JP2018196488A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To secure an appropriate connection relation between a substrate provided with control means and a substrate provided with storage means.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a first substrate (for example, a performance control substrate) provided with control means (for example, a CPU for performance control) and a second substrate (for example, a relay board for performance control) provided with storage means (for example, a CGROM) storing performance information related to the performance control. The storage means stores authentication information in advance; the control means can perform authentication processing on the basis of the authentication information stored to the storage means (for example, the CPU for performance control collates authentication data read from the CGROM to authentication data stored to a ROM and authentication processing is performed). On the basis that in the authentication processing, authentication has succeeded, the performance control can be performed. The second substrate is provided with a connection part connecting a plurality of performance means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

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

  As a gaming machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game ball wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined prize value is given to the player There is something that was configured. Furthermore, variable display means capable of variably displaying the identification information (also referred to as “fluctuation”) is provided, and when the display result of the variable display of the identification information in the variable display means becomes a specific display result, a predetermined game value Is configured to give to the player (so-called pachinko machine).

  In addition, after setting a predetermined number of bets for one game on a predetermined game medium, the player starts variable display of identification information by the variable display device by operating the start lever, and the player By operating the stop button provided corresponding to the display device, the variable display of the identification information is stopped within the range of the maximum delay time determined in advance from the operation timing, and the variable display of all the variable display devices is displayed. In accordance with the display result derived when the game is stopped, a winning occurs, a predetermined game medium determined in advance according to the winning is paid out, and when a specific winning occurs, a player is given a predetermined gaming value as a gaming state. There is one that is configured to be in a state to be given to (so-called slot machine).

  The winning value means that a winning ball is paid out or a score or a prize is given in accordance with the winning of a game ball in the winning area. In addition, the game value means that when a specific display result is obtained, the state of the variable winning ball apparatus provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine becomes an advantageous state for a player who is easy to win, and for the player. For example, a right to be advantageous can be generated, and a condition for paying out a winning ball can be easily established.

  In a pachinko machine, a specific display mode determined in advance is derived and displayed as a display result of variable display of a special symbol (identification information) that is started by variable display means based on the winning of a game ball at the start winning opening. In this case, a “big hit (favorable state)” occurs. The derived display is to stop and display the symbol. When the big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the game shifts to a big hit gaming state where the hit ball is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. And the number of times the special winning opening is opened is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 16 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. Hereinafter, the opening period of each special winning opening may be referred to as a round.

  Such a gaming machine is provided with control means for performing effect control and storage means for storing effect information related to effect control. For example, in Patent Document 1, an effect control microcomputer (control means) executes an initial effect data transfer process when power is supplied to a gaming machine and is stored in a ROM or an image data memory (storage means). Among the programs and data used for execution of effects by the effect device, it is described that predetermined initial data is transferred to RAM, VRAM, etc., and effect control is performed using the transferred programs and data. .

JP, 2006-202659, A (paragraph 0126, Drawing 9)

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, there are cases where the control means and the storage means are provided on different substrates. In this case, improper presentation control may be performed unless an appropriate connection relation between the substrate provided with the control means and the substrate provided with the storage means is ensured.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of ensuring an appropriate connection relationship between a board provided with a control unit and a board provided with a storage unit.

(Means 1) The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine capable of playing a game, and is provided with a first board (eg, effect control) provided with control means (eg, effect control CPU 120) for effect control. Board 12) and a second board (for example, an effect control relay board 16A) provided with storage means (for example, CGROM 141) for storing effect information (for example, various image data) related to the effect control, Authentication information is stored in advance in the storage means (for example, authentication data is stored in the CGROM 141), and the control means can execute authentication processing based on the authentication information stored in the storage means. (For example, the production control microcomputer 120A executes step S50B, and stores the authentication data read from the CGROM 141 and the ROM 135. The production control can be executed based on the successful authentication in the authentication process (for example, the production control microcomputer 120A performs the production control in step S50C). When the result is Y, the process proceeds to the process after step S51, and various effect control processes including the initial effect data transfer process (S51D) are executed based on the successful authentication), and the second board has a plurality of effects. Connection for connecting means (for example, effect display device 5, first decorative symbol display 5A, second decorative symbol display 5B, LEDs 9a to 9e, speakers 8L and 8R, movable portion 302, movable member 321). A portion (for example, a connector 16S) is provided. According to such a configuration, an appropriate connection relationship can be ensured between the substrate provided with the control means and the substrate provided with the storage means.

(Means 2) In the means 1, the control means can execute the transfer process of the production information stored in the storage means (for example, the initial production data transfer process (step S51D)), and the authentication process is successful. (For example, the production control microcomputer 120A can execute step S51D when Y is obtained in step S50C, and the initial production is based on the successful authentication.) The data transfer process (S51D) can be executed). According to such a configuration, it is possible to execute an appropriate effect information transfer process.

(Means 3) The means 1 or means 2 includes game control means (for example, a game control microcomputer 100) for controlling the progress of the game, and the game control means confirms that power supply to the gaming machine has been started. A power start command (for example, a power-on designation command) and a power failure recovery command (for example, a power failure recovery designation command) indicating that the power has been restored can be output. The authentication process can be executed based on the input of the recovery command (for example, the production control microcomputer 120A can execute step S50B when Y in step S50A, and the power-on specification command or the power failure recovery specification command The authentication process can be executed based on the received password) . According to such a configuration, the authentication process can be executed based on the normal activation of the game control means side.

(Means 4) In the means 1 or 2, the control means can monitor the power supply voltage (for example, the production control microcomputer 120A is connected to a power supply monitoring circuit (not shown) in the modification shown in FIG. 48). Based on the detected signal, it is confirmed whether or not the power supply voltage has reached a predetermined value), the authentication process can be executed based on the fact that the power supply voltage has reached the predetermined value (for example, the production control microcomputer 120A). In the modification shown in FIG. 48, step S50B can be executed when step S50X is Y, and authentication processing can be executed based on the fact that the power supply voltage has reached a predetermined value). Also good. According to such a configuration, the authentication process can be executed based on the fact that the power supply voltage of the control means itself can be secured.

(Means 5) An authentication failure notifying means (for example, notifying the effect display means that the authentication has failed in any of the means 1 to 4 based on an authentication failure in the authentication process) You may comprise so that the authentication error alerting | reporting process (step S50D) in the production control microcomputer 120A may be provided. According to such a configuration, it is possible to notify that the connection relationship between the substrate provided with the control means and the substrate provided with the storage means cannot be secured.

(Means 6) In any one of the means 1 to 5, the game control means (for example, the game control microcomputer 100) for controlling the progress of the game is provided, and the second board is connected to the game control means. For this purpose, a connecting portion (for example, connector 16Z) may be provided. According to such a configuration, since it is only necessary to design the second board for each model of the gaming machine, the first board can be shared among different models of the gaming machine, and the development cost and manufacturing of the gaming machine can be achieved. Cost can be reduced.

(Means 7) In any one of the means 1 to 6, the control means (for example, the effect control CPU 120) performs a display control function (for example, effect display control of the effect display device 5) (for example, the effect display device 5). VDP function) and a temperature monitoring means (for example, a temperature sensor 136) for monitoring the temperature of the control means, and the display control function can be limited in stages according to the temperature of the control means (for example, The production control microcomputer 120A executes steps S101 to S118, and when the temperature of the production control CPU 120 reaches 60 ° C to 70 ° C, the production control microcomputer 120A shifts to the first restriction mode, and the production control CPU 120 temperature is 71 ° C to 94 ° C. The second restriction mode is entered, and the third restriction mode is entered when the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 reaches 95 ° C. or higher). . According to such a configuration, it is possible to realize a more appropriate heat countermeasure of the control means having the display control function.

(Means 8) In the means 7, a plurality of types including at least a first restriction mode (for example, the first restriction mode) and a second restriction mode (for example, the second restriction mode) having a degree of restriction higher than the first restriction mode. The display control function can be restricted by the restriction mode (for example, as shown in FIG. 32 (B), only the background image is erased from the display screen of the effect display device 5 in the first restriction mode, and FIG. 32 (C). As shown in the figure, the second restriction mode may be configured such that the effect symbol display in the left 5L, middle 5C, and right 5R symbol display areas is also erased on the display screen of the effect display device 5. According to such a structure, the fall of the interest of a game can be suppressed.

(Means 9) In the means 8, the display control function can be restricted by the first restriction mode in response to the temperature of the control means reaching a predetermined temperature (for example, 60 ° C. to 70 ° C.), and the temperature of the control means is The display control function can be limited by the second limit mode in response to reaching a specific temperature (for example, 71 ° C. to 94 ° C.) higher than the predetermined temperature (for example, steps S102 to S112 in the production control microcomputer 120A). It is also possible to configure such that According to such a structure, the fall of the interest of a game can be suppressed.

(Means 10) In the means 9, the display control is performed in the display stop mode in which the display control of the effect display means is stopped when the temperature of the control means reaches a special temperature (for example, 95 ° C. or higher) higher than the specific temperature. The function can be limited (for example, the production control microcomputer 120A executes steps S113 to S118, and as shown in FIG. 32D, all the displays on the production display device 5 (however, the third temperature abnormality) (Except for the notification E1)), the restriction of the display control function by the display stop mode can be canceled according to the decrease in the temperature of the control means from the special temperature (for example, the production control microcomputer 120A When steps S152 to S157 are executed and the temperature of the production control CPU 120 falls to 90 ° C. or lower when the mode is shifted to the third restriction mode. The second moved to the restricted mode) may be configured so. According to such a configuration, the heat countermeasure of the control means having the display control function can be strengthened, and the display stop mode can be automatically restored after the transition to the display stop mode.

(Means 11) In any one of the means 8 to 10, when the display control function is restricted by the first restriction mode, control is performed so that some effects are not executed (for example, the effect control microcomputer 120A). May be configured to delete the background image on the display screen of the effect display device 5 or display the image in a state where the scaler function is stopped. According to such a configuration, appropriate display control according to the temperature of the control means can be realized.

(Means 12) In any one of the means 8 to 11, the sound output can be restricted according to the type of the restriction mode (for example, the production control microcomputer 120A changes the production design in the first restriction mode. During the display, some effect sound effects such as notice effects and BGM sound output are limited, and no sound output relating to variation display of the effect symbols is performed in the second restriction mode or the third restriction mode). May be. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a mismatch in presentation between display control and sound output.

(Means 13) In any one of the means 7 to 12, the information on the progress of the game is controlled by causing the light emitters (for example, the first decorative symbol display 5A and the second decorative symbol display 5B) to emit light. The light emission display control means (for example, the part that executes steps S251 to S253 in the production control microcomputer 120A) is provided, and the light emission display control means can perform display control that causes the light emitters to emit light in common regardless of the restriction mode. (For example, the production control microcomputer 120A may display the first decorative symbol change display or the second display on the first decorative symbol display 5A regardless of whether or not the mode is shifted to one of the restriction modes based on the temperature abnormality. It may be configured to execute a variable display of the second decorative symbols on the decorative symbol display 5B. According to such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately notify the progress of the game.

(Means 14) In any one of the means 7 to 13, an abnormality notification means (for example, the production control microcomputer 120A performs steps S105, S110, and S116) that can notify a temperature abnormality according to the temperature of the control means. It may be configured to include the first temperature abnormality notification E1 to the third temperature abnormality notification E3 as shown in FIGS. 32 (B) to (D). According to such a configuration, it is possible to perform appropriate notification according to the temperature of the control means.

(Means 15) In any one of the means 7 to 14, a cooling means (for example, a cooling fan 142) for cooling the control means and an operation mode of the cooling means can be changed according to the temperature of the control means. Cooling mode changing means (for example, the production control microcomputer 120A executes steps S104, S109, and S115, operates the cooling fan 142 at a low speed in the first restriction mode, and operates the cooling fan 142 at a medium speed in the second restriction mode. And the cooling fan 142 is operated at high speed in the third restriction mode. According to such a configuration, it is possible to realize a more appropriate heat countermeasure of the control means having the display control function.

(Means 16) In any one of the means 1 to 15, the electrical components (for example, the panel-side LEDs 9d and 9e, the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, the right frame LED 9c, and the first for rotating the movable unit 302) The control means (for example, the effect control CPU 120) for controlling the effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 for sliding the movable member 321 and the electric component according to the control signal from the control means. Output means (for example, light emitter drivers 411a and 411b) that can output specific signals for driving (for example, output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 and Q0 to Q11) and output the input control signals. , Motor drive driver 412 and light emitter drivers 413a to 413c), and the output means is predetermined after inputting the control signal Has a stop function (for example, a time-out function) that stops the output of a specific signal after elapse of time (for example, 1 second) (for example, the time-out function is set to an effective state by setting the T terminal to H (high)) 11), and a data setting area (for example, a control data area shown in FIG. 33) having a plurality of layers (for example, layers 1 to 5 shown in FIG. 33) in which priority levels are set. Light emission data (for example, control data for causing the LEDs 9a to 9e to emit light) for controlling light emission of at least the light emitters (for example, the LEDs 9a to 9e) of the electrical components can be set in each layer of the setting region. The control means can perform the light emission control of the light emitter based on the light emission data (for example, the effect control CPU 120 displays the control data area shown in FIG. 33). Set control data is output to each of the light emitter control boards 16C to 16F), and when light emission data is set in a plurality of layers in the data setting area, it is set in a higher priority layer. The light emission control of the light emitter is performed based on the light emission data (for example, when the control data is set in a plurality of layers, the CPU 120 for effect control is assigned the highest priority value among them. The control data set in the layer may be output to each of the light emitter control boards 16C to 16F). According to such a configuration, the electrical component can be controlled stably.

(Means 17) In the means 16, electrical components (for example, the board side LEDs 9d and 9e, the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, the right frame LED 9c, the first effect motor 303 for rotating the movable portion 302, and the movable member 321) Control means (for example, the effect control CPU 120) for controlling the second effect motor 330 for sliding the device, and for driving the electrical component in accordance with a control signal by the serial communication method from the control means. A plurality of output means (for example, light emitter drivers 411a and 411b, motors) that can output specific signals (for example, output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 and Q0 to Q11) and output the input control signals. Drive driver 412 and light emitter drivers 413a to 413c), each of the plurality of output means input The output state when the control signal is output is configured so that the waveform rises in a predetermined manner (for example, for all serial-parallel conversion circuits, the through outputs are set to normal slew rate outputs, respectively) May be configured). According to such a configuration, the design can be simplified while considering noise resistance.

(Means 18) In the means 16, electrical components (for example, the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e, the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, the right frame LED 9c, the first effect motor 303 for rotating the movable portion 302, and the movable member 321) Control means (for example, the effect control CPU 120) for controlling the second effect motor 330 for sliding the device, and for driving the electrical component in accordance with a control signal by the serial communication method from the control means. A plurality of output means (for example, light emitter drivers 411a and 411b, motors) that can output specific signals (for example, output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 and Q0 to Q11) and output the input control signals. Drive driver 412 and light emitter drivers 413a to 413c), each of the plurality of output means input The output state when the control signal is output is configured so that the waveform rises more slowly than a predetermined mode (for example, for all serial-parallel conversion circuits, the through output is set to a low slew rate output, respectively) It may be configured to be). According to such a configuration, the design can be simplified while considering noise resistance.

(Means 19) In any one of the means 16 to 18, the output means indicates a first output state in which the waveform rises in a predetermined manner (for example, the output state when the input control signal is output to the other output means (for example, A normal slew rate output state (see FIG. 12 (1))) and a second output state in which the waveform rises more slowly than the first output state (for example, a low slew rate output state (FIG. 12). (See (2))) (for example, if the S terminal is set to L (low), the output of the normal slew rate is set, and the S terminal is set to H (high)). If set, the output may be set to a low slew rate output (see FIG. 11). According to such a configuration, the setting can be changed according to the use environment, and the noise tolerance of the control signal for preventing malfunction can be increased according to the setting.

(Means 20) In any one of the means 16 to the means 19, the output means is connected in parallel from specific signal output units (for example, driver output terminals Q0 to Q23, Q0 to Q11) grouped in a plurality of different groups. A specific signal (for example, an output signal from each of the driver output terminals Q0 to Q23 and Q0 to Q11) is output (for example, in the case of a 24-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit, as shown in FIG. In addition, in the case of a 12-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit, it is grouped into 3 groups of 4 channels per group.) From the specific signal output unit The output timing of the specific signal varies depending on the group (for example, as shown in FIG. Output terminals Q0～Q23, the output timing of the output signal may be configured to be distributed are) as each group from Q0～Q11. According to such a configuration, radio wave radiation from the substrate can be further suppressed.

(Means 21) The means 20 includes movable members (for example, the movable portion 302 and the movable member 321) that perform operations, and driving means (for example, a first effect motor 303 and a second effect motor 330) that operate the movable members. ) Is driven based on the specific signal output from the specific signal output unit of the same group of the output means (for example, as shown in FIG. 16, with respect to the signal input to the same operation motor, It may be configured to be connected to a drive output terminal to which it belongs. According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress a decrease in driving accuracy of the driving means while suppressing radio wave radiation from the substrate.

(Means 22) In any one of the means 16 to 21, the control signal continuation means for continuously outputting the control signal (for example, the production control CPU 120 performs the production control process (see step S55)). By repeatedly outputting a control signal at least every predetermined period (1 second in this example), the lighting control of the panel side LEDs 9d, 9e, the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame LED 9c is continuously executed, The first control motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 are controlled so as to be continuously executed). According to such a configuration, it is possible to realize control corresponding to the stop function of the output means.

(Means 23) In any one of the means 16 to 22, the output means can set the stop function to be valid or invalid (for example, the timeout function is invalidated by setting the T terminal to L (low)). And the time-out function is set to the valid state by setting the T terminal to H (high) (see FIG. 11). According to such a configuration, it is possible to change the setting of the stopping function of the output means according to the application, and it is possible to reduce the cost by sharing parts.

(Means 24) In any one of the means 16 to 23, different light emission data is set in each layer of the data setting area according to the gaming state (for example, as shown in FIG. 33, the gaming state is Depending on whether the low base state, the high base state or the big hit state, the combination of control data set in the layers 1 to 5 may be different). According to such a configuration, the light emission control of the light emitters can be performed according to the priority order according to the game state, and the interest in the game can be improved.

(Means 25) In the means 24, the light emission data for performing the light emission control of the light emitter in accordance with the error notification is set in the layer set with the highest priority among the layers of the data setting area regardless of the gaming state. (For example, as shown in FIG. 33, the control data corresponding to the error notification is set in the layer 5 having the highest priority regardless of the gaming state). According to such a configuration, the light emission control of the light emitter can be performed with priority given to the error notification regardless of the gaming state.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko gaming machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of an effect control board and an effect control relay board. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the microcomputer for production control. It is a block diagram which shows the example of the mechanism which outputs a video signal in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a video signal output setting register. It is a block diagram which shows the modification in the case of providing a some image display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a drive control board, and the structural example of the light-emitting body control board for performing lighting control of the board | substrate side LED. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the light-emitting body control board for performing lighting control of top frame LED9a, left frame LED9b, and right frame LED9c. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a serial-parallel conversion circuit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating each input-output terminal provided in the serial-parallel conversion circuit shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the slew rate setting of the through output of a clock signal and data. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a control data format. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the output timing of the signal from each drive output terminal in a serial-parallel conversion circuit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of a connection of a serial-parallel conversion circuit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of a connection of a serial-parallel conversion circuit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of a connection of a serial-parallel conversion circuit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of a connection of the serial-parallel conversion circuit in a modification. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of a connection of the serial-parallel conversion circuit in a modification. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the example of a connection of the serial-parallel conversion circuit in a modification. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the timer interruption process for game control. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control main processing. It is a flowchart which shows a temperature restriction process. It is a flowchart which shows a temperature restriction reset process. It is a flowchart which shows the specific example of a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows the specific example of a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation start process. It is a flowchart which shows a small symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a decoration symbol process process. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the display mode of an effect display apparatus when it transfers to the restriction | limiting mode based on temperature abnormality. It is a figure which shows an example of the data area for control. It is a time chart which shows the LED control example. It is a time chart which shows the LED control example. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production execution setting processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production execution setting processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a memory inspection process during control. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the production data transfer process during control. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a memory test | inspection process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the storage area in effect data memory. It is a figure which shows the structural example etc. of moving image data. It is a sequence diagram which shows the example of a moving image reproduction | regeneration control. It is a sequence diagram which shows the example of a moving image reproduction | regeneration control. It is a sequence diagram which shows the example of a moving image reproduction | regeneration control. It is a sequence diagram showing an example of start winning notification control. It is a sequence diagram showing an example of start winning notification control. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of effect control main processing.

[Configuration of pachinko machines]
An embodiment for implementing a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below. First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the front. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration on the main board. In the following, the front side of FIG. 1 is the front (front, front) side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the back side is the back (rear) side, and the vertical and horizontal directions when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is viewed from the front side are shown. This will be explained as a standard. Note that the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment is an opposing surface that faces a player who plays a game on the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment and shows an arrangement layout of main members. Pachinko gaming machines (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as gaming machines) 1 are roughly divided into a gaming board (gauge board) 2 constituting a gaming board surface, and a gaming machine frame (base frame) for supporting and fixing the gaming board 2. 3. A game area 10 having a substantially circular shape in front view surrounded by the guide rails 2b is formed in the game board 2. In this game area 10, a game ball as a game medium is launched from a ball striking device (not shown) and driven. Further, the gaming machine frame 3 is provided with a glass door frame 50 having a glass window 50a so as to be rotatable around the left side, and the gaming area 10 can be opened and closed by the glass door frame 50. When the glass door frame 50 is closed, the game area 10 can be seen through the glass window 50a.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the game board 2 is formed of a synthetic resin material having translucency such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, methacrylic resin, etc., in a substantially square shape when viewed from the front. It is mainly composed of a board surface plate (not shown) provided with a guide rail 2b and the like, and a spacer member (not shown) attached integrally to the back side of the board surface plate. The game board 2 is formed in a substantially square shape when viewed from the front with a non-light-transmitting member such as a plywood board, and a board surface board provided with obstacle nails (not shown), guide rails 2b, etc. on the front game board surface. May be configured.

  A first special symbol display 4A and a second special symbol display 4B are provided at a predetermined position of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, the lower right position of the game area 10). Each of the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B is composed of, for example, a 7 segment LED or a dot matrix LED (light emitting diode) and the like. A special symbol (also referred to as “special”), which is a plurality of types of identification information (special identification information), is displayed so as to be variable (also referred to as variable display or variable display). For example, the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B each variably display a plurality of types of special symbols composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9", symbols indicating "-", and the like. To do. The special symbols displayed on the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B are limited to those composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9", symbols indicating "-", and the like. However, for example, a plurality of types of lighting patterns in which the combination of the LED to be turned on and the LED to be turned off in the 7-segment LED may be set in advance as a plurality of types of special symbols.

  Hereinafter, the special symbol variably displayed on the first special symbol display 4A is also referred to as “first special symbol” or “first special symbol”, and the special symbol variably displayed on the second special symbol display 4B is “ It is also called “second special figure” or “second special symbol”.

  In the vicinity of the center of the game area 10 on the game board 2, an effect display device 5 as a display means is provided. The effect display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device) or the like, and forms a display area for displaying various effect images. In the display area of the effect display device 5, the first special symbol display by the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display by the second special symbol display 4B in the special game are respectively displayed. In the effect symbol display area, which is a plurality of variable display units such as three, for example, the effect symbols that are a plurality of types of identification information (decoration identification information) that can be identified are variably displayed. This variation display of the effect symbol is also included in the variation display game.

  As an example, in the display area of the effect display device 5, “left”, “middle”, and “right” effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are arranged. When the confirmed special symbol is stopped and displayed as a variation display result in the special game, the effect is displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. The finalized design symbol (final stop symbol) that is the symbol variation display result is stopped and displayed.

  As described above, in the display area of the effect display device 5, a special game using the first special graphic in the first special symbol display 4A or a special graphic using the second special graphic in the second special symbol display 4B. In synchronism with the game, a plurality of types of effect symbols that can be identified are displayed in a variable manner, and a definite effect symbol that is a variable display result is derived and displayed (or simply referred to as “derivation”). In addition, for example, deriving and displaying various display symbols such as special symbols and effect symbols is to stop display of identification information such as effect symbols (also referred to as complete stop display or final stop display) and end the variable display. .

  For example, eight kinds of symbols (alphanumeric characters “1” to “8” or Chinese characters) are displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. It may be any combination of numbers, English letters, eight character images related to a predetermined motif, a combination of numbers, letters, symbols, and character images. Character images may be, for example, people, animals, other objects, or , A decorative image showing a symbol such as a character or other arbitrary figure). A corresponding symbol number is attached to each of the effect symbols. For example, symbol numbers “1” to “8” are assigned to alphanumeric characters indicating “1” to “8”, respectively. Note that the number of effect symbols is not limited to eight, and may be any number (for example, seven or nine) as long as a suitable number of combinations such as a jackpot combination or a combination that is lost can be configured.

  Further, in this embodiment, the “left”, “middle”, and “right” small symbols (in this example, “1”) in a manner in which the effect symbols are reduced at the upper left corner of the display screen of the effect display device 5. (8 symbols) are also displayed.

  A first hold indicator 25A and a second hold indicator 25B are provided above the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B. In each of the first hold indicator 25A and the second hold indicator 25B, a hold that displays the hold memory number (the number of the special figure hold memory) as the number of the variable storage hold memory information corresponding to the special figure game is specified. Memory display is performed.

  Here, the suspension of the variable display corresponding to the special game is that the game ball passes through the first start winning opening formed by the normal winning ball apparatus 6A and the second starting winning opening formed by the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B. Generated based on the start winning by entering (entering). In other words, the start condition (also referred to as “execution condition”) for executing the variable display game such as the special figure game or the variable display of the effect symbol is established, but the variable display game based on the start condition established previously is being executed. When the start condition for allowing the start of the variable display game is not satisfied due to the fact that the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the big hit gaming state, the variable display corresponding to the established start condition is suspended. Done.

  In the first special symbol display 4A, it is possible to specify the number of reserved memory information (first reserved memory information) generated based on the first start winning when the game ball passes (enters) the first starting winning opening. The first special figure reserved memory number is displayed by lighting of the LED (the number of lights). The second hold indicator 25B is capable of specifying the number of pieces of hold storage information (second hold storage information) generated based on the second start winning when the game ball passes (enters) the second start winning opening. 2 The special figure reserved memory number is displayed by turning on the LED (the number of lights).

