. As a result, the debug communication initialization process and the main command initialization process can be advanced in comparison with the method of executing the debug communication initialization process and the main command initialization process after waiting for the current time information acquisition process to end. As a result, when the production control device 124 and the RTC 184 communicate with each other, efficient processing can be executed.

(2) According to the present embodiment, the execution time of the debug communication initialization process and the main command initialization process is longer than the execution time of the current time information acquisition process. The communication initialization process and the main command initialization process will not end. For this reason, when the debug communication initialization process and the main command initialization process are finished, the current time information acquisition process is always finished, and there is a wasteful waiting time waiting for the end of the current time information acquisition process. As a result, efficient processing can be executed when the production control device 124 and the RTC 184 communicate with each other.

(3) According to the present embodiment, when the production control device 124 and the RTC 184 communicate with each other, inter-IC communication is performed by another IC, and the communication time is longer than processing in the same IC. Even in this case, efficient processing can be executed by executing the debug communication initialization process and the main command initialization process during the communication time.

(4) According to the present embodiment, the current time information acquisition communication start process (the process of S904 in FIG. 22, the acquisition start process), the debug communication initialization process (the process of S908 of FIG. 22, another control process), the main The command initialization process (the process of S910 in FIG. 22, separate control process) and the validity confirmation process of the acquired current time information (the process of S914 in FIG. 22, post-process) are a series of system initialization processes (RTC Since the current time information acquisition process (the process of S1304 in FIG. 24, the acquisition process) is executed during the interrupt process, the current time information acquisition communication start process, etc. And the current time information acquisition process can be executed in a separate system. Thus, by separating the processing systems, the processing can be executed in parallel in the two systems, and efficient processing is executed when the effect control device 124 and the RTC 184 communicate with each other. Can do.

(5) When initializing the RTC 184, if the backup state of the RTC 184 is invalid, a long waiting time of a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) is generated. In the control main process, a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) is waited, and then initial setting is performed (see FIG. 23). On the other hand, if the backup status of the RTC 184 is valid, the current time information is acquired from the RTC 184, and the validity of the acquired current time information is confirmed. It takes a long time from the operation time of the program of the control device 124. The reason why it takes a long time is that the effect control CPU 126 and the RTC 184 are different ICs and perform inter-IC communication. For this reason, if the end of the communication time is waited on the spot, the initialization time of the whole system initialization process will be extended. Here, since the communication for obtaining the current time information can be advanced to the end of communication by interrupt processing once it is started, it is not necessary to monitor the communication end in the system initialization processing. .

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the system initialization process (RTC initialization process), the current time information acquisition communication start process (the process of S904 in FIG. 22) is first executed. Then, while executing another initialization process (debug communication initialization process in S908 in FIG. 22 and main command initialization process in S910 in FIG. 22), the interrupt process is performed behind the scenes (in parallel). The effect control device 124 and the RTC 184 communicate with each other, and the communication with the RTC 184 is terminated in the interruption process (current time information acquisition process in S1304 in FIG. 24). Thereby, in the validity confirmation process of the acquired current time information (the process of S914 in FIG. 22), the validity of the current time information acquired from the RTC 184 can be confirmed without waiting time. By adopting such a control method, efficient system initialization processing can be executed without waiting for communication time with the RTC 184.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications. The aspect of appearance and various numerical values given in the embodiment are merely examples, and are not limited to the above-described contents.

  In the embodiment described above, the production control device 124 and the RTC 184 communicate with each other during the system initialization interrupt process, and the current time information is acquired from the RTC 184. However, other processes other than the system initialization ( For example, in the current time information update process in step S940 in FIG. 30, the presentation control device 124 and the RTC 184 may communicate with each other once in a predetermined time, and the current time information may be acquired from the RTC 184.

  In this case, the process (acquisition start process and acquisition process) for acquiring the current time information in the first interrupt process is executed, and other processes (separately necessary for rendering) are performed while acquiring the current time information. Control process) and a process (post-process) for confirming the validity of the current time information can be executed in the next interrupt process.

  In the embodiment described above, the first control device has been described as an example of the effect control device 124, but may be the main control device 70 or the payout control device 92.

  In the above-described embodiment, the second control device has been described with the example of the RTC 184. However, the liquid crystal display 42 (liquid crystal display device), the LED driver IC, and the motor that holds the sensor state as the predetermined information. It may be a driver IC or the like.

In the embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 31, the processing time of [F20] debug communication initialization process and [F22] main command initialization process is longer than the communication time with RTC 184. Explained. Therefore, if it takes longer than the communication time, [F20] Debug communication initialization process and [F22] Other initialization process may be executed in addition to the main command initialization process.
However, if the purpose is not to completely eliminate the waiting time but to shorten the waiting time, temporarily, either [F20] debug communication initialization process or [F22] main command initialization process Even if only this is executed, the waiting time during the communication time can be shortened.

  Moreover, although this invention demonstrated in the example applied to a pachinko machine, you may apply to a pachislot machine (rotating type game machine, slot machine). Here, a pachislot machine is a lever-shaped start switch, a button-shaped stop switch, and a plurality of rotations that start rotating based on the operation of the start switch and stop rotating based on the operation of the player's stop switch. A winning combination lottery that determines whether or not to win a predetermined winning combination based on the operation of the start switch in a state where a sufficient number of medals or game balls as gaming media are inserted to start the game. And rotating a plurality of rotating reels, based on the operation of the stop switch, stopping the rotating reel corresponding to the operated stop switch, and connecting the predetermined symbol position of each stopped rotating reel. Based on the combination of symbols displayed on the line, whether or not the winning combination won by the winning combination lottery is won Was treated with constant, based on the result of the winning determination, game media, is that the replay, the character object and character object game machine imparting benefits continuous operation apparatus and the like to the player.

  The images given in other production examples are merely examples, and these can be appropriately modified. Further, the structure, board surface configuration, specific numerical values and the like of the pachinko machine 1 are preferable examples including those shown in the drawings, and it goes without saying that these can be appropriately modified.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board unit 8a Game area 20 Start gate 28 Variable start winning device 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation | movement memory lamp 34 1st special symbol display device 35 2nd special symbol display device 34a 1st special symbol operation memory Lamp 35a Second special symbol operation memory lamp 38 Game state display device 42 Liquid crystal display 45 Effect switching button 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU
130 RAM
152 VDP
156 VRAM
180 Control ROM
182 SRAM
184 RTC

Claims (2)

A first control device;
A second control device capable of communicating with the first control device and holding predetermined information;
The first control device includes:
Acquisition start process execution means for executing an acquisition start process for starting acquisition of the predetermined information held in the second control device;
An acquisition process execution means for communicating with the second control device based on the execution of the acquisition start process and executing the acquisition process for acquiring the predetermined information from the second control device;
During the execution of the acquisition process, another control process execution means for executing another control process that is a process executed in parallel with the acquisition process and is a control process different from the acquisition process;
A gaming machine comprising post-processing execution means for executing post-processing related to the acquired predetermined information when the acquisition processing is completed. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The acquisition start process, the separate control process, and the post-process are:
Executed in a series of initialization processes executed when the first control device is powered on;
The acquisition process includes
A gaming machine, which is a process different from the series of initialization processes and is executed in an interrupt process that is executed with a predetermined interrupt as a trigger.