JP2018175102A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology capable of controlling driving of more motors.SOLUTION: A motor control part 226 first searches for availability of a motor control group when the new motor control table is set for a motor, and then reserves any available motor control group as a target motor allocation destination. The respective motor control groups correspond to respective register groups within an SMC 199, and the number is equal to a simultaneous drivable number according to H/W specifications. The motor control part 226 overwrites H/W setting (association between a register group and a motor) of the SMC 199 on the basis of reservation, analyzes respective control commands written to the motor control table each time, and specifically designates operation of the motor for the SMC 199 via the register group to which the target motor is allocated. Thus, association between the register group and the motor is dynamically changed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 28

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that controls effects as a game progresses.

  The effects performed with the progress of the game are increasing their expressiveness as the technology advances, and the player's vision and the combination of displacement of the movable body, lighting of the lamp, and reproduction of voice and video etc. Intuitive effects appealing to the sense of hearing are realized in various ways. Among the movable bodies, although the movable body can be displaced by driving the connected motor, there is known a gaming machine which outputs a drive signal to such a motor via a motor controller.

  For example, the motor controller mounted in the inside of the composite chip that controls all the rendering operations directly drives the motor drive signal to the driver IC mounted on the external substrate based on the set value written in the motor control register. A gaming machine that outputs is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, a motor controller provided outside the sub control circuit for controlling the rendering operation relays between the sub control circuit and the movable body, and excitation data of the motor transmitted from the inside of the sub control circuit (host control circuit) There is a gaming machine which indirectly outputs to a motor driver installed in a motor controller (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP, 2016-159030, A Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2016-150106

  In the former prior art, the motor to be controlled is set in each motor control register, and the motor controller outputs a drive signal for each motor based on this setting. In the latter prior art, when transmitting excitation data for driving a specific motor, the host control circuit designates a specific motor driver as a transmission destination. Since a specific motor is driven in this manner, in any prior art, the number that can control the drive of the motor is physically the hardware specification (motor control register or motor driver Depends on the number).

  At this time, no particular problem occurs as long as the total number of motors does not exceed the upper limit of the hardware specification. However, in order to realize fine movement or displace more movable bodies than usual, the number of motors exceeding the upper limit of the hardware specifications is required, and in this case, simply connecting the motors , Can not control the drive of all the motors.

  Then, this invention makes it a subject to provide the technique which can control the drive of more motors.

  The present invention adopts the following solutions in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. In addition, the wording in the following parenthesis is an illustration to the last, and this invention is not limited to this.

  Solution means 1: The gaming machine of this solution means receives the operation instruction through any of a plurality of motors individually operable based on the operation instruction and a predetermined number of information setting areas, and the target of the operation instruction is Drive control means for generating and outputting a drive signal for a certain motor, searching for a vacant information setting area which has not received the operation instruction among the predetermined number of minutes and searching for the searched information setting area And an effect control means for correlating the motor.

According to this solution means, for example, the processing of the effect control device is executed in the following flow.
(1) When the game ball is fired, it flows down the game area while being guided by an obstacle nail, a windmill, a structure, etc., passes through the area in the process, and enters a ball entry port (a winning opening etc.) I do ball. The main control means advances the game by controlling the game according to these events, and outputs basic information (various commands) regarding the game.

  (2) The effect control means controls the execution of the effect based on the basic information output in (1). For example, when some basic information (for example, a change start command) is output from the main control means, the effect control means controls the execution of the effect according to the basic information. More specifically, the effect control means instructs an operation according to the effect.

  (3) A plurality of motors are used in the process of performing an effect. These motors can operate individually based on individual operation instructions.

  (4) When the drive control means receives an operation instruction from the effect control means of (2), the drive control means generates and outputs a drive signal for an individual motor which is the target of the instruction. The drive control means has a predetermined number of (for example, 16) information setting areas, and receives an operation instruction from the effect control means through any of these information setting areas.

  (5) The effect control means of (2) gives an operation instruction to the drive control means of (4) when performing an action effect using a motor. At this time, the effect control means searches the vacant information setting area (the information setting area which has not received the operation instruction), and associates the target motor with any of the vacant information setting areas. Thus, the information setting area that receives the operation instruction is uniquely associated with the target motor.

  The drive control means can control one motor per one information setting area, but the number of information setting areas is limited to a predetermined number. On the other hand, although a plurality of motors are controlled in the process of producing an effect, some motors are always driven (to be controlled) and some are temporarily driven. If it is assumed that the motor to be driven temporarily is associated with the information setting area, other motors can not be associated although the information setting area is not practically used. .

  In this solution means, when the effect control means instructs the drive control means to operate the motor, the vacant information setting area is searched, and the motor is associated with either of them. Therefore, according to the present solution means, the motor is dynamically associated with the information setting area, and the information setting area having a limited number is effectively utilized by using the information setting area which is vacant at that time. It is possible to control the driving of the motor efficiently.

  Solution 2: The gaming machine of this solution is characterized in that, in the solution 1, the effect control means includes a first instruction unit that issues a series of instructions necessary to execute an operation effect using a motor; and the first instruction unit And a second instruction unit that instructs the drive control means to operate the target motor based on the contents of the analysis, and the second instruction unit is configured to execute the series of operations. When the instruction is received, the search of the vacant information setting area and the association of the target motor are performed, and the second instruction unit associates the target motor after analyzing the series of instructions. An information setting area is added to the search candidate of the space information setting area.

According to this solution, the following features are added.
(6) The effect control means of the above (5) has two instruction parts. First, when the first instructing unit issues a series of instructions necessary to execute the operation effect using the motor, the second instructing unit analyzes the series of instructions, and the operation of the target motor is described above based on the contents. Instruct the drive control means of (4). At this time, upon receiving a series of instructions, the second instructing unit searches for a vacant information setting area and associates a motor, and when analysis of a series of instructions is completed, the information setting area to which the motor is associated is vacant. Switch to the state and add it to the search candidate as the free space setting area. As a result, if the vacant information setting area is searched, this information setting area will be hit as one of the candidates.

  In this solution, after the second instructing unit receives a series of instructions to the motor, that is, before the second instructing unit starts operation instructions based on the series of instructions to the drive control unit, the motor for the information setting area is After the analysis of the series of instructions is completed, that is, after the operation instruction based on the series of instructions is completed, the information setting area is added to the search candidate of the vacant information setting area. As a result, the information setting area that has become unnecessary switches to a state in which it is possible to associate a new motor immediately after that. Therefore, according to the present solution means, since the information setting area which has become unnecessary can be immediately used as a target of reuse, it is possible to control the driving of the motor more efficiently while further effectively using the information setting area. It becomes possible.

  Solution means 3: In the game machine of this solution means, in solution means 1 or 2, the number of motors simultaneously drivable by the drive signal corresponds to a predetermined number of the information setting areas, and the plurality of motors are The number of the information setting areas included in the drive control means is larger than a predetermined number.

According to this solution, the following features are added.
(7) The drive control means of (4) can simultaneously drive the number of motors corresponding to the predetermined number of the information setting areas.
(8) The plurality of motors in (3) above is larger than the predetermined number of information setting areas, that is, the number of motors that the drive control unit in (4) can drive simultaneously.

  The number of information setting areas is based on hardware specifications and is fixed to a predetermined number. Since the drive control means can control one motor per one information setting area, it can simultaneously drive a number of motors corresponding to a predetermined number. On the other hand, the total number of motors used in the process of performing rendering exceeds the number of motors that can be driven simultaneously. At this time, assuming that the information setting area is not dynamically associated, the effect control means instructs the driving control means to operate via the information setting area until the number of motors to be controlled reaches a predetermined number. Although there is no information setting area for instructing the rendering operation for the motor for which the predetermined number has been exceeded, it is not possible to issue an operation instruction to the drive control means. As a result, the motor can not be driven for the amount exceeding the predetermined number.

  On the other hand, in the present solution means, since the association of the motor with the information setting area and the switching to the idle state are dynamically performed, the information setting area that has become unnecessary can be reused. In addition, based on the limitation of the amount of current consumption available for the entire gaming machine, the effects using the motor are configured in advance within the range in which the total amount of current required by the simultaneously driven motor does not exceed the specified value, Even if the total number of motors used during rendering exceeds the simultaneous drivable number, the number of motors that are actually simultaneously drivable falls within the simultaneous drivable number.

  Therefore, according to the present solution, the drive of the motor can be efficiently controlled, and each motor can be reliably operated even when the total number of motors used in the process of rendering exceeds the number of motors that can be driven simultaneously. Can be driven.

  According to the present invention, driving of more motors can be controlled.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view showing a game board unit alone. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board unit. It is a block diagram showing various electronic equipment with which a pachinko machine was equipped. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure in a presentation control apparatus. 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 processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a save processing at the time of a power-off. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of command reception interruption processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of timer interruption processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of switch input event processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of 1st special symbol memory | storage update processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of 2nd special symbol memory | storage update processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the effect determination processing at the time of acquisition. It is a flow chart which shows the example of composition of special symbol game processing. It is a continuous view showing an example of an effect image made to correspond to change display and stop display of a special symbol. It is a continuous diagram (1/4) which shows the flow of reach production (at the time of big hit) performed during special zone production. It is a continuous figure (2/4) which shows the flow of reach production (at the time of big hit) performed during special zone production. It is a continuous figure (3/4) which shows the flow of reach production (at the time of big hit) performed during special zone production. It is a continuous diagram (4/4) which shows the flow of the reach production (at the time of big hit) performed during special zone production. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the CPU initialization process performed by a presentation control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an effect control process. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of movable body control. It is a figure which shows an example of a motor control table. It is a figure which shows an example of the control instruction which comprises a motor control table. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions around SMC. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a motor drive process. It is a table which shows the transition example of the assignment situation of the motor to each motor control group. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an operation memory production management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of production | presentation symbol management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a production | design pattern fluctuation | variation pre-processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of composition of processing at the time of variable winning a prize device operation.

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 the player borrows the game ball from the game arcade operator to play a game with the pachinko machine 1. In the game in the pachinko machine 1, the game ball is a medium in which each one has a game value, and the benefits (profits) enjoyed by the player as a result of the game are, for example, the game ball earned by the player Can be converted into gaming value based on the number of Hereinafter, the entire 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 integral door unit 4 and an inner frame assembly 7 (plastic frame, gaming machine frame) as its main body. The integral door unit 4 is located at the front of the player when viewed from the front facing the player. The inner frame assembly 7 is located on the back side (rear side) of the integral 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 a wood and a metal material are combined in a vertically long rectangular shape, and the outer frame unit 2 is a fastener such as a screw for island equipment (not shown) in the game arcade. It is fixed by using. In the vertically-rectangular outer frame unit 2, wood is used for portions corresponding to upper and lower short sides, and metal materials are used for portions corresponding to left and right long sides.

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

  A uniform lock unit 9 is provided inside the right side edge (the left side edge in FIG. 2) of the inner frame assembly 7 when viewed from the front in FIG. Moreover, the locking tool which is not shown in figure is provided also in the right side edge part (back side) of the integral door unit 4 and the outer frame unit 2 corresponding to this, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the integral door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are closed with respect to the outer frame unit 2, the united lock unit 9 on the back side thereof is combined with the lock and the integral door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 is not open.

  Further, at the right side edge of the tray unit 6, a cylinder lock 6a with a keyhole is provided. For example, when the manager of the game arcade inserts the dedicated key into the keyhole and twists the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the uniform lock unit 9 operates to allow the integral door unit 4 to be opened together with the inner frame assembly 7. . When the whole of them is opened from the outer frame unit 2 to the front side (moving 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 integral door unit 4 is released while the inner frame assembly 7 is locked, and the integral door unit 4 can be opened. When the integral door unit 4 is opened to the front side, the game board unit 8 is exposed directly, and in this state, the manager of the game arcade can remove obstacles such as ball clogging in the board. Further, when the integral door unit 4 is opened, the saucer unit 6 is also opened to the front side together.

  The pachinko machine 1 also includes a game board unit 8 as a gaming unit. The game board unit 8 is supported by the inner frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the integral door unit 4. The game board unit 8 is removable with respect to the inner frame assembly 7, for example, in a state where the integral door unit 4 is opened to the front side. In the integral door unit 4, a vertically elongated circular window 4 a is formed at the central portion, and a glass unit (without reference numeral) is attached in the window 4 a. The glass unit is, for example, a combination of 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 integral door unit 4 via an attachment (not shown). A game area 8a (board, game board) is formed on the front of the game board unit 8, and the game area 8a is visible to the player from the front side through the window 4a. When the integral door unit 4 is closed, a space where the gaming balls can flow down is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the board.

  The saucer unit 6 generally has a shape protruding from the integral door unit 4 to the front side, and the upper plate 6b is formed on the upper surface thereof. In the upper tray 6b, a game ball (rental ball) lent to the player and a game ball (prize ball) acquired by winning can be stored. In the tray unit 6, a lower tray 6c is formed at a lower position of the upper tray 6b. In the lower plate 6c, gaming balls that are further paid out when the upper plate 6b is full are stored. The pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called CR machine (type connected to a CR unit), and the gaming balls borrowed by the player are separated from the payout device unit 172 on the back side separately from the winning balls. Disbursed to the plate 6b or the lower plate 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 disposed in the lending operation unit 14. When the player operates the ball lending button 10 in a state where a valuable medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium, a medium with a storage IC, etc.) is inserted into a CR unit (not shown), the number corresponding to a predetermined frequency unit (for example, 5 degrees) The game balls of (for example, 125 pieces) are lent out. Therefore, a frequency display unit (not shown) is disposed on the upper surface of the lending operation unit 14, and the frequency display unit displays the remaining frequency of the valuable medium inserted in the CR unit. Incidentally, the player can receive the return of the valuable medium in which the frequency remains by operating the return button 12. Although the CR machine is described as an example in the present embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 may be a cash machine (a type not connected to the CR unit) other than the CR machine.

  Further, on the upper surface of the tray unit 6, an upper disc ball release button 6d is installed in front of the upper disc 6b in the upper position, and a lower disc ball out lever 6e in the central part in front of the lower disc 6c. Is installed. The player can cause the gaming balls stored in the upper tray 6b to flow down to the lower tray 6c by, for example, pressing the upper tray sphere removing button 6d. In addition, the player can drop the gaming ball stored in the lower tray 6c downward and discharge it by sliding the lower bowl pulling lever 6e, for example, in the left direction. The game balls discharged are received by, for example, a ball receiving box not shown.

  At the lower right portion of the tray unit 6, a handle unit 16 is installed. The player operates the handle unit 16 to operate the firing control board set 174, and can shoot (strike) the game ball toward the game area 8a (ball launcher). The fired game balls rise from the lower edge of the game board unit 8 along the left edge and are guided by the outer band (not shown) and thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails and a windmill (without reference numeral in the figure) are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown game ball flows down in the game area 8a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nail and the windmill. The configuration of the game area 8a (board, game board) will be described later with reference to another drawing.

[Composition of frame front]
In the integral door unit 4, a left top lens unit 47 and an upper right illumination unit 49 are installed as components for effect. Among them, the glass frame top lamp 46 and the glass frame decoration lamp 48 on the left side are incorporated in the left top lens unit 47, and the glass frame decoration lamp 50 on the right side is incorporated in the upper right illumination unit 49. In addition, left and right glass frame decoration lamps 52 are installed on the integral door unit 4 so as to be continuous with the left top lens unit 47 and the upper right illumination unit 49 respectively, and these glass frame decoration lamps 52 It extends from the left and right edges of the integral door unit 4 to the front of the saucer unit 6. In the integral door unit 4, the glass frame top lamp 46 and the left and right glass frame decoration lamps 48, 50, 52, etc. are arranged so as to surround the glass unit.

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

  Further, at the center of the tray unit 6, the effect switching button 45 is installed at the front position of the upper tray 6b (operation input means). The player switches the effect contents (for example, the background screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 42) by pressing the effect switching button 45, for example, while the symbol is changing or the big hit is being displayed, or the big hit is being played. In some cases, it is possible to generate an effect (for example, a notice effect, a definite change promotion effect, a promotion effect during a major 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 effect contents 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, the power control unit 162, the main control board unit 170, the dispensing unit 172, the flow path unit 173, the launch control board set 174, the dispensing control board unit 176. , The back cover unit 178 and the like are installed. Besides, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) constituting the power 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 provided.

  The dispenser unit 172 has, for example, a winning ball tank 172a and a winning ball case (without a reference numeral). Among them, the winning ball tank 172a is installed on the upper edge (rear side) of the inner frame assembly 7. It is possible to store gaming balls supplied from a supply route (not shown). The game balls stored in the prize ball tank 172a are guided to the prize ball case through the upper prize ball basket (not shown). The flow path unit 173 guides the gaming balls sent from the payout device unit 172 toward the saucer unit 6 on the front side.

  In addition, the external terminal board 160 is for connecting the pachinko machine 1 to an external electronic device (for example, a data display device, a hall computer, etc.). From this external terminal board 160, the gaming progress state of the pachinko machine 1 And various external information signals (for example, winning ball information, door opening information, symbol determination frequency information, big hit information, starting opening information, etc.) representing the maintenance status etc. are output to the external electronic device .

  The power supply cord 164 is to be connected to a power supply device (for example, AC 24 V) installed at an island facility of the game arcade, for example, to secure the power supply (power) necessary for the operation of the pachinko machine 1. Further, the ground wire 166 is connected to a ground terminal similarly installed in the island facility to secure the ground (ground) of the pachinko machine 1.

[Composition of board]
FIG. 3 is a front view showing the gaming 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 board, and in a state where the game board unit 8 is 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 inside a launch rail (no reference numeral) installed in a substantially circular shape.

  In the game area 8a, in addition to the start gate 20 and the normal winning openings 22, 24, a winning device unit 400, a variable winning device 30, etc. are installed. The winning device unit 400 is configured to include the ball sorting device 200 and the start winning hole unit 300. As shown by the arrows in FIG. 3, the game balls driven into the game area 8a randomly pass through the start gate 20 in the process of flowing down, or win the regular winning openings 22, 24 or Alternatively, it passes through the ball distribution device 200 or enters the ball at the start winning opening unit 300. The starting winning opening unit 300 has, for example, two starting winning openings (left starting winning opening 28a, right starting winning opening 26) arranged side by side, and the game balls distributed by the ball distributing device 200 are The start winning combination unit 300 can enter either the left or right starting winning combination.

  Of the game balls thrown in, the game ball which has passed through the start gate 20 continues to flow down the game area 8a, but either the normal winning openings 22 or 24 or the start winning opening unit 300 either left or right The game balls having entered the start winning openings 26, 28a are collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 through an opening (not shown) formed in the game board 8b.

  In the winning device unit 400, the variable start winning device 28 is installed on the left side of the starting winning opening unit 300. The variable start winning device 28 corresponds to the left start winning opening 28 a in the winning device unit 400.

  The variable start winning device 28 has, for example, a pair of left and right movable pieces 28b, which are movable by means of a link mechanism using, for example, a solenoid (not shown in FIG. 3). It reciprocates in the left-right direction along the front surface of the plate 8b. Such a reciprocating operation corresponds to an operation of changing the width of the inflow path of the gaming ball formed between the pair of movable pieces 28b, and in the present embodiment, this is referred to as an opening / closing operation. Then, the variable start winning device 28 operates when the predetermined condition is satisfied (when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed over the stop display time in a hitting manner), and performs the above-mentioned opening and closing operation.

  The opening and closing operation of the pair of movable pieces 28b is performed in the following manner. That is, as shown by the solid line in the figure, with the tip facing upward, the left and right movable pieces 28b are in the inoperative position, and at this time the opening width to which the game ball can flow is narrowed between the movable pieces 28b It is in a state of At this time, although the ball entry in the variable start winning device 28 is not facilitated, the occurrence itself of the ball entry is possible. That is, game balls can flow in from above the pair of left and right movable pieces 28b. For example, the game balls released from the ball distribution device 200 can flow between the pair of left and right movable pieces 28b.

  On the other hand, when the variable start winning device 28 operates, the left and right movable pieces 28b are displaced (expanded) from the inoperative position to the open position, respectively, as shown by the two-dot chain line in the figure. Expand the width of the inflow path formed between the sides to the left and right. During this time, the variable start winning device 28 is in a state in which the inflow of gaming balls is facilitated, and it is possible to easily generate the entry into the left start winning opening 28 a as compared with the non-operation time.

  Further, in the start winning opening unit 300, a pair of fixed pieces 302a is installed on the right side of the variable start winning device. The pair of fixed pieces 302a corresponds to the right start winning opening 26 in the winning device unit 400 (however, it is not the winning opening itself).

  The pair of fixed pieces 302a also form the inflow path of the gaming ball between them, but the width is always fixed. Although the width of the pair of movable pieces 28b is fixed, game balls can flow in from above the movable pieces 28b, and for example, the game balls released from the ball distribution device 200 have a start winning prize on the right side not shown. After entering the mouth, it can flow between the left and right fixed pieces 302a.