  A first hold display area 5D and a second hold display area 5U are set at two locations on the left and right in the display area of the effect display device 5. In the first hold display area 5D, the first special figure hold memory number that can specify the number of the first hold memory information generated based on the first start winning is displayed by the number of sphere (circular) hold images H. Is done. In the second hold display area 5U, the second special figure hold memory number that can specify the number of second hold memory information generated based on the second start winning is displayed based on the number of sphere (circular) hold images H. Is done.

  In the first hold display area 5D, the hold image H is displayed in such a manner that the hold image increases on the left side every time the first hold storage information is generated, and the variable display based on the first hold storage information is executed. Every time, the hold image H at the right end corresponding to the first hold storage information is erased, and display is performed in which the remaining hold images H are shifted rightward one by one. In the second hold display area 5U, the hold image is displayed in such a manner that the hold image H increases on the right side whenever the second hold storage information is generated, and the variable display based on the second hold storage information is executed. Each time, the hold image H at the left end corresponding to the second hold storage information is erased, and display is performed in which the remaining hold images are shifted leftward one by one.

  The variation corresponding display corresponding to the variation display is shown during the execution of the variation display corresponding to the suspended display that has been erased (moved or shifted) from each of the first hold display area 5D and the second hold display area 5U. An active display area AHA for displaying an image (hereinafter referred to as an active image or an active display) AH is formed in the central portion of the hold display area. In the active display area AHA, the hold image H displayed in the first hold display area 5D or the second hold display area 5U has been displayed so far, for example, moved (shifted) to the active display area. The active image AH is displayed in such a manner that it can be identified that it corresponds to the reserved image. The active display area AHA may be arranged at any position in the display area of the effect display device 5.

  In the hold display area, the hold storage information may be displayed in a combined display mode without distinguishing the first hold display area 5D and the second hold display area 5U. Such a summed pending storage display makes it easy to grasp the total number of execution conditions that have not met the variable display start condition.

  With respect to the hold image H displayed in each of the first hold display area 5D and the second hold display area 5U, the hold display mode in which the hold display mode is changed before the variable display of the target hold storage information is executed. A change effect may be executed. In the hold display mode change effect, the display mode such as the color or shape of the hold image H is changed.

  For example, the color of the reserved image H can be changed to blue, green, and red. When it is determined that the hold display mode change effect is executed at a predetermined ratio, and the variable display result based on the hold storage information to be the effect is a jackpot display result, the change after the change is performed at a ratio of blue <green <red. On the other hand, when the color of the reserved image H is selected and determined, and when the variation display result is an outlier display result, the color of the changed reserved image H is selected and determined at a ratio of red <green <blue. Thereby, the expectation degree to the big hit based on the color of the hold image H after the change when the hold display mode change effect is executed is set to have a ratio of blue <green <red. Therefore, when the hold display mode change effect is executed, it is possible to increase the player's sense of expectation for jackpot based on the color of the hold image after the change.

  Also, for the active image AH, similarly to the reserved image H, the display mode change effect is executed, and the display mode such as the color or shape of the reserved image H is changed. The display mode change effect of such active display is also determined in a mode in which the degree of expectation for jackpot can be specified at the same selection ratio as the hold display mode change effect, and the display mode such as the color or shape after the change is determined. The Note that the display mode change effect need not be executed for the active display.

  Below the effect display device 5, an ordinary winning ball device 6A and an ordinary variable winning ball device 6B are provided. The normal winning ball device 6A forms, for example, a first starting winning opening as a starting region (first starting region) that is always kept in a certain open state by a predetermined ball receiving member. The normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B has an electric motor having a pair of movable wing pieces that are changed into a normal open state as a vertical position and an expanded open state as a tilt position by a solenoid 81 for a normal electric accessory shown in FIG. A tulip-shaped accessory (ordinary electric accessory) is provided, and a second starting prize opening is formed as a starting region (second starting region).

  As an example, in the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B, the movable wing piece is in the vertical position when the solenoid 81 for the normal electric accessory is in the OFF state, so that the game ball passes (enters) the second starting winning opening. It is difficult to open normally. On the other hand, in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B, the game ball passes through the second start winning opening by the tilt control in which the movable blade piece is tilted when the solenoid 81 for the normal electric accessory is in the ON state ( It will be in an expanded open state that is easy to enter.

  A game ball that has passed (entered) the first start winning opening formed in the normal winning ball apparatus 6A is detected by, for example, a first start opening switch 22A shown in FIG. The game ball that has passed (entered) the second start winning opening formed in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B is detected by, for example, the second start opening switch 22B shown in FIG. Based on the detection of the game ball by the first start port switch 22A, a predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and the first special figure holding memory number is set to a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “ 4 ") If the following, the first start condition is satisfied. Based on the detection of the game ball by the second start port 22B, a predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and the second special figure holding memory number is set to a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “ 4 ") If the following, the second start condition is satisfied. The number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection of the game ball by the first start port switch 22A and the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection of the game ball by the second start port switch 22B. May be the same number or different numbers.

  A special variable winning ball device 7 is provided below the normal winning ball device 6A and the ordinary variable winning ball device 6B. The special variable winning ball apparatus 7 includes a special winning opening door that is opened and closed by a solenoid 82 for the special winning opening door shown in FIG. 2, and the specific region that changes between an open state and a closed state by the special winning opening door. As a big prize opening.

  As an example, in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, when the solenoid 82 for the special prize opening door is in the OFF state, the special prize opening door closes the big winning prize opening, and the game ball passes (enters) the big winning prize opening. Make it impossible. On the other hand, in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, when the solenoid 82 for the big prize opening door is in the ON state, the big winning opening door opens the big winning opening and the game ball passes through the big winning opening (entrance). ) Make it easier. In this way, the special winning opening as a specific area changes into an open state in which a game ball easily passes (enters) and is advantageous to the player, and a closed state in which the game ball cannot pass (enters) and is disadvantageous to the player To do. Instead of the closed state where the game ball cannot pass (enter) through the big prize opening, or in addition to the closed state, a partially opened state where the game ball hardly passes (enters) through the big prize port may be provided.

  The game ball that has passed (entered) through the big prize opening is detected by, for example, the count switch 23 shown in FIG. Based on the detection of game balls by the count switch 23, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out as prize balls. In this way, when the game ball passes (enters) through the large winning opening opened in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, the gaming ball passes through other winning openings such as the first starting winning opening and the second starting winning opening, for example. More prize balls are paid out than when passing (entering). Accordingly, when the special winning ball apparatus 7 is in the open state, the game ball can enter the special winning hole, which is advantageous to the player. On the other hand, when the special prize winning device 7 is closed in the special variable prize winning ball device 7, it becomes impossible or difficult for the player to get a prize ball by passing (entering) the gaming ball into the special prize winning port. This is a disadvantageous second state.

  On the left side of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, there is provided a first decorative symbol display 5A that performs a variable display of the first decorative symbol in synchronization with the variable display of the first special symbol. Further, on the right side of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, there is provided a second decorative symbol display 5B in which a variable display of the second decorative symbol is performed in synchronization with the variable display of the second special symbol. The first decorative symbol display 5A and the second decorative symbol display 5B are each composed of two lamps (or LEDs) arranged above and below, and in synchronization with the fluctuation display of the first special symbol, When the two lamps (or LEDs) blink, the first and second decorative symbols are displayed in a variable manner. Then, when the stop display is made with the big hit symbol, the variable display is finished with these two lamps (or LEDs) being lit, and when the stop display is made with the off symbol, these two lamps are made. The fluctuation is finished in a state where (or LED) is turned off.

  The variation display mode of the first decorative symbol display 5A and the second decorative symbol display 5B is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, lamps (or LEDs) provided on the top and bottom are alternately arranged. The display may be changed by repeatedly turning on and off.

  Further, for example, as the first decorative symbol display 5A and the second decorative symbol display 5B, as in the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B, a 7-segment or dot matrix LED (light emitting diode) is used. ) Etc. may be provided.

  A normal symbol display 20 is provided above the second holding display 25B. As an example, the normal symbol display 20 is composed of 7 segments, dot matrix LEDs, and the like, like the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B, and a plurality of types of identification information different from the special symbols. Is displayed (variable display) so that it can be variably displayed. Such a normal symbol variation display is referred to as a general game (also referred to as a “normal game”).

  Above the normal symbol display 20, a universal figure holding display 25 </ b> C is provided. The general-purpose hold indicator 25C includes, for example, four LEDs, and displays the general-purpose hold storage number as the number of effective passing balls that have passed through the passing gate 41.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with a windmill for changing the flow direction and speed of the game ball and a number of obstacle nails. In addition, as a winning opening different from the first starting winning opening, the second starting winning opening, and the big winning opening, for example, a single or a plurality of general winning openings that are always kept open by a predetermined ball receiving member are provided. May be. In this case, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls may be paid out as a prize ball based on the fact that a game ball that has entered one of the general prize openings is detected by a predetermined general prize ball switch. In the lowermost part of the game area 10, there is provided an out-port for taking in a game ball that has not entered any of the winning ports.

  Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the left and right upper positions of the gaming machine frame 3, and the top frame LED 9a provided on the front frame is provided on the outer periphery of the gaming area 10. A left frame LED 9b and a right frame LED 9c are provided. In this embodiment, the top frame LED 9a is provided above the front frame, the left frame LED 9b is provided on the left side of the front frame, and the right frame LED 9c is provided on the right side of the front frame. Yes. The game board 2 is also provided with board-side LEDs 9d and 9e. In this embodiment, a board side LED 9 d is provided on the left side of the game board 2, and a board side LED 9 e is provided on the right side of the game board 2. A decorative LED is arranged around each structure in the game area 10 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (for example, an ordinary winning ball device 6A, an ordinary variable winning ball device 6B, a special variable winning ball device 7, etc.). Also good.

  At the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, a hitting operation handle (operation knob) operated by a player or the like to launch a game ball as a game medium toward the game area 10 is provided. For example, the hitting operation handle adjusts the resilience of the game ball according to the operation amount (rotation amount) by the player or the like. The hitting operation handle only needs to be provided with a single shot switch or a touch ring (touch sensor) for stopping driving of a shooting motor provided in a hitting ball shooting device (not shown).

  A gaming ball paid out as a prize ball or a gaming ball lent out by a predetermined ball lending machine can be supplied to a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area 10 to a launching device (not shown). An upper plate (hit ball supply tray) that is held (stored) is provided. Below the gaming machine frame 3, there is provided a lower plate that holds (stores) surplus balls overflowing from the upper plate so as to be discharged to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  For example, a stick controller 31A that can be held and tilted by the player is attached to a member that forms the lower plate, for example, at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the lower plate main body (for example, a central portion of the lower plate). Yes. The stick controller 31A includes an operation stick that the player holds, and a trigger button is provided at a predetermined position of the operation stick (for example, a position where the index finger of the operator is hooked when the player holds the operation stick). Yes.

  A controller sensor unit 35 </ b> A for detecting a tilting operation with respect to the operating rod may be provided inside the lower plate body or the like below the stick controller 31 </ b> A. For example, the controller sensor unit includes two transmissive photosensors (parallel sensors) arranged in parallel to the board surface of the game board 2 on the left side of the center position of the operating rod when viewed from the player side facing the pachinko gaming machine 1. And a pair of transmission type photosensors (vertical sensor pairs) arranged perpendicularly to the surface of the game board 2 on the right side of the center position of the operation rod when viewed from the player side. What is necessary is just to be comprised including a shape photosensor.

  The member that forms the upper plate includes, for example, a push button 31B that allows a player to perform a predetermined instruction operation by a pressing operation or the like at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the upper plate body (for example, above the stick controller 31A). Is provided. The push button 31B only needs to be configured to be able to detect the pressing operation from the player mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically. A push sensor 35B that detects a pressing operation performed by the player on the push button 31B may be provided inside the main body of the upper plate at the position where the push button 31B is installed.

  Next, the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be schematically described. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the normal symbol display 20 executes the normal symbol variation display such that the game ball that has passed through the passing gate 41 provided in the gaming area 10 is detected by the gate switch 21 shown in FIG. 2. The normal symbol indicator is displayed on the basis of the fact that the normal symbol start condition for starting the normal symbol variation display is satisfied, for example, that the previous general symbol game has been completed The usual game by 20 is started.

  In this ordinary game, after a normal symbol change is started, when a predetermined time which is a normal symbol change time elapses, a fixed normal symbol which is a normal symbol change display result is stopped and displayed (derived display). At this time, if a specific normal symbol (symbol per symbol), such as a number indicating “7”, is stopped and displayed as the fixed normal symbol, the fluctuation display result of the normal symbol becomes “per symbol”. On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than the symbol per symbol, such as a number or symbol other than the number indicating “7”, is stopped and displayed as the fixed ordinary symbol, the fluctuation display result of the normal symbol is “usually lost”. Become. Corresponding to the fact that the variation display result of the normal symbol is “per normal”, the expansion / release control (tilt control) is performed in which the movable wing piece of the electric tulip constituting the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B is tilted. The normal opening control is performed to return to the vertical position when a predetermined time has elapsed.

  After the first start condition is satisfied, for example, when the game ball that has passed (entered) the first start winning opening formed in the normal winning ball apparatus 6A is detected by the first start opening switch 22A shown in FIG. Based on the fact that the first start condition is satisfied, for example, because the previous special figure game or the big hit gaming state has ended, the special figure game by the first special symbol display 4A is started. Further, the second starting condition is satisfied, for example, when a game ball that has passed (entered) the second starting winning opening formed in the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B is detected by the second starting opening switch 22B shown in FIG. Later, based on the fact that the second start condition is satisfied, for example, due to the end of the previous special game or the big hit gaming state, the special game by the second special symbol display 4B is started.

  In the special symbol game by the first special symbol display 4A or the second special symbol indicator 4B, after the special symbol variation display is started, when the variation display time as the special symbol variation time elapses, the special symbol variation display is performed. The resulting definite special symbol (special diagram display result) is derived and displayed. At this time, if a specific special symbol (big hit symbol) is stopped and displayed as a confirmed special symbol, it becomes a “big hit” as a specific display result, and if a special symbol different from the big bonus symbol is stopped and displayed as a fixed special symbol, “ It will be “losing”. Note that a predetermined special symbol (small hit symbol) different from the big hit symbol may be stopped and displayed, and when the predetermined special symbol (small hit symbol) as a result of the predetermined display is stopped and displayed. What is necessary is just to control to the small hit game state as a special game state different from the big hit game state.

  After the fluctuation display result in the special figure game becomes “big hit”, a round that is advantageous to the player (also referred to as “round game”) is executed a predetermined number of times in a big hit gaming state (advantageous state). Be controlled.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as an example, special symbols indicating the numbers “3”, “5”, and “7” are jackpot symbols, and special symbols indicating the symbol “−” are lost symbols. . When the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed, for example, a special symbol indicating the number “2” may be used as the small hit symbol. Each symbol such as a jackpot symbol or a lost symbol in the special symbol game by the first special symbol display 4A may be different from each symbol in the special symbol game by the second special symbol display 4B. However, a special symbol common to both special symbol games may be a jackpot symbol or a lost symbol.

  After the jackpot symbol indicating the numbers “3”, “5”, and “7” as the special symbols for the special figure game is stopped and displayed as the “big hit” as the specific display result, it is specially variable in the jackpot game state. In a period until a predetermined upper limit time (for example, 29 seconds or 0.1 second) elapses or a period until a predetermined number (for example, 9) of winning balls is generated in the big winning door of the winning ball apparatus 7 , Open the grand prize opening. Thereby, the round which makes the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 the 1st state (open state) advantageous for a player is performed.

  A special prize-winning ball device that receives a game ball falling on the surface of the game board 2 and then closes the big prize-winning slot, with the grand prize-winning door that has opened the grand prize-winning port during the round. 7 is changed to the second state (closed state) disadvantageous to the player, and one round is completed. The round that is the opening cycle of the big prize opening can be repeatedly executed until the number of executions reaches a predetermined upper limit number (for example, “16”, etc.). Even before the number of rounds has reached the upper limit, the execution of the round may be terminated when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, a game ball has not won a big prize opening). .

  Of the rounds in the big hit gaming state, the round in which the upper limit time for which the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is in the first state (open state) advantageous for the player is relatively long (for example, 29 seconds) is normally opened. Also called round. On the other hand, a round in which the upper limit time during which the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is in the first state (open state) is relatively short (for example, 0.1 seconds) is also referred to as a short-term open round.

  In the case where the small hit symbol (for example, the number “2”) is stopped and displayed, if the small hit symbol is derived as a confirmed special symbol, the small hit symbol is controlled as a special hit state. good. Specifically, in the small hit game state, for example, the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is advantageous to the player in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 as in the above-described short-term open big hit state in which a practically no outgoing ball (prize ball) is obtained. The variable winning operation for changing to the first state (open state) may be executed.

  In the “left”, “middle”, and “right” effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R provided in the effect display device 5, a special symbol game using the first special symbol in the first special symbol display 4A and In response to the start of any one of the special figure games using the second special figure in the second special symbol display 4B, the variation display of the effect symbols is started. The period from the start of the variation display of the effect symbols to the end of the variation display due to the stop display of the confirmed effect symbols in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, 5R Then, the variation display state of the effect symbol may be a predetermined reach state.

  Here, the reach state refers to an effect design (“reach variation design”) that has not been stopped yet when the effect design that is stopped and displayed in the display area of the effect display device 5 forms part of the jackpot combination. Is also a display state in which the fluctuation continues, or a display state in which all or part of the design symbols change synchronously while constituting all or part of the jackpot combination. Specifically, in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R (for example, “left” and “right” effect symbol display areas 5L and 5R, etc.) in advance. The remaining effect symbol display area (for example, “medium” effect) that has not been stopped yet when the effect symbol (for example, the effect symbol indicating the alphanumeric character of “7”) constituting the determined jackpot combination is stopped and displayed. In the symbol display area 5C, etc., the presentation symbols are changing, or in all or part of the “left”, “middle”, “right” effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, 5R This is a display state that changes synchronously while constituting all or part of the combination.

  In response to the reach state, the variation speed of the effect symbol is reduced, or a character image (effect image imitating a person) different from the effect symbol is displayed in the display area of the effect display device 5. Or change the display mode of the background image, play and display a moving image that is different from the production symbol, or change the variation mode of the production symbol, so that the production operation different from before reaching the reach state is executed May be. Such an effect operation such as display of the character image, change of the display mode of the background image, reproduction display of the moving image, and change of the change mode of the effect pattern is referred to as reach effect display (or simply reach effect). In the reach effect, not only the display operation in the effect display device 5, but also the sound output operation by the speakers 8L and 8R, and the light emitting body such as the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, the right frame LED 9c, and the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e. The lighting operation (flashing operation), the operation of the movable member 321, and the like may be included in an operation mode different from the operation mode before the reach state.

  As an effect operation in the reach effect, a plurality of types of effect patterns (also referred to as “reach patterns”) having different operation modes (reach modes) may be prepared in advance. Each reach mode has a different possibility of being a “hit” (also referred to as “reliability”, “hit reliability”, “expectation”, or “hit expectation”). That is, it is possible to vary the possibility that the variable display result will be a “big hit” depending on which of the multiple types of reach effects is executed.

  When a special symbol that becomes a lost symbol is stopped (derived) as a confirmed special symbol in the special symbol game, the variation display state of the production symbol does not reach the reach state after the variation display of the production symbol is started. In addition, a definite effect symbol that is a predetermined non-reach combination may be stopped and displayed. Such a variation display mode of the effect symbol is referred to as a “non-reach” (also referred to as “normal loss”) variable display mode when the variation display result is “losing”.

  When a special symbol that becomes a lost symbol is stopped (derived) as a confirmed special symbol in the special symbol game, the variation display state of the production symbol becomes the reach state after the variation display of the production symbol is started. Correspondingly, after the reach effect is executed, or when the reach effect is not executed, a confirmed effect symbol that becomes a predetermined reach lose combination may be stopped and displayed. Such a variation display result of the effect symbol is referred to as a variation display mode of “reach” (also referred to as “reach lose”) when the variation display result is “losing”.

  Corresponding to the fact that the variation display state of the production symbol has reached the reach state when the jackpot symbol indicating the number “3” is stopped and displayed as a special symbol that is a jackpot symbol as a special symbol to be confirmed in the special symbol game Then, after a predetermined reach effect is executed, a definite effect symbol that is a predetermined normal big hit combination (also referred to as “non-probable variable big hit combination”) among a plurality of types of big hit combinations is stopped and displayed. In addition, the non-probable big hit combination may be stopped and displayed as a definite effect symbol without executing the reach effect.

  The confirmed effect symbol which is a normal big hit combination (non-probable variation big hit combination) is variably displayed in, for example, the “left”, “middle” and “right” effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C and 5R in the effect display device 5. Among the effect symbols having the symbol numbers “1” to “8”, any one of the effect symbols having the even symbol numbers “2”, “4”, “6”, “8” is “left”, “ What is necessary is just to be able to be stopped and displayed on a predetermined effective line in each of the effect display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of “middle” and “right”. The effect symbols having the even number “2”, “4”, “6”, “8” constituting the normal jackpot combination are referred to as normal symbols (also referred to as “non-probable variation symbols”).

  Corresponding to the fact that the confirmed special symbol in the special figure game becomes the normal jackpot symbol, after the predetermined reach effect is executed, the finalized symbol of the normal jackpot combination (non-probable variable jackpot combination) is stopped and displayed. The variable display mode is referred to as a variable display mode (also referred to as “big hit type”) of “non-probable change” (also referred to as “normal big hit”) when the variable display result is “big hit”. It should be noted that a normal jackpot combination (non-probable variation jackpot combination) may be stopped and displayed as a confirmed effect symbol without the reach effect being executed. Based on the fact that the fluctuation display result is “big hit” for the big hit type of “non-probable change”, the normal open big hit state is controlled, and after the end, time reduction control (time reduction control) is performed. By performing the time reduction control, the special symbol change display time (special figure change time) in the special figure game is shortened compared to the normal state. In the short-time control, so-called electric chew support is performed in which the winning frequency of the normal symbol is increased and the winning frequency to the ordinary variable winning ball device 6B is increased as described later. Here, the normal state is a normal game state that is different from a specific game state such as a big hit game state, and the initial setting state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (for example, when a system reset is performed, after the power is turned on) The same control as in the state in which the initialization process is executed is performed. In the time-saving control, one of the conditions is established first, that is, a special game is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) after the big hit gaming state ends, and the fluctuation display result is “big hit”. Sometimes it just needs to end.

  In the special symbol game, among the special symbols that become jackpot symbols, if the probability variation jackpot symbol such as the special symbol indicating the numbers “5” and “7” is stopped and displayed, the change display state of the effect symbol In response to the reach state being reached, after the reach effect similar to the case where the variation display mode of the effect symbol is “normal” is executed, among the multiple types of big hit combinations, a predetermined probability variation big hit combination and The determined effect design may be stopped and displayed. Note that the probability variation jackpot combination may be stopped and displayed as a confirmed effect symbol without executing the reach effect. The confirmed effect symbol that is a probable big hit combination is, for example, a symbol number “1” that is variably displayed in each of the effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” in the effect display device 5. Among the effect symbols of “8”, the effect symbols whose symbol numbers are “5” or “7” are displayed in the effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. Any device that can be stopped and displayed on a predetermined effective line may be used. The effect symbols having the symbol numbers “5” and “7” constituting the probability variation jackpot combination are referred to as probability variation symbols. When the probability variation jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed as the confirmed special symbol in the special figure game, the confirmed effect symbol that is a normal jackpot combination may be stopped and displayed as a variation display result of the effect symbol.

  Regardless of whether the confirmed effect symbol is a normal jackpot combination or a promiscuous jackpot combination, the variation display mode in which the probability variation jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed as a confirmed special symbol in the special figure game will have a "big hit" variation display result. This is referred to as a variation display mode of “probability variation” (also referred to as “big hit type”). In the present embodiment, among the big hit types of “probability change”, the normal open big hit state is set based on the fact that the determined special symbols “5” and “7” have become “big hit” as a result of fluctuation display. After completion of the control, the probability variation control (probability variation control) is performed together with the time reduction control.

  By performing the probability variation control, the probability that the fluctuation display result (special display result) becomes “big hit” in each special figure game is improved so as to be higher than that in the normal state. The probability variation control may be ended when the condition that the fluctuation display result is “big hit” and the game is controlled to the big hit gaming state again after the big hit gaming state is ended. As with the time reduction control, the probability variation control is ended when a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times the same as the time reduction number or 90 times different from the time reduction number) are executed after the big hit gaming state is finished. May be. In addition, even if the probability variation control is ended when the probability variation control is ended by the probability variation control lottery executed every time the special game is started after the big hit gaming state is ended, the probability variation control is terminated. Good.

  When the time-shortening control is performed, the normal symbol display unit 20 controls the normal symbol in the normal symbol game so that the variation time of the normal symbol (ordinary symbol variation time) is shorter than that in the normal state. Control to improve the probability that the display result is “per normal figure” than in the normal state, and tilt control of the movable blade piece in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B based on the fact that the fluctuation display result is “per normal figure”. The game ball can easily pass (enter) the second start winning opening, such as a control to make the tilt control time for performing longer than that in the normal state, and a control to increase the number of tilts than in the normal state. Control (electricity support control) that is advantageous to the player by increasing the possibility that the start condition is satisfied is performed. In this way, the control that facilitates the entry of the game ball into the second start winning opening in accordance with the time-shortening control and is advantageous to the player is also referred to as high opening control. As the high opening control, any one of these controls may be performed, or a plurality of controls may be combined.

  By performing the high opening control, the frequency at which the second start winning opening becomes the expanded opening state is higher than when the high opening control is not performed. As a result, the second start condition for executing the special figure game using the second special figure in the second special symbol display 4B is easily established, and the special figure game can be executed frequently. The time until the fluctuation display result becomes “big hit” is shortened. The period during which the high opening control can be performed is also referred to as a high opening control period, and this period may be the same as the period during which the time reduction control is performed.