  The arrangement of obstacle nails installed on the game board 8b is basically such that it is easy to guide the flow of the game ball toward the ball distribution device 200 and the start winning opening unit 300, but the game ball must be a ball It does not necessarily flow into the distribution device 200 or the left and right start winning hole (between the pair of movable pieces 28b or between the pair of fixed pieces 302a), and the inflow of gaming balls is randomly generated.

  In addition, the above-mentioned variable winning device 30 operates when the prescribed condition is satisfied (when the special symbol is stopped and displayed for the stop display time in a mode other than non-winning), the special winning opening (without reference numeral) Enables entry to the game (winning) (special motorized role). The variable winning device 30 is a winning device provided at the upper position in the gaming area 8a (so-called upper attacker), and in the present embodiment, the variable winning device 30 is on the left side of the upper end of the rendering unit 40 (details will be described later). It is arranged. The variable winning device 30 has, for example, one opening and closing member 30a, and the opening and closing member 30a is displaced from the closed position toward the open position by the action of a link mechanism using, for example, a solenoid (not shown). The open / close member 30a is in the closed position (closed state) in a state where the tip is directed upward (in a state of being continuous with the rendering unit 40) as shown in the figure. It is impossible (the big winning opening is closed). When the variable winning device 30 operates, the opening / closing member 30a is displaced to fall leftward centering on a hinge (not shown), and the big winning opening is opened (opened state). During this time, the variable winning device 30 is in a state in which the inflow of gaming balls is not disabled, and it is possible to generate entry (winning) to the big winning opening. At this time, the opening and closing member 30a also functions as a member for guiding the inflow of the game ball to the special winning opening. The game balls having flowed into the big winning opening pass through the count switch 84 and are detected to enter the ball (winning), and then are recovered to the back side of the gaming board unit 8 through the recovery passage (no reference numeral).

  The above-mentioned effect unit 40 is installed on the game board unit 8 from the central position to the right side part. In addition to the upper edge 40a of the effect unit 40 functioning as a guide member for changing the flow direction of the game ball, the effect unit 40 is provided with various decorative components 40b, 40c, 40k and the like inside thereof. The decorative parts 40b, 40c, and 40k enhance the decorativeness of the game board unit 8 by their three-dimensional formation, and, for example, emit light through a built-in light emitter (such as an LED) to perform a rendering operation. Can. 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. . As described above, the gaming board unit 8 impresses the player with the features of the pachinko machine 1 based on the configuration of the board and the decorativeness of the rendering 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 emitter) disposed not only on the front side but also behind the game board 8b Can be added.

  A plurality (eight in this case) of memory display bodies 41a to 41h and one logo display body 40m are installed from the lower edge to the right edge of the effect unit 40. Among them, the memory display bodies 41a to 41h are arranged so as to surround the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 from the lower position to the right edge position, and at the right edge position from the memory display body 41a located at the left end at the lower position. The memory display body 41h at the top is generally arched. The logo display 40m is disposed at the upper right edge of the display screen, and the top memory display 41h is adjacent to the logo display 40m.

  The logo display body 40m has, for example, a configuration based on a circular decorative part, and on the front surface of the logo display body 40m, decorative characters (logo marks) designed with alphabets "E" and "Z" are attached. Each of the memory display bodies 41a to 41h has a configuration based on, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped decorative part, and the numbers "1" to "8" are attached on the front face in a manner that is easy for the player to visually recognize (Not shown in FIG. 3). Further, light emitters (LEDs) (not shown) are incorporated in the logo display body 40m and the plurality of memory display bodies 41a to 41h, and logo display is performed by changing the lighting state (lighting color, lighting pattern). The body 40m and each of the memory display bodies 41a to 41h can perform rendering operation by light emission individually.

  Furthermore, the plurality of memory display bodies 41a to 41h can also be used as the above-described movable body. That is, on the back side of the game board unit 8, a memory display body motor (not shown) is installed, and this motor is used as a drive source to operate each memory display body 41a to 41h using a link mechanism or gear transmission mechanism etc. It can be done. A specific effect aspect involving light emission of the logo display 40m and light emission and movement of the memory displays 41a to 41h will be described later.

  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, and when the game balls flowing down the game area 8a randomly flow into the ball guide passage 40d, they pass through the inside and roll. It is released onto the stage 40e. The upper surface of the rolling stage 40e has a smooth curved surface, and here, the gaming ball can roll in the left-right direction. The game balls rolled on the rolling stage 40 e eventually flow down into the lower game area 8 a. The ball releasing part 40i is formed in the approximate center position of the rolling stage 40e, and the game ball which has flowed down from the rolling stage 40e via the ball releasing part 40i enters the ball distributing apparatus 200 located just below it. It becomes easy to ball.

  Further, an inflow passage 40g is formed at a substantially central position of the rolling stage 40e, and gaming balls may randomly flow into the inflow passage 40g from the rolling stage 40e. The inflow passage 40g extends downward from the lower edge of the effect unit 40 and is bent in an L shape toward the near side, and a ball outlet 40h is formed at the end of the inflow passage 40g. The ball outlet 40 h is open toward the front, and the opening position is located right above the ball distribution device 200. Therefore, the gaming balls having flowed into the inflow path 40g from on the rolling stage 40e are discharged from the ball discharge port 40h and easily flow into the ball distribution device 200 located immediately below.

  Further, in the effect unit 40, a large rotary lamp 41 is installed at the upper right position of the liquid crystal display 42. The large-sized rotary lamp 41 is configured of, for example, a light-transmitting resin cover and a decorative body (all without reference numerals). Among them, the resin cover is formed of, for example, a red translucent material into a container (dome bottom) shape, and a light emitter (for example, LED) and a reflector (not shown) are provided inside the resin cover There is. The reflector has, for example, a structure that simulates a concave mirror, and is disposed in a state where its mirror surface is opposed to the reflector. In addition, the reflector can be rotationally moved inside the resin cover, for example, by the power of a motor (not shown). At this time, the reflector moves to rotate its mirror surface along the periphery of the light emitter. The rotational axis of the motor coincides with the central axis of the resin cover (an imaginary line slightly inclined to the right in FIG. 3).

  Therefore, by rotating the reflector with a motor while emitting light from the large-sized rotary lamp 41, the light from the light-emitting body is reflected while being condensed by the concave mirror, and the reflected light is rotated like a lighthouse It can be made transparent to the cover. At this time, even if the light emitter emits white light, since the material of the resin cover is semitransparent red, the light emission operation of the large rotary lamp 41 is as if the red rotary lamp is rotating. It will be visible.

  In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 8a, and game balls which did not enter (winning) various prize ports are finally collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 through the out port 32. In addition, the game area 8a, including the game balls entered into the normal winning opening 22, 24 and the starting winning opening unit 300 (right starting winning opening 26, left starting winning opening 28a) and the variable winning device 30 (big winning opening). All game balls thrown in are collected to the back side of the game board unit 8. The collected game balls are discharged from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 through the out passage assembly (not shown) to the outside of the frame, and join the supply path of the island equipment (not shown).

  FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the game board unit 8 (the lower left position in the window 4a). That is, in addition to the normal symbol display device 33 and the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a being provided, for example, at the lower left position in the window 4a, the game board unit 8 also has a first special symbol display device 34 and a second special symbol display device 35. And the game state display device 38 is provided. Among them, the normal symbol display device 33 turns on, for example, two lamps (LEDs) alternately to display an ordinary symbol in a variable manner, and stops the normal symbol by turning on or off the lamp. The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a displays 0 to 4 stored numbers, for example, by a combination of lighting or blinking of two lamps (LEDs). For example, in the display mode in which two lamps are turned off together, 0 is displayed, in the display mode in which one lamp is turned on, 1 is displayed, and in the display mode in which one same lamp is blinked. In the display mode in which two memories are displayed and one lamp is lighted and the other lamp is lighted, three memories are displayed, and in the display mode in which two lamps are blinked together, the memory number is four. It is in the condition of displaying pieces. Although two lamps (LEDs) are used here, four lamps (LEDs) may be used to form a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a. In this case, the number of stored 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 a display mode after each increase in order to memorize that passage serving as a trigger for the operation lottery occurs. Each time a symbol (up to 4 pieces) starts being changed, the symbol pattern changes to a display mode after being reduced one by one every time the variation of the symbol is started. In the present embodiment, when the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is not lighted (the number of memories is zero), the game ball passes through the starting gate 20 in the normal symbol changeable start state (during stop display) However, the display mode does not change. That is, the memory number (up to four) represented by the display mode of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a represents the number of passes where fluctuation of the normal symbol has not yet started at that time.

  Also, the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 display the variation state and the stop state of the corresponding first special symbol or the second special symbol by, for example, 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).

  In addition, each of the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is, for example, 0 to 4 according to a display mode configured by combination of lighting or blinking of two lamps (LEDs) respectively. The number of stored data is displayed (stored number display means). For example, in the display mode in which two lamps are turned off together, 0 is displayed, in the display mode in which one lamp is turned on, 1 is displayed, and in the display mode in which one same lamp is blinked. In the display mode in which two memories are displayed and one lamp is lighted and the other lamp is lighted, three memories are displayed, and in the display mode in which two lamps are blinked together, the memory number is four. It is in the condition of displaying pieces.

  The first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is displayed after the increase by one in the sense that the game ball enters the right start winning opening 26 every time the game ball enters the right starting winning opening 26. It changes to the form (up to 4 at maximum), and changes to the display mode after decreasing one by one every time the change of the special symbol is triggered by the entering of the ball. In addition, every time the game ball enters the variable start winning device 28, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is increased by one each in the sense that the game ball enters the left start winning opening 28a. It changes to the display mode of (up to 4 at maximum), and changes to the display mode after decreasing one by one every time the variation of the special symbol is triggered by the entering of the ball. In the present embodiment, when the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is zero), the right special winning opening 26 is in a state where the first special symbol can already start changing (during stop display). The display mode does not change even if the game ball enters the game room. In addition, when the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the game ball enters the variable start winning device 28 in the state that the second special symbol can start changing already (during stop display) Even if it is a sphere, the display mode does not change. That is, the number of memories (maximum 4) represented by the display mode of each special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, 35a is the number of entering balls for which the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has not yet started at that time It represents the number of times.

  Further, the gaming state display device 38 includes, for example, LEDs respectively corresponding to the big hit classification display lamps 38a, 38b and 38c, the probability fluctuation status display lamp 38d, the short time status display lamp 38e and the launch position designation lamp 38f. In the present embodiment, 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 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 substrate 89.

[Configuration on control]
Next, the configuration regarding 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 is provided with a main control unit 70 (main control computer) which is central to control operation, and the main control unit 70 mainly has a function to control the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1 There is. Main controller 70 is incorporated in main control board unit 170.

  The main control unit 70 is equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72 which is a central processing unit is mounted. The main control CPU 72 controls the ROM 74, RAM (CPU core and registers not shown). The semiconductor memory such as RWM 76 is integrated as an LSI. Further, the main control device 70 is equipped with a random number circuit 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. Among them, the random number circuit 75 generates hardware random numbers (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for a big hit determination of a special symbol lottery and a hit determination of a normal symbol lottery, and the random number generated here is The data is input to the main control CPU 72. Further, the interrupt controller 192 receives interrupt requests (XINT interrupt, PTC interrupt, SCU interrupt) from the parallel I / O port 79, the timer circuit 194, and the serial communication circuit 196, and these interrupt requests are received. 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 that monitors various states and generates a reset as needed. These are the circuit board together with the main control CPU 72 It is implemented on top. A signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or in the inner layer portion). The I / O port of the main control device 70 may be in a serial form.

  A gate switch 78 for detecting passage of the game ball is integrally provided in the above-mentioned start gate 20. In addition, the game board unit 8 corresponds to the right start winning opening 26, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30 (large winning opening) respectively, and the right start winning opening switch 80, the left start winning opening switch 82 and the count A switch 84 is provided. Each start winning opening switch 80, 82 is for detecting the entrance of the gaming ball to the right start winning opening 26, the variable start winning device 28 (left start winning opening 28a). Further, the count switch 84 is for detecting entry of the gaming ball into the variable winning device 30 (big winning opening) and counting the number thereof.

  Similarly, in the game board unit 8, a first winning opening switch 86 for detecting entry of gaming balls into the normal winning opening 22 and a second winning opening switch for detecting entry of gaming balls into the normal winning opening 24. The 81 and is equipped. In addition, although the composition which used separate prize-winning-opening switch 86 and 81 to each ordinary prize-winning mouth 22 and 24 was mentioned as an example, for example, one ordinary prize-opening switch enters each ordinary prize-winning mouth 22 and 24 May be detected.

  In any case, the winning detection signals of these switches are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown). In the present embodiment, the winning detection signal from the gate switch 78, the count switch 84, the first winning opening switch 86, and the second winning opening switch 81 passes through the panel relay terminal board 87 because of the configuration of the gaming board unit 8. The panel relay terminal board 87 is provided with a wiring pattern, connection terminals and the like for relaying the respective winning detection signals.

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

  In addition, the game board unit 8 is provided with a normal electric combination product solenoid 88 and a big winning opening solenoid 90 corresponding to each of the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30. The solenoids 88 and 90 operate (excitation) based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72, and open and close (start) the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, respectively. The control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 by relaying the panel relay terminal board 87 to these solenoids 88 and 90 as well.

  In addition, a glass frame open switch 91 is installed in the integral door unit 4, and a plastic frame open switch 93 is installed in the inner frame assembly 7. When integral door unit 4 is opened alone, a contact signal from glass frame open switch 91 is input to main controller 70 (main control CPU 72), and inner frame assembly 7 is released from outer frame unit 2 The contact signal from the plastic frame opening switch 93 is input to the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the open state of the integral 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 integral door unit 4 or the inner frame assembly 7, it 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 (a payout control computer) controls the operation of the above-described payout device unit 172. The payout control device 92 is equipped with a circuit board (payout control substrate) on which the payout control CPU 94 is mounted, and the payout control CPU 94 also has semiconductor memories such as ROM 96 and RAM (RWM) 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 winning ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and executes the payout operation of the requested number of gaming 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 the winning ball case (not shown) of the payout device unit 172, the payout device substrate 100 is disposed together with the payout motor 102 (for example, a stepping motor), and a drive circuit of the payout motor 102 is provided on the payout device substrate 100. There is. 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 (payout control CPU 94), and pays the instructed number of gaming balls from the winning ball case. Let out. The game balls paid out are sent to the tray unit 6 through the payout flow path in the flow path unit 173.

  Further, for example, the payout path ball out switch 104 is installed at the upstream position of the winning ball case, and the payout counting switch 106 is installed at the downstream position of the payout motor 102. Whenever the winning balls are actually paid out by the driving of the payout motor 102, the counting signal from the payout counting switch 106 is inputted to the payout device substrate 100 each time. Further, when the ball breakage occurs at the upstream position of the winning ball case, the contact signal from the payout path ball breakage switch 104 is input to the payout device substrate 100. The payout device substrate 100 transmits the input counting signal and contact signal to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). The payout control CPU 94 can detect the actual number of payouts and the out-of-ball condition based on the signal received from the payout device substrate 100.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1, for example, the full tank switch 161 is installed inside the lower plate 6 c (the position of the bowl when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1). The prize balls (game balls) actually paid out are discharged to the upper plate 6b through the flow path unit 173, but when the upper plate 6b is full with game balls, the game balls paid out more are described above Flow into the lower plate 6c. Furthermore, when the lower plate 6c becomes full with gaming balls, the full tank switch 161 is turned ON, and a full tank detection signal is input to the payout control device 92 (the payout control CPU 94). In response to this, the payout control CPU 94 temporarily suspends the further prize ball operation even when the prize ball instruction command is received from the main control CPU 72, and stores the number of unpaid prize balls remaining in the RAM 98. The memory of RAM 98 can be backed up even when the power is turned off, and even if a power failure (including a momentary power failure) occurs during the game, the unpaid prize ball remaining number information will not be lost .

  Further, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a launch control board 108 and a launch solenoid 110 are installed. Further, 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 above-described launch control board set 174. Among them, the launch control board 108 is provided with drive circuits for the launch solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111. ing. Among them, the ball feed solenoid 111 performs an operation of delivering the gaming balls stored in the tray unit 6 one by one to a predetermined launch position in the launcher case. Further, the firing solenoid 110 strikes the game ball sent to the shooting position, and performs an operation of continuously (intermittently) shooting one game ball toward the game area 8a as described above. Note that the firing interval of the game balls is, for example, an interval of 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 that is proportional to the operation amount (so-called stroke) of the firing handle by the player. Also, the touch sensor 114 detects that the player's body is touching the handle unit 16 (the launch handle) from the change in capacitance, and outputs a detection signal. Then, the firing stop switch 116 generates a firing stop signal (contact signal) according to the operation of the player.

  A discharge relay terminal plate 118 is installed in the saucer unit 6, and signals from the discharge lever volume 112, the touch sensor 114, and the release stop switch 116 are transmitted to the discharge control board 108 via the discharge relay terminal plate 118. Be done. Also, the drive signal from the emission control board 108 is applied to the ball feed solenoid 111 via the emission relay terminal plate 118. When the player manipulates the firing handle, the firing lever volume 112 generates an analog signal (which may be an encoded digital signal) according to the amount of manipulation, and the firing solenoid 110 is driven based on the signal at this time. As a result, the strength to launch the game ball is adjusted in accordance with the amount of operation of the player. When the detection signal from the touch sensor 114 is off (low level) or the emission stop signal is input from the emission stop switch 116, the drive circuit of the emission control board 108 stops the drive of the emission solenoid 110. Do. In addition, when the game device connection terminal plate 120 such as a game ball is connected to the launch relay terminal plate 118 and the CR unit is not connected to the device connection terminal plate 120 such as a game ball, the same release control board The drive circuit 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110.

  Further, the tray unit 6 incorporates a frequency display board 122 and a lending and return switch board 123. Among these, the frequency display substrate 122 is provided with a display (a three-digit seven-segment LED) for the frequency display unit. In addition, a switch module connected to the ball lending button 10 and the return button 12 is mounted on the lending and return switch substrate 123, and when the sphere lending button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, the operation signal is borrowed. And, it is transmitted from the return switch substrate 123 to the CR unit via the game apparatus connection terminal board 120 such as a game ball. Further, from the CR unit, a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is transmitted to the frequency display board 122 via the game ball or the like lending device connection terminal board 120. A display circuit (not shown) on the frequency display substrate 122 drives the display based on the frequency signal, and numerically displays the remaining frequency of the valuable medium. In addition, when the value medium is not inserted into the CR unit, or when the remaining frequency of the input value medium becomes 0, the display circuit of the frequency display substrate 122 drives the display to display a demonstration (value medium You can also display a message prompting you to

  Moreover, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with the presentation control apparatus 124 (computer for presentation control) as a structure on control. 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 effects according to the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. Also in the effect control device 124, a effect control CPU 126, which is a central processing unit, is mounted on a circuit board (composite sub control substrate). The effect control CPU 126 is configured as an LSI incorporating a semiconductor memory such as the RAM (RWM) 130 and the eDRAM 131 together with a CPU core (not shown).

  In addition, various functional components necessary for realizing effects such as the VDP 152, the driver IC 132, and the audio IC 134 are mounted on the effect control device 124. Among them, the VDP 152 is a processor for drawing an effect screen to be reproduced on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The driver IC 132 controls devices such as the large rotary lamp 41, the lamps 46 to 52, the panel lamp 53, the decoration motor 57, the decoration lamp 58, the memory display motor 67, the memory display 68, and the logo display lamp 69. It has an IC. Further, the audio IC 134 controls the driving of the speakers 54, 55, and 56. The functional configuration inside such effect control device 124 will be described later in detail using yet another figure.

  The effect control device 124 and the main control device 70 are mutually connected via, for example, a communication harness (not shown). However, communication between them 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. The communication harness adopts a parallel format according to the bus width of various effect commands (hereinafter referred to as “effect command”) transmitted from main controller 70 to effect controller 124. Alternatively, a serial type may be adopted according to the hardware configuration of each driver (I / O).

  In the present embodiment, the sub connection board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the integral door unit 4, and the drive signals from the driver IC 132 and the audio IC 134 are transmitted through the sub connection board 136 to the various lamps 46 to 52 and the speakers 54, 55, 56 is applied. Also, the sub connection board 136 is connected to the effect switching button 45 and a volume adjustment switch (not shown), and when the player operates the effect switching button 45 or the volume adjustment switch, those contact signals are transmitted through the sub connection board 136. It is input to the effect control device 124. Further, a jog dial 45a is connected to the sub connection board 136, and when the player rotates the jog dial 45a, the rotation signal is inputted to the effect control device 124 through the sub connection board 136. Here, although an example in which the effect switching button 45 and the jog dial 45a are connected to the sub connection board 136 is given, when the saucer and electric decoration board is installed, the presentation switching button 45 and the jog dial 45a are connected to the sauce electric and decoration board It may be

  In addition, the game board unit 8 is provided with a driver board 138. In addition to the board lamp 53, the decoration board motor 57, the decoration body lamp 58, the memory display body motor 67, and the memory display body lamp 68 are mounted on the driver board 138. , A logo display body lamp 69, a large rotation lamp 41 and the like are connected. The motors 57 and 67 drive various movable bodies via, for example, a gear transmission mechanism or a link mechanism (not shown). The drive signal from the driver IC 132 is applied to the lamps 41, 53, 68, 69 and the motors 57, 67 of the connection destination via the driver substrate 138. Although a motor is attached also to the large rotation lamp 41, illustration is omitted here.

  The liquid crystal display 42 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and the display screen can be viewed 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 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 incorporates a switching power supply circuit and can generate necessary power (for example, DC + 34V, + 12V or the like) from the outside power (for example, AC24V or the like) taken from the island facility through the power cord 164. The electric power generated by the power supply control unit 162 is distributed to the main control unit 70, the payout control unit 92, the effect control unit 124, and the inverter board 158. Furthermore, power is supplied to the firing control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is also supplied to the CR unit via the game apparatus connection terminal board 120 such as a game ball. The low voltage power (for example, DC + 5 V) for logic is generated by a power supply IC (three-terminal regulator or the like) incorporated in each device. Further, as described above, the power control unit 162 is grounded to the island facility through the ground wire 166.

  In addition to this, the power supply control unit 162 is provided with a RAM clear switch 163. The RAM clear switch 163 is a switch for performing RAM clear (initialization of all areas except the use prohibited area of the RAM 76), and when the RAM clear switch 163 is operated at the time of power on, the RAM clear signal is used as a main control unit 70 and the payout control device 92. A RAM clear switch may be provided in main controller 70. In addition, when main control device 70 receives input of the RAM clear signal without inputting the RAM clear signal to payout control device 92, main control device 70 transmits a RAM clear command to payout control device 92. It is 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 output from the external terminal plate 160 via the payout control device 92. Output. The main controller 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. Signals output from the external terminal board 160 are collected, for example, by a hall computer (not shown) of the game arcade. Here, the configuration via the payout control device 92 is taken as an example, but the configuration may be such that the external information signal is output from the main control device 70 to the external terminal board 160 as it is.

[Internal configuration of effect control device]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal functional configuration of the effect control device 124. As shown in FIG.
As described above, the effect control device 124 has a role as an effect control processor that controls the 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 which 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 control of presentation. The effect control CPU 126 accesses the control ROM 180 via a CPU bus (not shown) and controls the effect by 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 performed normally (whether the processing is completed within the estimated time) and is connected to the reset terminal of the effect control CPU 126 There is. If a signal (clear pulse) for clearing the watchdog 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 causing the effect control CPU 126 to start reset. Do. As a result, the effect control device 124 is forcibly reset and activated.

  In addition to these, the effect control device 124 also has an SRAM 182 which is a storage area for backup data, a crystal oscillator 181 which generates a clock signal of a predetermined frequency, and a real time clock (RTC) 184 which performs time management A lithium battery 186 for supplying backup power to the SRAM 182 and the real time clock 184, and peripheral ICs such as input / output drivers and counter / timer circuits (not shown) are provided. While the lithium battery 186 is supplied with driving power from the power control unit 162 to the effect control device 124, the lithium battery 186 stores this power and charges itself. The SRAM 182 and the real time clock 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 control unit 162 to the presentation control device 124 is cut off. Therefore, even if the power supply from the power supply control unit 162 is cut off, the SRAM 182 and the real time clock 184 continue to operate until the lithium battery 186 is charged (e.g., about one and a half months). The SRAM 182 can hold stored information for a while even under power-off conditions.

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

  Normally, as described above, devices such as the liquid crystal display 42, the various lamps 46 to 53, and the speakers 54, 55, and 56 are used to control the effects executed by the effect control CPU 126 in accordance with the program stored in the control ROM 180. Control of the presentation was included. The flow of this effect control can be 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 an effect according to the content of the effect command (overall control). Next, the effect 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 effect control CPU 126 and each device. Send to (individual control). As a result, each control device 134, 152, 198, 199 controls each device based on the instruction data, and effect reproduction using each device in the pachinko machine 1 (screen display, voice output, lamp emission, movable body displacement Etc.) is realized.

  Thus, the effect control CPU 126 has different functions according to the stage of effect control, and these functions are realized by selectively using the resources of the effect control CPU 126. In FIG. 6, the internal resources of the effect control CPU 126 are divided into several functional blocks, and the effect control unit 210, the display control unit 220, the sound control unit 222, the lamp control unit 224, the motor control unit 226, and the sensor control unit 228. It is shown as etc. In the following description, each functional block is treated as an operation subject of control processing.

  First, at the stage of overall control, the effect control unit 210 in the effect control CPU 126 is the main operation. In the individual control stage, the display control unit 220, the audio 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 are operated according to the device to be controlled. It becomes. The effect 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 at the stage of overall control, but functions as an effect reproduction processor at the stage of individual control. Therefore, in addition to the circuit board (effect display control board) on which the VDP 152 is mounted and the CGROM (image / sound ROM) 190, the effect control device 124 further includes an audio IC 134 for controlling various devices used for reproduction of effects. An LED driver 198, an SMC (serial controller) 199, and a driver IC 132 are provided.

  The CGROM 190 stores a drawing material (moving image data) constituting an effect screen and a sound material (audio data) output with the progress of the effect in a compressed state 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 of an effect image, and is integrated with the effect control CPU 126 into one chip. Also, the VDP 152 incorporates a VRAM 156 and a drawing material decoder 157. Among them, the VRAM 156 is mainly used when developing a drawing material, and the drawing material decoder 157 is used when decompressing (decoding) a drawing material in a compressed state. The VDP 152 first analyzes the contents of the instruction sent 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. The rendering material decoder 157 decodes the read rendering material, renders a rendering image on the VRAM 156, and develops the rendering image in a frame buffer for each frame (still image per unit time). By individually driving each pixel (full color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the image data buffered here, reproduction of the effect screen is realized.

  The sound IC 134 is a sound generator that generates sounds such as sound effects and BGM to be reproduced during execution of effects, and is integrated with the effect control CPU 126 and one chip in the same manner as the VDP 152. The audio IC 134 is connected to an amplifier (not shown), an external DRAM, and a CG bus. Also, the audio IC 134 incorporates an audio material decoder 135 that decompresses (decodes) the compressed audio material. The voice IC 134 first analyzes the instruction content transmitted from the voice control unit 222, and reads out necessary voice 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 audio to the glass frame speakers 54 and 55 and the outer frame speaker 56 via an amplifier, audio reproduction (or a larger number of channels) of stereo 2ch or monaural 2ch is realized. Further, the audio IC 134 adjusts the output sound volume of each of the speakers 54, 55, and 56 based on the contact signal input when the sound volume adjustment switch is operated.

  The LED driver 198 includes various lamps 46 to 53 provided on the front side of the pachinko machine 1 and various lamps 41, 53, 58, 68, and 68 for emitting a structure for effect provided inside the effect unit 40. The lighting pattern and the luminance pattern according to the execution of the effect of 69 are controlled. In the LED driver 198, an addressing synchronous serial system is adopted. The LED driver 198 first controls the lighting pattern and the luminance pattern based on the instruction content transmitted from the lamp control unit 224, and transfers the driving data according to the control to the driver IC 132.

  The SMC 199 is a drive source of various moving objects (logo display 40m, large rotary lamp 41, memory displays 41a to 41h, decoration 41x, 41y, 41z, etc.) for presentation provided inside the presentation unit 40. The excitation patterns of various movable body motors (decor body motor 57, memory display body motor 67, etc.) are controlled. The SMC 199 is also integrated into the effect control CPU 126 and one chip. In the SMC 199, a clock synchronous serial system is adopted. The SMC 199 first generates an excitation pattern of the movable body motor based on the instruction content transmitted from the motor control unit 226, and outputs this to the driver IC 132. When the SMC 199 finishes generating the excitation pattern, the SMC 199 generates an interrupt to notify the motor control unit 226 to that effect. Furthermore, the SMC 199 acquires a detection signal that is output when the movable body detection sensor is associated with the detected movable body, and transfers the detection signal to the motor control unit 226. The operation of the SMC 199 will be described in detail later using another figure.

  The driver IC 132 controls the drive voltage applied to the lamp or the motor based on the drive data transferred from the LED driver 198 or the SMC 199. The driver IC 132 includes, for example, switching elements such as PWM (pulse width modulation) IC and MOSFET (not shown), and switches (or switches the duty) drive voltages applied to the various lamps 46 to 53 and the decoration motor 57, By managing the operation, effect reproduction using a lamp or a movable body is realized. Of the various lamps 46 to 53, the panel lamp 53 is equivalent to an LED incorporated in the effect unit 40 or an LED incorporated in the variable start winning device 28, the variable winning device 30, and the like. Moreover, although the example in which the glass frame decoration lamp 52 is connected to the sub connection board 136 is mentioned here, the saucer electric decoration board is installed in the saucer unit 6, and the glass dish decoration lamp 52 It may be configured to be connected to the driver IC 132 via the same.

  In addition to this, the driver IC 132 transfers a contact signal input when the effect switching button 45 or the jog dial 45a is operated to the effect control unit 210 via the sensor control unit 228, and the movable body detection sensor is movable. A detection signal input when a body is detected is transferred to the motor control unit 226 or the like. The effect control unit 210 or the motor control unit 226 appropriately changes the effect content to be reproduced based on the content of the signal to be transferred. The driver IC 132 may be provided at a position relaying between each of the control target devices such as a lamp, a motor, and a sensor outside the effect control device 124.

  The above is the configuration example regarding control of the pachinko machine 1. Subsequently, 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 of the main control device 70 starts CPU initialization processing. The CPU initialization process restores the gaming state (so-called power recovery) based on the backup information stored at the time of the previous power shutoff or clears the backup information to the contrary, the initial state of the pachinko machine 1 is It is a process to prepare. Further, the CPU initialization process is positioned as a main process (main control program) for securing a stable gaming operation of the pachinko machine 1 after adjustment of 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: The main control CPU 72 first 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. In the interrupt vector table, the priorities required to control interrupt requests generated during execution of the CPU initialization process are defined, and the main control CPU 72 has the priority defined in the interrupt vector table. Based on this, a plurality of interrupt requests will be executed in order. The control of the interrupt processing will be described in detail later.

  Step S104: The main control CPU 72 saves the RAM clear signal (the 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. In this process, a certain waiting time (for example, about several thousand ms) is secured after the power is turned on, and during that time, a check of the power off notice signal (a signal indicating that the power is shut down) is checked. It is a thing. Specifically, when the main control CPU 72 sets the loop counter for the standby time, it checks the bit of 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. Then, if the input of the power-off notice signal is confirmed before the loop counter reaches 0, the main control CPU 72 resumes the process from the beginning. As a result, for example, it is possible to achieve system protection when the operations of turning on and off the main power switch (not shown) are repeatedly performed 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 set value in the work area is reset (00H). As a result, access to the work area of the RAM 76 is permitted thereafter.

  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 checks whether the RAM clear switch 163 is operated (switched on). Do. If the RAM clear switch 163 is not operated (No), then step S112 is executed.

  Step S112: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether or not the backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup has ended normally in the process executed at the time of the previous power-off, and the backup validity determination flag (for example, "A5H") is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S114. The process executed at the time of power shutoff will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S114: The main control CPU 72 executes a thumb check on the backup information in the RAM 76. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sum-checks all areas of the work area (user work area including the prohibited area and the stack area) of the RAM 76 except the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. If the result of the thumb check is normal (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 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. The main control CPU 72 can restore the state when the power is shut off by retaining the valid backup information saved while clearing the storage contents of this area (storage recovery means).

  Step S118: The main control CPU 72 should transmit to the payout command (a command to be sent to the presentation control device 124) and a payout command (the payout control device 92) to indicate that the power recovery has been restored and activated to indicate that it has started. Set the command).

  On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch 163 is operated when the power is turned on (step S110: Yes) or when 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 the stack area of the RAM 76 are all initialized, and even if valid backup information is stored, its contents are erased.
Step S122: Further, the main control CPU 72 performs initial setting of the RAM 76.

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

  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 supply recovery 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 effect control output processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 first 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 various other effect commands necessary for effect control (for example, a model specification command, a special symbol probability state specification command, a special drawing destination determination effect command, an operation memory number increase effect command, an operation memory number decrease The hour effect command, the number cut counter remaining number command, the special game state specification command, the launch position specification command, etc. are set, and these are output to the effect command buffer. At this time, the main control CPU 72 sets different values for these effect commands at the time of power return and at the time of RAM clear.

  For example, when 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 process (step S142), the effect control device 124 is in an effect state (for example, internal The probability state, the display mode of the effect pattern, the effect display mode of the number of stored operations, the sound output content, the 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 content of each input port, stores the result of performing a predetermined operation on the value in the state flag of each input port. When this processing is completed, 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 for asserting 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, in response to this, the payout control device 92 inputs a payout command permission signal representing that the main control device 70 is permitted to transmit the payout command. It becomes.

  Step S132: The main control CPU 72 resets (OFF) the specific bit of the output port to clear the emission permission signal (specific output information clear means). The release permission signal is included in the target of backup at the time of power off. Therefore, when the main control device 70 (pachinko machine 1) recovers power, the main control CPU 72 executes the flow at the time of power recovery in the CPU initialization process, and the state when powering off the main control device 70 based on backup information. (Step S116), but as part of that, the release permission signal is also returned to the state at the time of power-off.

  The release enable signal is set to a specific bit (e.g., bit 0) of the specific output port buffer (e.g., buffer for output port 3) stored in the RAM 76. However, the address of the target output port buffer is located out of the address space of the RAM 76 outside the continuous area targeted for clearing in step S116. Therefore, if it is attempted to clear the value of the specific bit of the specific address for which the emission permission signal is set in addition to the area to be cleared as part of the processing of step S116, the specific address is identified. The exceptional process must be performed to clear only the data of a specific bit among the 8 bits of data stored at that address while maintaining the remaining 7 bits of data. The efficiency of the process of clearing the area is very poor. Under these circumstances, the main control CPU 72 does not clear the release permission signal in the previous step S116, and similarly handles it without distinguishing it from other backup target data, and temporarily returns it to the state when the power is shut off.

  However, at the stage when the backup information is returned in main controller 70 (step S116), communication with payout controller 92 has not yet been established, and payout controller 92 is normally activated (main controller It can not be confirmed whether or not the instruction by the command from 70 can be accepted. When the power is shut off with the release permission signal ON, the release 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 condition will occur. Here, tentatively, the delivery control device 92 is replaced with a remodeled product (for example, one having a modified number of winning balls etc.) which is not originally intended to be inspected during power shutoff, and the main control device 70 is When activated, the game ball can be launched by the launch permission signal being returned to ON. Such a state is not preferable from the viewpoint of security.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, regardless of whether it is activation due to power supply recovery or activation of RAM clear designation, the firing permission signal is explicitly cleared once at the stage before the main control CPU 72 transitions to the main loop ( It is reset to OFF). Thereafter, 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 on that occasion, the payout command is transmitted to the payout control device 92 as a trigger. The control to set the release permission signal to ON is adopted. By performing such control, firing of the game ball is not permitted unless communication between the main control device 70 and the payout control device 92 is established even if the game is started (restarted) by the processing of the main loop. The illegal launch of the gaming ball can be avoided when the fraud as described above is made.

Step S133: The main control CPU 72 sets a timer interrupt cycle. More specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a value corresponding to the timer interrupt cycle (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 start address of the main loop to be described later, as preparation for the interrupt processing. By performing this process, it becomes possible to normally start the interrupt process which will occur thereafter, and to continue the process from the main loop after the execution of 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.

  Steps S136 and S138: The main control CPU 72 prohibits the interruption, and then executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) the initial values of various software random numbers. In the present embodiment, various random numbers (for example, a big hit symbol random number, a reach determination random number, a variation pattern decision random number, etc.) excluding the big hit decision random number (hardware random number) and the hit decision random number (hardware random number) corresponding to ordinary symbols. Is generated on the program. These software random numbers are updated by the loop counter within a predetermined range in another timer interrupt process (step S212 in FIG. 11), but in this process, the initial value of the loop counter (every time the random number rounds) Random numbers are not required to be changed). The initial value updating random number is used to change the initial value at random, and in step S138, the initial value updating random number is updated. Note that the reason why step S138 is executed after the interrupt is prohibited in step S136 is the same process as another timer interrupt process (step S210 in FIG. 11), so that the process is repeated (conflict with this) ) To prevent. In the present embodiment, the big hit determination random number and the hit determination random number are hardware random numbers generated by the random number circuit 75, and the update period thereof is faster (for example, several μs) than the timer interrupt period (for example, several ms). As it is, there is no need to update the initial values of the jackpot decision random number and the hit decision random number. The timer interrupt process will be described later using another drawing.

  Step S140: The main control CPU 72 executes a received command management process. In this process, the data received from the payout control device 92 is analyzed, and a process according to the result is performed. If the received command is a payout activation designation command, the main control CPU 72 outputs a payout activation confirmation designation command to the payout command buffer, and if not, whether the received data is a value within a predetermined range (reception command) If the value is out of the range, a payout error designation command is output to the effect command buffer, and the 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.

  Steps S144 and S146: The main control CPU 72 permits an interrupt and performs other random number update processing. The random numbers updated in this process are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) regardless of the determination of the winning type (hit type) among the software random numbers. This processing is performed in the remaining time when an interrupt request occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes various interrupt processing. The contents of the interrupt processing will be described later using another flowchart.

[Power off save processing]
Next, a process to be performed when a power supply interruption (hereinafter, abbreviated as “power supply interruption”) occurs will be described. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the power-off evacuation process. In the main control device 70, the occurrence of the power-off and the occurrence of the reset are monitored by the same monitoring IC (for example, an IC mounted on a reset controller not shown). The monitor IC monitors the drive voltage supplied from the power supply control unit 162, and outputs a power-down 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 the power-off save processing (XINT interrupt processing, backup means) in response to the input of the power-off notice signal to the XINT terminal (XINT interrupt) as a trigger. Hereinafter, each procedure of the power-off save process 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, checks a specific bit, and confirms whether or not the power-off notice signal is detected. If the main control CPU 72 can not confirm that the power-off notice signal has been detected (No), the main control CPU 72 permits an interrupt, terminates the power-off save process, and the main loop of the CPU initialization process (FIGS. 7 to 8) Return to the program address specified by the stack pointer). On the other hand, if 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 clears the output port buffer corresponding to the test signal terminal and the command control signal in addition to the output port corresponding to the normal motorized combination product solenoid 88 and the special winning opening solenoid 90.

Steps S156 and 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 1-byte units, and repeats until addition is completed for all areas. .
Step S160: When the calculation of the sum for all the areas is completed (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 the access prohibition in the protect value of the RAM 76, and prohibits the access to the work area (including the unusable 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 the power-off notice signal has been detected. The method of confirming 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 again to the previous step S166. On the other hand, when the main control CPU 72 can not confirm 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 one from the value of the loop counter.
Step S172: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the loop counter is "0". If it can not 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 shifts from the power-off save 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 processing, the CPU initialization processing can be started in a state in which other interrupts are inhibited.

  The processing of steps S166 to S172 described above is a so-called standby processing (progress observation processing) that is executed in preparation for the interruption of the power supply from the power control unit 162. If the power-off notice signal is continuously detected, step S166 to step S168 are repeatedly performed, so the loop counter does not become "0". Therefore, the standby state is continued as long as the power supply is sustained. On the other hand, when the detection of the power-off notice signal is temporary (for example, detection due to a momentary power failure or the like), steps S168 to S172 are repeatedly executed, and the loop counter is subtracted with the passage of time. The process is shifted to the CPU initialization process when it becomes "0". That is, the main control CPU 72 first calculates the checksum and saves the result before the power supply is completely cut off, enters a standby mode, and performs other processing under a situation where the power supply is being shut off. While the standby state is maintained and the power supply that is to come in a safe state is cut off, CPU initialization is performed under the situation where the stable power supply has recovered after a temporary power failure. Move to processing and resume main processing. Execution of such standby processing makes it possible to guarantee stable gaming operation of the main control device 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 supply. The main controller 70 is supplied with backup power from a backup power supply circuit (for example, a circuit including a capacitive element mounted on the main controller 70) (not shown) after the occurrence of power interruption, so It is held without loss even after power-off. The backup power supply circuit may be incorporated in the power control unit 162, for example.

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

[Command reception interrupt processing]
Next, processing to be executed when a command is received from the payout control device 92 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the command reception interrupt process. The payout control device 92 transmits to the main control device 70 a command for payout start designation indicating that payout of gaming balls has been started, and various devices related to payout of prize balls (for example, Relay transmission of a command transmitted from the payout device substrate 100 or the full tank switch 161 etc. to the main control device 70 is performed. These commands transmitted by the payout control device 92 are received by the reception data register of a specific channel of the serial communication circuit 196 of the main control device 70. The main control CPU 72 executes command reception interrupt processing (SCU interrupt processing) in response to the command reception (SCU interrupt). Each step of the command reception interrupt process will be described below.

  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. After the values are saved, different values can be written to each register in the process of data reception interrupt processing.