  The gaming state in which both the short time control and the high opening control are performed is also referred to as a short time state or a high base state. The gaming state in which the probability variation control is performed is also referred to as a probability variation state or a high probability state. A gaming state in which the time-shortening control or the high opening control is performed together with the probability variation control is also referred to as a high probability high base state. In this embodiment, the game state to be controlled is not set, but the probability variation state in which only the probability variation control is performed and the time reduction control or the high opening control is not performed is also referred to as a high probability low base state. . In addition, only the gaming state in which the time-shortening control or the high opening control is performed together with the probability variation control is sometimes referred to as a “probability variation state”, and may be referred to as a time variation probability variation state in order to distinguish from the high probability low base state. On the other hand, a probability variation state (high probability low base state) in which only time variation control is performed and time reduction control or high opening control is not performed is sometimes referred to as a time variation probability variation state in order to be distinguished from a high accuracy high base state. The short time state in which the short time control or the high opening control is performed without performing the probability variation control is also referred to as a low probability high base state. The normal state in which neither the probability variation control, the time reduction control, nor the high opening control is performed is also referred to as a low probability low base state. When at least one of time-shortening control and probability variation control is performed in a gaming state other than the normal state, the probability that the special-figure game can be executed frequently and the fluctuation display result in each special-figure game will be “big hit” As a result, the player is in an advantageous state. A gaming state advantageous to a player different from the big hit gaming state is also referred to as a special gaming state.

  In addition, when the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the game state is not changed after the control to the small hit game state described above, and the game state before the change display result is “small hit” is displayed. Control may be continued.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1, various control boards such as a main board 11 and an effect control board 12 as shown in FIG. The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an effect control relay board 16A for relaying various control signals transmitted between the main board 11, the effect control board 12, and each effect means, a drive control board 16B, and The light emitter control boards 16C to 16F are also mounted. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, and an interface board are disposed on the back surface of the game board 2 in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The main board 11 is a main-side control board on which various circuits for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are mounted. The main board 11 is mainly addressed to a sub-side control board composed of a random number setting function used in a special game, a function of inputting a signal from a switch or the like disposed at a predetermined position, and an effect control board 12. A function of outputting and transmitting a control command as an example of command information as a control signal, a function of outputting various information to a hall management computer, and the like are provided. In addition, the main board 11 performs on / off control of each LED (for example, segment LED) constituting the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B, and thereby the first special diagram and the second special diagram. The display of fluctuation of a predetermined display pattern such as controlling the fluctuation display of the normal symbol display 20 or controlling the fluctuation display of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display 20 by controlling the lighting / extinguishing / coloring control of the normal symbol display 20 is performed. It also has a function to control.

  The main board 11 includes, for example, a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110 that receives detection signals from various switches for game ball detection and transmits the detection signals to the game control microcomputer 100, and the game control microcomputer 100. A solenoid circuit 111 for transmitting a solenoid drive signal to the solenoids 81 and 82 is mounted.

  The effect control board 12 is a sub-side control board independent of the main board 11, receives the control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the effect control relay board 16A, and receives the effect control relay board 16A. The effect display device 5, the first decorative symbol display 5A, the second decorative symbol display 5B, the speakers 8L and 8R, the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, the right frame LED 9c, the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e, and the movable portion 302. Various circuits for controlling the rendering operation by the electrical component for rendering such as the movable member 321 are mounted. That is, the effect control board 12 includes all or part of the display operation in the effect display device 5 and the sound output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame provided on the game frame side. Predetermined electrical parts for production such as LED 9c, all or part of lighting / extinguishing operation of board side LEDs 9d, 9e provided on the game board 2 side, and all or part of the operation of the movable part 302 and the movable member 321 The function of determining the control content for executing the production operation is provided. The effect control board 12 is connected to the effect control microcomputer 120A and a cooling fan 142 for cooling each control circuit via the effect control relay board 16A.

  The effect control board 12 has wiring for transmitting the video signal to the effect display device 5 via the effect control relay board 16A, and the first decorative symbol display 5A and the second decorative symbol display 5B. Wiring for transmitting a lighting signal and wiring for transmitting an audio signal (sound effect signal) to the audio control board 13 are connected. In addition, wirings for transmitting various signals to the drive control board 16B, the light emitter control board 16C, and the light emitter control board 16D are also connected via the effect control relay board 16A.

  The information signal transmitted to the drive control board 16B is a drive control signal indicating a command or control data for operating the movable portion 302 or the movable member 321 by driving the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330. It only has to be included.

  The information signal transmitted to the light emitter control board 16C only needs to include a lighting signal indicating light emission data for lighting a plurality of light emitters provided as the panel-side LEDs 9d and 9e.

  If the information signal transmitted to the light emitter control board 16D includes a lighting signal indicating light emission data for lighting a plurality of light emitters provided as the left frame LED 9b on the left side of the gaming machine frame 3. Good. Further, the information signal transmitted to the light emitter control board 16E may include a lighting signal indicating light emission data for lighting a plurality of light emitters provided as the top frame LED 9a above the gaming machine frame 3. That's fine. Further, the information signal transmitted to the light emitter control board 16F includes a lighting signal indicating light emission data for lighting a plurality of light emitters provided as the right frame LED 9c on the right side of the gaming machine frame 3. It only has to be.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the information signal transmitted to the light emitter control board 16D is only the effect control relay board 16A from the effect control microcomputer 120A mounted on the effect control board 12. To be transmitted. The information signal transmitted to the light emitter control board 16E is transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120A mounted on the effect control board 12 via the light emitter control board 16D in addition to the effect control relay board 16A. The Further, the information signal transmitted to the light emitter control board 16F is transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120A mounted on the effect control board 12 to the effect control relay board 16A, in addition to the light emitter control board 16D and the light emitter control board 16E. To be transmitted.

  The sound control board 13 is a control board for sound output control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and outputs sound from the speakers 8 </ b> L and 8 </ b> R based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12. For example, a processing circuit for executing audio signal processing is mounted.

  The effect control relay board 16A is installed in a back pack or the like attached to the back surface of the game board 2, and relays various signals transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12, or from the effect control board 12. Various signals transmitted toward the drive control board 16B, the light emitter control board 16C, and the light emitter control board 16D are relayed. The back pack is attached to the center portion on the back side of the game board 2, and an opening facing the effect display device 5 may be formed at the center. The back pack may be provided so as to cover the main board 11, the sound control board 13, the drive control board 16B, the light emitter control board 16C, and the like from the rear. An effect control board box in which the effect control board 12 is accommodated may be attached to the rear side of the back pack.

  The effect control relay board 16A has character image data and moving image data displayed on the effect display device 5, specifically, a person, characters, figures, symbols, etc. (including effect symbols), and a background image. The CGROM 141 for storing the above data is installed.

  The CGROM 141 stores various image data (image element data) indicating the display image on the effect display device 5 in advance. The image data stored in the CGROM 141 only needs to include still image data and moving image data. As the still image data, sprite image data serving as a plurality of types of image element data corresponding to a plurality of types of effect images, such as a plurality of types of effect symbols variably displayed on the screen of the effect display device 5, may be prepared. . In addition, the characters displayed on the screen of the effect display device 5, specifically, the person, characters, figures, symbols, and the like and the image data of the background image may be stored in the CGROM 141 in advance. In addition to the image data, the CGROM 141 may store a part or all of audio data used for audio output by the speakers 8L and 8R. The CGROM 141 only needs to store part or all of the lamp drive data used for lighting the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, the right frame LED 9c, the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e, and other decorative LEDs. The CGROM 141 only needs to store part or all of the motor drive data used for rotational driving of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330. The CGROM 141 may be a non-volatile semiconductor memory that can be electrically erased, written, or rewritten, such as a NAND flash memory. However, the CGROM 141 is used as a read-only storage device in a normal use state where the progress of the performance in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled. For example, when the 512-byte sector is the minimum unit for data transfer, the CPU 120 for effect control only needs to be able to read data having a size that is an integral multiple of 512 bytes from the CGROM 141. On the other hand, it may be writable.

  In this embodiment, the case where the CGROM 141 is configured by a NAND flash memory is shown. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be configured by another memory element such as a NOR flash memory. .

  The effect control CPU 120 only needs to read sector data from the CGROM 141 using the VDP function and perform error detection and error correction on the read sector data. In the error detection of sector data, the number of error bits and the error bit position are specified. At this time, it is determined whether or not error correction is possible. If error correction is possible, it suffices to execute error correction and transfer the sector data to the VRAM 126 or the like for storage. The CGROM 141 only needs to store management information for the erase unit block. The erasing unit block is an erasing unit when erasing data stored in the CGROM 141. The management information of the erase unit block only needs to include information indicating the number of erase processes executed in each erase unit block. The effect control CPU 120 reads the management information of the erase unit block including the sector data, and determines whether or not to refresh the memory cells of the sector data in the CGROM 141 based on the information on the number of error bits (data refresh).

  In the CGROM 141, deterioration of memory cells occurs due to factors such as erase of stored data and read disturb. Read disturb occurs when the number of times of reading data stored in the CGROM 141 increases, the electrons accumulated in the floating gate of the memory cell are gradually extracted, and the threshold voltage of the transistor changes. Even when read disturb does not occur, electrons accumulated in the floating gate of the memory cell may be gradually released at a very slow rate, causing data retention that changes the threshold voltage of the transistor. is there. Deterioration of the memory cell due to read disturb or data retention can be recovered by refreshing the memory cell. Deterioration of the memory cell due to erasure of stored data may reduce the life expectancy of the memory cell and may be unrecoverable even if the memory cell is refreshed. In this case, a replacement process is performed in which a block including a memory cell that has become unrecoverable is determined as a defective block (defective area), and data is transferred to a separately provided alternative block (alternative area).

  The drive control board 16B is a control board for drive control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12, the rotation control of the movable part 302 and the movable control board 16 are movable. A driver IC for performing movement control of the member 321 is mounted. The output signal from the drive control board 16 </ b> B is transmitted toward the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330.

  The light emitter control board 16C is mounted on the game board 2 and is a light emitter output control board provided separately from the effect control board 12, and based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12, the board Various circuits for driving a light emitter for performing lighting control on a plurality of light emitters provided as side LEDs 9d and 9e are mounted.

  The light emitter control boards 16D to 16F are mounted on the gaming machine frame 3 and are light emitter output control boards provided separately from the effect control board 12, such as commands and control data from the effect control board 12 and the like. Based on the above, various circuits for driving a light emitter for performing lighting control on a plurality of light emitters provided as the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame LED 9c are mounted.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1, in addition to the light emitter control boards 16C to 16F, for example, a board for controlling the lighting of the light emitting unit 321A provided on the movable member 321 is also arranged. Omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, wiring for transmitting detection signals from the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22 </ b> A, the second start port switch 22 </ b> B, and the count switch 23 is connected to the main board 11. The gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, and the count switch 23 have an arbitrary configuration that can detect a game ball as a game medium, such as a sensor. What is necessary is just to have. Further, the main board 11 includes a first special symbol display 4A, a second special symbol display 4B, a normal symbol display 20, a first hold indicator 25A, a second hold indicator 25B, and a general figure hold indicator 25C. Wiring for transmitting a command signal for performing display control such as is connected.

  The control signal transmitted from the main board 11 toward the effect control board 12 is relayed by the effect control relay board 16A. The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the effect control relay board 16A is, for example, an effect control command transmitted and received as an electrical signal. In the effect control command, for example, the variation time of the effect symbol, the type of reach effect, and the pseudo-ream (originally one variation corresponding to one reserved memory, multiple times corresponding to a plurality of reserved memories) It is an effect display that makes it appear as if the fluctuations are continuously performed. One start is made to make it appear as if multiple symbols of variable display (variable display) have been executed for one start winning prize. Fluctuations that indicate fluctuation modes, such as presence / absence of temporary stop and re-variation for a predetermined number of times for all symbol sequences (left, middle, right) within the fluctuation time determined for winning. A variation pattern designation command indicating a pattern, a display control command used for controlling an image display operation in the effect display device 5, and a voice control used for controlling a voice output from the speakers 8L and 8R. Mand, top frame LED 9a, left frame LED 9b, right frame LED 9c, light-emitting body control command used to control lighting operation of panel side LEDs 9d, 9e, etc., drive control used to control operation of movable member 321, etc. Commands are included.

  The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 for storing a game control program, fixed data, and the like, and a game control work. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 that provides an area, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103 that executes a control program by executing a game control program, and updates numeric data indicating random values independently of the CPU 103 A random number circuit 104 to perform and an I / O (Input / Output port) 105 are provided.

  As an example, in the game control microcomputer 100, a process for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is executed by the CPU 103 executing a program read from the ROM 101. At this time, the CPU 103 reads fixed data from the ROM 101, the CPU 103 writes various fluctuation data to the RAM 102 and temporarily stores the fluctuation data, and the CPU 103 temporarily stores the various fluctuation data. The CPU 103 receives the input of various signals from outside the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105, and the CPU 103 goes outside the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105. A transmission operation for outputting various signals is also performed.

  Next, the effect control board 12 and the effect control relay board 16A will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of the effect control board 12 and the effect control relay board 16A. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the effect control board 12 includes an effect control microcomputer 120 </ b> A that performs a control operation according to a program, a RAM 122, and an I / O 125.

  A CGROM 141 is mounted on the effect control relay board 16A. A cooling fan 142 is connected to the connector 16Y provided on the effect control relay board 16A. Further, a signal line for transmitting the effect control command from the main board 11 is connected to the connector 16Z provided on the effect control relay board 16A. Further, the connector 16S provided on the effect control relay board 16A has each effect means (in this example, the effect display device 5, the first decorative symbol display 5A, the second decorative symbol display 5B, and the LEDs 9a to 9e. , Speakers 8L and 8R, movable portion 302, movable member 321 and the like) and signal control relay connection board 16A, drive control board 16B, and light emitter control boards 16C to 16D are connected.

  The effect control board 12 and the effect control relay board 16A are connected by connecting the connector 12X provided on the effect control board 12 and the connector 16X provided on the effect control relay board 16A using a cable. Has been.

  Note that the manner of mounting the effect control board 12 and the effect control relay board 16A is not limited to that shown in this embodiment, and various modes are conceivable. For example, the effect control board 12 and the effect control relay board 16A may be unitized and stored in one board case. In this case, for example, a cooling fan may be attached to the board case, and the effect control board 12 and the effect control relay board 16A in the board case may be cooled by the cooling fan. In addition, the heat dissipation fins may be attached to the substrate case, or the heat dissipation fins may be attached to the production control microcomputer 120A.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the effect control microcomputer 120A. As shown in FIG. 4, the production control microcomputer 120A is configured using, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a work memory 131, a production control CPU 120, a host interface 132, a CGROM bus interface 133, and a DRAM. And an interface 134. The effect control CPU 120 has a built-in VDP (Video Display Processor) function, and the effect control microcomputer 120A includes a VRAM (Video RAM) 126, display circuits 127A to 127C, and a graphic decoder 137. ing. Furthermore, the production control microcomputer 120A includes a ROM 135 and a temperature sensor 136.

  The effect control CPU 120 executes control processing in accordance with the effect control program. The ROM 135 stores an effect control program, fixed data, and the like that are read for the effect control CPU 120 to execute control processing.

  In this embodiment, authentication data is stored in the ROM 135 provided in the effect control microcomputer 120A, and authentication data is also stored in the CGROM 141 mounted on the effect control relay board. As will be described later, in this embodiment, when the power to the gaming machine is turned on, the presentation control CPU 120 compares the authentication data read from the CGROM 141 with the authentication data stored in the ROM 135 to perform the authentication process. And based on the fact that the authentication has succeeded, various effect control processes are started.

  In this embodiment, the case where the ROM 135 is incorporated in the production control microcomputer 120A is shown, but the present invention is not limited to such a mode. For example, the ROM may be mounted on the effect control board 12 instead of being built in the effect control microcomputer 120A.

  Further, for example, apart from the ROM 135 built in the production control microcomputer 120A, an authentication data ROM for storing authentication data is provided on the production control board 12 outside the production control microcomputer 120A. You may comprise as follows.

  The temperature sensor 136 has a function of measuring the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 and outputting temperature information.

  In this embodiment, the case where the temperature sensor 136 is built in the production control microcomputer 120A is shown, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, instead of being built in the production control microcomputer 120 </ b> A, a temperature sensor may be mounted on the production control board 12. In this case, the temperature of the effect control board 12 may be monitored by a temperature sensor.

  In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 120 has a VDP function and reads image data such as various character image data and moving image data from the CGROM 141 on the effect control relay board 16A via the CGROM bus interface 133. And a function of developing (drawing) image data in a frame buffer on the VRAM 126. The graphic decoder 137 has a function of decoding compressed image data used for drawing into a VRAM. The display circuits 127 </ b> A to 127 </ b> C have a function of displaying and outputting the image data developed in the frame buffer of the VRAM 126 to an external display device (such as the effect display device 5).

  In addition, in this embodiment, although the case where the production control CPU 120 is configured to include the VDP function is shown, it is not limited to such a mode. For example, the effect control microcomputer 120 </ b> A may be configured to include a VDP as a control circuit, separately from the effect control CPU 120. Further, for example, a VDP as a control circuit may be mounted on the effect control board 12 separately from the effect control microcomputer 120A. Further, for example, a random number circuit for updating numerical data indicating a random number value may be mounted on the effect control board 12 independently of the effect control microcomputer 120A.

  FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a mechanism for outputting a video signal in the effect control board 12. As shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the effect control CPU 120, the effect control microcomputer 120A mounted on the effect control board 12 includes a VRAM 126, display circuits 127A to 127C, an LVDS I / F 128, and a C-MOS I / O. F129 is provided. The effect control CPU 120 reads movie data and character source data from the CGROM 141 and develops (draws) them in the VRAM 126. Each of the display circuits 127A to 127C has a function of reading the drawing data developed in the VRAM 126 and performing scaling, dithering, color correction, and the like. Each of the display circuits 127A to 127C has a function of outputting the drawing data subjected to these processes as an LVDS signal that is a differential transmission method via the LVDS I / F 128. In addition, each of the display circuits 127A to 127C has a function of outputting drawing data subjected to these processes as a digital RGB signal via the C-MOS I / F 129.

  In this embodiment, the LVDS I / F 128 is provided with terminals that can output two LVDS signals (LVDS signal 1 and LVDS signal 2). The LVDS signals (LVDS signal 1 and LVDS signal 2) can be output. In addition, for example, each pair of lines is one line, and one LVDS signal line is formed by four lines for data signals and one line for clock signals. Is detected as a signal level.

  In this embodiment, the C-MOS I / F 129 is provided with a terminal capable of outputting one digital RGB signal, and the effect control microcomputer 120A uses one digital RGB signal as a video signal. A signal can be output. The digital RGB signal includes, for example, a red signal, a green signal, a blue signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, a vertical synchronization signal, a display enable signal, and a clock signal.

  In this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device having a 19-inch liquid crystal panel is used as the effect display device 5 (image display device). In general, two LVDS signals are connected to the 19-inch liquid crystal display device. Possible connection ports are provided. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, two display circuits (for example, the display circuit 127A and the display circuit 127B) among the display circuits 127A to 127C mounted on the production control microcomputer 120A are used. Two LVDS signals (LVDS signal 1, LVDS signal 2) are generated, and two LVDS signals (LVDS signal 1, LVDS signal 2) output via the LVDS I / F 128 are input to the effect display device 5. Then, display control in the effect display device 5 is performed.

  In this embodiment, since the effect display device 5 is controlled by two LVDS signals (LVDS signal 1 and LVDS signal 2), digital RGB signals are not used. In this embodiment, each video signal (LVDS signal, digital RGB signal) output from the production control microcomputer 120A can be individually set to the output enabled state or the output disabled state, and the digital RGB signal is output. Set to disabled state.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of a video signal output setting register for setting the output state of each video signal (LVDS signal, digital RGB signal) provided in the effect control microcomputer 120A. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the lower 3 bits (0 to 2 bits) of the video signal output setting register are used for setting the output state of each video signal (LVDS signal, digital RGB signal). For example, the data A2 stored in the bit number [2] of the video signal output setting register indicates the output state of the LVDS signal 1. In the example shown in FIG. 6, if the bit value of the data A2 is set to “0”, the LVDS signal 1 is set to the output disabled state. When the bit value of the data A2 is set to “1”, the LVDS signal 1 is set to the output enabled state. For example, the data A1 stored in the bit number [1] of the video signal output setting register indicates the output state of the LVDS signal 2. In the example shown in FIG. 6, if the bit value of the data A1 is set to “0”, the LVDS signal 2 is set to the output disabled state. If the bit value of the data A1 is set to “1”, the LVDS signal 2 is set to the output enabled state. For example, data A0 stored in bit number [0] of the video signal output setting register indicates the output state of the digital RGB signal. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, if the bit value of the data A0 is set to “0”, the digital RGB signal is set to the output disabled state. Further, when the bit value of the data A0 is set to “1”, the digital RGB signal is set to the output enabled state.

  In this embodiment, the ROM 121 of the production control microcomputer 120A is provided with a program management area, and the setting contents of various setting registers including the video signal output setting register shown in FIG. 6 are stored in the program management area. ing. Then, when the game machine is powered on or a system reset occurs, the production control microcomputer 120A reads the setting contents stored in the program management area, and the video signal output setting register shown in FIG. 6 according to the read setting contents. Set each bit value of. In this embodiment, data A0 (0th bit) of the video signal output setting register is set to “0”, and data A1 to A2 (1st to 2nd bits) are set to “1”. Then, according to the setting of the video signal output setting register, the digital RGB signal output terminals of the display circuits 127A to 127C are controlled to be disabled, and the output terminals of the LVDS signals (LVDS signal 1, LVDS signal 2) are controlled. Under the control of the enable state, the digital RGB signal is set to the output disabled state, and only two LVDS signals (LVDS signal 1 and LVDS signal 2) are set to the output enabled state.

  In this embodiment, the case where the output states of all the two LVDS signals and the digital RGB signals are configured to be set is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode. For example, only the output state of the LVDS signal may be settable, or only the output state of the digital RGB signal may be settable.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in this embodiment, a plurality of video signals (in this example, video output signals such as LVDS signal 1, LVDS signal 2, and digital RGB signal) can be output. It is possible to set whether or not to output at least one system video signal among the system video signals. Therefore, it is possible to suppress noise while reducing the cost by sharing parts for the output of the video signal.

  Specifically, as shown in this embodiment, a configuration is provided in which a video signal for driving a plurality of systems for driving a liquid crystal display device can be output from a CPU (in this example, a CPU 120 for effect control) having a VDP or VDP function. In this case, in reality, only a part of the plurality of video signals (in this example, the LVDS signal 1 and the LVDS signal 2) is used for display control of the liquid crystal display device, and the other part of the video signals. A video signal (in this example, a digital RGB signal) may be unnecessary. In such a case, it is conceivable to use a circuit element such as a resistor, wiring, or the like so as to block output of an unnecessary video signal in terms of hardware. However, even if it is configured to cut off the output of unnecessary video signals in terms of hardware, the output of the unnecessary video signals still remains as noise, and is used for other controls such as display control and game control. May have an effect. Therefore, in this embodiment, the presence / absence of the output of the video signal from the video output IC (in this example, the production control microcomputer 120A) can be set so that the common parts can be used for the output of the video signal. It is possible to suppress noise while reducing the cost by making it easier.

  In this embodiment, a case is shown in which only one effect display device 5 (in this example, a 19-inch liquid crystal display device) is provided. You may comprise so that an apparatus may be provided. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram illustrating a modification in the case where a plurality of image display devices are provided. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the image display device includes one main display device (main display device) 5M and two sub display devices (sub display devices) 5SA and 5SB. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the main display device 5M is a liquid crystal display device including a 15-inch liquid crystal panel. Each of the sub display devices 5SA and 5SB is a liquid crystal display device having a 9-inch liquid crystal panel. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the effect control board 12 is connected to the main display device 5 </ b> M via the liquid crystal conversion board 200. The effect control board 12 is connected to the sub display devices 5SA and 5SB via the liquid crystal conversion board and the driver boards 201A and 201B.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the liquid crystal conversion board includes RGB converters 202A and 202B that convert LVDS signals into RGB signals, and a signal conversion circuit 203A that converts RGB signals into a V-by-One system of a differential transmission system. , 203B, and an LVDS converter 206 for converting RGB signals into LVDS signals. Each of the driver boards 201A and 201B includes signal conversion circuits 204A and 204B that convert the video signal from the V-by-One method of the differential transmission method to the RGB signal, and LVDS conversion that converts the RGB signal to the LVDS signal. Devices 205A and 205B are installed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the LVDS signal 1 and the LVDS signal 2 output from the effect control microcomputer 120A of the effect control board 12 are input to the sub display devices 5SA and 5SB, respectively. The LVDS signal 1 and the LVDS signal 2 output from the effect control microcomputer 120A of the effect control board 12 are first converted into RGB signals by the RGB converters 202A and 202B mounted on the liquid crystal conversion board 200, respectively. Input to the conversion circuits 203A and 203B. Next, the signal conversion circuits 203 </ b> A and 203 </ b> B convert the signal to the differential transmission method V-by-One method and output the signals toward the driver boards 201 </ b> A and 201 </ b> B. Specifically, each of the signal conversion circuits 203A and 203B uses the operating frequency for the sub display devices 5SA and 5SB generated by an oscillator (not shown) to convert the RGB signals into a differential transmission type V-by-. Convert to One method.

  Next, the signals are converted into RGB signals by the signal conversion circuits 204A and 204B mounted on the driver boards 201A and 201B and input to the LVDS converters 205A and 205B, respectively. Then, the LVDS converters 205A and 205B convert the signals into LVDS signals, which are input to the sub display devices 5SA and 5SB, respectively. In general, a 9-inch liquid crystal display device is provided with a connection port to which one LVDS signal can be connected. Accordingly, in the example shown in FIG. 7, display control is performed in each of the sub display devices 5SA and 5SB using one LVDS signal.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the liquid crystal conversion substrate 200 and each driver substrate 201 </ b> A are transmitted between the liquid crystal conversion substrate 200 and each driver substrate 201 </ b> A, 201 </ b> B by the V-by-One method of the differential transmission method. , 201B, the noise can be reduced even when the distance to 201B is increased.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the RGB signal output from the effect control microcomputer 120 </ b> A of the effect control board 12 is converted into an LVDS signal by the LVDS converter 206 mounted on the liquid crystal conversion board 200. The converted LVDS signal is input to the main display device 5M. In general, a 15-inch liquid crystal display device is provided with a connection port to which one LVDS signal can be connected. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 7, display control in the main display device 5M is performed using an LVDS signal obtained by converting one RGB signal.

  In addition, although the example shown in FIG. 7 has shown the case where two sub display apparatuses (sub display apparatus) 5SA and 5SB are provided in addition to one main display apparatus (main display apparatus) 5M, such an aspect is shown. It cannot be caught. For example, in addition to one main display device (main display device), only one sub display device (sub display device) may be provided, or three or more sub display devices (sub display devices) may be provided. You may comprise as follows. For example, in the case of a configuration including three or more sub display devices (sub display devices), the LVDS signals output from the driver boards 201A and 201B are further branched via the branch boards, and each sub display apparatus (sub What is necessary is just to comprise so that it may input into a display apparatus.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the effect display device 5 is disposed on the back side of the game board 2 and can be visually recognized through the opening 2 c formed in the game board 2. Note that a frame-shaped center decorative frame 51 is provided in the opening 2 c in the game board 2. In addition, an effect unit 300 is provided between the back of the game board 2 and the effect display device 5, and the effect control board 12 has various motors (first effect motor 303, A plurality of electronic components such as a second performance motor 330), a solenoid, a sensor, and a light emitting diode (LED) are connected. In FIG. 2, illustrations of these electronic components other than the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 are omitted.

  Note that, on the side of the effect control board 12, as with the main board 11, for example, random values (also referred to as effect random numbers) for determining various types of effects such as a notice effect are set.

  In addition to the effect control program, the ROM 135 incorporated in the effect control microcomputer 120A shown in FIG. 4 stores various data tables used for controlling the effect operation. For example, the ROM 135 stores table data constituting a plurality of determination tables prepared for the effect control CPU 120 to make various determinations, determinations and settings, pattern data constituting various effect control patterns, and the like. Yes.

  As an example, in the ROM 135, the effect control CPU 120 includes various effect devices (for example, the effect display device 5 and speakers 8L and 8R, the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, the right frame LED 9c, the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e, the movable member 321, and the like. An effect control pattern table storing a plurality of types of effect control patterns used for controlling the effect operation by the effect model etc. is stored. The effect control pattern is composed of data indicating the control contents corresponding to various effect operations executed in accordance with the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1. The effect control pattern table only needs to store, for example, an effect control pattern during special figure change, a notice effect control pattern, and various effect control patterns.

  The special-control variation production control pattern corresponds to a plurality of types of variation patterns in the period from the start of the variation of the special symbol in the special-sign game until the finalized special symbol that is the special-sign display result is derived and displayed. It consists of data indicating the contents of control of various effect operations, such as effect display operations in effect symbol variation display operation, reach effect, re-lottery effect, etc., or various effect display operations not accompanied by effect symbol variation display Has been. The notice effect control pattern includes, for example, data indicating the control content of the effect operation that becomes the notice effect executed in response to the notice pattern in which a plurality of patterns are prepared in advance. The various effect control patterns are composed of data indicating the control contents corresponding to various effect operations executed in accordance with the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  In the special-figure variation production control pattern, for example, a plurality of types of reach production control patterns with different production modes in each reach production may be included for each variation pattern that executes the reach production.

  In addition, as a notice effect that is executed during the change display of the effect symbol, for example, as will be described later, a movable notice that the movable member 321 as a movable body (movable object) rises, or the player can use the stick controller 31A or a push button. Big hits such as an operation notice executed on condition that 31B is operated, a step-up notice that a predetermined image is switched stepwise, a line notice that a character appears and hits a line, a cut-in notice that a predetermined image is interrupted and displayed Jackpot announcement effect that suggests the possibility of reach, reach notice that suggests whether to become reach, pseudo-continuous notice that informs whether or not to become a quasi-ream, stop-symbol notice that announces a stop symbol, game state probability At the start of variable display or when reach is reached, such as a latent announcement that warns whether or not it is in a fluctuating state (whether it is hidden) Stomach comprising a plurality of notice to be executed.

  FIG. 8A shows a configuration example of the drive control board 16B. As shown in FIG. 8A, a motor drive driver 412 is mounted on the drive control board 16B. The motor drive driver 412 receives a control signal from the effect control microcomputer 120A of the effect control board 12 in the form of a serial signal via the effect control relay board 16A. Then, the motor drive driver 412 performs drive control of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 based on the drive control information indicated by the input control signal.

  FIG. 8B shows a configuration example of the light emitter control board 16C for performing lighting control of the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e. As shown in FIG. 8B, the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b are mounted on the light emitter control board 16C. The luminous body driver 411a receives a control signal from the effect control microcomputer 120A of the effect control board 12 in the form of a serial signal via the effect control relay board 16A. Then, the light emitter driver 411a performs lighting control of the panel side LED 9d based on the lighting control information indicated by the input control signal. In addition, a control signal from the effect control microcomputer 120A of the effect control board 12 is input to the light emitter driver 411b in a serial signal format via the effect control relay board 16A and further via the light emitter driver 411a. Is done. Then, the light emitter driver 411b performs lighting control of the panel side LED 9e based on the lighting control information indicated by the input control signal.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, in the light emitter control board 16C, the control signal transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120A of the effect control board 12 is transmitted between the light emitter drivers on the same light emitter control board 16C. (In this example, transmitted from the light emitter driver 411a to the light emitter driver 411b) to be transmitted to each light emitter driver.

  FIG. 9 shows a configuration example of the light emitter control boards 16D to 16F for performing lighting control of the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame LED 9c. As shown in FIG. 9, a light emitter driver 413b is mounted on the light emitter control board 16D. The luminous body driver 413b receives a control signal from the effect control microcomputer 120A of the effect control board 12 in the form of a serial signal via the effect control relay board 16A. Then, the light emitter driver 413b performs lighting control of the left frame LED 9b based on the lighting control information indicated by the input control signal. In FIG. 9, the light emitter control boards 16D to 16F are connected to each other via a wiring member such as a flexible cable or a wire harness.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a light emitter driver 413a is mounted on the light emitter control board 16E. In the light emitter driver 413a, a control signal from the effect control microcomputer 120A of the effect control board 12 passes through the effect control relay board 16A and further passes through the light emitter control board 16D in a serial signal format. Entered. Then, the light emitter driver 413a performs lighting control of the top LED 9a based on the lighting control information indicated by the input control signal.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a light emitter driver 413c is mounted on the light emitter control board 16F. The light emitter driver 413c receives a control signal from the effect control microcomputer 120A of the effect control board 12 via the effect control relay board 16A, and further via the light emitter control board 16D and the light emitter control board 16E. Are input in a serial signal format. Then, the light emitter driver 413c performs lighting control of the right frame LED 9c based on the lighting control information indicated by the input control signal.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the light emitter control boards 16D to 16F, the control signals transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120A of the effect control board 12 are mounted on different light emitter control boards 16D to 16F, respectively. By sequentially transmitting between the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c, the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c are transmitted to the respective light emitter drivers 413a to 413c.

  Further, in this embodiment, each LED provided on the game board 2 is comprehensively expressed as the board side LEDs 9d and 9e, but specifically, the board side LED 9d on the left side of the game board 2 is represented. A plurality of light emitters (color LED or single color LED) are provided, and a plurality of light emitters (color LED or single color LED) are provided as the board side LED 9e on the right side of the game board 2. Further, in this embodiment, each LED provided in the game frame is comprehensively expressed as a top frame LED 9a, a left frame LED 9b, and a right frame LED 9c, but specifically, above the game frame. A plurality of light emitters (color LED or single color LED) are provided as the top frame LED 9a, a plurality of light emitters (color LED or single color LED) are provided as the left frame LED 9b on the left side of the game frame, and the right side of the game frame. It is assumed that a plurality of light emitters (color LEDs or single color LEDs) are provided as the right frame LED 9c.

  In this embodiment, the lighting control of the motor driver 412, the light emitting drivers 411 a and 411 b for controlling the lighting of the panel side LEDs 9 d and 9 e, and the lighting control of the top frame LED 9 a, the left frame LED 9 b and the right frame LED 9 c are performed. The light emitter drivers 413a to 413c are realized by using the same kind of serial-parallel conversion circuit (integrated circuit (IC)). FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of serial-parallel conversion circuits used as the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b, the motor drive driver 412, and the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining each input / output terminal provided in the serial-parallel conversion circuit shown in FIG.

  The serial-parallel conversion circuits used as the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b, the motor drive driver 412, and the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c convert an input serial signal format signal into a 24-channel parallel signal format signal. There are two types, one that outputs the signal in the serial signal format and the other that converts the signal in the 12-channel parallel signal format and outputs it. However, the number of circuit elements and terminals is limited. Since the same configuration and functions are provided only by differences, the examples shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 will be described with reference to a serial-parallel conversion circuit for 24 channels, and a serial-parallel conversion circuit for 12 channels. Only the differences will be described. In this embodiment, the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b are realized by a 24-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit, and the motor driver 412 and the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c are realized by a 12-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit. Realized.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the serial-parallel conversion circuit receives the clock signal from the effect control microcomputer 120A via the effect control relay board 16A and the light emitter control boards 16D and 16E. A / I terminal and a DATA / I terminal for inputting data are provided. In addition, a part of the input clock signal and data is branched in the serial-parallel conversion circuit, and can be directly output from the serial-parallel conversion circuit. A DATA / O terminal for through output is provided.

  For example, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the light emitter driver 413b of the light emitter control board 16D receives a control signal (clock signal and data) input via the effect control relay board 16A. Although the light is output to the light emitter driver 413a of the control board 16E, the clock signal and data are respectively sent from the CLK / O terminal and the DATA / O terminal of the serial-parallel conversion circuit realizing the light emitter driver 413b. Are output to a serial-parallel conversion circuit that realizes the above. Further, for example, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the light emitter driver 413a of the light emitter control board 16E receives the control signal (via the effect control relay board 16A and the light emitter control board 16D). Clock signal and data) are output to the light emitter driver 413c of the light emitter control board 16F, and clocks are respectively supplied from the CLK / O terminal and the DATA / O terminal of the serial-parallel conversion circuit realizing the light emitter driver 413a. The signal and the data are configured to be output to a serial-parallel conversion circuit that realizes the light emitter driver 413c.

  Also, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the clock signal input from the CLK / I terminal and the other part of the data input from the DATA / I terminal are input to the decoder and are converted into 24 channels from the serial signal format. Are decoded into parallel signal format signals. Then, after being stored once in each register provided in the register block, pulse width modulation (PWM) is performed using an internal clock signal (in this example, an internal clock signal of 6 MHz) by an internal oscillation clock circuit. Output from drive output terminals Q0 to Q23. In the case of a 12-channel circuit, it is converted into a 12-channel parallel signal format signal and output from each drive output terminal Q0 to Q11. The output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 and the drive output terminals Q0 to Q11 are supplied to a light emitter such as an LED or to an operation motor.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the serial-parallel conversion circuit is provided with terminals AD0 to AD4 (AD0 to AD5 for a 12-channel circuit) for inputting decode addresses. By setting each to H (high) or L (low), it is possible to set an address for each serial-parallel conversion circuit. Data input from DATA / I also includes address information, and the serial-parallel conversion circuit decodes only data that matches the address set in the address information included in the input data into a signal of a parallel signal format. Output from drive output terminals Q0 to Q23.

  In the 24-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit, since five terminals AD0 to AD4 are provided for decoding address input, a maximum of 32 types of addresses can be set, and a maximum of 32 serial-parallel conversions are possible. Circuits can be connected. In the 12-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit, since six terminals AD0 to AD5 are provided for decoding address input, a maximum of 64 types of addresses can be set, and a maximum of 64 serial-parallel conversions are possible. Circuits can be connected.

  The S terminal provided in the serial-parallel conversion circuit is a setting terminal for setting the slew rate of the through output of the clock signal output from the CLK / O terminal and the through output of the data output from the DATA / O terminal. . When the S terminal is set to L (low), the clock signal and data through output is set to a normal slew rate output, and when the S terminal is set to H (high), the clock signal and data through output has a low slew rate. Set to output.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the slew rate setting of the clock signal and data through output. As shown in FIG. 12 (1), when the S terminal is set to L (low) and set to normal slew rate output, the rising and falling slopes of the clock signal and data waveforms (voltage change per unit time) Amount) is somewhat large. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12 (2), when the S terminal is set to H (high) and set to a low slew rate output, the clock signal and The rising and falling slopes of the data waveform become gentle.

  Generally, in order to suppress radio wave radiation from the substrate, it is better to keep the slew rate low, and it is better to set it to the low slew rate output shown in FIG. On the other hand, in order to ensure resistance to noise, it is better that the slope of the rising and falling of the waveform is larger, and it is better to set the output of the normal slew rate shown in FIG.

  Note that the setting of the S terminal is not only to set the clock signal output from the CLK / O terminal and the waveform of the through output of the data output from the DATA / O terminal, but also to the clock signal and DATA input from the CLK / I terminal. A function of compensating the output waveform for data input from the / I terminal is provided. That is, generally, the clock signal and data output from the production control CPU 120 or the like are output as a rectangular wave at the output stage, but reach the CLK / I terminal and the DATA / I terminal of the serial-parallel conversion circuit. When the transmission loss due to the wiring until this time is large, a clock signal or data having a waveform broken from the original rectangular wave may be input. In this embodiment, the serial-parallel conversion circuit does not simply output the input clock signal or data as it is, but in this way the clock signal or data input in a state of a waveform broken from the original rectangular wave. Has a function of compensating for and outputting a waveform close to the original rectangular wave. In this case, if the output of the normal slew rate is set by the setting of the S terminal, the output signal is compensated for a waveform having a large rising or falling slope, so that the output signal is in a state closer to the original rectangular wave. Can be output, and the influence of external noise can be reduced. However, since the voltage change amount increases momentarily when the rising or falling slope is large, there is a risk that radio wave radiation to the outside of the substrate will increase. On the other hand, if the output of the low slew rate is set by setting the S terminal, the waveform is compensated and output with a smaller rising and falling slope. Although it is weak against the influence of noise, the instantaneous voltage change amount can be reduced, and radio wave radiation outside the substrate can be suppressed from increasing.

  In addition, it may be configured to enable or disable the function for compensating the output waveform, and all the functions for compensating the output waveform may be disabled. The function of compensating the output waveform may be realized outside the serial-parallel conversion circuit by providing an amplifier circuit or the like outside the serial-parallel conversion circuit.

  Furthermore, in the above normal slew rate output setting, the output waveform was compensated so that the rising and falling slopes were larger than the rising and falling slopes of the input waveform. As an output setting, the input waveform may be output as it is without compensating the output waveform (that is, the output waveform having a rising edge equivalent to the rising edge of the input waveform as a predetermined mode). In this case, in the low slew rate output setting, it is only necessary to output a waveform whose slope is smaller than the rising edge of the input waveform.

  A T terminal provided in the serial-parallel conversion circuit is a setting terminal for setting a time-out reset function for signals output from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23. Setting the T terminal to L (low) sets the timeout reset function to an invalid state, and setting the terminal to H (high) sets the timeout reset function to an enabled state.

  When the T terminal is set to H (high) and the time-out reset function is enabled, the clock signal and data are input from the CLK / I terminal and the DATA / I terminal, and the signal output is output from each drive output terminal Q0 to Q23. After the start, when a predetermined period (1 second in this example) elapses, it is assumed that a time-out has occurred, and the output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 are automatically reset (output stopped). Therefore, when the time-out reset function is set to the valid state, if it is desired to continuously supply signals to the LEDs and the operation motor from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23, for example, at least a predetermined period from the effect control CPU 120. It is necessary to repeatedly output a control signal every (in this example, 1 second).

  In this embodiment, the production control CPU 120 performs a process of rewriting the control signal every 10 ms, and when the output from each drive output terminal is continued, the production control CPU 120 every 10 ms. By repeatedly outputting a control signal to the serial-parallel conversion circuit, output from each drive output terminal is continued even if the timeout reset function is set to the valid state.

  A Q / S terminal provided in the serial-parallel conversion circuit is a setting terminal for setting a drive system of signals output from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23. When the Q / S terminal is set to L (low), the output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 are set to be constant current outputs. Further, when the Q / S terminal is set to H (high), the output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 are set to be the sync output.

  The Q / I terminal provided in the serial-parallel conversion circuit is a setting terminal for setting whether to invert the output logic of signals output from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23. When the Q / I terminal is set to L (low), the output logic of the output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 is set to be normally output without being inverted. When the Q / I terminal is set to H (high), the output logic of the output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 is set to be inverted.

  The R terminal provided in the serial-parallel conversion circuit is a current reference setting terminal. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the R terminal is connected to each of the drive output terminals A0 to A23 via a constant current circuit, and an external resistor having an arbitrary resistance value is connected between the R terminal and the ground (GND). By connecting resistors, it is possible to set the drive current values of all outputs of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 within a predetermined range (for example, 4 mA to 20 mA).

  The VP terminal provided in the serial-parallel conversion circuit is a protective electrostatic protection terminal. A power supply voltage used in the serial-parallel conversion circuit is connected to the VP terminal. That is, if a power supply voltage used in the serial-parallel conversion circuit is connected to the VP terminal, an overvoltage higher than the power supply voltage can be released. When a plurality of types of power supply voltages are used in the serial-parallel conversion circuit, the power supply voltage having the higher voltage value may be connected to the VP terminal.

  Next, the control data format of data received by the serial-parallel conversion circuit will be described. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the control data format. The basic control data format of data received by the serial-parallel conversion circuit is composed of a common format shown in FIG. 13 (1) and a basic format shown in FIG. 13 (2).

  As shown in FIG. 13 (1), the common format includes a 9-bit header (HD), a 4-bit device ID (ID), a 5-bit decode address AD0 to AD4 (see FIGS. 10 and 11), and 1 Consists of bit EX data. The EX data is for setting whether the control data format following the common format is a basic format or an extended format described later, and EX = 0 is set in the basic format.

  As shown in FIG. 13B, the basic format includes 6-bit data for each of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23. For example, when transmitting data for LED lighting control, by setting and transmitting 6-bit data in time series for each of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23, the lighting control including LED gradation control is performed. It can be carried out.

  As the control data format, an extended format can be used instead of the basic format shown in FIG. Specifically, if EX = 1 is set in the common format shown in FIG. 13 (1), the control data format following the common format becomes the extended format shown in FIG. 13 (3).

  As shown in FIG. 13 (3), the extended format includes 1-bit binary data for each of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23. In the extended format, the data for each of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 is composed of 1 bit, so that the control data format of the data received by the serial-parallel conversion circuit can be reduced. For example, in the case of driving and controlling the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 using a serial-parallel conversion circuit, gradation control and the like are performed unlike the case where lighting control of a light emitting body such as an LED is performed. Since there is no need, it is effective to use an extended format as shown in FIG.

  Although the control data format used in the 24-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit has been described with reference to FIG. 13, the control data format used in the 12-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit is, for example, the common data shown in FIG. The difference is that the format includes 6-bit decode addresses AD0 to AD5. Further, for example, the basic format shown in FIG. 13 (2) is different in that the basic format is short because it includes 6-bit data for each of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 for 12 channels. Furthermore, for example, the extended format shown in FIG. 13 (3) is different in that it is short because it is configured to include binary data of 1 bit for each of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 for 12 channels.

  Further, the serial-parallel conversion circuit is configured so that the output timing of signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 is dispersed to spread the spectrum, thereby preventing radiation noise and suppressing radio wave radiation. . FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the output timing of signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 in the serial-parallel conversion circuit. In this embodiment, a 6 MHz clock signal is output from the internal oscillation clock circuit built in the serial-parallel conversion circuit. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the 6 MHz internal clock signal is converted to a 1 MHz 6-phase clock signal. The drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 are grouped into 6 groups of 4 channels per group to distribute the signal output timing.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, group 1 is composed of four channels of drive output terminals Q0 to Q3, group 2 is composed of four channels of drive output terminals Q4 to Q7, and drive output terminals Q8 to Q8. Group 3 is composed of four channels Q11, group 4 is composed of four channels of drive output terminals Q12 to Q15, group 5 is composed of four channels of drive output terminals Q16 to Q19, and drive output terminals Q20 to Q23. Group 6 is composed of four channels. As shown in FIG. 14, the signal output timing is the same between the drive output terminals (for example, the drive output terminals Q0 to Q3 in the group 1) in the same group, but the drive output terminals ( For example, the output timing is distributed between the drive output terminal Q0 of group 1 and the drive output terminal Q4) of group 2.

  In FIG. 14, the output timing of the signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 in the 24-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit has been described. However, in the 12-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit, the internal clock signal of 6 MHz The signals are separated into three-phase clock signals, and the drive output terminals Q0 to Q11 are grouped into three groups of four channels per group to distribute the signal output timing.

  Next, a connection example in the case where the serial-parallel conversion circuit described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14 is used as the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b, the motor drive driver 412, and the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c will be described. 15 to 17 are explanatory diagrams for explaining connection examples of the serial-parallel conversion circuit. Among these, FIG. 15 shows a connection example when the serial-parallel conversion circuit is used as the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b for controlling the lighting of the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e. FIG. 16 shows a connection example when the serial-parallel conversion circuit is used as a motor drive driver 412 for controlling the drive of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330. FIG. 17 shows a connection example when the serial-parallel conversion circuit is used as the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c for controlling the lighting of the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame LED 9c.

  First, a connection example in the case where the serial-parallel conversion circuit is used as the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b for controlling the lighting of the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b for controlling the lighting of the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e are realized by a 24-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the address [02] is assigned to the light emitter driver 411a. As shown in FIG. 15, among the decode address input terminals AD0 to AD4, AD1 is the power supply voltage VCC ( 5A), AD0, AD2 to AD4 are connected to the ground (GND), and the decode address is set to 00010 (B) = [02].

  Although FIG. 15 shows a decoding address setting mode in the light emitter driver 411a, it is assumed that the address [03] is assigned to the light emitter driver 411b, and terminals AD0 to AD0 for inputting a decode address are provided. Of AD4, AD0 and AD1 are connected to the power supply voltage VCC (5 V), AD2 to AD4 are connected to the ground (GND), and the decode address is set to 00001 (B) = [03].

  In the example shown in FIG. 15, the S terminal is connected to the power supply voltage VCC (5 V). That is, by setting the S terminal to H (high), the through output of the clock signal and data is set to the low slew rate output. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 (2), the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b for controlling the lighting of the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e are all mounted on the same light emitter control board 16C. Since the transmission of the control signal between the drivers is performed on the same light emitter control board 16C (the transmission across the board is not performed), the resistance to noise does not need to be so much concerned. In view of this, by setting the through output of the clock signal and the data to a low slew rate output, the radio wave radiation from the substrate is rather suppressed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 15, the T terminal is connected to the power supply voltage VCC (5 V). That is, the timeout reset function is set to the valid state by setting the T terminal to H (high).

  In the example shown in FIG. 15, both the Q / S terminal and the Q / I terminal are connected to the ground (GND). That is, by setting the Q / S terminal to L (low), the output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 are set to be constant current outputs, and the Q / I terminal is set to L (low). Accordingly, the output logic of the output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 is set so as to be normally output without being inverted.

  In the example shown in FIG. 15, an external resistor having a predetermined resistance value is connected between the R terminal and the ground (GND). In this embodiment, it is assumed that an external resistance of 10 kΩ is connected between the R terminal and the ground (GND). In this case, for example, the drive current values of all outputs of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 are set to 150/10 kΩ = 15 MA.

  In the example shown in FIG. 15, the power supply voltage VCL (5 V) is connected to the VP terminal and is protected so as to release an overvoltage of 5 V or more.

  Moreover, in the example shown in FIG. 15, each drive output terminal Q0-Q23 is connected to board side LED9d, 9e. In the example shown in FIG. 15, for convenience, a diagram in which one light emitter is connected to each drive output terminal is shown. However, when a color LED is connected as a light emitter, RGB is used. You may comprise so that three terminals may be connected to one color LED, and if a single color LED is used as a light-emitting body, you may comprise so that one terminal may be connected to one single color LED. . Further, for example, a plurality of single color LEDs may be connected in series to one terminal.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 15, the case where the light emitters are connected to all the terminals of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 is shown, but the drive output terminals Q0 to Q0 are changed according to the number and arrangement of the light emitters. If it is not necessary to use all the terminals of Q23, the unused terminals may be connected to the ground (GND).

  Next, a connection example in the case where the serial-parallel conversion circuit is used as a motor drive driver 412 for performing drive control of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, in this embodiment, the motor drive driver 412 for controlling the drive of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 is realized by a 12-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit. The

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the address [04] is assigned to the motor driver 412. As shown in FIG. 16, among the terminals AD0 to AD5 for inputting the decode address, AD2 is the power supply voltage VCC ( 5A), AD0, AD1, AD3 to AD5 are connected to the ground (GND), and the decode address is set to 000100 (B) = [04].

  In the example shown in FIG. 16, the S terminal is connected to the power supply voltage VCC (5 V). That is, by setting the S terminal to H (high), the through output of the clock signal and data is set to the low slew rate output. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 (1), since the control signal is not transmitted between the motor drive driver 412 and another driver, the S terminal is connected to the ground (GND). Connection (set to L (low)) may be set so that the through output of the clock signal and data becomes the output of the normal slew rate.

  In the example shown in FIG. 16, the T terminal is connected to the power supply voltage VCC (5 V). That is, the timeout reset function is set to the valid state by setting the T terminal to H (high).

  In the example shown in FIG. 16, both the Q / S terminal and the Q / I terminal are connected to the power supply voltage VCC (5 V). That is, by setting the Q / S terminal to H (high), the output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 are set to become sink outputs, and the Q / I terminal is set to H (high). Thus, the output logic of the output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 is set to be inverted.

  In the example shown in FIG. 16, an external resistor having a predetermined resistance value is connected between the R terminal and the ground (GND). In this embodiment, it is assumed that an external resistance of 10 kΩ is connected between the R terminal and the ground (GND). In this case, for example, the drive current values of all outputs of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 are set to 150/10 kΩ = 15 MA.

  In the example shown in FIG. 16, the power supply voltage VCC (5 V) is connected to the VP terminal, and protection is performed so as to release an overvoltage of 5 V or more.

  In the example shown in FIG. 16, among the drive output terminals Q0 to Q11, the four channel terminals Q0 to Q3 of the group 1 having the same output timing are connected to the first first effect motor 303. . Further, among the drive output terminals Q0 to Q11, the terminals of the four channels Q4 to Q7 of group 2 having the same output timing are connected to the second second effect motor 330. In this embodiment, since the two operation motors, the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330, are controlled, and the terminals Q8 to Q11 of the group 3 are unnecessary, Q8 to The terminal of Q11 is connected to the ground (GND).