Step S182: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks a specific bit of the status register to check whether there is data in the reception data register (reception FIFO). If 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 the main control CPU 72 can not confirm 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 the respective registers, permits interrupts, and then ends the command reception interrupt processing to execute CPU initialization processing. Return to the main loop (Fig. 8).

[Timer interrupt processing]
Next, timer interrupt processing will be described. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the timer interrupt process. The main control CPU 72 executes timer interrupt processing (PTC interrupt processing) every predetermined time (for example, several ms) based on the interrupt request (PTC interrupt) output by the timer circuit 194. Each step of the timer interrupt process will be described below.

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

  Step S202: Next, the main control CPU 72 permits an interrupt. By permitting the interrupt here, it becomes possible to generate another interrupt while executing the subsequent steps of the timer interrupt process. As described above, in the timer interrupt process, multiple interrupts are permitted. The acceptance of the interrupt request signal, the priority control of multiple interrupts, and the like are executed by the interrupt controller 192. The interrupt management by the interrupt controller 192 will be described later again.

  Step S204: The main control CPU 72 executes a dynamic port output process. In this process, in order to control lighting of each lamp mounted on the integrated display substrate 89 by a dynamic lighting method, port output in common unit is performed. 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, the main control CPU 72 calculates the logical product of the input values of various switch signals from the parallel I / O port 79 and the inversion result value of the previous input value in order to accurately acquire the latest switch state based on the input port information. Is stored in the input port on detection flag. As a result, by the value (ON / OFF) of the input port on detection flag, it becomes possible to grasp an accurate input state based on the change from the previous time of various switch signals. For various switch signals, specifically, the passage detection signal from the gate switch 78, the right start winning opening switch 80, the left starting winning opening switch 82, the count switch 84, the first winning opening switch 86, the second winning opening A prize detection signal from switch 81 is included.

  Step S208: The main control CPU 72 executes a timer update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the counters such as various timers for external information, timers for security signal and the like by 1 as well as timers for managing the game time and the closing time of the ordinary motorized part.

  Step S210: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process here as well. 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 updating process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the counter for generating various random numbers for lottery of special symbols and ordinary symbols. The value of each counter is incremented in the counter area of the RAM 76, and loops within a prescribed range. The various random numbers include, for example, a jackpot symbol random number and the like.

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

  In the present embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from right start winning opening switch 80 or left starting winning opening switch 82, main control CPU 72 is an internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, respectively. It is determined that an event that is an opportunity (lottery opportunity) has occurred. Further, when the 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 a normal symbol has occurred. If it is determined that one of the events has occurred, the main control CPU 72 executes processing in accordance with each occurrence event. The processing executed when a winning detection signal is input from right start winning opening switch 80 or left starting winning opening switch 82 will be described later using another flowchart.

  Steps S216 and S218: The main control CPU 72 executes special symbol game processing and normal symbol game processing. These processes are for advancing the game in the pachinko machine 1 specifically. Among them, in the special symbol game processing (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, the first special symbol display device 34 and the first 2 Determine the variable display and stop display by the special symbol display device 35, or control the operation of the variable winning device 30 according to the display result. In addition, the details of the special symbol game process will be described later using another flowchart.

  Further, in the normal symbol game processing (step S218), the main control CPU 72 determines the variable display and the stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and operates the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. Control. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores the random number (determination random number per normal symbol) acquired triggered by the passage of the start gate 20 in the previous switch input event processing (step S214), and this normal symbol game processing is performed. The random number value is read out from the memory, and it is judged 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 main control CPU 72 controls the normal motor combination solenoid 88 after the normal symbol is variably displayed by the normal symbol display device 33 and the stop display of the normal symbol is performed in the predetermined hit mode. It excites and operates the variable start winning device 28 (movable piece operating means). On the other hand, if the random number value is out of the hit range, the main control CPU 72 performs the stop display of the normal symbol in the form of the offset after the fluctuation display.

  Step S220: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes state management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 is recovered to the back of the game board unit 8 (a state where the number of balls entered into the right start winning port 26 and the normal winning ports 22 and 24 is abnormally high) The total number of winning balls to the normal winning openings 22, 24, the starting winning openings 26, 28a and the big winning opening is larger than the number of playing balls, ie, the number of playing balls thrown into the game area 8a Check if a high risk condition has occurred. When an abnormal state is detected, the main control CPU 72 generates an abnormality by outputting a security signal to the hall computer of the game arcade and transmitting a predetermined effect control command to the effect control device 124. Report that.

  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 inputted from the various switches 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86 in the previous port input process (step S206) is ON, Each target winning ball control counter is incremented by one and updated.

  Step S224: The main control CPU 72 executes a prize ball payout process. Although the detailed flow is not shown, in this process, the main control CPU 72 first confirms whether the payout command buffer is not empty (whether the payout command to be transmitted is set) or not (the payout command is not In the case where it is 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 a start mode at the time of power on is set in the process of CPU initialization processing (steps S118 and S124 in FIG. 7), and is 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 the processing for instructing the payout of the winning balls. The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the prize ball control counter is not 0. If the prize ball control counter is not 0, the payout control device 92 is a payout command for designating the number of prize balls corresponding to this counter. Send to More specifically, the payout command of the designated prize ball corresponding to each prize ball control counter updated in the previous step S222 is transmitted here. As for the transmission of the payout command, a payout command permission signal is inputted 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. If it is less than the above (more specifically, if the dispensing command set in the transmit FIFO in step S224 executed before the previous time has already been transmitted, or if it is currently being transmitted and the transmit FIFO is empty) Only).

  In particular, in step S224 when the power is turned on, when the payout command set in the process of the CPU initialization processing is normally transmitted, the main control CPU 72 turns on the firing permission signal. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 clears the payout command buffer output when the power is turned on, and turns on the emission permission signal by setting a specific bit of the output port (specific output information setting means). As a result, after confirming the normal operation after the power is turned on, the firing of the gaming ball is permitted, and the firing permission signal is sent to the firing control substrate 108 through the payout control device 92, whereby the gaming ball can be fired. It becomes a state.

  Further, the main control CPU 72 outputs a prize ball content command for transmitting contents of the number of prize balls to the effect control device 124 in the prize ball payout processing. When the prize detection signal is input from the count switch 84 corresponding to the variable prize device 30, a prize ball content command corresponding to the first profit (for example, 15 game balls) is generated. In addition, when the 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 (step S142 in FIG. 8) in the main loop.

[Regarding the number of winning balls and the number of winning gaming balls]
The number of winning balls of the starting opening of the first special symbol and the number of winning balls of the starting opening of the second special symbol are respectively set to one or more specified numbers. Also, the number of winning balls may be made different between the starting opening of the first special symbol and the starting opening of the second special symbol. Furthermore, based on the winning probability of the special symbol and the expected value of the total number of acquired game balls (average number of balls obtained in a series of periods from the first hit to the end of the time saving state), the lowest winning ball number is set You may Furthermore, the probability of winning special symbols, the expected value of the total number of acquired game balls, the number of opening of the big winning opening, the opening time of the big winning opening, the maximum number of winnings of the big winning opening, and the number of winning balls of the big winning opening are predetermined. If the condition is satisfied, a big hit may be set such that the number of winning game balls per one big hit is less than 1⁄4 of the maximum number of winning ball games.

  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 of the game arcade through the external terminal board 160 (for example, winning ball information, door opening information, symbol determination frequency information, big hit information, starting opening information, security signal, etc.) In the port output request buffer.

  In the present embodiment, among the various external information signals, for example, “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” as the big hit information is outputted to the outside, so that the external electronic device connected to the pachinko machine 1 (data display Can provide a variety of jackpot information (external information signal output means). That is, by dividing and outputting the big hit information into a plurality of "big hit 1" to "big hit 5", the type (winning type) of big hit from these combinations can be totaled / managed by a hall computer (not shown), or internally Recognize changes in probability state (low probability state or high probability state) or shortened state of symbol variation time, or generate small hits (hits that the condition device does not work) that is not classified as a "big hit" even if not elected Can be calculated and managed. In addition, based on the jackpot information, for example by the data display device (not shown) to count and display the number of big hit occurrences within the past several business days for each pachinko machine 1 and recognize whether it is currently a big hit for each platform It is also possible to recognize whether or not the symbol variation time is currently being shortened for each table. In this external information processing, the main control CPU 72 controls in detail the output state (set of ON or OFF) of each of “big hit 1” to “big hit 5”.

  Step S230: Also, the main control CPU 72 executes test signal processing. In this process, various types of main control CPU 72 represents its own internal state (for example, normal symbol game management state, special symbol game management state, launch position designation, big hit, probability change function being activated, time shortening function being activated) Generate test signals and store them 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 control device 70.

  Step S232: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls 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, the second special symbol Processing necessary for managing the lighting state of the operation memory lamp 35a, the gaming state display device 38, etc. is performed. Specifically, in a mode corresponding to the variable display or stop display of the symbols determined in the previous special symbol game processing (step S216) or the normal symbol game processing (step S218), the operation memory number display, the game state display, etc. A 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 stored in the output port sequentially one common at a time in dynamic port output processing (step S204) each time timer interrupt processing occurs. It is output. For example, the byte data stored for common 1 is port-outputted in the timer interrupt processing to be executed next time, and the byte data stored for common 2 is port-outputd in timer interrupt processing to be executed one after another. The byte data stored in the port output request buffer for each common is processed one by one in order. As a result, each lamp constituting a predetermined display mode (a mode for performing variable display or stop display of symbols, operation memory number display, gaming state display, etc.) is sequentially driven in common units, and lighting control is performed by the dynamic lighting method. It will be

  Step S234: Further, the main control CPU 72 executes a solenoid output management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 combines the drive signals, test signals, and the like of the normal motor combination solenoid 88 and the special winning opening solenoid 90 stored in the port output request buffer, and stores them 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 checks whether or not a value is stored in each output buffer (port output request buffer), and when a value is stored, the port is output. 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 port output. In this case, each drive signal is transmitted to the corresponding solenoid 88, 90, 97, 99, and it becomes possible to cause each solenoid to operate according to the drive signal.

  In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the processing (game control program module) of step S216 to step S236 is executed as part of the timer interrupt processing, but these processing are incorporated into the main loop of the CPU and executed. There are also known programming examples.

  Step S238: The control CPU 72 restores the values of the HL, DE, BC, and AF registers saved in step S200 to the respective registers, ends the timer interrupt processing, and enters the main loop (FIG. 8) of the CPU initialization processing. To return.

[Interrupt management by interrupt controller]
As described above, in main controller 70, during execution of the CPU initialization process (FIG. 7), which is the main control program, XINT interrupt (parallel as the source of the power-off save process (FIG. 9) Interrupt request output by I / O port 79), SCU interrupt (interrupt request output by serial communication circuit 196 which is the source of command reception interrupt processing (FIG. 10)), PTC interrupt (timer An interrupt request output by the timer circuit 194 which is the source of the loading process (FIG. 11) may occur. These interrupt requests are managed / controlled by an interrupt controller 192 implemented in the main controller 70. The interrupt controller 192 permits acceptance of an interrupt request by an interrupt permission instruction (EI instruction) of the main control CPU 72, and inhibits acceptance of an interrupt request by an interrupt prohibition instruction (DI instruction), a so-called maskable interrupt Control of the

  Since the XINT interrupt, the SCU interrupt, and the PTC interrupt all occur based on independent generation factors without mutual dependency, it is naturally conceivable that a plurality of interrupt requests occur at the same time. Therefore, the interrupt controller 192 controls each interrupt request according to the priority of the interrupt request determined in advance in consideration of the degree of importance of the interrupt processing, the processing efficiency, and the like.

  More specifically, the priority of the interrupt request (interrupt processing) is defined in the interrupt vector table, and the priority of the XINT interrupt (save processing at power-off) is the lowest, and the SCU interrupt (command Priority of reception interrupt processing is set to the highest. By setting the interrupt vector table at the beginning 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 transitions 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 the XINT interrupt and the PTC interrupt are simultaneously received, a higher priority PTC interrupt (timer interrupt process) is processed first. While the timer interrupt process is being executed, the XINT interrupt waits for an interrupt. After the timer interrupt process is completed, the power-off save process is executed.

  In addition, when checking the procedure example of each interrupt processing again, in the power-off save processing (FIG. 9) and the command reception interrupt processing (FIG. 10), immediately before returning from the respective interrupt processing (RETI instruction) While the interrupt is permitted for the first time just before the execution of the command (step S152 in FIG. 9, step S188 in FIG. 10), the timer interrupt process (FIG. 11) is divided into the first stage of the interrupt process. The loading is permitted (step S202 in FIG. 11), and then the main steps are performed. That is, the interrupt controller 192 (main control CPU 72) prohibits the execution of multiple interrupts during execution of the power-off save process and command reception interrupt process, while the multiple interrupt processing is performed during timer interrupt process execution. It is permitted to execute

  By performing control of interrupt requests based on priority in this manner, the interrupt controller 192 enables execution of multiple interrupts in the main control unit 70.

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

  Step S10: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not a winning detection signal is input (a lottery trigger has been generated) from the right start winning opening switch 80 corresponding to the first special symbol. If 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 storage update process. The contents of the specific processing will be described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, when there is no input of the winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU72 proceeds to step S14.

  Step S14: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not a winning detection signal is input (a lottery trigger has been generated) from the left start winning opening 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 updating process. Also here, the contents of the specific processing will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, when there is no input of the winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU72 proceeds to step S18.

  Step S18: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the count switch 84 corresponding to the special winning opening of the 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 special winning opening counting process. In the special winning opening count processing, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the variable winning device 30 per round during the big hit game. On the other hand, when there is no input of the winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU72 proceeds to step S22.

  Step S22: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a passage detection signal is input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. If 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 storage update process. In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the current number of normal symbol operation memory numbers is less than the upper limit number (for example, four), and obtains the random number per normal symbol if the upper limit number is not reached. Do. Further, the main control CPU 72 normally increments the number of symbol operation memories by one. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the acquired random number value per symbol in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. On the other hand, when there is no input of the winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the timer interrupt processing (FIG. 11).

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

  Step S30: Here, first, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the first special symbol operating memory number counter to check whether the operating memory number is less than the maximum value (for example, 4). The working memory number counter represents the number (number of groups) of the big hit determination random number, the big hit symbol random number, etc. 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) commonly used by the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and each section is a big hit decision random number and a big hit symbol The random numbers can be stored in sets one by one. At this time, if the value of the operation 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 operation 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 to the first special symbol operation 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 value of the counter added here, the lighting state of the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is controlled in the display output management process (step S232 in FIG. 11).

  Step S32: Then, the main control CPU 72 acquires the big hit determination random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (a first lottery element acquisition means, a lottery element acquisition means). The acquisition of the random number value is performed by specifying the pin address of the random number generator 75. When the main control CPU 72 performs 8-bit processing, the designation of the address is performed twice in one byte each in the high order and low order. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determination random number value from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves the same as the jackpot determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol in the transfer destination address.

  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 specifying 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 the value as the jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the first special symbol in the transfer destination address.

  Step S34: Also, the main control CPU 72 acquires reach determination random numbers and fluctuation pattern determination random numbers in order from the random number counter area for fluctuation of the RAM 76 as random number values related to the fluctuation conditions of the first special symbol (acquisition of fluctuation pattern determination elements Means, element acquisition means). Similarly, acquisition of these random number values is performed by specifying the address of the variable random number counter area. Then, when the reach control random number and the variation pattern determination random number are respectively acquired from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves them in the transfer destination address.

  Step S35: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved big hit determination random number, big hit 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 free sections in the area. To store in a set (storage means, lottery element storage means). The order (for example, the first to fourth) is set in the plurality of sections, and if all the first to fourth sections are empty at the current stage, the random numbers are stored sequentially from the first section. Alternatively, if the first section is already filled and the other second to fourth sections are empty, each random number is stored sequentially from the second section. The random number storage area is read out in the FIFO (First In First Out) format.

  Step S36: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current special game management status (gaming state) is in the middle of a big hit. If the jackpot is not medium (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the subsequent steps S37 and S38. If the jackpot is in progress (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 prefetching is not performed for the ball entering during the big hit.

  Step S37: If not being a big hit (Step S36: No), the main control CPU 72 executes the acquisition effect determination process for the first special symbol. This processing determines the result of the internal lottery in advance (before the start of fluctuation) based on the big hit determination random number and the big hit symbol random number of the first special symbol acquired in the previous steps S32 to S34, respectively, and thereby the effect contents It is for judging (so-called "pre-reading"). The specific contents of the process will be further described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S38: When returning from the effect determination process at the time of acquisition, next, the main control CPU 72 sets the upper byte (for example, “B8H”) of the special drawing destination determination effect command regarding the first special symbol. The upper byte data describes that the command type is "for special drawing destination determination effect regarding the first special symbol". The lower byte portion of the special drawing destination determination effect command is set in the previous acquisition effect determination process (step S37), so here, for example, a 1-word-long command by combining the upper byte with the lower byte Will be generated.

  Step S38a: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets an effect memory number increase effect command for the first special symbol. Specifically, for the leading value (for example, "BBH") of the upper byte representing the type of command, the 1-word length is obtained by adding the number of working storages after increase (for example, "01H" to "04H") to the lower byte Generate a rendering command. At this time, for the lower byte, the second digit is set to “0” by default, which indicates that the value is “the result (change information) due to the increase in the number of working storages”. That is, if the lower byte is "01H", it indicates that the number of current working memories becomes "01H" as a result of increasing one from the last working memory number "00H". Similarly, if the lower byte is "02H" to "04H", the number of working memories at this time is "02H" to "02H" as a result of being increased by one each from the previous working memory numbers "01H" to "03H". It shows that it became "04H". In addition, precedence value "BBH" is a value showing that the present production command is an operation memory number command about the 1st special symbol.

Step S39: Then, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output setting process for the first special symbol. In this process, the special drawing destination determination effect command generated in step S38, the effect memory number increase effect effect command generated in step S38a, and the start opening winning sound control command are transmitted to the effect control device 124. It is a thing.
Then, when the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 12).

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

  Step S40: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the second special symbol operating memory number counter to check whether the operating memory number is less than the maximum value. Similarly to the above, the second special symbol operating memory number counter represents the number (group number) of the big hit determination random number, the big hit symbol random number, etc. 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 processing (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 CPU72 proceeds to the next step S41 and subsequent steps.

  Step S41: The main control CPU 72 adds one to the second special symbol operation memory number (increment the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter). As in the previous step S31 (FIG. 13), the display output management process (step S232 in FIG. 11) controls the lighting state of the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a based on the value of the counter added here. It will be

  Step S42: Then, the main control CPU 72 acquires the jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (second lottery element acquisition means, lottery element acquisition means). The method of acquiring the random 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 of acquiring the random value is the same as step S33 (FIG. 13) described above.

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

  Step S45: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved big hit determination random number, the big hit symbol random number, the reach determination random number, and the variation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the second special symbol, and these random numbers are free sections in the area. To store in 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 (gaming state) is in the middle of a big hit. And if it is other than a big hit (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the subsequent steps S46 and S47. On the other hand, if the player is in the middle of 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 no effect is produced by the pre-reading for the ball entering during the big hit.

  Step S46: When it is other than during a 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 processing determines the result of the internal lottery in advance (before the start of fluctuation) based on the big hit determination random number and the big hit symbol random number of the second special symbol obtained in the previous steps S42 to S44 respectively, and thereby the effect contents It is for judging. The specific content of the process will be described later.

  Step S47: When returning from the effect determination process at the time of acquisition, next, the main control CPU 72 sets the upper byte (for example, "B9H") of the special drawing destination determination effect command. The upper byte data describes that the command type is “for special drawing destination determination effect regarding the second special symbol”. Similarly, since the lower byte portion of the special drawing destination determination effect command is set in the previous acquisition time effect determination process (step S46), here, for example, one word is obtained 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 memory number increase effect command for the second special symbol. Here, an effect command of 1 word length obtained by adding, to the lower byte, the operation storage number (for example, “01H” to “04H”) after the increase with respect to the leading value (for example, “BCH”) of the upper byte indicating the type of command Generate Similarly for the second special symbol, by defaulting the second digit of the lower byte to "0" by default, it is possible to represent that the value is "the result (change information) due to an increase in the number of working memories". it can. In addition, precedence value "BCH" is a value showing that the present production command is an operation memory number command about the 2nd special symbol.

Step S49: Then, the main control CPU 72 executes effect command output setting processing for the second special symbol. As a result, preparation is made to transmit a special drawing destination determination effect command, an operation memory number increase effect command, a start opening winning sound control command, etc. to the effect control device 124 regarding the second special symbol.
Then, when the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 12).

[Determination process at acquisition]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the effect determination process at the time of acquisition. The main control CPU 72 executes this effect determination process at the time of acquisition in the first first special symbol storage update processing and the second special symbol storage update processing (step S37 in FIG. 13 and step S46 in FIG. 14) (prior determination means). As described above, this process is executed for each of the first special symbol (when entering the right starting winning opening 26) and the second special symbol (when entering the variable starting winning device 28). Therefore, the following description may correspond to processing relating to the first special symbol and to processing relating to the second special symbol. The contents of the process will be described below along each procedure.