  As already described, in the case of a 12-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit, the output timing of signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q11 is distributed by being grouped into three groups of groups 1-3. If the output timing is different between the signals output to the same operation motor (in this example, the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330), the drive accuracy of the operation motor may not be maintained. There is. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the signals input to the same operation motor are connected to the drive output terminals belonging to the same group, and the drive accuracy of the operation motor is thus set. It prevents the situation that can not be maintained.

  On the contrary, for example, when connecting to the light emitting body such as connecting to the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e described in FIG. 15, or connecting to the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame LED 9c of FIG. Therefore, since the problem of the driving accuracy as described above does not occur, even if the output timing is different among the signals output to the respective light emitters, it does not cause much trouble. Therefore, when the output signal from the drive output terminal is connected to a light emitter such as an LED, there is no need to worry about the output timing.

  Next, a connection example when the serial-parallel conversion circuit is used as the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c for controlling the lighting of the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame LED 9c will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, in this embodiment, the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c for controlling the lighting of the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame LED 9c are realized by a 12-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit. The

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the address [07] is assigned to the light emitter driver 413a. As shown in FIG. 17, among the decode address input terminals AD0 to AD5, AD0 to AD2 are power supply voltages. A case is shown in which it is connected to VCC (5V), AD3 to AD5 are connected to the ground (GND), and the decode address is set to 000111 (B) = [07].

  Note that FIG. 17 shows a decoding address setting mode in the light emitter driver 413a. However, it is assumed that the address [08] is assigned to the light emitter driver 413b, and terminals AD0 to AD0 for decoding address input are assigned. Of AD5, AD3 is connected to the power supply voltage VCC (5 V), AD0 to AD2, AD4, and AD5 are connected to the ground (GND), and the decode address is set to 001000 (B) = [08]. . Further, it is assumed that the address [09] is assigned to the light emitter driver 413c, and among the terminals AD0 to AD5 for inputting the decode address, A0 and AD3 are connected to the power supply voltage VCC (5V), and AD1, Assume that AD2, AD4, and AD5 are connected to the ground (GND), and the decode address is set to 00101 (B) = [09].

  In the example shown in FIG. 17, the S terminal is connected to the ground (GND). That is, by setting the S terminal to L (low), the through output of the clock signal and data is set to the normal slew rate output. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c for controlling the lighting of the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame LED 9c are on different light emitter control boards 16D to 16F. Since the control signal is transmitted between the light emitter drivers mounted on different substrates, the influence of noise is large. Thus, the clock signal and data through output is set to a normal slew rate output so as to ensure resistance to noise.

  In the example shown in FIG. 17, the T terminal is connected to the power supply voltage VCC (5 V). That is, the timeout reset function is set to the valid state by setting the T terminal to H (high).

  In the example shown in FIG. 17, both the Q / S terminal and the Q / I terminal are connected to the ground (GND). That is, by setting the Q / S terminal to L (low), the output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q11 are set to be constant current outputs, and the Q / I terminal is set to L (low). Accordingly, the output logic of the output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q11 is set so as to be normally output without being inverted.

  In the example shown in FIG. 17, an external resistor having a predetermined resistance value is connected between the R terminal and the ground (GND). In this embodiment, it is assumed that an external resistance of 10 kΩ is connected between the R terminal and the ground (GND). In this case, for example, the drive current values of all outputs of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 are set to 150/10 kΩ = 15 MA.

  In the example shown in FIG. 17, the power supply voltage VDL (12 V) is connected to the VP terminal. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 17, since the 12V power supply voltage (VDL) and the 5V power supply voltage (VCL, VCC) are used in the serial-parallel conversion circuit, the higher voltage value of 12V The power supply voltage VDL is connected to the V terminal and is protected so as to release an overvoltage of 12V or more.

  In the example shown in FIG. 17, each drive output terminal Q0 to Q11 is connected to a plurality of light emitters as the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame LED 9c. In the example shown in FIG. 17, for convenience, one light emitter is connected to each drive output terminal, or three light emitters (for example, single color LEDs) that perform the same control are connected in series. However, when a color LED is connected as a light emitter, three terminals for RGB may be connected to one color LED.

  In the example shown in FIG. 17, the case where the light emitters are connected to all of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q11 is shown. However, the drive output terminals Q0 to Q0 are changed according to the number and arrangement of the light emitters. If it is not necessary to use all the terminals of Q11, the unused terminals may be connected to the ground (GND).

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, in this embodiment, the T terminals of the light emitter driver 411, the motor drive driver 412, and the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c are set to H (high), respectively, and the time-out function is effective. Set to state. In this embodiment, for example, the effect control CPU 120 performs control for lighting control of the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, the right frame LED 9c, and the board side LEDs 9d and 9e in an effect control process (described later). A signal is output, or a control signal for driving and controlling the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 is output. However, since the time-out function is set to an effective state, the control signal The output signal from each drive output terminal is automatically reset after a predetermined period (1 second in this example) has passed, and lighting control and drive control cannot be continued. Therefore, in this embodiment, for example, the effect control CPU 120 outputs a control signal repeatedly at least every predetermined period (in this example, 1 second) in an effect control process (described later) (see step S55). The lighting control of the board side LEDs 9d and 9e, the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame LED 9c is continuously executed, and the drive control of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 is continuously executed. It is controlled to do.

  In this embodiment, the time-out function is set to the valid state as described above, and the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b, the motor drive driver 412, and the light emission are performed every predetermined period (1 second in this example). Since the outputs from the drive output terminals of the body drivers 413a to 413c are automatically stopped, for example, after performing drive control of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330, In spite of the control for stopping the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330, the driving of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 does not stop due to signal loss or malfunction. Thus, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 are burned.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the case where the T terminal is uniformly set to H (high) and the timeout function is set to the valid state is shown. However, the setting of the valid state and invalid state of the timeout function may be properly used according to the usage. For example, for the motor drive driver, the time-out function is set to an effective state from the viewpoint of preventing burn-in of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330, while the board side LEDs 9d and 9e, the top frame LED 9a, and the left frame LED 9b. Unlike the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330, the right frame LED 9c and other light emitters do not cause problems such as burn-in, so the T terminal is set to L (low) and the time-out function is disabled. You may comprise so that it may set to a state.

  In this embodiment, in order to continuously execute the lighting control and drive control, the effect control CPU 120 repeatedly outputs a control signal at least every predetermined period (1 second in this example) (specifically, Shows a case where a control signal is rewritten every 10 ms and a control signal is repeatedly output), but is not limited to such a control mode. For example, an output circuit (output IC) is provided separately from the CPU 120 for effect control (may be provided on the effect control board 12 or on another board such as the effect control relay board 16A). When the CPU 120 outputs a control signal once, the output circuit repeatedly outputs the control signal at least every predetermined period (in this example, 1 second) based on the control signal output once. May be.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the T terminal is connected to the power supply voltage VCC (5 V), and the T terminal is physically set to H (high) on the hardware so that time-out occurs. Although the case where the reset function is set to the valid state is shown, it is not limited to such a mode. For example, by connecting the T terminal to the T terminal setting register and changing the setting value of the register according to the setting signal from the effect control CPU 120, the time-out function is enabled or disabled in software. You may comprise so that it can set.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, an external resistor having a predetermined resistance value (10 kΩ in this example) is connected between the R terminal and the ground (GND), and the drive output terminal Q0. The drive current values of all outputs of -Q23, Q0-Q11 are set to 15 MA. Here, since a serial-parallel conversion circuit (integrated circuit (IC)) having an internal reference resistance also exists, the serial-parallel conversion circuit having such an internal reference resistance is used as a light emitter driver or a motor drive driver. It can be considered that the internal reference resistor is used, but in general, the built-in reference resistor included in the serial-parallel conversion circuit has a fixed driving current value (for example, fixed 20 mA) or a large error (for example, Error ± 30%). Therefore, in this embodiment, by connecting an external resistor between the R terminal and the ground (GND) and using an external reference resistor, an appropriate driving current value (15 MA in this example) is set, An error is also suggested (in this example, an error of ± 3%).

  In addition, as a light emitter driver and a motor drive driver, a serial-parallel conversion circuit (integrated circuit (IC)) that can use both an internal reference resistor and an external reference resistor can be used depending on the application. May be. For example, in the case where a plurality of light emitters such as LEDs are densely provided for production, if the light emission is sparse, the production will be disturbed, so that an external reference resistor is used to reduce the error. It may be configured. On the other hand, when controlling the lighting of an LED that is used independently, such as for error notification, there is no such obstacle in production, and the error may be somewhat large, so an internal reference resistor is used. Also good.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the electrical parts (in this example, the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e, the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, the right frame LED 9c, and the first unit for operating the movable unit 302 are operated. The control means (in this example, the effect control CPU 120) for controlling the effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 for operating the movable member 321 and the control signal by the serial communication system from the control means. Accordingly, output means (in this example, light emitter drivers 411a and 411b) that output specific signals (in this example, output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 and Q0 to Q11) for driving the electrical components, Motor driver 412 and light emitter drivers 413a to 413c). The output means outputs the output state when the input control signal is output to the other output means in a first output state in which the waveform rises in a change manner equal to or higher than that of the input control signal (in this example, a normal output state). The output state can be set to either the output state of the slew rate) or the second output state (in this example, the output state of the low slew rate) in which the waveform rises more slowly than the first output state. (In this example, if the S terminal is set to L (low), the output is set to a normal slew rate, and if the S terminal is set to H (high), the output is set to a low slew rate). Therefore, the setting can be changed according to the use environment, and the radio wave radiation from the substrate can be suppressed according to the setting, while the noise resistance of the control signal for preventing malfunction can be increased. Specifically, if it is set to a low slew rate output state, radio wave radiation from the substrate can be suppressed, and if it is set to a normal slew rate output state, the noise resistance of the control signal for preventing malfunction can be increased. .

  Further, according to this embodiment, another output means is provided in the same substrate as the output means (in this example, as shown in FIG. 8 (2), a plurality of light output control boards 16C have a plurality of output means. The light emitter drivers 411a and 411b are mounted, and control signals are sequentially transmitted between the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b on the same light emitter control board 16C). In this case, the output means is set to the second output state (in this example, as shown in FIG. 15, the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b mounted on the light emitter control board 16C have the S terminal set to H (high) and low slew rate output state). Therefore, when other output means are provided in the same substrate, radio wave radiation from the substrate can be suppressed.

  Further, according to this embodiment, another output means is provided on another board connected via a wiring member (for example, a flexible cable or a wire harness) to the board on which the output means is provided ( In this example, as shown in FIG. 9, the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c are mounted on different light emitter control boards 16D to 16F, and the light emission mounted on the light emitter control boards 16D to 16F having different control signals. Are sequentially transmitted between the body drivers 413a to 413c). In this case, the output means is set to the first output state (in this example, as shown in FIG. 17, in the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c mounted on the light emitter control boards 16D to 16F, S is set to S). The terminal is set to L (low) and set to the normal slew rate output state). Therefore, when other output means is provided on another substrate connected via the wiring member, it is possible to increase the noise resistance of the control signal for preventing malfunction.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the circuit board generally has high noise resistance. Therefore, in the connection relation in the circuit board, priority is given to suppression of radio wave radiation and the output state is set to a low slew rate to obtain a gentle signal waveform. On the other hand, wiring members connected between boards (for example, flexible cables and wire harnesses) have low noise resistance, so in an abandoned relationship between circuit boards, priority is given to noise resistance and rectangular waves are output as normal slew rates. The signal waveform is close to. With such a configuration, in this embodiment, it is possible to increase noise resistance of a control signal for preventing malfunction while suppressing radio wave radiation to the outside of the gaming machine.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the S terminal is connected to the power supply voltage VCC (5 V) or the ground (GND), and the S terminal is physically H on the hardware. (High) is set to the low slew rate output state, or L (low) is set to the normal slew rate output state. It cannot be caught. For example, by connecting the S terminal to the S terminal setting register and changing the setting value of the register in accordance with the setting signal from the effect control CPU 120, a low slew rate output state is achieved by software or the normal slew rate is set. The output state may be set to be set.

  Further, in this embodiment, transmission of a control signal according to a low slew rate output state between output means (in this example, light emitter drivers) mounted on the same board, or output means mounted on different boards Although the case where the board | substrate (in this example, the light-emitting body control boards 16C-16F) in which only any one of the transmission of the control signal by the output state of the normal slew rate is performed is shown, such an aspect It cannot be caught. For example, when a plurality of light emitter drivers are mounted on one light emitter control board, a control signal is transmitted between the light emitter drivers on the same light emitter control board. In addition, it may be configured such that a control signal is transmitted to a light emitter driver mounted on another light emitter control board. In this case, for example, even if the light emitter driver is mounted on the same light emitter control board, the one that transmits the control signal between the light emitter drivers is set to the low slew rate output state, and the other light emitters are set. A device that outputs a control signal to the light-emitting driver mounted on the control board may be configured to be set to a normal slew rate output state.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the output means specifies from the specific signal output units (in this example, the driver output terminals Q0 to Q23, Q0 to Q11) grouped into a plurality of different groups by the parallel communication method. 14 (in this example, output signals from the driver output terminals Q0 to Q23, Q0 to Q11) (in this example, in the case of a 24-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit, one group as shown in FIG. In other words, in the case of a 12-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit, each group is divided into three groups of four channels). Then, the output timing of the specific signal from the specific signal output unit is different for each group (in this example, the output timing of the output signal from the driver output terminals Q0 to Q23, Q0 to Q11 is a group as shown in FIG. Everywhere). Therefore, the output timing of the signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 and Q0 to Q11 can be dispersed to spread the spectrum, prevent the generation of radiation noise, and further suppress the radio wave radiation from the substrate. .

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, the movable member (in this example, the movable part 302, the movable member 321) which performs operation | movement is provided. Further, the driving means for operating the movable member (in this example, the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330) are driven based on the specific signal output from the specific signal output unit of the same group of the output means. (In this example, as shown in FIG. 16, signals input to the same operation motor are connected to drive output terminals belonging to the same group). Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in driving accuracy of the driving means while suppressing radio wave radiation from the substrate.

  In addition, according to this embodiment, the output unit stops the output of the specific signal after a predetermined period (1 second in this example) after inputting the control signal (in this example, the time-out function). (In this example, the time-out function is set to the valid state by setting the T terminal to H (high). See FIG. 11). For this reason, it is possible to avoid malfunctions due to wiring problems and to control the electrical components stably.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the control signal continuation means for continuously outputting the control signal is provided (in this example, the effect control CPU 120 is, for example, in effect control process processing (see step S55)). By repeatedly outputting a control signal at least every predetermined period (1 second in this example), the lighting control of the panel side LEDs 9d, 9e, the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame LED 9c is continuously executed, The drive control of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 is continuously executed). Therefore, it is possible to realize control corresponding to the stop function of the output means.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the output means can set the stop function to be valid or invalid (in this example, the timeout function is set to the invalid state by setting the T terminal to L (low)). The time-out function is set to the valid state by setting the T terminal to H (high) (see FIG. 11). Therefore, it is possible to change the setting of the stop function of the output means according to the application, and it is possible to reduce the cost by sharing parts.

  In this embodiment, serial-parallel conversion circuits 411a and 411b in which the clock signal and the through output of the data of the serial-parallel conversion circuits are connected to other serial-parallel conversion circuits on the same substrate, For the serial-parallel conversion circuit 412 to which the motors 303 and 330 are connected, the S terminal is set to H (high) and the through output of the clock signal and data is set to the low slew rate output (FIGS. 15 and 16). For the serial-parallel conversion circuits 413a, 413b, and 413c in which the through output of the clock signal and data is connected to the serial-parallel conversion circuit outside the substrate, the S terminal is set to L (low) and the clock signal and The data slew output is set to the normal slew rate output (FIG. 1). It shows the reference) when, but not limited to such embodiments. For example, you may comprise so that the through output of all the serial-parallel conversion circuits with which a game machine is provided is set to the output of a normal through rate. Conversely, for example, the through outputs of all the serial-parallel conversion circuits provided in the gaming machine may be set to a low slew rate output.

  In addition, if there are unused terminals in the drive output terminals of the serial-parallel converter circuit, if those unused terminals are left unconnected, surge voltage is input to those unused terminals due to factors such as static electricity. There is a risk of causing problems such as excessive heat generation and damage to internal circuits. Therefore, it is conceivable to provide a protection circuit for surge voltage countermeasures inside the serial-parallel conversion circuit, but this is not preferable in that the manufacturing cost of the serial-parallel conversion circuit increases. Therefore, the unused terminals are configured to be connected to a predetermined reference potential so that the surge voltage is released to the reference potential side of a predetermined power supply board (not shown), and excessive heat generation or internal circuit damage is caused. You may comprise so that generation | occurrence | production of malfunctions, such as, may be suppressed. Hereinafter, a modification in which the unused terminal of the drive output terminal of the serial-parallel conversion circuit is connected to the ground (GND) as a reference potential will be described.

  18 to 20 are explanatory diagrams for explaining connection examples of the serial-parallel conversion circuit in the modification. Among these, FIG. 18 shows a modification of the connection example in the case where the serial-parallel conversion circuit is used as the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b for controlling the lighting of the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the panel side LEDs are connected to 18 drive output terminals Q0 to Q17 out of 24 drive output terminals Q0 to Q24, but the 6 drive output terminals Q18 to Q23 are not used. The unused terminals of the six drive output terminals Q18 to Q23 are connected to the ground (GND).

  FIG. 19 shows a modification of the connection example in the case where the serial-parallel conversion circuit is used as a motor drive driver 412 for performing drive control of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330. In the example shown in FIG. 19, each stage motor is connected to eight drive output terminals Q0 to Q7 out of twelve drive output terminals Q0 to Q11, but four drive output terminals Q8 to Q11 are not yet connected. The unused terminals of the four drive output terminals Q8 to Q11 are connected to the ground (GND).

  FIG. 20 shows a modification of the connection example in the case where the serial-parallel conversion circuit is used as the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c for controlling the lighting of the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame LED 9c. In the example shown in FIG. 20, the LED for each frame is connected to nine drive output terminals Q0 to Q8 out of twelve drive output terminals Q0 to Q11, but three drive output terminals Q9 to Q11 are connected to each other. The unused terminals of the three drive output terminals Q9 to Q11 are connected to the ground (GND).

  18 to 20, even if a surge voltage is generated, the surge voltage can be released to the ground (GND) side, thereby causing problems such as excessive heat generation and damage to internal circuits. Can be suppressed.

  In addition, in the modified examples shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, an external resistor of 3 kΩ is connected to the VP terminal which is a protective electrostatic protection terminal. By configuring the external resistor to be connected to the VP terminal in this way, even if a surge voltage is generated, it is possible to prevent a current exceeding the rated current from flowing through the VP terminal, resulting in excessive heat generation and damage to the internal circuit. The occurrence of problems such as these can be further suppressed.

  Further, in the modification examples shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, the case where the unused terminal is connected to the ground (GND) as the reference potential is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode, and is connected to another fixed potential. It may be configured. For example, the unused terminal may be connected to the same power supply voltage as the VP terminal and connected to VCL (5 V), VCC (5 V), or VDL (12 V).

[Operation of pachinko machines]
Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment will be described. In the main board 11, when power supply from a predetermined power supply board is started, the game control microcomputer 100 is activated, and the CPU 103 executes a predetermined process as a game control main process. When the game control main process is started, the CPU 103 performs necessary initial settings after setting the interrupt disabled. In this initial setting, for example, the RAM 102 is cleared. Also, register setting of a CTC (counter / timer circuit) built in the game control microcomputer 100 is performed. Thereby, thereafter, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 every predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds), and the CPU 103 can periodically execute timer interrupt processing. When the initial setting is completed, an interrupt is permitted and then loop processing is started. In the game control main process, a process for returning the internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the state at the time of the previous power supply stop may be executed before entering the loop process.

  When the CPU 103 that has executed such a game control main process receives an interrupt request signal from the CTC and receives an interrupt request, it executes a game control timer interrupt process shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the game control timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 21 is started, the CPU 103 first executes a predetermined switch process, thereby causing the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, and the second start port through the switch circuit 110. The state of detection signals input from various switches such as the switch 22B and the count switch 23 is determined (S11). Subsequently, by executing predetermined main-side error processing, abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is performed, and if necessary, warning can be generated according to the diagnosis result (S12). Thereafter, by executing a predetermined information output process, for example, data such as jackpot information, starting information, probability variation information supplied to a hall management computer installed outside the pachinko gaming machine 1 is output (S13). ).

  Subsequent to the information output process, a game random number update process for updating at least a part of game random numbers such as random number values MR1 to MR4 used on the main board 11 side by software is executed (S14). Thereafter, the CPU 103 executes special symbol process processing (S15). In the special symbol process, the value of the special symbol process flag provided in the game control flag setting unit (not shown) is updated according to the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the first special symbol display 4A or 2 Various processes are selected and executed in order to perform control of display operation in the special symbol display 4B and setting of opening / closing operation of the special winning opening in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 in a predetermined procedure.

  Following the special symbol process, the normal symbol process is executed (S16). The CPU 103 executes the normal symbol process, thereby determining the normal symbol variation display mode using the random number MR4 for determining the normal symbol display result, and performing the display operation (for example, turning on the segment LED) on the normal symbol display 20. ), Etc., to control the normal symbol variation display, the tilting operation setting of the movable wing piece in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B, and the like.

  After executing the normal symbol process, the CPU 103 transmits the control command from the main board 11 to the sub-side control board such as the effect control board 12 by executing the command control process (S17). As an example of these, in the command control process, the output port included in the I / O 105 corresponds to the setting in the command transmission table specified by the value of the transmission command buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit. After setting the control data in the output port for transmitting the effect control command to the control board 12, the predetermined control data is set in the output port of the effect control INT signal and the effect control INT signal is turned on for a predetermined time. Then, by turning it off, etc., it is possible to transmit the effect control command based on the setting in the command transmission table. After executing the command control process, after setting the interrupt enabled state, the game control timer interrupt process is terminated.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed in S15 shown in FIG. 21 as the special symbol process. In this special symbol process, the CPU 103 first executes a start winning determination process (S21). After executing the start winning determination process, the CPU 103 selects and executes one of the processes in S22 to S29 according to the value of the special figure process flag provided in the game control flag setting unit.

  In the start winning determination process, first, it is determined whether or not there has been a first start winning or a second starting winning by the first start opening switch 22A or the second start opening switch 22B. If the random number MR1 for determining the result, the random value MR2 for determining the big hit type, and the random value MR3 for determining the variation pattern are extracted and the first start winning prize is obtained, the free entry in the first special figure holding storage unit is extracted. In the case of the second start winning prize, it is stored at the top of the empty entry in the second special figure reservation storage unit.

  The special symbol normal process of S22 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “0”. In this special symbol normal process, the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol indicator are displayed based on the presence / absence of reserved data stored in the first special symbol storage unit and the second special symbol storage unit. It is determined whether or not to start the special game with 4B. In the special symbol normal process, whether the variation display result of the special symbol or the effect symbol is “big hit” based on the numerical data indicating the random value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result, Make a decision (predetermined) before being displayed. Further, in the special symbol normal process, in response to the special symbol variation display result in the special symbol game, the confirmed special symbol (the jackpot symbol or the like in the special symbol game by the first special symbol indicator 4A or the second special symbol indicator 4B). One of the lost symbols) is set. In the special symbol normal process, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “1” when the variation display result of the special symbol or the effect symbol is determined in advance.

  The variation pattern setting process of S23 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “1”. In this variation pattern setting process, a variation pattern is selected from any of a plurality of variations using numerical data indicating a variation pattern determination random value MR3 based on a result of prior determination as to whether or not the variation display result is “big hit”. This includes the process of determining whether or not. When the variation pattern setting process is executed and the variation display of the special symbol is started, the value of the special diagram process flag is updated to “2”.

  By the special symbol normal processing of S22 and the variation pattern setting processing of S23, the variation pattern including the variation display time of the confirmed special symbol, the special symbol, and the effect symbol, which becomes the variation display result of the special symbol, is determined. That is, the special symbol normal processing and the variation pattern setting processing are performed using the special symbol display result determination random number MR1, the jackpot type determination random value MR2, and the variation pattern determination random value MR3. The process which determines the fluctuation | variation display mode of is included.

  The special symbol variation process of S24 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “2”. The special symbol variation processing includes processing for setting the special symbol to be varied in the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B, and the elapsed time since the special symbol started to vary. It includes processing to measure When the elapsed time since the start of the special symbol variation reaches the special symbol variation time, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “3”.

  The special symbol stop process of S25 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “3”. In this special symbol stop process, the first special symbol display unit 4A or the second special symbol display unit 4B stops the variation of the special symbol, and the definite special symbol that is the variation display result of the special symbol is stopped and displayed (derived). A process for performing the setting is included. Then, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag provided in the game control flag setting unit is on. When the big hit flag is on, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “4”. On the other hand, when the big hit flag is off, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “0”.

  The big hit release pre-processing of S26 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “4”. This pre-opening process for the big hit is based on the fact that the fluctuation display result is “big hit” and the like, for example, a process for starting the execution of the round in the big hit gaming state and setting the big winning opening to the open state. include. At this time, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “5”.

  The big hit release process of S27 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “5”. In the big hit opening process, the winning prize opening is based on the process of measuring the elapsed time since the big winning opening is in the open state, the measured elapsed time, the number of game balls detected by the count switch 23, and the like. The process etc. which determine whether it became the timing which returns to a closed state from an open state are included. Then, when returning the special winning opening to the closed state, after performing processing for stopping the supply of the solenoid driving signal to the special winning opening door solenoid 82, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “6”. .

  The big hit release post-processing in S28 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “6”. In this post-hit opening process, the process of determining whether or not the number of rounds in which the winning opening is in the open state has reached the maximum number of opening of the big winning opening, or the maximum number of opening of the big winning opening has been reached. In some cases, processing for setting to transmit a jackpot end designation command is included. When the number of round executions has not reached the maximum value of the number of times of winning the special winning opening, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “5”. The value of the process flag is updated to “7”.

  The big hit end processing of S29 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “7”. In the jackpot ending process, the jackpot gaming state is terminated by the stage display device 5, the speakers 8L and 8R, the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, the right frame LED 9c, the board side LEDs 9d and 9e, the movable member 321 and the like. Various settings to start waiting time until the waiting time corresponding to the period in which the ending effect as the effect operation to be notified elapses, and to start the probability variation control and the time reduction control in response to the end of the big hit gaming state ( And processing for setting a probability variation flag and a time reduction flag). When such setting is performed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “0”.