  Step S50: The main control CPU 72 sets the lower byte portion (for example, "00H") of the special drawing destination determination effect command (destination determination information). The byte data set here represents the standard value of the command (at the time of disconnection).

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

  Step S54: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the loaded random number is out of the range of the hit value (here, the lower limit value or less) (lottery result destination judging means, prior judging means). Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a comparison value (lower limit value) in the A register, and subtracts the loaded random value from the 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, for example, from the value of the flag register whether the operation result is 0 or a positive value. As a result, if the loaded random number is out of the hit value range (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S80.

  Step S80: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an out-of-time variation pattern information prior determination process (variation pattern destination determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command for the fluctuation time at the time of disconnection. The prior determination information regarding the variation time (or variation pattern number) particularly at the time of operation of the “time shortening function” is reflected in the variation pattern destination determination command generated here. For example, if the current state is at the time of operation of "time reduction function", the main control CPU 72 corresponds to "outgoing reach fluctuation (non-shortened fluctuation time)" based on the reach determination random number loaded. Determine if there is. As a result, when the fluctuation time corresponds to "a loss reach fluctuation (non-shortening fluctuation time)", the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to "time reduction". In the case of reach variation, "reach group (type of reach)" may also be determined from reach mode random numbers, and a variation pattern destination determination command may be generated from the result. On the other hand, when the fluctuation time does not correspond to the "outreach reach fluctuation (non-shortening fluctuation time)", the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to "time reduction". Alternatively, if the current state is the non-operation time (low probability state) of the "time reduction function", 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 the “normal shift reach fluctuation”, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to the “normal shift reach fluctuation time”. On the other hand, when the fluctuation time does not correspond to “normal 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 rendering command output setting process (steps S39 and S49). In this process, the main control CPU 72 may generate a variation pattern destination determination command for the variation pattern in the small hit, as in the case of the process in the above-described disconnection.

  When the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU 72 ends the acquisition effect determination processing, and returns to the first special symbol storage update processing (FIG. 13) or the second special symbol storage update processing (FIG. 14) of the caller. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S54 that the loaded random number is not out of the hit value range but within the hit value range (step S54: No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S56.

  Step S56: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the probability state schedule flag according to the previous determination result is set. The probability state schedule flag according to the first determination result is set when there is a winning value among the jackpot determination random numbers stored so far, although no change has been started yet. Specifically, when there is a winning value in the big hit determination random number stored so far, if the big hit symbol random number to be paired with this corresponds to the “probable variation symbol”, the probability state schedule flag is "A0H" is set. This value represents a flag value to be set to be in a high probability state in advance determination (prefetching determination) of the big hit decision random number acquired after the big hit decision random number. On the other hand, if there is a winning value in the big hit determination random number stored so far, and the big hit symbol random number to be paired with this corresponds to the "non-probability (normal) symbol", the probability state For example, “01H” is set in the schedule flag. This value represents a flag value to be set to be in a normal (low) probability state in advance determination (prefetching determination) of the big hit decision random number acquired later than the big hit decision random number. The flag value is reset (00H) if the winning value does not yet exist in the jackpot determination random numbers stored so far. Also, the value of the probability state schedule flag is stored, for example, in the flag area of the RAM 76. Here, an example in which the "predicted state of probability state flag" is used to strictly determine the prior collision determination is given. However, in the case of simply performing the previous state of collision determination based on the current probability state, step S56 and subsequent steps 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 next.

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

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

  Step S70: Then, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the loaded special symbol probability state flag does not represent high probability (≠ 01 H), and as a result, if it indicates high probability (No ), And then execute step S64.

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

  As described above, in the case where the probability state schedule flag according to the first 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 do. On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S70 that the present probability state flag does not represent the 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 the random number loaded in the previous step S52 is out of the range of the hit value (lottery result destination determining means). That is, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the jackpot determination random number value from the comparison value set for each state. Then, the main control CPU 72 similarly determines whether the operation result is a negative value (<0) or not from the value of the flag register, and as a result, if the loaded random number is out of the hit value range (Yes The main control CPU 72 executes an out-of-time change pattern information prior determination process (step S80). On the other hand, if the loaded random number is not out of the range of hit values but within the range (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S74.

  Step S74: The main control CPU 72 executes jackpot symbol type determination processing. This process is for determining the type of big hit (winning type) at that time based on the big hit symbol random number which is paired with the big hit determination random number. For example, the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot symbol random numbers of the symbols stored in the first special symbol storage update process (step S35 in FIG. 13) or the second special symbol storage 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 that the "normal symbol" or the "probable variation symbol" corresponds to the big hit type. The main control CPU 72 stores the determination result at this time as the 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 according to the previous determination result. Specifically, when the special symbol end determination value stored in the previous step S74 represents "a normal 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 symbol”, the main control CPU 72 sets the value “A0H” in the probability state schedule flag. As a result, in the processing after the next time, it is determined in step S56 that "flag is set".

  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 drawing destination determination effect command. For example, "01H" is set when the special symbol destination determination value corresponds to "a normal symbol", and "A0H" is set when it corresponds to a "probable variation symbol". In any case, by setting the lower byte data, the standard lower byte data "00H" set in the previous step S50 is rewritten.

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

  The above is the procedure before (previous internal hit) the probability state schedule flag according to the previous determination result is set. On the other hand, when the probability state schedule flag is set through the previous step S76, the following procedure is executed. However, in the case of performing the prior collision determination only in the current probability state, it is not necessary to execute the following steps S56, S58, S60, S62, and S76.

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

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

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

  Step S62: Then, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the loaded probability state schedule flag does not represent a high probability schedule (≠ 01 H), and as a result, if it represents a high probability schedule ( No) Next, step S64 is executed to set a high probability comparison value.

  As described above, when the probability state schedule flag according to the first determination result is already set and the value is scheduled to have a high probability, the comparison value is rewritten for the high probability time, and the subsequent step S72 or later is performed. Will do. On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S62 that the probability state schedule flag does not represent the schedule of the high probability but represents the schedule of the normal (low) probability (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the step The step S64 is skipped and the subsequent steps S72 and subsequent steps are executed. Thereby, in the present embodiment, it is possible to perform the big hit judgment in advance, taking into consideration the subsequent change of the internal state (normal probability state → high probability state, high probability state → normal probability state) based on the first determination result. .

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

[Special symbol 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. Special symbol game processing is execution selection processing (step S1000), special symbol variation pre-processing (step S2000), special symbol variation processing (step S3000), special symbol stop display processing (step S4000), big hit variable winning prize device The configuration includes a subroutine (program module) group of the management process (step S5000) and the small hitting 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 a jump destination of a process to be performed 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 in the stack pointer as the return destination address.

  Which process to select as the next jump destination differs depending on the progress status of the process performed so far (special symbol game management status). For example, if the special symbol has not yet started variable display (special symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol fluctuation 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 processing has been completed (special symbol game management status: 02H), the special symbol stop display processing (step S4000) is selected as the next jump destination. In the present embodiment, the address of the jump destination is specified in the “jump table” and the process is selected. However, the “process flag”, the “process selection flag”, etc. are used separately from such a selection method. There are also known programming examples in which the CPU chooses what to do next. In such a programming example, the CPU calls each processing as it goes through and makes conditional branching (continuation / return) with reference to the flags one by one at its first step. However, in the selection method of this embodiment, the main control 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 of adjusting the conditions for starting the variation display of the special symbol. More specifically, the main control CPU 72 first reads out and erases (consumes) the random numbers for lottery (big hit determination random number, big hit symbol random number) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76 sequentially from the leading section Move (shift) the remaining random numbers one by one to the previous section. In the present embodiment, since the game specification is to change the second special symbol with priority over the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number memory corresponding to the second special symbol than the memory corresponding to the first special symbol. Priority is given to storage of the area. The main control CPU 72 reads out the memory corresponding to the first special symbol when the memory corresponding to the second special symbol does not exist. In any case, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one from the value of the operation memory number counter of the special symbol from which the random number for lottery is read. Then, the main control CPU 72 performs an internal lottery for the corresponding special symbol using the read random number, and determines a variation pattern and a stop symbol according to the lottery result. A random number for fluctuation (reach determination random number, fluctuation pattern determination random number, etc.) is used to determine the fluctuation pattern.

  Step S3000: During 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, a drive signal (1 byte data) of ON or OFF is output to each segment and dot (No. 0 to No. 7) of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, whereby the variation display of the special symbol is performed.

  Step S4000: In the special symbol stop display 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. Similarly, although the drive signal of ON or OFF is output with respect to each segment and dot of 7 segment LED, the pattern of a drive signal is constant and, thereby, stop display of a special symbol is performed.

  Step S5000: The big hit variable winning prize device management process is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the big hit mode in the above-mentioned special symbol stop display processing. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a big hit, an opportunity to shift to a big hit gaming state (special gaming state advantageous to the player) from the normal state until then occurs. During the big hit game, the jump destination is set to the big hit variable winning device management processing in the previous execution selection processing (step S1000), the variation display of the special symbol is not performed. In the jackpot variable winning device management process, the number of continuous operations set in advance (for a period of time until the big winning opening solenoid 90 counts for example 29 seconds or 0.1 seconds or 10 balls entered) For example, the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed in a predetermined pattern. During this time, the player is given an opportunity to obtain many prize balls collectively by making the game balls be concentrated on the variable winning device 30 (special game execution means). The open / close pattern of the variable winning device 30 is defined in advance in accordance with the type of the first special symbol or the second special symbol (the winning type, the winning symbol) to be stopped and displayed at the time of winning. In addition, the opening and closing operation of the variable winning device 30 at the time of big hit is referred to as "round", and when the number of continuous operations is 16 times in total, these may be generically referred to as "16 round".

  When the big winning opening opening pattern (the number of rounds, the number of opening and closing operations per round, opening time, etc.) is set in the big hit variable winning device management process, the main control CPU72 opens and closes the variable winning device 30 for one round. Every time it 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, for example, with an initial value of 0. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a round number command representing the value of the round number counter. The number-of-rounds 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 (major) in that round.

  Then, when the big hit game is ended, the main control CPU 72 changes the state (high probability state, time shortened state) after the end of the big hit game based on the game state flag (probability fluctuation function operating flag, time shortening function operating 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 is, for example, about 10 times higher than usual (specific gaming state transition means, high probability state transition means, high probability state setting means). Moreover, in the "time reduction state", the time reduction function is activated, the operation lottery of the normal symbol becomes high probability, and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened and the open time of the variable start winning device 28 is extended The number of opening increases (so-called electric support is performed). The “high probability state” and the “time reduction state” may be shifted to only one of them in control or may be shifted to both of them.

  Step S6000: The small hitting variable winning prize device management process is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the small hitting mode in the above-mentioned special symbol stop display processing. For example, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a small hit, an opportunity to shift to the small hit gaming state from the normal state up to that point occurs. During the small hit game, the jump destination is set to the small hit variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the variation display of the special symbol is not performed. In the small hit game, although the variable winning device 30 opens and closes a predetermined number of times (for example, twice) in a predetermined opening time (for example, 0.1 seconds), almost no winning in the big winning opening occurs.

[Example of effect image]
Next, the effect image actually displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 in the pachinko machine 1 will be described by giving some examples. As described above, when a 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 or the second special symbol is displayed. (Symbol display means). However, since the first special symbol and the second special symbol itself are displayed with lighting and blinking by the 7-segment LED, they have poor appeal in appearance. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1, a variable display effect using the effect pattern is performed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the logo display 40m and the memory displays 41a to 41h are disposed adjacent to the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The logo display 40m and the memory displays 41a to 41h can perform the rendering operation synchronized with the content displayed on the screen in cooperation with the liquid crystal display. In particular, a total of eight memory display bodies 41a to 41h are used, for example, for the effect of easily transmitting to the player the total number of memories obtained by adding the current first special symbol operating memory number and the second special symbol operating memory number. Be The logo display 40m and the memory displays 41a to 41h are also used in special zone effects (special period effects) to be executed when the total number of memories reaches a specified number (for example, eight).

  In these effects, the memory display bodies 41a to 41h perform light emission and displacement. For example, in the memory display bodies 41a to 41h, the memory display body indicating the numerical value corresponding to the added storage blinks, or each memory display body vibrates with the progress of the effect, or from the memory display body 41a on the left side. The memory display 41h on the right side changes from falling down to rising, or from the memory display 41h on the right to the memory display 41a on the left changing from falling up to the falling state Alternatively, the memory display bodies 41a to 41h alternately change in the state of falling down and in the state of rising. The logo display body 40m and the memory display bodies 41a to 41h are operated by using the logo display body motor and the memory display body motor 67 (represented by one reference symbol for convenience of explanation but actually a plurality of motors) It can be done. Further, light can be emitted by the logo display lamp 69 and the memory display lamp 68.

  The effect symbols include, for example, three left effect symbols, middle effect symbols and right effect symbols, which are displayed side by side on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (see FIG. 1). ). Each effect design is, for example, a design of a picture tag to which a character is attached together with numerals "1" to "9". Here, the left rendering symbol, the middle rendering symbol, and the right rendering symbol constitute symbol rows in which the numbers are arranged in the descending order of “9” to “1”. Such symbol rows are displayed fluctuatingly so as to flow (scrolling) in the vertical direction in the left area, the middle area and the right area on the screen. In addition, the middle effect design is shown in a size smaller than the left and right effect designs.

  FIG. 17 is a continuous view showing an example of the effect image corresponding to the variable display and the stop display of the special symbol. In addition, about the fluctuation of the special symbol at the time of non-winning (loss), an example of the fluctuation display production performed using a production design and the stop display production (result display production) is represented here. This variation display effect is a line between the time when the special symbol (here, the first special symbol, but also the second special symbol) starts the variable display and the stop display (including the fixed stop). It corresponds to a series of effects that are In addition, the stop display effect is an effect representing that the special symbol is stopped and displayed, and the result of the internal lottery at that time as a combination of the effect symbols.

  Further, in this example, there is also shown an example of effects for operating the eight memory display bodies 41a to 41h based on the total number of memories which increase and decrease during the game. The eight memory display bodies 41a to 41h can execute the rendering operation corresponding to the current total storage number (1 to 8), for example, by changing the lighting number according to the total storage number. In addition, it is possible to indicate that there is no working memory number for any of the first special symbol or the second special symbol by turning off all the eight memory display bodies 41a to 41h. In the following drawings, in order to prevent the drawings from being complicated, reference numerals are partially omitted. In addition, although the memory display bodies 41a to 41h are shown in a state in which all of them are erected in order to enhance the visibility, in actuality, they appropriately change with the progress of the rendering as described above.

  Here, first, before describing the specific content of the control process, a basic flow of the variable display effect for each fluctuation and the stop display effect adopted in the present embodiment will be described. In addition, an example of the rendering operation corresponding to the change in the total number of memories in the game will also be described.

[Before fluctuating display]
(A) in FIG. 17: For example, in a state before the first special symbol starts to change (state not under demonstration effect), a row of three effect symbols is displayed large in 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 in the state of being stopped.

[Memory display effect]
For the memory number effect device unit, for example, the current total memory is stored by turning on the four memory display bodies 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d corresponding to the numbers "1" to "4" (the others are extinguished) The player can be notified that the number is "4". That is, there are a total of eight memory display bodies 41a to 41h, and the number of lightings is the number of operation memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol (the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a The display number represents the number obtained by adding up the display numbers, and the number of lightings increases or decreases in conjunction with the change in the number of operation memories in the game.

  In addition, the eight memory display bodies 41a to 41h are lit and displayed in the order in which the operation storage of the first special symbol or the operation storage of the second special symbol is acquired, and the lighting position is not particularly different depending on the symbol. That is, in the example of (A) in FIG. 42, four memory display bodies 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d are lit and displayed, but in this case, for example, the operation memory of the first special symbol and the second special symbol alternate. It represents that two pieces each have been acquired (stored) up to four pieces in total (total memory number display effect executing means). In addition, although not shown in particular here, the memory display body 41a ~ of the total number of memories corresponding to the operation storage of the first special symbol and the operation corresponding to the operation storage of the second special symbol. The lighting color of 41 h may be different.

  Although not shown, it is assumed that the fourth symbol is displayed at the lower part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, for example, during the variable display of the effect symbol. The fourth symbol is the "fourth effect symbol" following the left, middle and right effect symbols described above, and is variably displayed in synchronization with this during the variation display of the effect symbols. The fourth pattern is simply a simple mark (for example, a figure of “□”) with a color, and for example, the variable display can be expressed by changing the display color. The fourth symbol is displayed corresponding to each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

  In the stop display state at the time of release, the fourth symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the release. This is to objectively clarify that the stop display effect is properly performed and the pachinko machine 1 is operating normally. Therefore, if the result of the internal lottery is actually "7 round big hit" or "16 round big hit" instead of "off", the fourth symbol in a mode (for example, red display color or green display color etc.) corresponding to them. Is stopped.

[Variation display production start]
In FIG. 17 (B): For example, the fluctuation display effect is started by the scroll movement of three symbol rows on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 in synchronization with the start of the fluctuation of the first special symbol (symbol effect (symbol effect) Execution means). That is, in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol, the left display symbol, the middle display symbol and the row of the right display symbol scroll vertically (flow) in the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The production is started.

  In addition, with regard to the memory number effect device unit, the total number of memories until then decreases by one before the start of the fluctuation, and the memory display body 41d representing the number "4" changes to the light off state. Then, after the start of fluctuation, three memory display bodies 41a, 41b, 41c representing the numbers "1" to "3" are lit and displayed. This makes it possible to visually convey to the player that "the total number of memories has been consumed (decreased) along with the start of fluctuation".

  Although not particularly illustrated here, when the total number of memories decreases due to the start of fluctuation, for example, the memory display body 41a representing the numeral "1" turns off first, and the remaining numerals "2" to "4" After the lighting states of the memory display bodies 41b, 41c and 41d representing the are maintained for a moment (for example, 0.5 seconds), the memory display bodies 41b and 41c representing the numbers "2", "3" and "4" respectively , 41d are turned off in order, and the rendering operation is performed such that the memory display bodies 41a, 41b, 41c, which respectively represent the numbers "1", "2", and "3", are sequentially turned on and displayed. You may do it. Thereby, it is easy to visually recognize to the player that "the oldest operation memory is consumed in the variable display, and the remaining operation memories are moved (shifted) in the order of the memory". it can.

  In the figure, the variable display of the effect pattern is simply indicated by the downward arrow. Although not shown here, an image (background image) serving as the background of the effect pattern is displayed in the display screen at this time by being displayed (transparent display) in a state where each effect pattern is transparent during the variable display. It shall be displayed in the state which is easy to visually recognize. Such a background image can be selected according to the stay mode on presentation. The stay mode is classified into, for example, a "normal mode" corresponding to the normal gaming state, a "high probability mode" corresponding to the "high probability state", and a "time saving (chance) mode" corresponding to the "time reduction state" be able to. Further, although not particularly illustrated here, after that, for example, an image such as a character or an item may be displayed on the display screen to perform the notice effect.

[Reach condition occurrence]
(C) in FIG. 17: For example, when a certain amount of time (about half of the fluctuation time) elapses, the left production design stops fluctuating first, and a little after (for example, after 1 to 2 seconds) the right production design There is an effect of stopping the change. In this example, it represents that the left effect design symbol and the right effect design symbol representing the number "6" are stopped at the middle position of the screen. In addition, about the middle effect design is still in the process of fluctuation. As a result, the effect pattern is displayed as a combination of "6"-(during variation)-"6", and the "reach state" is generated on the effect.

[Total memory number increase presentation]
In addition, since the launch of the game ball has been continued during this time, winnings to the right start winning opening 26 and the variable start winning device 28 alternately occur through the distribution device 200, for example, the total number of working memories increases by two. And change to five. In this case, the two memory display bodies 41d and 41e are newly lighted and displayed, and an effect (total memory number increase effect) indicating that the total memory number has increased to five is performed. That is, in this example, two memory display bodies 41d and 41e corresponding to the numbers "4" and "5" are additionally lit and displayed.

[Reach production]
In (D) of FIG. 17, after the reach state occurs, an effect is performed as if the middle effect design slowly flows from the numbers “3” to “4” and “5”. In addition, with regard to the left and right effect designs being tempted, effects such as emitting images of aura from the characters of each effect design (displaying an image similar to a flame) are performed. In particular, the reliability of the current change (big hit expectation; the first special symbol or the second special symbol is displayed in the winning mode according to the color of the aura (blue, yellow, green, red, gold, iridescent etc.) To indicate the possibility of being However, when “normal reach change pattern (at the time of failure)” is selected as the change pattern of this time, it does not develop into reach presentation (super reach effect etc.) having a higher degree of expectation by this change.

[Total memory number increase presentation]
In any case, when the “normal reach fluctuation pattern” is selected as the current fluctuation pattern, a fluctuation time (for example, about 20 seconds to 25 seconds) appropriate for performing the reach effect is set. And since the game balls have been launched continuously during this time, winnings to the right start winning opening 26 and the variable start winning device 28 alternately occur through the distribution device 200, for example, the total number of working memories is one more It has increased to six. As a result, the memory display body 41f corresponding to the numeral "6" is additionally light-displayed by newly adding one, and an effect (total memory number increase effect) is performed to indicate that the total memory number has increased to six. ing.