  In the big hit ending process, the big hit type buffer value stored in the game control buffer setting unit (not shown) is read to identify whether the big hit type is “non-probable big hit” or “probable big hit”. . If it is determined that the identified big hit type is not “non-probable variation big hit”, setting for starting the probability variation control (setting of the probability variation flag) is performed. In addition, when the specified big hit type is “non-probable variable big hit”, the setting for starting the time reduction control (in advance corresponding to the setting of the time reduction flag and the upper limit value of the special game that can be executed during the time reduction control). A predetermined count initial value (in this embodiment, “100” is set in the short-time counter).

  Next, the operation of the effect control board 12 will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an effect control main process executed by the effect control microcomputer 120A (specifically, the effect control CPU 120) mounted on the effect control board 12. The effect control CPU 120 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main process, first, the effect control CPU 120 checks whether or not a power-on designation command or a power failure restoration designation command has been received (S50A). The power-on designation command is transmitted based on the fact that initialization processing has been executed by the gaming control microcomputer 100 when power supply to the gaming machine is started. The power failure recovery designation command is transmitted based on the fact that the power failure recovery processing is executed by the gaming control microcomputer 100 when power supply to the gaming machine is started.

  When receiving the power-on designation command or the power failure restoration designation command, the effect control CPU 120 executes an authentication process (S50B). In step S50B, the effect control CPU 120 reads the authentication data from the CGROM 141 on the effect control relay board 16A, and collates the read authentication data with the authentication data stored in the ROM 135 mounted on the effect control microcomputer 120A. Execute authentication process.

  When the authentication fails in the authentication process (N in S50C), the effect control CPU 120 executes an authentication error notification process for notifying an authentication error (S50D). For example, the effect control CPU 120 controls the effect display device 5 to display that the authentication has failed. And it transfers to a loop process as it is, and it controls not to perform normal production control.

  If authentication is successful in the authentication process (Y in S50C), the effect control CPU 120 clears the RAM area, sets various initial values, and sets a timer for determining the effect control start interval (for example, 2 ms). An initialization process for performing initial setting and the like is performed (S51).

  Next, the CPU 120 for effect control confirms the operation of a plurality of types of movement patterns of the movable member 321 in the effect such as the notice effect, or the initial position of the movable member 321 (in the present embodiment, the first position). (1 position) is detected, or a movable member initialization process for moving the movable member 321 to the initial position is executed (S51A).

  Subsequent to the movable member initialization process in S51A, the effect control CPU 120 performs a memory inspection setting when the power is turned on (step S51B). For example, the effect control CPU 120 inspects the data stored in the CGROM 141 by executing a memory inspection process. After the setting in step S51B, the effect control CPU 120 performs a memory inspection interval setting (step S51C). For example, the effect control CPU 120 may set an interval (standby time) until the next memory inspection process is executed based on the inspection result of the memory inspection.

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 executes an initial effect data transfer process (S51D). In the initial effect data transfer process, the effect control CPU 120 performs predetermined initial data (for example, initial display at power-on) among various image data stored in the CGROM 141 on the effect control relay board 16A. Image data and image data frequently used) are read out and transferred to the VRAM 126 of the effect control microcomputer 120A.

  Thereafter, the effect control CPU 120 proceeds to a loop process for monitoring the timer interrupt flag (S52). When the timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 120 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set (turned on) in the main process, the effect control CPU 120 clears the flag (S53) and executes the following process.

  The effect control CPU 120 first performs the VDP function of the effect control CPU 120 when it detects a temperature abnormality of the effect control CPU 120 based on the temperature information from the temperature sensor 136 mounted on the effect control microcomputer 120A. A temperature limiting process is performed to limit automatically (step S53A).

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 executes a temperature limit return process in which the effect control CPU 120 returns in stages from the state in which the VDP function of the effect control CPU 120 is restricted (step S53B).

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 analyzes the received effect control command and performs a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command (command analysis process: S54). In this command analysis process, the effect control CPU 120 confirms the content of the command transmitted from the main board 11 stored in the reception command buffer. The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal and stored in a buffer area formed in the RAM. In the command analysis process, which command is the effect control command stored in the buffer area is analyzed.

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 executes an error notification process which is one of the processes for executing the error effect (S54A). In the error notification process of step S54A, for example, in response to an error designation command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100, an error image display operation in the display area of the effect display device 5, and an error sound from the speakers 8L and 8R. An error notification or the like is performed by an output operation, an error light emission operation or the like in the LEDs 9a to 9e.

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs effect control process processing (S55). In the effect control process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the effect display device 5 is executed.

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs a small symbol process (S55A). In the small symbol process, the process corresponding to the current control state (small symbol process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and the small symbol is displayed at the upper left corner of the display screen of the effect display device 5. Execute control.

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs a decorative symbol process (S55B). In the decorative symbol process, a process corresponding to the current control state (decorative symbol process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and the first decorative symbol display 5A and the second decorative symbol indicator 5B are selected. Execute display control.

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs a memory inspection process during control (S55C). In the in-control memory inspection process in step S55C, the setting for inspecting the stored data in the CGROM 141 is performed in response to the elapse of the standby time serving as the memory inspection interval during the effect control for controlling the progress of the effect. Done.

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs effect data transfer processing during control (S55D). In the effect data transfer process during control in step S55D, settings for transferring the effect data are performed during the effect control that controls the progress of the effect.

  Next, an effect random number update process for updating the counter value for generating effect random numbers such as jackpot symbol determination random numbers is executed (S56), and then the process proceeds to S52.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the temperature limiting process (S53A) in the effect control main process. In the temperature limiting process, the effect control CPU 120 first reads temperature information from the temperature sensor 136 (step S101). Next, the effect control CPU 120 checks whether or not the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 is 60 ° C. to 70 ° C. based on the read temperature information (step S102). If the temperature of the production control CPU 120 is 60 ° C. to 70 ° C. (Y in step S102), the production control CPU 120 determines that the first stage temperature abnormal state is present, and the first stage restriction mode (first stage). (Restricted mode). In the first-stage restriction mode, the effect control CPU 120 performs control to erase the background image display displayed on the effect display device 5 (step S103). Further, the effect control CPU 120 starts to output a drive signal for low-speed operation to the cooling fan 142, and performs control to start the low-speed operation of the cooling fan 142 (step S104). In addition, the effect control CPU 120 performs control for starting the first temperature abnormality notification (step S105). For example, the effect control CPU 120 controls the effect display device 5 to display that the first temperature abnormality state is present. Then, the effect control CPU 120 sets a first temperature abnormality flag indicating that the temperature abnormality state is in the first stage (step S106).

  In the present embodiment, when the above-described processing is executed and the mode is shifted to the first restriction mode, the background image is erased on the display screen of the effect display device 5, and the change display of the effect symbol and the simple notice display are performed. Then, only the small symbol variation display, the hold image and the active image are displayed. Further, in the first restriction mode, some effect sound effects such as a notice effect and BGM sound output are restricted during the variation display of the effect symbols, and the scaler function (image data developed in the frame buffer on the VRAM 126 is displayed). The function of increasing the size and reducing the display) is also stopped.

  If the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 is not 60 ° C. to 70 ° C. (N in step S102), the effect control CPU 120 has a temperature of the effect control CPU 120 of 71 ° C. to 94 ° C. based on the read temperature information. Whether or not (step S107). If the temperature of the production control CPU 120 is 71 ° C. to 94 ° C. (Y in step S107), the production control CPU 120 determines that the temperature abnormal state is in the second stage, and the second stage restriction mode (second (Restricted mode). In the second-stage restriction mode, the effect control CPU 120 performs control to delete the left middle right effect symbol display displayed on the effect display device 5 (step S108). Further, the effect control CPU 120 starts to output a drive signal for medium speed operation to the cooling fan 142 and performs control to start the medium speed operation of the cooling fan 142 (step S109). Further, the production control CPU 120 performs control to start the second temperature abnormality notification (step S110). For example, the effect control CPU 120 controls the effect display device 5 to display that the second temperature abnormality state is present. Then, the effect control CPU 120 sets a second temperature abnormality flag indicating that the temperature abnormality state is in the second stage (step S111). In addition, if the effect control CPU 120 is set, the first temperature abnormality flag is reset (step S112).

  In the present embodiment, when the process is shifted to the second restriction mode, on the display screen of the effect display device 5, in addition to the background image, a change display of effect symbols and a simple notice display are performed. Is also deleted, and only the small symbol variation display and the display of the hold image and the active image are performed.

  If the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 is not 71 ° C. to 94 ° C. (N in step S107), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 is 95 ° C. or higher based on the read temperature information. (Step S113). If the temperature of the production control CPU 120 is 95 ° C. or higher (Y in step S113), the production control CPU 120 determines that the temperature abnormal state is in the third stage, and the third stage restriction mode (third restriction mode). ). In the third-stage restriction mode, the effect control CPU 120 is displayed in the small symbols, the first hold display area 5D and the second hold display area 5U displayed on the upper left corner of the display screen of the effect display device 5. The held image and the active image displayed in the active display area AHA are erased, and all the displays in the effect display device 5 (except for the third temperature abnormality notification described later) are controlled (step) S114). Further, the effect control CPU 120 starts outputting a driving signal for high speed operation to the cooling fan 142 and performs control for starting the high speed operation of the cooling fan 142 (step S115). In addition, the effect control CPU 120 performs control to start the third temperature abnormality notification (step S116). For example, the effect control CPU 120 controls the effect display device 5 to display that the third temperature abnormality state is present. Then, the effect control CPU 120 sets a third temperature abnormality flag indicating that the temperature abnormality state is in the third stage (step S117). In addition, if set, the effect control CPU 120 resets the first temperature abnormality flag and the second temperature abnormality flag (step S118).

  In the present embodiment, when the process is shifted to the third restriction mode, all the displays (except for the third temperature abnormality notification) on the effect display device 5 are erased.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a temperature limit return process (S53B) in the effect control main process. In the temperature limit return process, the effect control CPU 120 first reads temperature information from the temperature sensor 136 (step S151). Next, the effect control CPU 120 checks whether or not the third temperature abnormality flag is set (step S152). If the third temperature abnormality flag is set (that is, if the third stage temperature abnormality state), the production control CPU 120 has a temperature of the production control CPU 120 of 90 ° C. or lower based on the read temperature information. It is confirmed whether or not it has fallen to (step S153). If the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 is lowered to 90 ° C. or less (Y in step S153), the effect control CPU 120 performs control to shift from the third-stage restriction mode to the second-stage restriction mode. That is, the effect control CPU 120 resumes the display of the small symbols at the upper left corner of the display screen of the effect display device 5, and displays the hold image and the active display area AHA in the first hold display area 5D and the second hold display area 5U. Control to resume display of the displayed active image is performed (step S154). In addition, the CPU 120 for effect control switches the cooling fan 142 to output a drive signal for medium speed operation, and performs control to switch the cooling fan 142 to medium speed operation (step S155). Further, the effect control CPU 120 performs control to switch from the third temperature abnormality notification to the second temperature abnormality notification (step S156). Then, the effect control CPU 120 resets the third temperature abnormality flag and sets the second temperature abnormality flag (step S157).

  If the third temperature abnormality flag is not set, the effect control CPU 120 checks whether or not the second temperature abnormality flag is set (step S158). If the second temperature abnormality flag is set (that is, if the second stage temperature abnormality state), the effect control CPU 120 has the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 of 66 ° C. or lower based on the read temperature information. It is confirmed whether or not it has fallen to (step S159). If the temperature of the production control CPU 120 is lowered to 66 ° C. or less (Y in step S159), the production control CPU 120 performs control to shift from the second-stage restriction mode to the first-stage restriction mode. In other words, the effect control CPU 120 performs control to resume the left middle right effect symbol display in the effect display device 5 (step S160). Further, the effect control CPU 120 performs control to switch the cooling fan 142 to output of a driving signal for low speed operation and to switch the cooling fan 142 to low speed operation (step S161). Further, the effect control CPU 120 performs control to switch from the second temperature abnormality notification to the first temperature abnormality notification (step S162). Then, the effect control CPU 120 resets the second temperature abnormality flag and sets the first temperature abnormality flag (step S163).

  If the second temperature abnormality flag is not set, the effect control CPU 120 checks whether or not the first temperature abnormality flag is set (step S164). If the first temperature abnormality flag is set (that is, if the first stage temperature abnormality state is present), the production control CPU 120 has the temperature of the production control CPU 120 of 55 ° C. or less based on the read temperature information. It is confirmed whether or not it has fallen to (step S165). If the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 has dropped to 55 ° C. or less (Y in step S165), the effect control CPU 120 performs control to end the first-stage restriction mode. In other words, the effect control CPU 120 performs control to restart the background image display in the effect display device 5 (step S166). In addition, the effect control CPU 120 performs control to stop the output of the drive signal to the cooling fan 142 and stop the operation of the cooling fan 142 (step S167). In addition, the effect control CPU 120 performs control to delete the first temperature abnormality notification (step S168). Then, the effect control CPU 120 resets the first temperature abnormality flag (step S169).

  26 and 27 are flowcharts showing a specific example of the command analysis process (S54). The effect control command received from the main board 11 is stored in the reception command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 120 checks the content of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

  In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 120 first checks whether or not a reception command is stored in the command reception buffer (step S611). Whether it is stored or not is determined by comparing the value of the command reception number counter with the read pointer. The case where both match is the case where the received command is not stored. When the reception command is stored in the command reception buffer, the effect control CPU 120 reads the reception command from the command reception buffer (step S612). When read, the value of the read pointer is incremented by +2 (step S613). The reason for +2 is that 2 bytes (1 command) are read at a time.

  If the received effect control command is a variation pattern command (step S614), the effect control CPU 120 stores the received variation pattern command in the variation pattern command storage area formed in the RAM 122 (step S615). Then, a variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S616).

  If the received presentation control command is a display result designation command (step S617), the presentation control CPU 120 stores the received display result designation command in a display result designation command storage area formed in the RAM 122 (step S618). ).

  If the received effect control command is a symbol confirmation designation command (step S619), the effect control CPU 120 sets a confirmed command reception flag (step S620).

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot start designation command (step S621), the effect control CPU 120 sets a jackpot start designation command reception flag (step S622).

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot end designation command (step S623), the effect control CPU 120 sets a jackpot end designation command reception flag (step S624).

  If the received effect control command is a normal state background designation command (step S625), the effect control CPU 120 checks whether any of the first temperature abnormality flag to the third temperature abnormality flag is set ( Step S626). If none of the first temperature abnormality flag to the third temperature abnormality flag is set (N in step S626), the effect control CPU 120 causes the effect display device 5 to display a background image (for example, a blue color) according to the normal state. Control for displaying a background color image is performed (step S627). On the other hand, if any of the first temperature abnormality flag to the third temperature abnormality flag is set (Y in step S626), the process proceeds to step S628 without executing the process in step S627. That is, since the control mode is in any one of the first stage to the third stage, the process proceeds to step S628 without performing the control for displaying the background image on the effect display device 5. Then, if set, the effect control CPU 120 resets the time-short state flag indicating that the time-short state is set (step S628).

  If the received effect control command is a time-short state background designation command (step S629), the effect control CPU 120 checks whether any of the first temperature abnormality flag to the third temperature abnormality flag is set ( Step S630). If none of the first temperature abnormality flag to the third temperature abnormality flag is set (N in step S630), the effect control CPU 120 causes the effect display device 5 to display a background image (for example, green Control for displaying a background color background image is performed (step S631). On the other hand, if any of the first temperature abnormality flag to the third temperature abnormality flag is set (Y in step S630), the process proceeds to step S632 without executing the process in step S631. That is, since the control mode is in any one of the first stage to the third stage, the process proceeds to step S632 without performing the control for displaying the background image on the effect display device 5. Then, the CPU 120 for effect control sets the time reduction state flag (step S632), and if it is set, resets the probability variation state flag indicating the probability variation state (step S633).

  If the received effect control command is a certain change state background designation command (step S634), the effect control CPU 120 checks whether any of the first temperature abnormality flag to the third temperature abnormality flag is set ( Step S635). If none of the first temperature abnormality flag to the third temperature abnormality flag is set (N in step S635), the effect control CPU 120 causes the effect display device 5 to display a background image (for example, red) according to the probability variation state. A control for displaying the background color background image is performed (step S636). On the other hand, if any of the first temperature abnormality flag to the third temperature abnormality flag is set (Y in step S635), the process proceeds to step S637 without executing the process in step S636. That is, since the control mode is in any one of the first stage to the third stage, the process proceeds to step S637 without performing the control for displaying the background image on the effect display device 5. Then, the effect control CPU 120 sets a probability variation state flag (step S637).

  If the received effect control command is another command, effect control CPU 120 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S638). Then, control goes to a step S611.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (S55) in the effect control main process. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 120 first checks whether or not the third temperature abnormality flag is set (S70A). If the third temperature abnormality flag is set, the effect control process is terminated. That is, the state is shifted to the third-stage restriction mode, and all the displays (except for the third temperature abnormality notification) on the effect display device 5 are erased. End process processing.

  If the third temperature abnormality flag is not set, the effect control CPU 120 executes a hold display notice effect determination process for determining the display pattern of the hold memory display together with the presence or absence of the hold display notice effect (S71), and then the effect. A hold display update process is executed to update the hold storage display in the first hold display area 5D and the second hold display area 5U of the display device 5 to a display corresponding to the stored contents of the start winning reception command buffer (S72).

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 checks whether or not the second temperature abnormality flag is set (S70B). If the second temperature abnormality flag is set, the effect control process is terminated. That is, since the state is shifted to the second-stage restriction mode, only the small symbol, the hold image, and the active image are displayed on the effect display device 5, and the effect symbol is not displayed. , Only the process of displaying the hold image in S72 is performed, and the effect control process is terminated.

  If the second temperature abnormality flag is not set, the effect control CPU 120 performs any one of S73 to S79 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed.

  Fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (S73): It is confirmed whether or not a variation pattern command is received from the game control microcomputer 100. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag set in the command analysis process is set. If the change pattern command has been received, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the effect symbol change start process (S74).

  Effect symbol variation start processing (S74): Control is performed so that the variation of the effect symbol is started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (S75). In this embodiment, an effect execution setting process for performing LED control described later is also executed in the effect symbol variation start process.

  Production symbol variation processing (S75): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern and monitors the end of the variation time. When the variation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (S76).

  Effect symbol variation stop processing (S76): Based on the reception of the effect control command (symbol confirmation command) for instructing all symbols to stop, control is performed to stop the variation of the effect symbol and derive and display the display result (stop symbol). Do. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (S77) or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (S73).

  Jackpot display process (S77): After the end of the variation time, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the effect display device 5 of the occurrence of a jackpot. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (S78).

  Big hit game processing (S78): Control during the big hit game is performed. For example, when receiving a special command during opening of the special prize opening or a designation command after opening the special prize opening, display control of the number of rounds in the effect display device 5 is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot end effect process (S79).

  Big hit end effect process (S79): In the effect display device 5, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit game state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (S73).

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an effect symbol variation start process (S74) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the effect symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 120 first reads a variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S8000). Next, the CPU 120 for effect control displays the display result (stop) of the effect symbol according to the variation pattern command read in step S8000 and the data stored in the display result specifying command storage area (that is, the received display result specifying command). (Design) is determined (step S8001). If the pseudo-ream is specified by the variation pattern command, the effect control CPU 120, in step S8001, uses the chance symbol symbol (for example, “223” or “445” as the temporary stop symbol in the pseudo-ream). The combination of the jackpot symbol that is not reachable and the symbol that is shifted by one symbol) is also determined. The effect control CPU 120 stores data indicating the determined effect stop symbol in the effect symbol display result storage area.

  In step S8001, for example, when the received display result designation command indicates “normal jackpot”, the effect control CPU 120 determines a combination of effect symbols in which the three symbols are the same even symbols as the stop symbols. . When the received display result designation command indicates “probable big hit”, the effect control CPU 120 determines a combination of effect symbols in which the three symbols are the same odd symbols as the stop symbols.

  When the received display result designation command indicates “suddenly promising big hit” or “small hit”, the effect control CPU 120 determines a combination of effect symbols such as “135” as the stop symbol. In the case of “out of”, a combination of effect symbols other than the above is determined. However, when a reach effect is involved, a combination of effect symbols in which two left and right symbols are aligned is determined. The combination of the three symbols derived and displayed on the effect display device 5 is the “stop symbol” of the effect symbol.

  The effect control CPU 120 extracts, for example, a random number for determining the stop symbol, and uses the stop symbol determination table in which the data indicating the combination of effect symbols and numerical values are associated with each other to generate the stop symbol of the effect symbol. decide. That is, the stop symbol is determined by selecting data indicating the combination of effect symbols corresponding to the numerical value matching the extracted random number.

  In addition, as for the effect symbols, a stop symbol reminiscent of a big hit (a combination of symbols in which the left, middle and right are all the same symbols) is called a big hit symbol. In addition, a stop symbol that recalls a loss is called a loss symbol. In addition, a symbol reminiscent of being probabilistic (an odd symbol in this embodiment) is also called a probabilistic symbol, and a symbol reminiscent of being in a probable state (even symbol in this embodiment) is a non-probable symbol. Also called.

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not to execute the notice effect in the effect display device 5 during the effect symbol variation display, and executes a notice effect setting process for setting the effect aspect of the notice effect (step S8002). ).

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 checks whether or not the first temperature abnormality flag is set (step S8003). If the first temperature abnormality flag is set, the effect control CPU 120 selects a variation pattern and a process table for restriction corresponding to the notice effect when executing the notice effect (step S8004). In this embodiment, when the mode is shifted to the first-stage restriction mode, step S8007 described later and the effect symbol changing process (S75) are executed according to the process table selected in step S8004. During the display of variation of the production symbol, production sound effects such as some announcement effects and BGM sound output are restricted, and the scaler function (the image data developed in the frame buffer on the VRAM 126 is enlarged or reduced) The image is displayed in a state where the function of displaying and outputting is stopped.

  In this embodiment, in the first restriction mode, some effect sound effects such as a notice effect and BGM sound output are restricted during the variation display of the production symbol, but the second restriction mode and the third In the restriction mode, the processing of S73 to S79 of the effect control process is not executed, so that no sound output relating to the change display of the effect symbol is performed.

  On the other hand, if the first temperature abnormality flag is not set, the effect control CPU 120 selects a variation pattern and a normal process table corresponding to the notice effect when executing the notice effect (step S8005).

  Then, the production control CPU 120 starts a process timer in the process data 1 of the process table selected in steps S8004 and S8005 (step S8006).

  The process table is a table in which process data that is referred to when the effect control CPU 120 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 120 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the effect display device 5 according to the process data set in the process table. The process table includes data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data are collected. In the display control execution data, data indicating each variation aspect constituting the variation aspect during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the effect symbols is described. Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 5 is described. The process timer set value is set with a change time in the form of the change. The effect control CPU 120 refers to the process table, and performs control to display the effect design in the variation mode set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value. The process table is stored in the ROM 135 installed in the effect control microcomputer 120A. A process table is prepared for each variation pattern.

  In addition, in the process table used when effect control is executed for a variation pattern with reach effect, the left symbol is stopped when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variation, and the right symbol is stopped when a predetermined time further elapses. Process data indicating that it is to be displayed is set. In addition, instead of setting the symbols to be stopped and displayed in the process table, an image for displaying the symbols is synthesized and generated according to the determined stop symbol, the temporary stop symbol in the pseudo-ream and the sliding effect. May be.

  In addition, the CPU 120 for effect control is based on the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, and sound number data 1). Control of various lamps and speakers 8L and 8R as effect parts is executed (step S8007). For example, in order to display an image according to a variation pattern or a notice effect on the effect display device 5, among the various image data stored in the CGROM 141 on the effect control relay board 16A, the effect symbol change display or the notice effect. Are read out and transferred to the VRAM 126 of the effect control microcomputer 120A.

  In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 120 controls the effect pattern to be variably displayed by the change pattern corresponding to the change pattern command on a one-to-one basis. The variation pattern to be used may be selected from a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to.

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 sets a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command in the variation time timer (step S8008).

  Then, the effect control CPU 120 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (S75) (step S8009).

  After that, the effect control CPU 120 switches process data when the process timer times out in the effect symbol changing process (step S75). When it is determined that the process data to be switched includes display control execution data, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the memory inspection is being performed. If it is determined that the memory check is not being performed, it is determined whether or not effect data is being read (for example, whether or not effect data is being read in the effect data transfer process during control). . If it is determined that the effect data is not being read, normal display control such as changing the display mode of the effect display device 5 is performed according to the display control execution data of the next process data. On the other hand, when it is determined that the memory inspection is being performed, or when it is determined that the effect data is being read, settings for simple control (simple display control) of the display mode in the effect display device 5 are performed.

  In the simple display control, for example, settings for performing simple display using only image data stored in the VRAM 126 may be performed. When the memory is being examined or the effect data is being read, the data stored in the CGROM 141 cannot be read in real time and used for image display. Therefore, for example, the display of variable effects can be performed using image data transferred to the VRAM 126 as initial data and stored as image data (sprite image data) corresponding to a plurality of types of effects. Also good. On the other hand, for example, a display that needs to read data stored in the CGROM 141, such as a reach effect in which moving image reproduction using moving image data is performed, may be stopped without displaying. When it is determined that the memory test is being performed or when it is determined that the effect data is being read, the processing during the effect symbol variation may be terminated without performing the simple display control. In these cases, the storage data of the frame buffer provided in the VRAM 126 or the like is not updated, so that there is a possibility that the image display is not updated on the screen of the effect display device 5 and the display is stopped. Alternatively, the stored data in the frame buffer is erased (cleared), and there is a possibility that the display is stopped (blackout) without displaying an image on the screen of the effect display device 5.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the small symbol process (S55A) in the effect control main process shown in FIG. In the small symbol process, the effect control CPU 120 first checks whether or not the third temperature abnormality flag is set (step S200). If the third temperature abnormality flag is set, the small symbol process is terminated. That is, since the state is shifted to the restriction mode of the third stage and all the displays (except for the third temperature abnormality notification) in the effect display device 5 are erased, the small symbols are left as they are. End process processing.

  If the third temperature abnormality flag is not set, the effect control CPU 120 performs any one of steps S201 to S203 according to the value of the small symbol process flag. In each process, the following process is executed. In the small symbol process, the small symbol display state in the small symbol display area of the effect display device 5 is controlled to realize variable display of the small symbol, but the small symbol is synchronized with the variation of the first special symbol. Control related to variable display and control related to variable display of small symbols synchronized with the variation of the second special symbol are executed in one small symbol process. Note that the variable display of the small symbol synchronized with the variation of the first special symbol and the variable display of the small symbol synchronized with the variation of the second special symbol may be executed by another small symbol process. Good. Further, in this case, it may be determined which special symbol variation display is executed depending on which small symbol process processing is performed. Further, in this case, the small symbols themselves may be displayed in different types depending on whether the first special symbol is changed or not. For example, when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed, the small symbol variable display is executed with the blue display color, and when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed, the small symbol is displayed with the red display color. It is desirable to display the display so as to be distinguishable in some manner, such as performing a variable display.

  Small symbol variation start processing (step S201): Control is performed so that variation of a small symbol is started upon reception of a variation pattern command. Then, the value of the small symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small symbol changing process (step S202).

  Small symbol variation processing (step S202): Controls the switching timing of the variation state (variation speed) of the small symbols. When the symbol confirmation designation command is received, the value of the small symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small symbol variation stop process (step S203).

  Small symbol variation stop processing (step S203): Control is performed to stop small symbol variation and derive and display a display result (stop symbol). Then, the value of the small symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small symbol variation start process (step S201).

  In the processing of steps S201 to S203, for example, various images stored in the CGROM 141 on the effect control relay board 16A are displayed at any time in order to display an image corresponding to the small symbol variation display on the effect display device 5. Among the data, various image data corresponding to the small symbol variation display is read out and transferred to the VRAM 126 of the effect control microcomputer 120A.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the decorative symbol process (S55B) in the effect control main process shown in FIG. In the decorative symbol process, the effect control CPU 120 performs any one of steps S251 to S253 according to the value of the decorative symbol process flag. In each process, the following process is executed. In the decorative symbol process, the lighting state of the two lamps (or LEDs) constituting the first decorative symbol display 5A and the second decorative symbol display 5B is controlled to realize variable display of decorative symbols. However, the control related to the variable display of the first decorative symbol synchronized with the variation of the first special symbol and the control related to the variable display of the second decorative symbol synchronized with the variation of the second special symbol are executed in one decorative symbol process process. Is done. The variable display of the first decorative symbol synchronized with the variation of the first special symbol and the variable display of the second decorative symbol synchronized with the variation of the second special symbol are executed by different decorative symbol process processing. It may be configured. Further, in this case, it may be determined which of the special symbols is being displayed depending on which of the decorative symbols is being processed.

  Decoration symbol variation start processing (step S251): Control is performed so that the variation of the ornament symbol is started upon reception of the variation pattern command. Then, the value of the decorative symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol changing process (step S252).

  Decoration symbol variation processing (step S252): Controls the switching timing of the variation state (variation speed) of the ornament symbol. When the symbol confirmation designation command is received, the value of the decorative symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation stop process (step S253).

  Decoration symbol variation stop processing (step S253): Control is performed to stop the variation of the ornament symbol and derive and display the display result (stop symbol). Then, the value of the decorative symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation start process (step S251).

  As shown in FIG. 31, in the decorative symbol process process, steps S251 to S253 are not performed without particularly checking whether any of the first temperature abnormality flag to the third temperature abnormality flag is set. Since the process is executed, the first decorative symbol display 5A and the second decorative symbol display 5B are displayed on the first decorative symbol display 5A regardless of whether the mode is shifted to one of the restriction modes based on the temperature abnormality. The variation display of the second decorative symbol is executed.

  Next, a display mode of the effect display device 5 when the mode is shifted to the restriction mode based on the temperature abnormality will be described. FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a display mode of the effect display device 5 when the mode is shifted to the restriction mode based on the temperature abnormality. First, in the normal mode in which no temperature abnormality has been detected and no restriction mode has been entered, a background image is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 5 as shown in FIG. (In this example, an image including a pattern of the ground and the sun) is displayed, and a variation display of the effect symbols is displayed in the symbol display areas of the left 5L, middle 5C, and right 5R. In addition, a small left and right small symbol variation display 5S is displayed at the upper left corner of the display screen of the effect display device 5, and a reserved image and an active image are displayed below the display screen of the effect display device 5 (this book). In the example, three hold images are displayed in the first hold display area 5D and an active image is displayed in the active display area AHA).

  Next, when the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 reaches 60 ° C. to 70 ° C. and the first restriction mode is entered, the background image display is erased on the display screen of the effect display device 5 as shown in FIG. (See step S103). As shown in FIG. 32 (B), even when the mode is shifted to the first restriction mode, the variation display of the effect symbols in the symbol display area of the left 5L, middle 5C and right 5R, the variation display 5S of the small symbols, The display of the hold image and the active image is continued. In the first restriction mode, the low-speed operation of the cooling fan 142 is started (see step S104), and the first temperature abnormality notification E1 is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 5 as shown in FIG. The process is started (see step S105).

  Next, when the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 becomes 71 ° C. to 94 ° C. and the mode is shifted to the second restriction mode, as shown in FIG. The effect symbol display in the symbol display area of 5R is deleted (see step S108). As shown in FIG. 32C, even when the mode is shifted to the second restriction mode, the small symbol variation display 5S and the display of the hold image and the active image are continued. Further, in the second restriction mode, the medium speed operation of the cooling fan 142 is started (see step S109), and as shown in FIG. 32C, the second temperature abnormality notification E2 is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 5. Is started (see step S110).

  Further, when the temperature of the CPU 120 for effect control becomes 95 ° C. or higher and the mode is shifted to the third restriction mode, as shown in FIG. The image and the active image are also deleted, and all the displays (except for the third temperature abnormality notification E1) on the effect display device 5 are deleted (see step S114). In the third restriction mode, the high speed operation of the cooling fan 142 is started (see step S115), and the third temperature abnormality notification E3 is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 5 as shown in FIG. The process is started (see step S116).

  Next, control of the LEDs 9a to 9e will be described. The LEDs 9a to 9e can emit light (light on, blink, etc.) with a plurality of types of light emission patterns corresponding to the effect to be executed. When the control data is set in the control data area provided in the RAM 122, the effect control CPU 120 can control the LEDs 9a to 9e to emit light (light on, blink, etc.) in a predetermined light emission pattern. ing.

  The control data set in the control data area is data for performing light emission (lighting, blinking, etc.) control in each of the light emitter control boards 16C to 16F. Specifically, an identifier for uniquely identifying each light emission pattern is assigned, and the control data described above is data indicating this identifier. When the control data is set in the control data area, the effect control CPU 120 reads the control data and outputs it to each of the light emitter control boards 16C to 16F. In each of the light emitter control boards 16C to 16F, the LEDs 9a to 9e are turned on by controlling each of the light emitter drivers 411a, 411b, 413a to 413c so as to emit light with the light emission pattern identified by the identifier indicated by the control data. / Driven off. On the other hand, when the control data area is NULL, it is determined that no control data is set in the control data area. The timing at which the control data is set is the timing at which control is started by the control data or the timing before the control is started by the control data. In the following description, when an effect by any one of the LEDs 9a to 9e is described, it may be simply expressed as an LED effect.

  FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control data area. The control data area includes at least one control data area and another control data area. Specifically, in the case of the present embodiment, five control data areas of layer 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, and layer 5 are included. And each layer respond | corresponds to the sound production which outputs an audio | voice. For example, the “error” effect is an effect in which a screen showing an error is also displayed on the effect display device 5, and corresponds to an effect of outputting an error sound. The sound effect includes an effect (silence effect) that does not produce sound, and there may be an LED effect corresponding to the silence effect. The LED effect corresponding to the silence effect is an effect of causing the LED to emit light, not turning it off.

  Also, layer 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, and layer 5 have priorities set, and layer 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, layer 5 (layer 1 is the highest in order of increasing priority). The priority is low, and the layer 5 has the highest priority). Here, “priority is set” specifically means that when the production control CPU 120 controls the LEDs 9a to 9e, layer 5, layer 4, layer 3, layer 2, and layer 1 in this order. Control for determining whether or not control data is set, and outputting the control data set in the control data area determined to be set to each of the light emitter control boards 16C to 16F Therefore, priority is given to layer 5, layer 4, layer 3, layer 2, and layer 1 in this order. In addition, the example which implement | achieves the setting of a priority is not restricted to this, For example, you may make it assign the value which shows a priority to each layer. In this case, the production control CPU 120 first refers to the values assigned to all the layers in which the control data is set (even if the control data is set in a plurality of layers). Therefore, the control data set in the layer to which the highest priority value (for example, the maximum value) is assigned is output to each of the light emitter control boards 16C to 16F.

  Thus, since the priority order is set for the layers, only one LED effect is performed in the LED effect and a plurality of LED effects are not performed at the same time, but the sound effect corresponding to the LED effect is simultaneously performed. Sometimes done. For example, if control data for BGM effects is set in the control data area for layer 1 and no control data for other effects is set in the control data area for layers with higher priority than layer 1, BGM BGM is performed as a sound effect together with the LED effect of the effect. In this state, for example, when control data for another effect is set in the control data area of layer 3, the LED effect for the BGM effect ends and the LED effect for another effect is performed in the LED effect. In sound production, BGM and sound production of other productions are performed simultaneously.

  When the control data is set in any one of the control data areas, the effect control CPU 120 emits (lights up) the LEDs 9a to 9e with a light emission pattern corresponding to the control data area in which the control data is set. , Blinking, etc.) Specifically, for example, when the gaming state is in the low base state, as shown in FIG. 33, when control data is set in layer 1, it corresponds to the BGM effect (normal fluctuation, reach fluctuation) of layer 1 Control is performed so that the LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (lights, blinks, etc.) with the light emission pattern. When control data is set for layer 2, control is performed so that LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (light on, blink, etc.) with a light emission pattern corresponding to the notice B effect of layer 2. Further, when control data is set for layer 3, control is performed so that LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (lights up, blinks, etc.) in a light emission pattern corresponding to the notice A effect of layer 3. Further, when control data is set in layer 4, control is performed so that the LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (lights up, blinks, etc.) in a light emission pattern corresponding to the final notification effect of layer 4. If control data is set for layer 5, the LEDs 9a to 9e are controlled to emit light (light on, blink, etc.) with a light emission pattern corresponding to the error effect of layer 5.

  When the gaming state is the high base state, as shown in FIG. 33, when control data is set in layer 1, the LED 9a has a light emission pattern corresponding to the BGM effect (normal variation) of layer 1. ˜9e is controlled to emit light (light on, blink, etc.). When control data is set for layer 2, control is performed so that LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (light on, blink, etc.) with a light emission pattern corresponding to the BGM effect (reach fluctuation) of layer 2. When control data is set for layer 3, control is performed so that LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (lights, blinks, etc.) with a light emission pattern corresponding to the notice effect (all) of layer 3. Further, when control data is set in layer 4, control is performed so that the LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (lights up, blinks, etc.) in a light emission pattern corresponding to the final notification effect of layer 4. If control data is set for layer 5, the LEDs 9a to 9e are controlled to emit light (light on, blink, etc.) with a light emission pattern corresponding to the error effect of layer 5.

  Further, when the gaming state is the big hit state, as shown in FIG. 33, when the control data is set in the layer 1, the LEDs 9a to 9e have the light emission pattern corresponding to the BGM effect (big hit) of the layer 1. Is controlled to emit light (light on, blink, etc.). In addition, when control data is set in layer 2, control is performed so that LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (lights up, blinks, etc.) with a light emission pattern corresponding to the notice effect (holding, promotion) of layer 2. To do. When control data is set for layer 3, control is performed so that LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (light on, blink, etc.) with a light emission pattern corresponding to the big prize winning prize effect of layer 3. Further, when control data is set in layer 4, control is performed so that the LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (lights up, blinks, etc.) with a light emission pattern corresponding to the probability variation prize effect of layer 4. If control data is set for layer 5, the LEDs 9a to 9e are controlled to emit light (light on, blink, etc.) with a light emission pattern corresponding to the error effect of layer 5.

  When the control data is set in both the control data areas, the effect control CPU 120 emits the LEDs 9a to 9e with the light emission patterns corresponding to the control data areas set with high priority (lights on, It can be controlled to blink). Specifically, for example, when control data is set in both the layer 2 and layer 3 control data areas, the light emission pattern corresponding to the layer 3 which is the control data area set with a high priority is set. The LEDs 9a to 9e can be controlled to emit light (turn on, blink, etc.). Further, when control data is set in the control data areas of layer 2, layer 3, and layer 4, the LED 9a has a light emission pattern corresponding to layer 4 that is a control data area set with a high priority. ˜9e can be controlled to emit light (light on, blink, etc.).

  Further, in the present embodiment, the light emission pattern when the control data is set in one control data area during the first gaming state and one control during the second gaming state different from the first gaming state. The light emission pattern when the control data is set in the data area is different. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 33, the control data area is provided for each gaming state (low base state, high base state, big hit state). For example, in the low base state, for example, the light emission pattern (the light emission pattern corresponding to the notice A effect) when the control data is set in the control data area of layer 2 is different from the low base state, for example, the high base state The light emission pattern (light emission pattern corresponding to the BGM effect) when control data is set in the control data area of layer 2 is different.

  The setting in the control data area shown in FIG. 33 is reset every time one game is finished in principle. “One game” means that when the game state is low base state or high base state, the game starts from the start of variable display until it ends by stop display of variable display, and the game state is a big hit state Indicates a game from the start to the end of the big hit state.

  Therefore, when the gaming state is the low base state or the high base state, the control data is set at the start timing of the variable display or the start timing of the effect during the variable display, and is determined for each variable display stop display or each effect. It is reset when the specified time has elapsed. In addition, even when the timing at which the time determined for each effect has elapsed does not come, the variable display is reset when stopped.

  Further, when the gaming state is a big hit state, the control data is set in the special chart waiting process of S173 or the big hit game process of S176, etc., when the big hit is finished, when the round is finished, or for each effect It is reset at the timing when a predetermined time has passed.

  Setting of LED effect control data by LEDs 9a to 9e corresponding to effects (for example, pre-reading notice effects and effects including multiple hits) that are performed across a plurality of games is reset by the end of the game It will never be done. In addition, the LED effect performed over a plurality of games is a combination of one game that differs depending on the game state described above as one game, and the effect over a plurality of one game is also an LED effect. Good.

  Next, each effect shown in FIG. 33 will be described. As described above, the LED control in this embodiment corresponds to the sound effects in each effect shown in FIG. In the following description, an LED that emits light (lights, blinks, etc.) is described in each effect, but when only the described LED emits light (lights, blinks, etc.) May blink).

  In FIG. 33, the error effect corresponds to the error designation command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100, and the error image display operation in the display area of the effect display device 5 and the error sound output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R. This is an effect in which error notification or the like is performed by error light emission operation or the like in the LEDs 9a to 9e. The error effect in the present embodiment is an effect in which all of the LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (turn on, blink, etc.). Then, as shown in FIG. 33, when the control data is set in the control data area (layer 5) in which the highest priority is set, the effect control CPU 120 does not depend on the gaming state. Control is performed so that light is emitted (lighted, blinked, etc.) with a light emission pattern indicating an error effect.

  The confirmation notification effect is an effect in which LEDs arranged in a V-shape blink, or a V-shaped symbol is displayed in the display area of the effect display device 5, and a big hit performed during the variation of the effect symbol This is an effect (notice) indicating confirmation.

  For example, in the probability variation prize production, a V probability variation type gaming machine in which the state after the big hit is determined by the presence / absence of a winning of a probability variation prize opening (or a predetermined area provided in the probability variation prize opening, hereinafter, a probability variation prize opening, etc.). Is an effect that is performed when a prize is placed in a probable winning opening or the like. Generally, when winning at a promising winning prize opening or the like, the state after the big hit is set as a probable change state. In this case, an effect is provided that allows the player to aim for winning in a probability variation prize opening or the like, and this effect is referred to as a probability variation challenge effect in this embodiment. The pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is not provided with a probability variation prize opening, but in order to explain an example of LED control, the probability variation prize effect in the present embodiment is, for example, in the special variable prize winning ball device 7. The above-mentioned predetermined area is provided, and an LED (for example, an LED provided in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7) emits light (turns on, blinks, etc.) when winning in the predetermined area. In this embodiment, the probability variation challenge effect is an effect in which an LED (for example, an LED provided in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7) emits light (lights up, blinks, etc.). This probability variation entrance is also called a probability variation attacker.

  In this embodiment, the notice A effect and the notice B effect are effects in the display area of the effect display device 5 while the LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (lights, blinks, etc.). Character A is an effect displayed in the display area of effect display device 5, and notice B effect is an effect in which character B is displayed in the display area of effect display device 5. “Notice (all)” indicates a notice A effect and a notice B effect. In addition, among “notice (holding ream, promotion)”, the notice (holding ream) has a big hit hold when there is a big hit hold in the hold held before or during the big hit. It is an effect that gives notice in a big hit. The notice (promotion) is the aforementioned jackpot promotion effect or the round number promotion effect that increases the number of jackpot rounds from 8 rounds to 16 rounds, for example. This “notice (holding continuation, promotion)” is an effect in the display area of the effect display device 5 while the LEDs 9 a to 9 e emit light (turn on, blink, etc.).

  The big winning opening prize effect is an effect performed when a prize is awarded to the special variable winning ball apparatus 7. The big winning opening winning effect in the present embodiment is an effect in which the LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (lights up, blinks, etc.) every time the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is won. In this grand prize opening prize production, there is a case where an effect that is particularly conspicuous at the time of so-called over-winning is performed.

  In each effect described above, not only an LED effect but also an effect other than the LED effect (for example, a sound effect by sound, a display effect by the effect display device 5, or an effect that combines the sound effect and the display effect). Although it may be performed, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, “effect” indicates only an LED effect in the effect. When showing the whole production including the LED production and the production other than the LED, it is expressed as “production (all)”. Further, when an effect other than LED is indicated, it is expressed as “effect (other than LED)”. For example, “BGM effect” indicates only the LED effect, and “BGM effect (all)” indicates the entire effect including effects other than LED such as sound effect in addition to the LED effect, and “BGM effect (other than LED)”. "Indicates an effect other than the LED, such as a sound effect.

  Moreover, in each effect demonstrated above, the priority of a BGM effect is set to the lowest in any game state on the property of BGM. In the low base state, the notice A effect has a higher priority than the notice B effect, because the notice A effect is an effect with a higher expectation of a big hit than the notice B effect. Furthermore, in the low base state, the confirmed notification effect has a higher priority than the notice A effect, because the confirmed notification effect is an effect indicating the big hit confirmation.

  In the high base state, the BGM (reach variation) production has a higher priority than the BGM (normal) production, because the BGM (reach variation) production is a production with a higher expectation of jackpot than the BGM (normal) production. It is. In the high base state, the notice (all) effect has a higher priority than the BGM (reach fluctuation) effect, but this is because the notice (all) effect has a higher expectation of jackpot than the BGM (reach change) effect. It is. In the high base state, the confirmed notification effect has a higher priority than the notice (all) effect, which is because the confirmed notification effect is an effect having a higher degree of expectation than the notice (all) effect.

  In the big hit state, the notice (holding ream, promotion) effect has a higher priority than the BGM (hit hit) effect, which is more important for the player than the BGM (hit win) effect Because. In the big win state, the grand prize opening prize production has a higher priority than the notice (holding ream, promotion) production, but this is performed every time a prize is won, and the notice (holding ream, promotion) ) The effects (other than LEDs) are generally effects that are performed in the display area of the effect display device 5 for a relatively longer time than the prize winning prize winning effect. If the priority is increased, any effect can be notified to the player, but if the priority (priority, promotion) effect is higher than the prize winning effect, the advance notice (hold) This is because only the ream (promotion) promotion effect is performed, and the grand prize opening winning effect is not performed. In addition, as described above, in the big prize opening prize production, the production at the time of over-winning is generally performed, and the over-winning is a profit that is not originally obtained for the player, so the importance of the production is It is also because it is expensive.

  The setting of the control data for each effect is reset when the time determined for each effect elapses, except for the control data for the effect performed across the BGM effect and the plurality of games. In addition, there is an effect (all) that branches into two or more effects (all) as an effect (all) in a general pachinko gaming machine. When branching to such a plurality of effects (all), the control data for the effect corresponding to the branching is reset.

  The control data set in each control data area described above is an example, and is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 33, but is set as appropriate according to the performance of the pachinko gaming machine.

  34 and 35 are time charts showing examples of LED control. First, in the time chart shown in FIG. 34, there is a start prize at time T1 when no error notification is executed, the gaming state is in a low base state, variable display is not performed, and there is no hold. The time chart when the effect design starts to change, the notice B effect occurs at time T2, and the notice A effect occurs at time T3 is shown. The BGM effect (other than LED) is performed from time T1 to the end, the notice B effect (other than LED) is performed from time T2 to the last, and the notice A effect (other than LED) is performed from time T3 to the end. It has been broken. The control target LEDs are LEDs 9a to 9e as an example.

  In the time chart shown in FIG. 34, the vertical axis indicates LED control corresponding to each layer, and the horizontal axis indicates time.

  Also, in FIG. 34, the control data set in the control data area of layer 5 is used as control data for error effect, and the control data set in the control data area of layer 4 is used for control of the definite notification effect. The control data set in the control data area of layer 3 is the control data for the notice A effect, and the control data set in the control data area of layer 2 is the control data for the notice B effect. The control data set in the control data area of layer 1 is used as control data for the BGM effect.

  The LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (colored, blinking, etc.) in color A in error production, light in color B (lighting, blinking, etc.) in confirmation notification production, and light emission (lighting, blinking, etc.) in color C in notice A production. In the notice B effect, light is emitted (lighted, blinked, etc.) in the color D, and in the BGM effect, light is emitted (lighted, blinked, etc.) in the color E.

  Moreover, in the time chart shown in FIG. 34, the display mode which shows the luminescent color etc. of LED9a-9e is shown. In this display mode, “off” indicates that the LEDs 9a to 9e are turned off, and the alphabet indicates that the corresponding color is emitted (lighted, blinked, etc.). The expression “erasure” or alphabet is also used in other time charts to be described.

  Furthermore, the time chart shown in FIG. 34 also indicates whether or not an effect (other than LED) corresponding to each layer is being executed. For example, since the BGM effect (all) is an effect of executing a sound effect together with an LED effect, the sound effect can be executed even when the priority order is low and the LED effect is not executed.

  Moreover, in the case of FIG. 34, each effect (except LED) can be performed simultaneously. For example, the notice A effect (other than LED) and the notice B effect (other than LED) can be executed simultaneously.

  Based on the above, the time chart of FIG. 34 will be described. First, since control data is not set in each control data area, the LEDs 9a to 9e are turned off as shown in the LED display mode.

  There is a start prize at time T1, and control data is set in the control data area of layer 1, so that BGMLED control is turned on. Thereby, as shown in the LED display mode, the LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (lights up, blinks, etc.) with the color E.

  Next, at time T2, the control data is set in the control data area of layer 2 having higher priority than layer 1, so that the notice BLED control is turned on and the BGMLED control is turned off. Thereby, as shown in the LED display mode, the LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (light on, blink, etc.) with the color D.

  Next, at time T3, control data is set in the control data area of layer 3 having a higher priority than layer 2, so that the notice ALED control is turned on and the notice BLED control is turned off. Thereby, as shown in the LED display mode, the LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (lights up, blinks, etc.) in the color C. According to the control shown in FIG. 34, the notice B effect important for the player is prioritized over the BGM effect, and the notice A effect more important than the notice B effect is prioritized. Since the visual effect can be appropriately given, the interest of the game can be improved.

  Next, in the time chart shown in FIG. 35, in the state where the gaming state is the low base state, the variable display is not performed, and there is no hold, there is a start prize at time T1, and the production symbol starts to fluctuate. The case where the notice B effect occurs at time T2 and the notice A effect occurs at time T3 is the same as FIG. 34, but shows a time chart when error notification is being executed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 35, since error notification is being executed, an error effect (other than LED) is being executed, and control data is set in the control data area of layer 5, so that the LED display mode As shown in FIG. 4, the LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (light on, blink, etc.) in color A. Since the error notification control data set in the layer 5 has the highest priority, the time T1, time T2, and time T3 become the generation timing of the BGM effect, the notice B effect, and the notice A effect. In addition, the error LED control is continued and the execution of the error effect (other than the LED) is also continued.

  As shown in FIG. 35, even when error notification is being executed, the BGM effect (other than LED), the notice B effect (other than LED), and the notice A effect (other than LED) can be executed simultaneously.

  34 and 35 show an example of LED control when the gaming state is in the low base state as an example, but the case where the gaming state is in the high base state or the big hit gaming state is also illustrated. LED control is performed according to the priority order of the layers shown in FIG.

  36 and 37 are flowcharts showing an example of the effect execution setting process executed in the effect symbol variation start process (step S74). This flowchart will be described using the control data area shown in FIG. 33 as an example. Further, in the description of this flowchart, “setting the control data of the effect Y in the control data area of the layer N and setting the LED control data of the effect control pattern according to the start timing of the effect Y” is simply “the effect. Y control data is set to layer N ”. For example, the description “setting the control data for the notice effect in layer 2” means that the control data for the notice effect is set in the control data area of layer 2 and the effect control pattern is set according to the start timing of the notice effect. It means “setting LED control data”.

  In the effect execution setting process shown in FIG. 36, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the error LED is being emitted (for example, whether or not the LEDs 9a to 9e are being emitted in color A (lighted, blinked, etc.)). This is performed (step S901). The effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the error notification processing in step S54A has been executed.

  If the error LED is being emitted (step S901; Yes), since the error effect has the highest priority, the effect control CPU 120 proceeds to step S915 without setting the control data in the lower layer.

  If the error LED is being emitted (step S901; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the gaming state is a high base state (step S902). When the gaming state is the high base state (step S902; Yes), the production control CPU 120 determines whether or not the variation pattern is a reach variation pattern (step S903). If the variation pattern is a reach variation pattern (step S903; Yes), the production control CPU 120 sets control data for BGM (reach variation) production in layer 2 (step S904), and proceeds to step S906. When the variation pattern is not the reach variation pattern (step S903; NO), the production control CPU 120 sets the control data for the BGM (normal variation) production in the layer 1 (step S905), and proceeds to step S906.