[Stop display production (Result display production)]
(E) in FIG. 17: It is near the end of the fluctuation time, and the middle effect pattern stops fluctuation. In this example, a state in which the effect pattern representing the number "6" passes the middle position (lined line) of the display screen and falls below the screen, and the middle effect pattern representing the number "7" stops at the middle position. Is displayed. In this case, the combination of the rendering symbols is “6”-“7”-”6” (reach is lost), and unfortunately it is expressed on the production that it did not become a big hit in this fluctuation unfortunately There is.

  The above is an example of the variable display effect and the stop display effect (at the time of non-winning) performed using the effect pattern for each change of one time. Through such an effect, it is possible to give the player a sense of anticipation for winning and finally to clearly teach the result of the internal lottery on the effect.

  Further, although the example described above is for the non-winning case, after the reach effect is executed during the variable display effect at the time of the big hit (winning), in the stop display effect, the production symbol is stopped and displayed in the big hit mode. At this time, the stop display mode of the effect symbol basically corresponds to the winning symbol internally selected by the main control CPU 72 (the stop display mode of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35) Is selected.

[Example of production at the time of big hit]
Next, FIG. 18 to FIG. 21 are continuous views showing the flow of reach effect (at the time of a big hit) executed during the special zone effect. In this example, among the operation memories included in the specified number (for example, eight) as the total number of memories, for example, the case where the third operation memory in the memory order corresponds to the winning of "16 round probability variation symbol" is mentioned However, the operation memory corresponding to the winning may be the first or second (or after the fourth).

  The following special effects are displayed on the first special symbol display device 34 (or the second special symbol display device 35) in a variation display according to the variation pattern at the time of a big hit, and then the first special symbol is a big hit aspect (eg 7) It is executed until the stop display of the segment LED by "self", "yo", "mouth", "mochi", "F", "E", "L", "mochi" and the like. In addition, in each figure, each production | presentation symbol is simplified and shown only to the number. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the flow of presentation.

[Variable display effect]
In FIG. 18 (A): Fluctuation display effects of the left presentation symbol, the middle presentation symbol and the right presentation symbol on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 substantially in synchronization with the start of the fluctuation of the first special symbol (or the second special symbol) Is the same as before. However, the above-mentioned frame image is continuously displayed on the periphery of the display screen in order to clearly indicate that the present is "during special zone effect". Further, although not shown here, for example, at this time, an image unique to “special zone effect in progress” is displayed as a background image.

  Further, since the total number of working memories is reduced to two, the two memory display bodies 41a and 41b representing the numbers "1" and "2" are lit and displayed, and the other memory display bodies 41c to 41h Is in the unlit state, but the logo display 40m is lit and displayed.

[Decorative body notice production]
(B) in FIG. 18: Next, the entire display screen is blacked out relatively early in the variable display effect, and an image effect as if light rays are emitted from the logo display 40m is performed.
(C) in FIG. 18: Then, something vibrates around the liquid crystal display 42 (motion around). The true nature of this vibration is three decoration bodies located on the left and right and below the liquid crystal display 42. Although these decorations can vibrate and move, at this point they are in a position (storage position) hidden by other structures in the game area 8a, making it difficult for the player to see . By performing such an effect, it is possible to attract the player to the game and have a sense of expectation for future development.

  (D) in FIG. 19: Three ornaments 41x, 41y and 41z that vibrated in a hidden position appear from the outside of the liquid crystal display 42 soon after. The decorative bodies 41x and 41y appearing from the left and right sides of the liquid crystal display 42 are those representing the wings of birds, and the decorative bodies 41z appearing from the lower side of the liquid crystal display 42 are those representing the necks of birds It is. At this time, these decorative bodies 41x, 41y and 41z are not linearly moved but are slightly displaced while being slightly changed in angle. For example, as the birds gradually spread their wings, the decorative bodies 41x and 41y move in the left and right direction while gradually inclining in the vertical direction from the state where the inner edges are close to the horizontal. In addition, the decoration 41z changes from a state in which the face is slightly leaned in a low posture, to a state in which the neck is extended and the eyebrows are raised, so that birds gradually rise.

  (E) in FIG. 19: When the three decorative bodies 41x, 41y and 41z appear completely, these are combined to complete a decorative body that represents a bird spreading wings as a whole. In accordance with the operation of such a decoration, on the display screen, an image rendering is performed as if a radial ray is emitted from the back. By the effect of such an aspect, it is possible to give a visual impact to the player and to improve the expectation for the flow of the subsequent variable display effect. In addition, each decoration 41x, 41y, 41z can be operated using the decoration motor 57 (Although it is represented by one reference symbol for convenience of explanation, in fact, a plurality of motors). Further, the decorative body lamp 58 can emit light from the decorative bodies 41x, 41y and 41z.

[Reach condition occurrence]
In FIG. 19 (F) and in FIG. 20 (G): The decoration which has appeared is returned to the initial storage position and disappears from view, and in the display screen, the right effect design is stopped following the stop of the left effect design. Do. At this time, a reach state of “7”-(during variation)-“7” is generated in the combination of the effect symbols, and the effect of outputting a voice such as “reach!” Is performed. Also, in this case, since the numbers "7" are consistent, it becomes a big hit, so it is possible for the player to have a variety of tensions, such as not only mere lottery success or failure, or "probable change or break". .

[Prevailing production after reach occurrence (first)]
In FIG. 20 (H): Following generation of the reach state, for example, a radial flash beam is displayed on the background of the effect pattern that has been tempered, and the character information of "chance!" Is displayed at the center position to generate reach. Post-announcement effect (1st) is performed. By executing such a visually impressive after-reach announcement effect, it is possible to obtain an effect of making the player have a greater sense of expectation.

[Progress of reach production]
In (I) of FIG. 20, following the notice effect after the first reach occurrence, for example, images representing the numbers “2” to “8” are displayed in a state of forming a three-dimensional row on the screen, and An effect is taken that the image of the numeral is erased from the screen in the order of "2", "3", "4", etc. from the head (front). Such an effect is performed for the purpose of suggesting (or suggesting) to the player that the jackpot of "7" is a "big hit" if the number "7" is not erased until the end. In addition, if the number "5" is deleted and "6" remains in front of the screen, it is "off", and if it is deleted until the number "7", it is "out" but the number "6" If the numeral “7” remains in front of the screen without being erased after “E” is erased, it means that it is a “probable big hit”. Therefore, during this time, the images are erased in order of the numbers "2", "3", "4", etc., and as the order of the numbers "6" approaches, the player's sense of tension and expectations The feeling will also increase. After that, for example, if up to the number "5" is erased on the screen, the possibility of the "probable big hit" will finally increase when the number "6" is finally eliminated. The feeling also rises at a stretch.

[Prevailing production after reach occurrence (second time)]
In Fig. 21 (J): When the reach effect nears the end of the game, the image of the character is displayed on the screen as if it were divided into large shots, and that the character emits some lines (or silently) The notice effect (the second time) is performed after the reach occurrence of the content of smile). At this point, for example, the content of the reach effect is a development such as "If the number" 6 "is deleted, the possibility of the probability variation big hit of" 7 "-" 7 "-" 7 "is increased. Therefore, by causing the character image to appear largely at this timing, it is possible to obtain an effect of causing the player to have a sense of expectation that "it may become a big hit".

[Stop display production (Result display production)]
In FIG. 21 (K): The final middle effect pattern stops substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. In this example, since the winning symbol internally corresponds to "16 round probability symbol", the stopping symbol (the form is a heart shape) representing the number "7" on the effect is stopped and displayed at the center of the screen. ing.

  (L) in FIG. 21: Then, for example, the fixed stop display is performed also for the stop display effect as the effect pattern substantially in synchronization with the fixed stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The decision stop display of the effect pattern is performed, for example, in a state in which the left, middle and right effect symbols are restored to their initial sizes. By performing such a decision stop display, it is possible to teach the player that the final winning type has been decided on the effect. Further, in this case, the fourth symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, red display color) corresponding to "16 round probability variation big hit".

  In addition, although the case of "16 round probability odd symbol" is mentioned as an example here, if the result of an internal lottery is the above-mentioned "16 round normal symbol", for example, it is a reach with a production symbol showing "6" etc. A state occurs, and the left, middle, and right presentation symbols are stopped and displayed in the form of a big hit composed of the same combination (e.g., "6"-"6"-"6") after the subsequent reach effect. In this case, the fourth symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, green display color) corresponding to "16 round normal symbols".

  In addition, if the result of the internal lottery is non-winning, because the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed with the disappointing symbol, the stopping display effect is performed in the form of the deviation similarly to the rendering symbol (symbol effect Execution means). In this case, by displaying the numbers "6" and "8" other than "7" at the center of the screen, an effect of notifying that the present fluctuation did not result in a big hit is performed unfortunately. In addition, such an effect is performed as "outside reach effect". Even in this case, since the fluctuation pattern corresponds to, for example, “super reach fluctuation pattern at the time of losing”, it is the specific reach fluctuation that occurs during the special zone effect.

[Summary of Special Zone Effects]
As described above, after reaching the specified number (for example, eight), the total number of memories reaches the specified number (for example, eight), and by starting the special zone effect after the success effect, a specific reach effect The player can be notified in advance that the reach effect or the super reach effect at the time of disconnection occurs. As a result, the player's sense of expectation can be maintained during the special zone effect, and tension can be maintained during the game (variation) until the specific reach effect occurs.

  Also, the effect of determining whether such special zone effect is started is executed on condition that the total number of memories has reached the specified number (for example, eight), and therefore the effect is usually given to the player. During the game, the user can be conscious of "making the total number of memories into a specified number" and give motivation to "increase the total number of memories to the specified number to see special zone effects".

  By the way, such effects are produced by the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 and the plurality of movable bodies (the logo display body 40m, the memory display bodies 41a to 41h, and the decoration bodies 41x, 41y, 41z touched in the example of the effect) In addition, the operation of the large rotary lamp 41 etc.) is synchronized. As mentioned above, in order to operate these movable bodies, many motors are required as a drive source. The drive control of the motor will be described in detail later using another figure.

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

[CPU initialization process (main) process in effect control device]
FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of a CPU initialization process executed by the effect control device 124. (A) in FIG. 22 shows the entire CPU initialization processing, and (B) in FIG. 22 shows processing executed in the main loop in the CPU initialization processing.

  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, and when the effect control device 124 starts up (more specifically, to the pachinko machine 1) Is executed by the effect control CPU 126) or the like when the effect control device 124 is restarted due to some factor. The execution of the CPU initialization process ensures the stable rendering of the pachinko machine 1.

  (A) in FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a CPU initialization process performed in the effect control device 124. Hereinafter, the process executed by the effect control CPU 126 will be described in order of each procedure.

  Step S300: The effect control CPU 126 cancels the reset of the CPU. The effect control CPU 126 resets the CPU after power-on to the effect control device 124 in order to guarantee normal operation in the effect control device 124, and the output voltage rises normally to the operation guarantee level until the peripheral circuit is stabilized. The reset state continues during the period. By doing this, it is possible to prevent the program from operating in a state where the effect control device 124 is not stable. When the reset of the CPU is released, the execution of the control program in the effect control device 124 is started with this as a trigger.

  Step S310: The effect control CPU 126 executes a system initialization process. In the system initialization process, initial settings relating to hardware and operation settings of the system are performed as initial settings required before various interrupt processes corresponding to the substance of effect control are started. In the system initialization process, for example, in addition to settings relating to access to each register and I / O port of presentation control device CPU 126 and each device connected to presentation control CPU 126, clearing of RAM 130 (main memory) and command buffer, etc. To be done. When the system initialization process is completed, the interrupt is enabled.

  Step S320: The effect control CPU 126 executes task execution pre-processing. Here, the "task" refers to an individual process to be executed due to the occurrence of an interrupt. In task execution pre-processing, preparation for task execution is performed. For example, the effect control device 124 is provided with a plurality of LED lamps (hereinafter referred to as "status LED") visible from the back side of the pachinko machine 1, and using these LED lamps, the effect control device 124 can The internal state is notified by a plurality of lighting patterns, but the setting of the initial state of the status LED is performed in the pre-task execution process. In addition, the setting of the frequency for the command input / output port, the setup of the RTC 184, etc. which are necessary to receive the rendering command transmitted from the main control apparatus 70 are performed. When the task execution pre-processing ends, the status LED lights up in a mode that indicates the completion of the initialization processing, and the state shifts to a state where reception of various rendering commands is possible.

  In the effect control device 124, there are various types such as timer interrupt which occurs at preset time intervals, and event interrupt which occurs due to the occurrence of a predetermined event on the effect control device 124. Interrupts can occur. In the following description, interrupts that occur periodically at fixed intervals (for example, timer interrupts, event interrupts that occur at fixed cycles, etc.) are referred to as “periodic interrupts”. The priority order is set in advance for each interrupt, and when an interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 126 executes the corresponding interrupt process while controlling it in accordance with the priority order.

  Step S330: The effect control CPU 126 executes an effect control main process. In the effect control main processing, among the control executed with the progress of the game, other processing not executed in various tasks is performed. The contents of the effect control main process will be further described later.

  As shown in FIG. 22A, the effect control main process is incorporated in an infinite loop, and the effect control CPU 126 sets a predetermined execution interval after completing the effect control main process once. The execution of the next effect control main processing is started again from. Therefore, as long as 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 repeatedly execute the effect control main process. In addition, during execution of the effect control main process, various interrupts are generated triggered by various factors, and the effect control CPU 126 executes the process according to the generated interrupts. In these processes, image display control to the liquid crystal display 42, audio output control to the speakers 54 to 56, drive control of the lamps 46 to 53 and the decoration body motor 57, etc. are performed directly to the effect control device 124 or By controlling each of the indirectly connected devices, the effect content is constructed and the effect is embodied.

  As described above, the infinite loop in (A) in FIG. 22 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.

  (B) in FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of effect control main processing executed in the effect control device 124. Hereinafter, the process executed by the effect control CPU 126 will be described in order of each procedure.

  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 5 V signal supplied to the external driver in a predetermined time. If a voltage is simultaneously applied to the lamp, the movable body, etc., the lamp, the movable body, etc. may be excessively heated by the rush current, which may lead to malfunction or failure. Therefore, the inrush current is dispersed by shifting the timing of applying the voltage (the timing of releasing the signal), thereby protecting the lamp, the movable body, and the like from heat generation.

  Step S350: The effect control CPU 126 executes a watchdog clear process. In addition to the watchdog timer IC 188 connected to the effect control CPU 126 and the watchdog timer using the built-in functions of the effect control CPU 126, the effect control device 124 has a watchdog timer implemented by the control program. There is. That is, in the effect control device 124, a total of three watchdog timers, which are a combination of two watchdog timers on hardware and one watchdog timer on software, are activated, and each watchdog timer has a different monitoring time. It is monitored whether or not the periodic interrupt is normally generated (whether or not the periodic interrupt process which is executed upon occurrence of the periodic interrupt is normally executed). In the watchdog clear process, the effect control CPU 126 executes, for example, clearing of all the watchdog timers when the periodic interrupt process is normally executed.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the main loop ((A) in FIG. 22) of the CPU initialization process, and executes the effect control main process again. Note that the effect control main processing is executed at substantially constant intervals when the effect control device 124 is in a normal state. For example, when normal, the effect control main process is triggered by a frame interrupt while returning from a separately executed interrupt process every 33.3 ms (frame interrupts occurring at intervals of 16.6 ms occur twice) Each cycle), and the process of each step goes round. Therefore, when each step S340 and S350 of the effect control main process has made a round without delay, the effect control CPU 126 performs standby processing for the remaining time before calling the effect control main processing next, while waiting for the start processing. 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.

[Effect control processing]
By the way, as described above, the effect control device 124 has a function as effect control processor and a function as effect reproduction processor, and realizes these two functions by allocating different resources of the effect control CPU 126 to each. ing. The effect control CPU 126 as an effect control processor receives an effect command transmitted from the main control device 70, and transmits an effect reproduction command instructing reproduction of an effect according to the content. In addition, the effect control CPU 126 as the effect reproduction processor performs an operation of each device (by the liquid crystal display 42) by giving a more specific instruction to each device based on the contents of the effect reproduction command transmitted from the effect control processor. Screen display, voice output by speakers 54, 55, 56, light emission by various lamps 46 to 52 and panel lamp 53, displacement of various movable bodies by decoration body motor 57, etc. are controlled, and effect reproduction with pachinko machine 1 is realized Let

  Therefore, for the convenience of description, in the following description, an action subject in the case where 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 reproduction processor The operation subject in the case is appropriately expressed as “display control unit 220”, “voice control unit 222”, “lamp control unit 224” or “motor control unit 226”.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of effect control processing. This effect control process is executed, for example, in the process of an interrupt process that is periodically executed due to an interrupt that occurs in a fixed cycle while the main loop in (A) in FIG. 22 is being executed.

  The effect control process includes command reception process (step S400), operation memory effect management process (step S401), effect pattern management process (step S402), display output process (step S404), lamp driving process (step S406), sound drive The configuration includes a subroutine group of processing (step S408), effect random number updating processing (step S410), and other processing (step S412). 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 the effect command transmitted from the main control CPU 72. Further, 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 command transmitted from the main control CPU 72 includes, for example, a special drawing destination determination effect command, a special symbol operation memory number increase effect command, a special symbol operation memory number decrease effect command, and a starting opening winning sound Control command, demo effect command, lottery result command, fluctuation pattern command, fluctuation start command, stop symbol command, symbol stop command, state specification command, round number command, error notification command, big hit end production command, number cut counter value command , A variation pattern destination determination command, a stop display time end command, a prize ball content command and the like.

  Step S401: In the operation memory effect management process, the effect control unit 210 controls the execution of the total memory number increase effect or the total memory number decrease effect using the memory display bodies 41a to 41h. Further, in this process, the effect control unit 210 may control, for example, the execution of the memory number increase effect, the memory number decrease effect, or the advance notice effect according to the image of the marker. The contents of the operation 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 content of the variable display effect or the stop display effect using the effect symbol, or controls the effect content at the time of opening and closing operation of the variable winning device 30 ( Effect execution means). Further, in this process, the effect control unit 210 selects an effect pattern of various notice effects (notice effect before reach occurrence, notice effect after reach occurrence, etc.). The contents of the effect symbol management process will be described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S404: In the display output process, the effect control unit 210 first instructs the display control unit 220 on the effect contents (for example, the number of operation memories of each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, operation memory The effect pattern number, the preview advance notice effect pattern number, the change effect pattern number, the change notice effect number, the background pattern number, etc. are transmitted. In response to this, the display control unit 220 instructs the VDP 152 to draw specifically based on the content of the received effect reproduction command, and controls the display operation by the liquid crystal display 42.

  Step S406: In the lamp driving process, the effect control unit 210 first instructs the lamp control unit 224 on the details of the effect. More specifically, the effect control unit 210 sets any lamp control table defined in advance in the control ROM 180. In response to this, the lamp control unit 224 analyzes the contents of the set lamp control table, relays the LED driver 198 based on this, and outputs a specific control signal to the driver IC 132, and various lamps 46 to 52, the board lamp 53, the decoration lamp 58, the memory display lamp 68, the logo display lamp 69, etc. are operated (turned on or off, blink, brightness gradation change, etc.).

  Step S407: In the motor driving process, the effect control unit 210 first instructs the motor control unit 226 on the contents of the effect using the movable body. More specifically, the effect control unit 210 sets one of the motor control tables previously defined in the control ROM 180. In response to this, the motor control unit 226 analyzes the contents of the set motor control table, and based on this, designates specific control contents to the SMC 199. Furthermore, the SMC 199 is connected to various movable bodies (a logo display 40m, a large rotary lamp 41, memory displays 41a to 41h, decorative bodies 41x, 41y, 41z, etc.) based on designation from the motor control unit 226. An excitation pattern of a motor (decor motor 57, memory display motor 67, etc.) is generated, and an excitation signal corresponding to this is output to the driver IC. Thus, the various movable bodies are operated by exciting and driving the various motors. The movable body effects in synchronization with the display of the image by the liquid crystal display 42 or independently. The contents of the motor drive process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S408: In the sound driving process, the effect control unit 210 first transmits an effect reproduction command for instructing the sound control unit 222 to provide the details of the effect. In response to this, the voice control unit 222 instructs the voice IC 134 to output specific content based on the content of the received effect reproduction command, and the sound according to the effect content from the speakers 54, 55, 56 (sound effect (sound effect , BGM etc.).

  Step S410: In the effect random number updating process, the effect control unit 210 updates various effect random numbers in the counter area of the RAM 130. The effect random numbers include, for example, random numbers used for advance notice selection, random numbers used for normal background change lottery (effect lottery), and the like.

  Step S412: In the other processing, for example, the operation of the other rendering device not executed in the above-mentioned steps S400 to S410 is controlled.

  Through the above-described effect control process, the effect control unit 210 can control the effects of the pachinko machine 1 in an integrated manner.

[Overview of movable body control]
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an outline of movable body control. As described above, the control of the movable body includes the effect control unit 210 (effect control unit, first instruction unit), the motor control unit 226 (effect control unit, second instruction unit), the SMC 199 (drive control unit), and the driver IC 132. It is realized by linking. Here, among the internal functions (FIG. 6) of the effect control device 124, only the blocks involved in the control of the movable body are extracted, and in addition to the function and role of each block, how they act when operating the movable body I will explain in detail.

  While the direction of control is indicated by arrows connecting blocks in FIG. 24 and the outline of the process is briefly described, when these control processes are roughly divided, (1) connection to a movable body is made It can be classified into three flows of motor drive control, (2) interruption upon reaching a designated step, and (3) notification upon detection of a sensor. The three flows will be described in order below.

[(1) Motor drive control]
When the effect control CPU 126 (effect control unit 210) receives an effect command transmitted from the main control device 70 as the game progresses, the effect control unit 210 first specifies a predetermined movable body according to the contents of the effect command. To operate in the mode of Since each movable body can be operated by driving a motor connected thereto, the operation mode of the movable body can be reworded as a drive mode of the motor. The driving mode of the motor is instructed by setting a control table (hereinafter referred to as a "motor control table") in which a plurality of control instructions for rotating a certain motor are combined and put together as a series of operations. In each control command, the rotational speed and the rotational direction of the motor, the number of steps, and the like are designated. The motor control table is stored in the control ROM 180.

  When an operation is instructed by the effect control unit 210, next, the motor control unit 226 reads out the set motor control table from the top and analyzes each control command described in order. When one control command is analyzed, motor control unit 226 more specifically specifies the operation of the motor to SMC 199 according to the content of the control command. Here, the excitation method (for example, 1-2 phase excitation) of the motor, the rotational speed, the rotational direction, the number of steps, and the like are designated.

  When an operation is designated by the motor control unit 226, next, the SMC 199 automatically updates the excitation pattern of the motor according to the designated content. “Automatic renewal of excitation pattern” means that excitation patterns for four phases of each motor (stepping motor) are generated within a fixed time according to the specified contents, and the excitation patterns for all the motors are fixed to the driver IC 132 It means transmitting on a periodic basis.

  By the way, in generating the excitation pattern, the SMC 199 performs precise calculation (for example, calculation of an acceleration / deceleration curve) based on the designated acceleration operation, deceleration operation and the like, and generates an appropriate excitation pattern according to this. By generating such an excitation pattern, it is possible to prevent the abnormal operation (for example, step-out etc.) of the motor while driving the motor smoothly. Assuming that the above operation is implemented by the motor control unit 226, the operation load becomes extremely high and the resources of the effect control CPU 126 are consumed significantly, so the effect control CPU 126 (effect control unit 210 and each reproduction control unit 220) , 222, 224, 226, 228) may affect other processes performed. In the present embodiment, since the above calculation is implemented by the SMC 199 (a resource different from the effect control CPU 126), the processing load on the effect control CPU 126 can be reduced accordingly.

  When the excitation pattern of the motor is generated, the SMC 199 further converts the generated excitation pattern into a serial signal and transmits the serial signal to the driver IC 132 at a constant cycle. The driver IC 132 receives the serial signal sent from the SMC 199 in a parallel converted state, and outputs a designated excitation pattern (drive signal) to each motor connected to the driver IC 132. In this manner, the effect control unit 210, the motor control unit 226, the SMC 199, and the driver IC 132 cooperate with each other to drive each motor in the specified mode, and as a result, each movable body operates in the specified mode. It becomes.

[(2) Interruption when reaching specified step]
When the SMC 199 finishes generating the excitation patterns for the designated number of steps, the SMC 199 outputs an interrupt signal to the motor control unit 226 to notify that the designated number of steps has been reached. By the occurrence of this interruption, the motor control unit 226 can recognize that the movement of the step number designated immediately before is completed, that is, the motor is stopped. In response to this, the motor control unit 226 analyzes the next control command described in the motor control table.

  By the way, control instructions described in the motor control table include those directly related to the operation of the motor and those not directly related to the operation of the motor. For a control command not directly related to the operation of the motor, for example, a command to suspend analysis of the next control command until a designated time elapses (hereinafter referred to as “standby command”), a predetermined command used between control commands An instruction that manipulates the value of the flag or an instruction to branch the control instruction is applicable.

  When the next control command instructs the operation of the motor, the motor control unit 226 again specifies a specific operation to the SMC 199 in the above-described flow. On the other hand, when the next control command is not directly related to the operation of the motor, the motor control unit 226 executes the instructed processing to complete the processing inside itself. For example, when the next control instruction is a standby instruction, the motor control unit 226 starts the timer by starting the timer, and when the timer ends, the standby state is released and the next control instruction is analyzed. It will be.

[(3) Notification on sensor detection]
In addition, the operation of the motor is based on the premise that the sensor detects the movable body during the period from when the motor starts to stop until the motor stops, that is, not so And exist. When the control instruction instructs the operation of the motor on the premise of detection of the movable body by the sensor, the identification information of the sensor and the detection method are specified as well as the operation of the motor.

  When the SMC 199 is specified to operate the motor based on detection of the movable body, the SMC 199 generates an excitation pattern according to the specification to drive the motor, while monitoring the detection signal output by the target sensor. Do. When the sensor detects a movable body, the SMC 199 acquires a detection signal output from the sensor, and notifies the motor control unit 226 that the sensor signal has been acquired. In response to this, the motor control unit 226 executes processing according to the control situation at that time. For example, when analysis of the next control command is paused until the motor control unit 226 receives a signal input from a designated sensor, the pause is canceled upon detection of a sensor detection notification from the SMC 199 as a trigger. Analyze control instructions. In addition, when analysis of the next control instruction is paused until the motor control unit 226 receives a signal input by the designated sensor or the designated step number is reached, the sensor detection notification from the SMC 199 is preceded. Depending on whether or not the motor stop notification is made (whether or not the time-out is established), different processing will be executed.

[Motor control table]
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a motor control table. The left column in FIG. 25 indicates the address in the motor control table, and the right column indicates the control instruction described in the address.

  As described above, the motor control table combines a plurality of control instructions for one motor into a series of operations, and in the table, a plurality of control instructions are listed in the order of execution from the top. Although only the names of control instructions are listed here for convenience of explanation, the actual control instruction is configured as a bit string, and specific information is specified in a specific bit position. . Also, the instruction length differs according to the contents of the control instruction.

  In the motor control table illustrated in FIG. 25, the MOVE_SENSOR instruction is described at the top (address 00H), the JUMP_CALL instruction is described at the subsequent position (address 40H), and the subsequent position (address 80H) is described. The MOVE instruction is described. After that, various instructions follow, and a variable (ExecOnTimeout) for address reference is described at the address FF00H. Although the control instruction corresponding to the process to be executed when the time-out is established is described after the address FF00H, the specific description is omitted here. In addition, an END command is described at the end of the motor control table. The END command is a control command placed at the end of the motor control table, and the motor control unit 226 can recognize that this is the last control command in this motor control table by the occurrence of the END command.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of control commands constituting the motor control table. Here, the specifications of the MOVE instruction, the JUMP_CALL instruction, and the MOVE_SENSOR instruction among the four instructions appearing in the example of the motor control table described above (FIG. 25) are shown. The setting data for each control instruction is described by narrowing down to only a part of items required to explain, and in actuality, more items may be set. Further, the order of description of the setting data does not necessarily coincide with the order in the actual bit string.

  Common to all the instructions is that a 4-bit header code identifying the control instruction is set at the beginning of each control instruction, and each control instruction has its own unique instruction length. That is the point. As a result, the motor control unit 226 can identify that the bit string starting from here is a specific control command, and grasp how far the bit data indicating the control command continues. Based on this rule, the motor control unit 226 analyzes control commands listed in the motor control table one by one in order. Then, when a header code identifying that it is an END instruction appears, the motor control unit 226 recognizes that this is the last control instruction in this motor control table, and finally analyzes the END instruction, this motor control Finish the analysis of the table.

  The MOVE command is a command to suspend analysis of the next control command until the movable body finishes moving the designated number of steps, that is, until the motor reaches the designated number of steps. In the MOVE command, for example, the drive direction (the movement direction of the movable body), the drive speed (the speed at which the motor is rotated) and the number of steps (the number of operation steps of the motor) are set. As the drive direction, any one of four types, that is, a forward direction, a negative direction, a forward direction, and a reverse direction, is set. The forward direction and the negative direction indicate the absolute operating direction as viewed from the movable body, while the forward direction and the reverse direction are the same as the operating direction of the previous movable body (forward direction) or a reverse direction It indicates whether it is (in the reverse direction). The motor control unit 226 determines in which direction the movable body has been operated according to the previous control command, so when the relative operation direction (forward direction or reverse direction) is specified as the drive direction In accordance with the previous operation direction, the direction to be operated this time can be determined, and in accordance with this, the absolute drive direction of the motor can be designated to the SMC 199.

  The MOVE_SENSOR instruction is an instruction to suspend analysis of the next control instruction until the designated sensor detects the movable body or the movable body finishes moving the designated number of steps. In the MOVE_SENSOR instruction, first, similarly to the MOVE instruction, information on the operation of the motor is set. When operating the movable body on the premise of detection by the sensor, after the sensor detects the movable body, it is necessary to push the movable body from the position at that time to the origin (storage position) and stop it. Therefore, for the motor that operates the movable body, the number of steps is set in consideration of the distance for this correction and a certain margin.

  In addition, in the MOVE_SENSOR command, for example, information such as a detection method of a sensor signal (sensor detection method) and whether to set a time-out flag when a predetermined condition is satisfied (time-out notification) are set. The predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when sensor detection is not performed before the movable body finishes moving the designated number of steps. When the condition is satisfied, the motor control unit 226 sets the time-out flag to ON (time-out established) when the time-out notification is set to “1”, while the time-out notification is set to “0”. Does not set the timeout flag. In consideration of the case where it is not necessary to determine the success or failure of the time-out, or the case where the user does not want to leave the time-out state, the setting of the time-out flag can be selected.

  The time-out flag is stored in the flag area of the RAM 130, and can be used through other control instructions. For example, various control instructions (for example, a JUMP_CALL instruction described below) designed to a specification capable of changing the execution content according to the state of the time-out flag are provided. Therefore, by sequentially processing the control commands described in the motor control table, the motor driving based on the state of the time-out flag is made without making a determination by directly referring to the flag data stored in RAM 130. It becomes possible to control.

  The JUMP_CALL instruction is a command that moves the execution location of a control instruction to a specified address (JUMP) or calls it as a subroutine starting from a specified address (CALL). It is set in the CALL flag whether to execute as a JUMP instruction or a CALL instruction. When the CALL flag is set to "0", the CALL instruction is executed, and when it is set to "1", the JUMP instruction is executed. In addition to this, in the JUMP_CALL instruction, whether the instruction set in the CALL flag is executed only when the time-out is satisfied (timeout execution flag), the address to which the instruction analysis is moved when executed as a JUMP instruction (destination address) It is set. When the timeout execution flag is set to “1”, the motor control unit 226 executes the instruction set in the CALL flag only when the timeout is established (when the timeout flag is ON). On the other hand, when the timeout execution flag is set to “0”, the motor control unit 226 executes the instruction set in the CALL flag regardless of the success or failure of the timeout.

  Besides these, various control instructions that can be used depending on the situation are provided. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a series of movable body operations (motor drive operations) by constructing a motor control table in which appropriate control instructions are combined in an appropriate order.

[Hardware configuration around SMC]
The hardware configuration around the SMC 199 is shown in FIG. The relationship between the limitation on the number of simultaneous drive of the motor based on the hardware specification and the drive control of the motor realized by the present embodiment will be described using this figure.

  The SMC 199 has 16 register groups for setting the operation of the motor to be controlled, and one motor to be controlled is assigned to each register group. In these register groups, the operation of the motor designated by the motor control unit 226 is set. The SMC 199 automatically updates the excitation pattern of the motor to be controlled according to the contents set in these register groups.

  In other words, the SMC 199 can simultaneously control the number of motors corresponding to the number of register groups, that is, 16 motors (hereinafter, the number of simultaneously controllable motors is referred to as “the number of simultaneously drivable”). When the SMC 199 generates the excitation pattern of the motor assigned to each register group, the SMC 199 transmits the excitation pattern for all the driven motors to the driver IC 132 at a constant cycle. The number of register groups depends on the specifications of the hardware (SMC 199). In the present embodiment, the number is 16 although the number of register groups is increased or decreased due to the change of the model, etc., and the number of simultaneously drivable motors can be increased or decreased in conjunction with this.

  Further, N motors are connected to the driver IC 132. The number N of connected motors may be within the number of simultaneously drivable motors or may exceed the number of simultaneously drivable motors. If the connected motor number N is less than or equal to the simultaneously drivable number, it is possible to fixedly allocate each motor and each register group in the SMC 199 on a one-to-one basis, so all motors can be controlled without problems. . On the other hand, when the number N of connected motors exceeds the simultaneous drivable number, assuming that motors are fixedly allocated to each register group, the register groups to which the 17th and subsequent motors are allocated are lost. As a result, it becomes impossible to simultaneously control N motors.

  Here, considering the current consumption required for driving the motor, when the motor is simultaneously driven beyond a certain fixed number, there is a possibility that the restriction of the current consumption value usable as the whole gaming machine may be violated. Therefore, the effect using the motor is configured in advance within the range in which the total value of the current consumption required for the simultaneously driven motor does not exceed the limit. Therefore, even if the number of motors used as the whole effect (the number of connected motors) exceeds the simultaneously drivable number, the number of motors actually driven simultaneously is equal to the simultaneously drivable number and can be simultaneously driven. A situation does not occur that simultaneously drives more than a number of motors.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, all the N connected motors are restricted to the hardware specifications by the motor control unit 226 dynamically assigning (associating) the motors to the register group. Control was possible. The motor control unit 226 regards each register group in the SMC 199 as a motor control group, and constantly grasps the motor control group vacant status (motor assignment status to the register group). When it is necessary to assign a motor, the motor control unit 226 searches for the availability and assigns the motor to be controlled to any of the available motor control groups. The free state data of the motor control group is stored, for example, as temporary data in the RAM 130.

  More specifically, when the motor control table is set by the effect control unit 210, the motor control unit 226 first controls the control target before starting analysis of individual control commands described in the motor control table. It is checked whether the motor is already assigned to any motor control group (whether the motor control group used last is not used by another motor). If one of the motor control groups has already been assigned (the previously used motor control group is not used for another motor), the motor control unit 226 uses the same motor control group and its corresponding register group again this time. Continue to use. On the other hand, when not assigned to any motor control group, the motor control group available at that time is searched, and any one of the motor control groups that hit the search is assigned to the motor to be controlled I assume. At this time, the motor control unit 226 rewrites the setting in the SMC 199 so as to assign the motor to be controlled to the register group corresponding to the motor control group.

  Further, after analyzing all control commands described in the motor control table, the motor control unit 226 cancels the assignment of the motor to be controlled. At this time, the motor control unit 226 does not rewrite the setting for the SMC 199 unlike the time of motor assignment, and cancels only the motor assignment on the availability data in the motor control unit 226. As a result, the motor control group for which the motor assignment has been canceled is switched to the free state, so that another motor can be assigned. Further, unless a new motor is assigned to this motor control group, no operation of the motor is set in the corresponding register group of SMC 199, and no problem occurs.

  Thus, the motor to be controlled is assigned to any one of the register groups (motor control group) in the SMC 199. The motor control unit 226 analyzes the control commands described in the motor control table one by one, and specifies the operation of the motor as a register group to which the operation is to be performed, based on the analysis content. When SMC 199 generates excitation patterns of motors assigned to each register group, these excitation patterns are serially connected in a predetermined order based on the output to each motor, and then serial signals are sent to driver IC 132. Output. The serial signal output by the SMC 199 is input to the driver IC 132 in a state of being converted into a parallel signal by the S / P converter, and each excitation signal is output to the motor connected to the driver IC 132. Thereby, each motor to which the excitation signal is output is driven.

  Here, although an example in which N motors are all connected to one driver IC 132 has been described, a plurality of driver ICs 132 are mounted, and N motors are distributively connected to these. The configuration may be In addition, when a new control table is set, a motor control group which is vacant at that time is searched each time regardless of whether or not the motor to be controlled is already assigned to any motor control group, Any one of the motor control groups that have hit the search may be assigned as the motor to be controlled.

[Motor drive processing]
FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure of motor drive processing. The motor drive process is a process periodically executed as one process of the effect control process (FIG. 23). As described above, in the motor driving process (step S407 in FIG. 23), the effect control unit 210 first instructs the motor control unit 226 by setting the motor control table, and the motor control unit 226 receives the instruction. Although this specifically designates the operation of the motor to the SMC 199, here, for the convenience of explanation, only the procedure of the process executed by the motor control unit 226 will be shown. Also, although this flowchart only shows a series of procedures executed by the motor control unit 226 to control one motor, in fact, the motor control unit 226 repeatedly executes the same processing according to the number of motors. . Hereinafter, each procedure of motor drive processing will be described in order.

  Step S800: The motor control unit 226 checks whether the target motor has reached the designated step number, that is, whether the target motor is not rotating at that time. The motor control unit 226 can know that the target motor has reached the specified number of steps by the interrupt signal input from the SMC 199. If the target motor has reached the specified number of steps (step S800: Yes), the motor control unit 226 executes step S802. On the other hand, when the designated step number has not been reached yet (step S800: No), the motor control unit 226 directly returns to the processing of the calling source.

  Step S802: The motor control unit 226 checks whether there is a motor control table in the middle of analysis. The analysis in progress indicates a state in which control commands not yet analyzed remain among control commands described in the motor control table. If there is a motor control table in the middle of analysis (step S802: Yes), the motor control unit 226 executes step S812. On the other hand, when the motor control table in the middle of analysis does not exist (step S802: No), the motor control unit 226 executes step S804.

  Step S804: The motor control unit 226 confirms whether or not a new motor control table is set for the target motor. If a new motor control table is set (step S804: YES), the motor control unit 226 executes step S806. On the other hand, when a new motor control table is not set (step S804: No), the motor control unit 226 returns to the processing of the calling source as it is.

  Steps S806 and S808: The motor control unit 226 searches for the motor control group availability (step S806), and the search is hit, that is, any one of the motor control groups that is free (motor is not assigned) Is reserved as an assignment destination of the target motor (step S808). Thereby, the target motor is assigned to this motor control group. The assignment of the motors to the vacant motor control group is performed, for example, in ascending order of the group number. For example, in the case where new motors are allocated while "group 1" and "group 2" are open, "group 1" is reserved as an allocation destination.

  Step S810: The motor control unit 226 assigns the target motor to the register group corresponding to the motor control group reserved in the previous step S808 by rewriting the hardware setting of the SMC 199.

  Step S812: The motor control unit 226 executes motor control table analysis processing. In this process, the motor control unit 226 analyzes control instructions described in the motor control table one by one.

  Step S814: The motor control unit 226 checks whether the control command analyzed in the previous step S812 is the last control command described in the motor control table, that is, the END command. As described above, the END command is a control command indicating that it is the end of the motor control table, and is not accompanied by an operation command for the motor. If it is the END instruction (step S814: Yes), the motor control unit 226 executes step S816. On the other hand, if the command is not the END command (step S814: No), the motor control unit 226 executes step S818.

  Step S816: The motor control unit 226 cancels the reservation for the motor control group. Thereby, this motor control group switches to a state where it is possible to newly allocate a motor (reservable). At this time, in consideration of the efficiency in the case of assigning the same motor again next time, the assignment information of the motor is held until another motor is assigned. In other words, although the reservation of the motor control group is immediately released when it becomes unnecessary, the assignment of the motor to the motor control group is released when the other motor is assigned.

  Step S818: The motor control unit 226 executes an SMC operation designation process. In this process, the motor control unit 226 designates the specific operation of the motor to the SMC 199 based on the content of the control command analyzed in step S812. At this time, the designation of the operation is performed via the group of registers to which the target motor is assigned in step S810.

  As described above, when a new motor control table is set (step S804: Yes), the motor control unit 226 searches for the free status of the motor control group (step S806) and targets the free motor control group. After reservation is made as the assignment destination of the motor of (step S808), the hardware setting of the SMC is rewritten to assign the target motor to the register group corresponding to the reserved motor control group (step S810). However, when the assignment information of the target motor remains, that is, when another target motor is not yet assigned to the motor control group to which the target motor was assigned last time, the motor control unit 226 determines that the target motor Reserve the same motor control group as the previous one as the assignment destination of. The target motor is still assigned to the register group corresponding to the motor control group since the target motor is not assigned since the previous assignment of the target motor to the motor control group. Therefore, when assignment information of the target motor remains, the previous assignment information can be used as it is without rewriting the hardware setting of the SMC by such control, so that the execution of step S 810 becomes unnecessary. It is possible to improve the efficiency of the motor control process.

  In addition, regardless of whether assignment information of the target motor remains, it is also possible to execute the processing of steps S806 to S810 described above each time.

  When the above procedure is completed, the motor control unit 226 returns to the process of the calling source.

[Assignment of motor to motor control group]
FIG. 29 is a table showing a transition example of the assignment state of motors to each motor control group. This table shows how the motors assigned to the individual motor control groups change as the effect progresses.

  In the leftmost column of the table, groups 1 to 6 and 16 of 16 motor control groups (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "group") that can be used to control the drive of the motor Reference numerals 14 to 16 are shown, and descriptions of the groups 7 to 13 are omitted. These groups 1 to 16 correspond to 16 register groups included in the SMC 199. Also, at the top of the table, six times t1 to t6 are shown, which represent the transition of time accompanying the progression of the effect, and the longer the time elapses, the larger the number is. Means to

  In this example, at least 21 motors are used during the execution of the effect. In addition, it is assumed that any of the motors is allocated to any of the groups 7 to 13 whose description is omitted at any time of the time t1 to t6. The following description will be given in order along the time series.

[Time t1]
At this time, "Motor 1" is assigned to "Group 1", "Motor 2" is assigned to "Group 2", "Motor 4" is assigned to "Group 3", and "Motor 4" is assigned to "Group 4" 5 is assigned, "motor 6" is assigned to "group 5", and "motor 9" is assigned to "group 6". On the other hand, no motor is assigned to "group 14", "group 15" and "group 16". Therefore, at this point, it can be seen that the number of motors being driven is less than the simultaneously drivable number.

[Time t2]
At this point of time, first, since the assignment status of the motors from "group 1" to "group 6" has not changed at all since time t1, the respective motors 1, 2, 4, 5, 6; It can be seen that 9 continues to be driven.
Further, at this time, the “motor 18” is newly assigned to the “group 14”, the “motor 20” is assigned to the “group 15”, and the “motor 21” is assigned to the “group 16”. Therefore, it can be seen that the number of motors being driven has reached the simultaneous drivable number at this point.

[Time t3]
The motors were assigned to all the motor control groups at the time t2 (the number of simultaneously drivable had been reached), but at this time, for the "group 1", "group 3" and "group 16" The motor allocation reservation has been canceled and switched to the free state.

[Time t4]
The three groups 1, 3 and 16 which were vacant at time t3 are assigned with motors again. Specifically, "Motor 4" is allocated to "Group 1", "(Motor 3)" is allocated to "Group 3", and "Motor 7" is allocated to "Group 16", but The motors assigned to group 3 "are in parentheses. The parenthesized motors are not driven at that time and are in standby or pause states, but indicate that the group has been pre-reserved in order to be driven (in the near time) There is.

  The advance reservation (securement) of the motor control group is performed at a scene where it is desired to securely suppress the assignment destination of the motor in advance. For example, in the case where the movement of a certain movable body is realized by interlocking a plurality of motors, the plurality of motors are sequentially driven one by one, but after the first motor has been driven, If the motor control group can not be smoothly assigned to the second motor group due to factors such as the motor control group having no space or the timing of switching to the space being over immediately before driving the second motor, 2 The second motor can not be driven as scheduled, and as a result, the movable body can not operate smoothly. In such a case, by allocating and securing all the motors to be interlocked to the motor control group in advance, these motors can be reliably driven, and a series of operations of the movable body can be guaranteed. It becomes possible.

[Time t5]
At time t4, the motors are assigned to all the motor control groups (the number of possible simultaneous driving has been reached), but at this time, "group 4", "group 6", "group 14" and The motor allocation reservation for "group 15" has been canceled and switched to the free state.

  In addition, while “Motor 3” assigned to “Group 3” was parenthesized at time t4, “Motor 4” assigned to “Group 1” at this time is parenthesized It is attached. This indicates that while the motor 3 is switched from the standby state to the drive state, the motor 4 is switched from the drive state to the standby state (temporary stop state). The motors 3 and 4 are motors provided to operate the same movable body in conjunction with each other, and correspond to the application example of the advance reservation of the motor control group described above.

[Time t6]
At the time t5, the motor is allocated to some of the four groups 4, 6, 14, and 15 which are vacant. Specifically, "motor 1" is allocated to "group 4", and "motor 10" is allocated to "group 6". In the present embodiment, as described above, the assignment of motors to vacant groups is made in ascending order of numbers. Therefore, when newly allocating two motors to the motor control group, the two smaller groups 4, 6 out of the four vacant groups 4, 6, 14, 15 are used.

  In addition, while the parenthesis is attached to “motor 4” assigned to “group 1” at time t5, the parenthesis attached to “motor 3” assigned to “group 3” at this time It is attached. This indicates that the motor 4 has switched from the standby state (temporary stop state) to the drive state again, while the motor 3 has switched from the drive state to the standby state (temporary stop state) again. The motors 3 and 4 are linked in this manner to alternately drive the same movable body by alternately driving the motor 4 (time t4) → motor 3 (time t5) → motor 4 (time t6) →... It is made to operate.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the motor to be controlled is assigned to the motor control group which is vacant at that time. In this way, by dynamically changing the correspondence between the motor control group (register group) and the motor, even if the number N of connected motors exceeds the number that can be driven simultaneously, hardware specifications are limited. It is possible to control all of these N motors without any trouble. Therefore, the remarkable advantage of the present embodiment in drive control of the motor is apparent.

Next, the contents of the action memory effect management process executed in the effect control process will be described.
[Operational memory effect management process]
FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the operation storage effect management process. The contents will be described below along the procedure example.

  Step S700: First, the effect control unit 210 checks whether or not the operation memory number increase 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 the effect memory number increase effect command is stored. When it is confirmed that the operation memory number increase effect command is stored (step S700: Yes), the effect control unit 210 executes step S702. If the effect memory number increase effect command can not be confirmed (step S700: No), the effect control unit 210 does not execute step S702.

  Step S702: The effect control unit 210 executes an effect memory number increase effect selection process. In this process, the effect control unit 210 selects an effect pattern (lighting pattern of the memory display body lamp 192) to newly turn on the memory display bodies 41a to 41h corresponding to the increased total storage number.

  Step S704: The effect control unit 210 confirms whether or not the operation memory number decrease 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 the effect memory number reduction effect command is stored or not. When it is confirmed that the operation memory number decrease effect command is stored (step S704: Yes), the effect control unit 210 executes step S706. When it can not be confirmed that the operation memory number decrease effect command is stored (step S704: No), the effect control unit 210 does not execute step S706.

Step S706: The effect control unit 210 executes an operation memory number decrease effect selection process. In this process, the effect control unit 210 turns off the memory display bodies 41a to 41h corresponding to the total storage number before the decrease, and turns on the memory display bodies 41a to 41h corresponding to the total storage number after the decrease again. (Pattern of turning off and lighting the memory indicator lamp 192) is selected.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control unit 210 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 23).

[Reproduction symbol management processing]
FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure of effect design management processing. The effect symbol management process includes execution selection processing (step S500), effect symbol pre-processing (step S502), effect symbol in-progress processing (step S504), effect symbol display-in-progress processing (step S506) and the variable winning device in operation. The configuration includes 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 the jump destination of the process to be performed next (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 address of the jump destination, and sets the end of the effect symbol management process in the “jump table” as the address of the return destination. Which process to select as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the process performed so far. For example, in the situation where the variable display effect has not been started yet, the effect control unit 210 selects the effect symbol fluctuation pre-processing (step S502) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the effect symbol pre-processing has already been completed, the effect control unit 210 selects the effect symbol in-progress process (step S504) as the next jump destination, and if the effect symbol in-process has been completed, As the next jump destination, processing during production design stop indication (step S506) is selected. The variable winning device activation process (step S508) is performed when the big hit variable winning device management process (step S5000 in FIG. 16) is selected in the main control CPU 72 or the small hit 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 fluctuation pre-processing, the effect control unit 210 performs an operation for adjusting the condition for starting the variable display effect using the effect symbol. Further, in this process, the effect control unit 210 selects the content of the reach effect according to various conditions (lottery result, winning type, fluctuation pattern, etc.) or the effect pattern for the advance effect (other than the advance notice effect pattern) Select the advance notice pattern before reach, the advance notice pattern after reach, etc. In addition, the effect control unit 210 also controls demonstration effects when the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called wait-for-guest state. The specific contents of the process will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S504: In the effect symbol variation processing, the effect control unit 210 generates control information instructing the display control unit 220 as necessary. For example, when performing the effect using the effect switching button 45 while executing the variable display effect using the effect design, the effect control CPU 126 monitors the presence or absence of the operation of the effect button by the player, and the effect according to the result Control information of content (button effect) is instructed to the display control unit 220.

  Step S506: In the effect symbol stop display process, the effect control unit 210 controls the content of the stop display effect using the effect pattern and the moving image in a mode according 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 ends the variable display effect which has been actually executed 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 player can be taught (disclosure, notification, notification, etc.) the result of the internal lottery to the effect (pattern effect execution) means). In addition, at the time of a small hit, it is possible to execute the stop display effect in the same manner as or similar to the removal.

  Step S508: In the variable winning device activation process, the effect control unit 210 controls the effect contents during the small hit or the big hit (special game effect executing means). In this process, the effect control unit 210 selects the content of the in-all-effects effect in accordance with various conditions (for example, winning types). For example, in the case of a 16 round big hit, the effect control unit 210 selects an effect pattern in the 16 rounds during a big game as the effect content to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and instructs the display control unit 220. As a result, on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, an image of an effect during a big game is displayed, and the contents of the effect are changed as the round progresses.

[Demonstration symbol change pre-processing]
FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure of effect pattern change pre-processing. Hereinafter, description will be made along the procedure example.

  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 command for demonstration effect 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 demonstration selection process. In this process, the effect control unit 210 selects a demonstration effect pattern. The demonstration effect pattern defines the content of the effect indicating that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called wait-for-customer state.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control unit 210 returns to the end 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. 23), the lamp drive process (step S406 in FIG. 23) Control.

  On the other hand, when 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 effect control unit 210 confirms whether or not the current change is a loss (non-winning). 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 non-winning is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is stored (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 stored (No), the effect control unit 210 executes step S606. In addition to the lottery result command, it is also possible to confirm whether or not the current variation is out based on the variation pattern command and the stop symbol command. That is, if the current fluctuation pattern command corresponds to an out-of-order normal fluctuation or an out-of-reach reach fluctuation, it can be determined that the present fluctuation is an out-of-order. Alternatively, if the current stop symbol command designates a non-winning symbol, it can be determined that the current variation is a loss.

  Step S606: If the lottery result command is other than non-winning (unsatisfactory) (step S604: No), the effect control unit 210 then confirms whether or not the present 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 big hit is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the big hit is stored (Yes), the effect control unit 210 executes step S610. Conversely, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of big hit is not stored (No), since the remaining is only the lottery result command at the time of small hit, in this case, the effect control unit 210 executes step S608. . In addition, it is also possible to check whether or not the current fluctuation is a big hit based on the fluctuation pattern command or the stop symbol command. That is, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to a big hit variation, it can be determined that the present variation is a big hit. Also, if the current stop symbol command corresponds to a big hit symbol, it can be determined that the current variation is a big hit.

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

  In addition, when the effect pattern number is selected, the effect control unit 210 refers to the effect table (not shown), and the fluctuation schedule of the effect pattern corresponding to the fluctuation effect pattern number at that time (type of fluctuation time and reach and reach occurrence timing), Determine the mode etc. of the stop display. In addition, the kind of the production | presentation pattern determined here corresponds to "combination of the pattern at the time of a small hit" altogether.

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

  Step S610: The effect control unit 210 executes a jackpot variation effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control unit 210 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on fluctuation pattern commands (for example, “E0H00H” to “F0H7FH”) received from the main control CPU 72. In the jackpot effect pattern selection process, the process may be further branched according to the jackpot stop symbol.

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

  Step S612: The effect control unit 210 executes out-of-time variation effect pattern selection processing. In this process, the effect control unit 210 determines an effect pattern number at the time of disconnection based on fluctuation pattern commands (for example, “A0H00H” to “A6H7FH”) received from the main control CPU 72. The effect pattern numbers at the time of the departure are classified into, for example, “a normal change in occurrence”, “time-to-day variation”, “a change in reach variation”, etc. Further, “reach change variation” defines a fine reach variation pattern. 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 the effect table (not shown), and the change pattern of the effect pattern corresponding to the change effect pattern number at that time (fluctuation time or presence of reach occurrence, reach occurrence) In the case, the reach type and the reach occurrence timing) and the stop display mode (e.g. "7"-"2"-"4" etc.) are determined.

  If one of the processes in step S608, step S610, and step S612 is executed, the effect control unit 210 next executes step S614.

  Step S614: The effect control unit 210 executes the advance notice selection process (notice effect execution 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 contents of the advance notice effect are determined based on, for example, the result of the internal lottery (winning or not winning) or the current internal state (normal state, high probability state, time shortening state). The preview effect is to notify the player of the possibility of the reach state occurring during the variable display effect, or to predict that there is a possibility of a big hit in the end. Therefore, the selection ratio of the notice effect is set low when the player is not winning, but the selection ratio of the notice effect is set relatively high to increase the player's expectation when the game is won.

  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 process during the production symbol fluctuation (step S504 in FIG. 31), while the fluctuation display effect and the stop display effect are executed based on the actually selected fluctuation effect pattern (effect executing means), various types A notice effect is performed based on the notice effect pattern.

[Process when variable winning device is activated]
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the variable winning device activation process. The variable winning device activation processing is a subroutine of execution selection processing (step S902), variable winning device activation pre-processing (step S904), variable winning device activation processing (step S906), and variable winning device activation post-processing (step S908) (Program module) is a configuration including a group. Here, first, the basic flow of the variable winning device activation 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 performed next (any one 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 activation process as the stack pointer as the return destination address.

  Which process to select as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the process performed so far. For example, in a situation where the variable winning device operation pre-processing has not been started yet, the effect control unit 210 selects the variable winning device operation pre-processing (step S904) as the next jump destination. Also, if the variable winning device operation pre-processing has already been completed, the effect control unit 210 selects the variable winning device in-operation processing (step S906) as the next jump destination. Furthermore, if the variable winning device in-operation processing is completed, the effect control unit 210 selects the variable winning device operation post-processing (step S908) as the next jump destination.

  Step S904: In the variable winning device operation pre-processing, 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 (normal symbol) that does not shift to the high probability state after the end of the big hit game, a process of selecting an effect in which the teammate character loses to the enemy character is executed. Further, in the case of winning in a winning type (probable change symbol) that shifts to a high probability state after the end of the big hit game, a process is executed to select an effect in which the teammate character beats the enemy character.

  Step S 906: In the variable winning device in-operation process, the effect control unit 210 generates control information to instruct the display control unit 220 as necessary. For example, when the effect using the effect switching button 45 is performed during execution of the big hit effect, the effect control unit 210 monitors the presence or absence of the operation of the effect button by the player, and the effect contents (button effect) according to the result Control information on the display control unit 220.

Step S 908: In the variable winning device operation post-process, the effect control unit 210 executes the effect of transmitting the mode of the transition destination to the player during the ending time of the variable winning device. For example, the effect control unit 210 executes coast mode entry effect or fireworks rush entry effect according to the winning symbol. Specifically, when it corresponds to any of the odd variation symbols, processing is performed to select the effect indicating that it will rush into the fireworks rush, and when any of the normal symbols falls, the coast mode is entered. Execute processing to select an effect that indicates to do.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control unit 210 returns to the effect symbol management process (FIG. 31).

  As described above, according to the embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) In the present embodiment, the motor control unit 226 recognizes the register group in the SMC 199 as a motor control group, and constantly grasps the vacant state (the allocation state of the motor to the register group). Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the control of a new motor is started, the availability of the motor control group at that time is searched, and the target motor is allocated to any free motor control group. Thus, the association between the motor control group (register group) and the motor can be dynamically changed. Therefore, even when the number of connected motors (the number of motors used for effect) exceeds the simultaneous drivable number, it becomes possible to control all the motors by utilizing the vacant motor control group.

(2) In the present embodiment, when a new motor control table is set for a certain motor, the motor control unit 226 assigns the motor to the vacant motor control group, while the motor control table is described in the motor control table. When all the control commands have been analyzed, the motor control unit 226 cancels the motor allocation reservation for the motor control group, and switches the motor control group to the idle state. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, securing of each motor control group (in a state where the motor is reserved) is kept within the minimum necessary time, and when securing becomes unnecessary, switching to a state where new motor assignment is possible is immediately possible. Therefore, the motor can be efficiently assigned to the motor control group, and as a result, the motor can be reliably driven.

  The present invention can be variously modified and carried out without being limited to the above-described embodiment. The form of the effect and various numerical values listed in the embodiment are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the contents described above.

  In the embodiment described above, when assigning the motors to the motor control group, the assignment is performed in ascending order of the numbers of the free motor control groups, but the assignment method is not limited to this. For example, conversely to the embodiment, the motor control groups may be assigned in descending order of their numbers. Alternatively, when assignment of the motor to the motor control group is canceled, the group number is added to the queue, and when a new motor is assigned, the motor control group corresponding to the number extracted from the head of the queue is assigned to that By doing this, it becomes possible to use the available motor control groups in order from the group that has been deallocated at the beginning (the longest available time).

  Moreover, although it was set as the structure to which all the motor control groups can become an allocation destination of a motor according to the vacant condition in embodiment mentioned above, it can change suitably according to the content etc. of presentation. For example, when a part of motors (for example, motors 1 to 4) is driven at a very high frequency and hardly stops, or when operating a movable object with high importance, a part of motor control groups (for example, , And motor control groups 1 to 4) are fixedly assigned to these motors as a dedicated motor control group, and the other motors (for example, motors 5 to 16) are assigned to the remaining motor control groups (for example, motor control group). It is also possible to assign to any of 5 to 16) at any time.

  In addition, although the gaming machine has been described as an example of a pachinko machine, the above-described embodiment may be applied to a pachislot machine (rolling-type gaming machine, slot machine). Here, the pachislot machine starts rotation based on the operation of a lever-like start switch, button-like stop switch, and start switch, and stops the rotation based on the player's operation of the stop switch. A reel is provided, and in a state where a sufficient number of medals or game balls as game media have been inserted for the start of the game, it is determined whether or not a predetermined winning combination is won based on the operation of the start switch. While rotating a plurality of rotating reels (turning cylinders), and stopping (reel control) the rotating reels corresponding to the operated stop switch based on the operation of the stop switch, and stopping each of the stopped rotating reels. Based on the combination of the symbols displayed on the activated line connecting the predetermined symbol positions of It refers to a gaming machine that performs award determination of whether or not it has won, and provides the player with benefits such as game media, replay, a feature or a feature continuous actuation device, based on the result of the determination of the prize. .

  Also in the pachislot machine, since the control is performed separately for the “main control device” and the “rendering control device” as in the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment, the effect can be obtained by applying the configuration of the embodiment. You can get it. That is, in the pachislot machine, the main control device controls games such as winning lottery, reel rotation, reel stop, winning determination, benefit award etc. from the above acceptance reception of game media by the main control device, and main control according to the progress of the game The presentation command is transmitted from the device to the presentation control apparatus, and the presentation control apparatus controls the motor as part of controlling the execution of the presentation based on the received presentation command. Therefore, by applying the configuration of the embodiment, all the motors can be controlled even when the number of connected motors exceeds the simultaneously drivable number.

  The images listed in the other presentation examples are merely examples, and these can be modified as appropriate. Further, the structure and board surface configuration of the pachinko machine 1 and specific numerical values are preferable examples including those shown in the drawings, and it is needless to say that these can be appropriately modified.

1 pachinko machine 8 game board unit 8a game area 20 starting gate 28 variable start winning device 33 normal symbol display device 33a normal symbol operation 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 status display device 42 Liquid crystal indicator 45 Effect switching button 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
76 RAM
124 production control device 126 production control CPU
130 RAM
132 Driver IC
180 Control ROM
182 SRAM
199 SMC
210 effect control unit 226 motor control unit

Claims (3)

A plurality of motors operable individually based on operation instructions;
Drive control means for receiving the operation instruction through any one of a predetermined number of information setting areas and generating and outputting a drive signal for the motor which is the target of the operation instruction;
A game machine comprising effect control means for searching for a vacant information setting area which has not received the operation instruction among the predetermined number of minutes, and correlating the target motor with the searched information setting area. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The effect control means is
A first instruction unit for performing a series of instructions necessary for execution of an operation effect using a motor, and the series of instructions from the first instruction unit are analyzed, and based on the contents, the operation of the target motor is performed. And a second instruction unit for instructing the drive control means, and when the second instruction unit receives the series of instructions, searches for the space information setting area and associates the target motor. A gaming machine characterized by adding the information setting area associated with the target motor to a search candidate of the vacant information setting area when the second instructing section analyzes the series of instructions. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The number of motors that can be driven simultaneously by the drive signal is
Match the predetermined number of information setting areas,
The plurality of motors are
A game machine characterized by having more than a predetermined number of the information setting areas of the drive control means.