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs a notice determination process for determining whether to execute the notice effect (step S906). Here, it is determined using a lottery process based on a variation pattern or a random number. For example, when the variation pattern indicates super reach α, β, it is determined using a lottery process based on random numbers. The effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not to execute the notice effect from the decision result of the notice determination process (step S907). When the notice effect is not executed (step S907; No), the process proceeds to step S909. When executing the notice effect (step S907; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 sets the control data for the notice effect in the layer 3 (step S908).

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs a confirmation notification determination process for determining whether to execute the confirmation notification effect (step S909). Here, it is determined using a lottery process based on a variation pattern or a random number. For example, when the variation pattern indicates a big hit, it is determined using a lottery process based on a random number. The effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not to execute the confirmation notification effect from the determination result of the determination notification determination process (step S910). When the confirmation notification effect is not executed (step S910; No), the process proceeds to step S912. When executing the confirmation notification effect (step S910; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 sets control data for the confirmation notification effect in the layer 4 (step S911). Next, the effect control CPU 120 selects each effect control pattern determined in each determination process (step S912). Then, the effect execution setting process ends.

  Returning to the process of step S902, if the gaming state is the low base state (step S902; No), the process proceeds to step S913 of FIG. The effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the variation pattern is a reach variation pattern (step S913). If the variation pattern is a reach variation pattern (step S913; Yes), the production control CPU 120 sets control data for BGM (reach variation) production in layer 1 (step S914), and proceeds to step S916. When the variation pattern is not the reach variation pattern (step S913; NO), the production control CPU 120 sets the BGM (normal variation) production control data in the layer 1 (step S915), and proceeds to step S916.

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs a notice B determination process for determining whether to execute the notice B effect (step S916). Here, it is determined using a lottery process based on a variation pattern or a random number. For example, when the variation pattern indicates super reach α, β, it is determined using a lottery process based on random numbers. The effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not to execute the notice B effect from the decision result of the notice B decision process (step S917). When the notice B effect is not executed (step S917; No), the process proceeds to step S919. When the notice B effect is executed (step S917; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 sets control data for the notice B effect in the layer 2 (step S918).

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs a notice A determination process for determining whether to execute the notice A effect (step S919). Here, it is determined using a lottery process based on a variation pattern or a random number. For example, when the variation pattern indicates super reach α, β, it is determined using a lottery process based on random numbers. The effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not to execute the notice A effect from the decision result of the notice A decision process (step S920). When the notice A effect is not executed (step S920; No), the process proceeds to step S922. When executing the notice A effect (step S920; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 sets control data for the notice A effect in the layer 3 (step S921).

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs a confirmation notification determination process for determining whether to execute the confirmation notification effect (step S922). Here, it is determined using a lottery process based on a variation pattern or a random number. For example, when the variation pattern indicates a big hit, it is determined using a lottery process based on a random number. The effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not to execute the confirmation notification effect from the determination result of the confirmation notification determination process (step S923). When the confirmation notification effect is not executed (step S923; No), the process proceeds to step S912. When executing the confirmation notification effect (step S923; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 sets control data for the confirmation notification effect in the layer 4 (step S924).

  In addition to the control of the LEDs 9a to 9e in the effect symbol variation start process described above, the LEDs 9a to 9e are also controlled in the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect symbol variation process, the big hit game process, and the like. For example, in the variation pattern command reception waiting process, when the customer waiting demonstration designation command is received when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the effect control CPU 120 immediately displays the LEDs 9a to 9e in the LED mode in the customer waiting demonstration effect. . On the other hand, when the BGM effect is an effect that repeats a certain pattern, the effect control CPU 120 displays the LEDs 9a to 9e in the LED mode of the customer waiting demonstration effect several seconds after receiving the customer waiting demonstration designation command. Thus, even when the same customer waiting demonstration designation command is received, the control contents differ depending on the situation.

  In the effect symbol variation processing, the effect control CPU 120 controls the LEDs 9a to 9e based on the start timing set in the effect symbol variation start process, and whether the time determined for each effect elapses. When the variable display ends, the setting of the control data for the effect is reset. Further, in the effect symbol changing process, the effect control CPU 120 may control the LEDs 9a to 9e in accordance with the player's operation. As an example of the player's operation, for example, there is an operation of pressing the trigger button of the stick controller 31A. In response to such a pressing operation, the effect control CPU 120 controls the LEDs 9a to 9e in the effect symbol variation processing. In the big hit game process, the effect control CPU 120 sets the control data shown in FIG. 33 in the control data area to control the LEDs 9a to 9e, and the time determined for each effect elapses. Then, the setting of the control data for the effect is reset. Also, in the big hit game processing, the LEDs 9a to 9e may be controlled according to the player's operation, so the effect control CPU 120 controls the LEDs 9a to 9e according to the pressing operation.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the data setting area (in this example, the control object shown in FIG. 33) having a plurality of layers (in this example, the layers 1 to 5 shown in FIG. 33) in which the priorities are set. Data area). Further, light emission data for performing light emission control of at least light emitters (LEDs 9a to 9e in this example) of the electrical components can be set in each layer of the data setting area. The control means (in this example, the effect control CPU 120) can perform light emission control of the light emitter based on the light emission data, and the light emission data is set in a plurality of layers in the data setting area. In addition, the light emission control of the light emitter is performed based on the light emission data set in the higher priority layer. Therefore, it is possible to perform light emission control of the light emitter by simply switching the priority order by switching layers.

  In this embodiment, a plurality of types of light emission patterns (for example, a BGM effect, a notice effect, a confirmation notification effect, a big prize opening prize effect, a probability change prize effect, an error effect, etc.) are executed. A light emitting device (for example, LEDs 9a to 9e) that can emit light with a color pattern, a blinking pattern, and the like, and a control unit (for example, CPU 120 for effect control) that can control the light emitting device. When the control data is set in the control data area, the light emitting device can be controlled to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern, and the control data area is one control data area (for example, the layer in FIG. 33). 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, layer 5 control data area, etc.) and other control data areas (eg layer 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, layer 5 And at least one of the control data areas (for example, layer 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, and the like). When the control data is set in any one of the control data areas of the layer 5), a light emission pattern corresponding to the control data area in which the control data is set (for example, The BGM effect, the notice effect, the confirmation notification effect, the grand prize opening prize effect, the probability variation prize effect, the light emission pattern corresponding to the error effect, etc.) are controlled to emit light, and both control data areas (for example, If control data is set in two control data areas of the layer 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, and layer 5 control data areas), the priority order The light emitting device can be controlled to emit light with a light emission pattern corresponding to a control data area that is set higher (for example, layer 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, layer 5, etc. in order of increasing priority). In the first gaming state (for example, the low base state of FIG. 33), the control data (for example, the low base state layer 2 control data region of FIG. 33, etc.) 33, the light emission pattern when the control data of the notice B effect set in the control data area of the layer 2 in the low base state in FIG. 33 is set, and the second gaming state different from the first gaming state (For example, the control data for the BGM effect set in the control data area of layer 2 in the high base state in FIG. 33) in one control data area (for example, the high base state in FIG. 33) The light emission pattern when is set is different. Therefore, the lamp effect can be performed in the priority order according to the game state, so that the interest of the game can be improved.

  In this embodiment, a plurality of types of light emission patterns (for example, a BGM effect, a notice effect, a confirmation notification effect, a big prize opening prize effect, a probability change prize effect, an error effect, etc.) are executed. A light emitting device (for example, LEDs 9a to 9e) that can emit light with a color pattern, a blinking pattern, and the like, and a control unit (for example, CPU 120 for effect control) that can control the light emitting device. When the control data is set in the control data area, the light emitting device can be controlled to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern, and the control data area is one control data area (for example, the layer in FIG. 33). 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, layer 5 control data area, etc.) and other control data areas (eg layer 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, layer 5 And at least one of the control data areas (for example, layer 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, and the like). When the control data is set in any one of the control data areas of the layer 5), a light emission pattern corresponding to the control data area in which the control data is set (for example, The BGM effect, the notice effect, the confirmation notification effect, the grand prize opening prize effect, the probability variation prize effect, the light emission pattern corresponding to the error effect, etc.) are controlled to emit light, and both control data areas (for example, If control data is set in two control data areas of the layer 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, and layer 5 control data areas), the priority order The light emitting device can be controlled to emit light with a light emission pattern corresponding to a control data area that is set higher (for example, layer 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, layer 5, etc. in order of increasing priority). In the control data area, the first data area (for example, the control data area for layer 1), the second data area (for example, the control data area for layer 2), 3 data areas (for example, a control data area for layer 3) are provided, and control data for controlling the light emitting device to emit light (for example, special data) is set as the control data set in the second data area. Control data for controlling the LED provided in the variable winning ball apparatus 7 to emit light) and extinguishing control data for controlling the light emitting apparatus to be extinguished, the first data area When control data (for example, control data for BGM effects) is set in the second data area, the light-off control data is set in the second data area, and when the light-off control data is set, Control data (for example, control data for winning prize winning effect) can be set in the three data areas. Therefore, a light emission pattern with a high priority can be made conspicuous, so that the interest of the game can be improved.

  The description of the effects shown in FIGS. 34 to 37 is an example, and the effects shown in this embodiment may be applied to other than the gaming state shown in FIGS. Specifically, for example, the gaming state shown in FIG. 34 is a low base state, but may be applied to a big hit state.

  Moreover, although the production | presentation in control of LED9a-9e demonstrated was made into a sound production, the production performed not only with a sound production but the production | presentation display apparatus 5, the effect which operates an accessory, etc. may be sufficient. Further, although the number of layers is five, the number of layers may be two or more. Furthermore, although the setting data area is provided for each of the low base state, the high base state, and the big hit state, it is not limited to this, and should be provided for each of various states such as the low accuracy high base state and the high accuracy high base state. It may be.

  As the control data set in the control data area described above, the control data output to the lamp control board 14 is taken as an example, but the address of the data indicating the light emission pattern or 1-bit data indicating on / off, etc. It may be.

  When the address of the data indicating the light emission pattern is set in the control data area, the effect control CPU 120 refers to the address set in the control data area and ramps the control data stored in the address. When the data is output to the control board 14 and the control data area is NULL, it is determined that the control data is not set.

  When 1-bit data indicating ON / OFF is set in the control data area, the effect control CPU 120 corresponds to the control data area when “1” indicating ON is set in the control data area. If the control data indicating the light emission pattern of the effect to be output is output to the lamp control board 14 and “0” indicating OFF is set in the control data area, it is determined that the control data is not set. Accordingly, when “0” is set, the control data indicating the light emission pattern of the production corresponding to the control data area is not output to the lamp control board 14, so that the lamp 9 does not emit light with the light emission pattern. It becomes.

  Further, although the embodiment based on the color difference has been described as the light emission pattern of the lamp, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a blinking pattern having a different light emission interval may be used. Furthermore, specific examples of colors A, B, C, D, and E include blue, yellow, green, red, gold, and rainbow, but they may emit light in a plurality of colors.

  Further, in this embodiment, the control means is configured when the control data is set in the control data area (for example, the control data area of layer 5 in FIG. 33) in which the highest priority is set. Is controlled to emit light with a light emission pattern indicating an error regardless of the gaming state. Therefore, an error can be notified appropriately.

  In this embodiment, the first control data for causing the light emitting device to emit light in the first light emission pattern when set in the control data area (for example, control data for the notice A effect in FIG. 33), There is second control data for causing the light emitting device to emit light in the second light emission pattern when set in the control data area, and in one gaming state (for example, the low base state in FIG. 33, etc.) One control data (for example, control data for the notice A effect set in layer 3 in FIG. 33) is second control data (for example, control data for the notice B effect set in layer 2 in FIG. 33). The first control data (for example, FIG. 33 (for example, FIG. 33 (B)) in a game state (for example, the high base state in FIG. 33 (B)) that is set in the control data area having a higher priority than the one game state. Set in layer 2 of B) The control data for the preview A effect) is in a control data area having a lower priority than the second control data (for example, the control data for the preview B effect set in layer 3 in FIG. 33B). Is set. Therefore, the lamp effect can be performed in the priority order according to the game state, so that the interest of the game can be improved.

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed in step S55C of FIG. 23 as the in-control memory inspection process. In the in-control memory inspection process shown in FIG. 38, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the memory inspection is in progress (step S1251). In step S1251, for example, a memory checking flag is set when executing a memory check, and whether or not the memory check is being performed is determined depending on whether the memory checking flag is on or off. What is necessary is just to judge. If it is determined in step S1251 that the memory check is not in progress (step S1251; No), it is determined whether or not a standby time as a memory check interval has elapsed (step S1252). The effect control CPU 120 may determine that the memory test interval has elapsed when, for example, a timeout signal output from a timer circuit (not shown) included in the CTC is on. Alternatively, the CPU 120 for effect control has passed the memory inspection interval when the current time specified using, for example, an RTC (real time clock: not shown) has passed the time set as the memory inspection interval. Can be determined.

  If the memory inspection interval has elapsed in step S1252 (step S1252; Yes), it is determined whether or not a demonstration is being displayed (step S1253). In step S1253, when the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not progressing and the demonstration display for displaying the demonstration effect image on the screen of the presentation display device 5 is being executed, it is determined that the demonstration is being displayed. do it. If the memory test interval has elapsed in step S1252, the memory test interval may be set again. If it is determined in step S1253 that the demonstration is not being displayed (step S1253; No), a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) set in advance as the inspection waiting time during control is set (step S1254), and control is in progress. The memory inspection process is terminated. The predetermined time set as the in-control inspection waiting time in step S1254 can normally recover the data stored in the CGROM 141 corresponding to the case where data refresh or data transfer is executed after the memory inspection interval elapses. Alternatively, it may be set within a range in which data refresh and data transfer can be normally executed so that transfer is possible (substitution is possible). For example, the predetermined time that is the inspection waiting time during control may be set differently depending on the number of times the CGROM 141 is read before the memory inspection interval elapses. In this case, when the number of readings of the CGROM 141 executed until the memory test interval elapses is equal to or greater than a predetermined number determination value, a shorter time is set than when the number is less than the number determination value. May be. Alternatively, the predetermined time serving as the inspection waiting time during control may be set to be different depending on the number of error bits generated until the memory inspection interval elapses. In this case, when the number of error bits detected until the memory test interval elapses is greater than or equal to a predetermined error determination value, a shorter time is set than when the error determination value is less than the error determination value. Also good.

  If the memory inspection interval has not elapsed in step S1252 (step S1252; No), it is determined whether the in-control inspection standby time set in step S1254 has elapsed (step S1255). When the inspection waiting time during control has not elapsed (step S1255; No), it is determined whether or not the demonstration is being displayed (step S1256). If it is determined in step S1256 that the demonstration is not being displayed (step S1256; No), the in-control memory inspection process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S1253 that the demonstration is being displayed (step S1253; Yes), the in-control inspection waiting time has elapsed in step S1255 (step S1255; Yes), or the demonstration is being displayed in step S1256. If it is determined (step S1256; Yes), control is performed so as to start the in-control memory inspection for inspecting the data stored in the CGROM 141 during the production control (step S1257). For example, the effect control CPU 120 inspects the data stored in the CGROM 141 by executing a memory inspection process. At this time, for example, a setting corresponding to the memory test is performed such as setting and turning on the memory test flag (step S1258), and the in-control memory test process is terminated. If the memory test interval has elapsed in step S1252, the process proceeds to step S1257 without determining whether the demonstration is being displayed in step S1253, and immediately starts the in-control memory test. You may do it.

  If it is determined in step S1251 that the memory test is being performed (step S1251; Yes), it is determined whether the memory test is completed (step S1259). If it is determined that the memory test is not completed (step S1259; No), the in-control memory test process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the memory check is completed (step S1259; Yes), control corresponding to the end of the memory check during control is performed (step S1260). At this time, for example, a corresponding setting is made after the memory check, such as clearing the memory checking flag and turning it off (step S1261), and the controlling memory checking process is terminated.

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed in step S55D of FIG. 23 as the in-control effect data transfer process. In the effect data transfer process during control shown in FIG. 39, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not effect data is being read (step S271). In step S271, for example, whether or not effect data is being read out may be determined depending on whether or not the effect data reading flag is on or off. When it is determined in step S271 that the effect data is not being read (step S271; No), it is determined whether or not the effect data reading condition is satisfied (step S272). In step S272, for example, when it is necessary to transfer the storage data of the CGROM 141 to the VRAM 126 from the contents of the effect control execution data (display control execution data included in the process data) included in the effect control pattern, the effect data read condition is What is necessary is just to determine with having been materialized.

  When it is determined in step S272 that the effect data reading condition is not satisfied (step S272; No), normal time WDT clear setting is performed (step S273). In step S273, the watchdog timer is cleared and the measurement time is initialized before the monitoring time of the watchdog timer (not shown) elapses, corresponding to the case where the data stored in the CGROM 141 is not read. You just have to restart. For example, the effect control CPU 120 may periodically clear the watchdog timer by sequentially writing a plurality of WDT clear data to the WDT clear register.

  When the effect data read condition is satisfied in step S272 (step S272; Yes), control is performed to start reading the effect data (step S274). For example, the effect control CPU 120 may read the data stored in the CGROM 141, transfer it to the VRAM 126, and store it. At this time, for example, an effect data reading flag is set and turned on, for example, corresponding settings are made during effect data reading (step S275), and the in-control effect data transfer process is terminated. In step S275, a predetermined time is set as a clear time during reading.

  If it is determined in step S271 that the effect data is being read (step S271; Yes), it is determined whether or not the effect data has been read (step S276). If it is determined that the effect data has been read (step S276; Yes), control corresponding to the end of the effect data reading is performed (step S277). At this time, for example, the effect data reading flag is cleared and turned off, and corresponding settings are made after the effect data is read (step S278), and the in-control effect data transfer process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S276 that the effect data has not been completely read (step S276; No), it is determined whether the clearing time during reading has elapsed (step S279). At this time, if the clearing time during reading has passed (step S279; Yes), it is determined whether or not the number of clearing during reading has reached a predetermined clear upper limit determination value (step S280). The number of times of clearing during reading indicates the number of times that the watchdog timer has been cleared by the setting in step S281 after the effect data is started to be read out by the control in step S274. For example, in step S275, “0” is set as the count initial value of the reading clear counter, and the count value may be updated so that 1 is added by the setting in step S282.

  If the reading clear time has not elapsed in step S279 (step S279; No), or if the clear upper limit determination value has been reached in step S280 (step S280; Yes), the in-control effect data transfer process Exit. On the other hand, if the clear upper limit determination value has not been reached in step S280 (step S280; No), WDT clear setting during reading is performed (step S281). In step S281, the watchdog timer is cleared and the measurement time is initialized before the watchdog timer monitoring time elapses, corresponding to the case where the data stored in the CGROM 141 is read. Just start. When the WDT clear setting during reading is performed in step S281, the number of times of clearing during reading is updated by adding 1 or the like (step S282), and the in-control effect data transfer process is terminated.

  Note that the WDT clear setting during reading in step S281 may be set so as to clear the watchdog timer at a different period from the case of the normal WDT clear setting in step S273. For example, in the reading WDT clear setting in step S281, the watchdog timer is cleared in a longer cycle than in the normal WDT clear setting in step S273. In this case, the normal WDT clear setting in step S273 clears the watchdog timer by each setting, while the reading WDT clear setting in step S281 sets the watchdog timer by performing a plurality of settings. You may clear it. If the watchdog timer is cleared by sequentially setting multiple WDT clear data in the WDT clear register, all the multiple WDT clear data will be in order when the normal WDT clear setting is performed once in step S273. On the other hand, when the WDT clear setting during reading in step S281 is performed once, only one WDT clear data is set, and a plurality of WDT clear settings are repeated a plurality of times, so that a plurality of WDT clear settings are repeated. Data may be set in order. Conversely, in the WDT clear setting during reading in step S281, the watchdog timer may be cleared in a shorter cycle than in the normal WDT clear setting in step S273.

  In this way, in the effect data transfer process during control, when the normal time WDT clear setting in step S273 is performed, the measurement time by the watchdog timer is initialized before the monitoring time of the watchdog timer elapses. If it is determined in step S276 that reading of the effect data is not completed after starting the reading of the effect data by the control in step S274, the WDT clear setting during reading in step S281 is performed. The watchdog timer measurement time is initialized before the dog timer monitoring time elapses. Thereby, when the read time of the effect data is prolonged, the watchdog timer can be appropriately cleared to suppress inappropriate reset of the effect control CPU 120, so that the occurrence of a problem can be prevented.

  In the in-control effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 39, it is determined in step S271 whether or not the effect data is being read out, thereby determining whether or not it is during the reading period in which the stored data of the CGROM 141 is being read. . If data refresh or data transfer (alternative processing) is executed in the CGROM 141 during this read period, the read period may be prolonged and the normal time WDT clear setting in step S273 may not be performed. is there. Therefore, if it is determined in step S271 that the effect data is being read, and it is determined in step S276 that the effect data has not been read, the watchdog timer is monitored by the WDT clear setting in step S281. The time measured by the watchdog timer can be initialized before the time elapses. In this case, when it is determined in step S280 that the number of times of clearing during reading has not reached the clear upper limit determination value, the WDT clearing during reading in step S281 can be performed. If it is determined in step S280 that the number of clears during reading has reached the clear upper limit determination value, the WDT clear setting during reading in step S281 is not performed, so initialization of the measurement time by the watchdog timer is limited. . As described above, after the number of times of clearing during reading reaches the clear upper limit determination value, when the monitoring time of the watchdog timer elapses, a time-out signal serving as a time elapse signal is generated, and the effect control CPU 120 is reset. And reboot. When the number of clears during reading reaches the clear upper limit determination value, the effect control CPU 120 may be immediately reset and restarted without waiting until the monitoring time of the watchdog timer elapses. For example, when it is determined in step S280 that the number of clears during reading has reached the clear upper limit determination value, the effect control CPU 120 may be reset by generating a reset interrupt of the effect control CPU 120.

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a memory inspection process executed by the effect control CPU 120. In this embodiment, although the case where the production control CPU 120 executes the memory inspection process using the VDP function is shown, the production control microcomputer 120A includes a memory controller (not shown). The memory controller may be configured to start executing the memory inspection process based on the supply of the inspection request signal from the effect control CPU 120. In this case, the memory controller only needs to be able to execute the memory inspection process on condition that a signal is supplied from the CPU 120 for effect control. Alternatively, the memory controller can execute the memory inspection process based on the setting at the time of turning on the power, the end of the memory inspection interval, or the like, without being conditional on the signal supply from the CPU 120 for effect control. Also good.

  In the memory inspection process shown in FIG. 40, the effect control CPU 120 (or memory controller) reads the status information stored in the CGROM 141 or the like (step S451). The status information may include erasure unit block management information, error bit number management information, error correction management information, data refresh management information, and the like. The management information of the number of error bits may be information indicating the number of error bits generated every time sector data is read from the CGROM 141 and specified by error detection of each sector data. The error correction management information may be information that is created when error correction of sector data read from the CGROM 141 is performed and indicates whether error correction of each sector data has been performed. The data refresh management information may be information that is created when the sector data stored in the CGROM 141 is refreshed, and indicates information such as the number of times the data refresh has been performed and the execution date and time.

  Subsequently, based on the contents of the status information read in step S451 and the like, it is determined whether or not a data refresh condition is satisfied (step S452). For example, when there is sector data in which the number of error bits indicated in the management information of the number of error bits exceeds a predetermined error threshold, it may be determined that the data refresh condition is satisfied. Further, when there is sector data that cannot be corrected by the error correction management information, it may be determined that the data refresh condition is satisfied.

  If the data refresh condition is satisfied in step S452 (step S452; Yes), control for executing the data refresh is performed (step S453). In step S453, for example, the storage data of the erase unit block including the sector data to be subjected to data refresh is read, and error correction is performed to restore correct data. Then, with respect to the erase unit block from which the stored data is read, the stored data may be erased and the restored correct data may be written. Alternatively, the restored correct data may be written in an erase unit block different from the erase unit block from which the stored data is read. When the restored correct data is written, it may be determined whether or not the data refresh is normally completed by reading the written data again and comparing it with the data before writing.

  When the data refresh condition is not satisfied in step S452 (step S452; No), after the control in step S453 is performed, it is determined whether the data transfer condition is satisfied (step S454). For example, it may be determined that the data transfer condition is satisfied when there is sector data that could not be corrected by the error correction management information. Further, when there is sector data in which the number of times data refresh indicated in the data refresh management information is performed exceeds a predetermined transfer threshold, it may be determined that the data transfer condition is satisfied. . If the data refresh is not normally completed in step S453, it may be determined that the data transfer condition is satisfied.

  If the data transfer condition is not satisfied in step S454 (step S454; No), the memory inspection process is terminated. On the other hand, when the data transfer condition is satisfied (step S454; Yes), control for executing the data transfer is performed (step S455), and the memory inspection process is terminated. In step S455, for example, the stored data of the erase unit block including the sector data to be transferred is read, and correct data is restored by performing error correction or the like. At this time, the erase unit block from which the stored data is read is set as a defective block as a defective area. Then, the restored data may be written in an alternative block serving as an alternative area in the redundant area. In addition, the arrangement information included in the address conversion table is updated so that the storage data of the alternative block can be read in place of the defective block.

  In the memory inspection process shown in FIG. 40, when the data refresh condition is satisfied in step S452, the data refresh is enabled by the control in step S453. Thereby, even if a memory cell deteriorated due to factors such as read disturb and data retention occurs in the CGROM 141, the stored data can be restored to the correct data and protected. Further, when the data transfer condition is satisfied in step S454, an alternative process for performing data transfer is made executable by the control in step S455. Thereby, in the CGROM 141, when there is a defective block that becomes a defective area that cannot be recovered even if the memory cell is refreshed, the storage data of the defective area can be transferred to the alternative block that becomes the alternative area and protected.

  In the effect control main process shown in FIG. 23, power-on memory test setting is performed in step S51B, and the memory test process shown in FIG. 40 is executed when the power is turned on. At this time, data refresh may be executed by the control in step S453, or data transfer may be executed by the control in step S455. For example, the status information of the CGROM 141 is updated after the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, such as before the power is turned off last time, and the data refresh condition can be satisfied and the data transfer condition can be satisfied. Sometimes. However, when power supply is terminated by power-off without performing data refresh or data transfer, the deterioration of the memory cell is left as it is and further proceeds, and the data stored in the CGROM 141 contains many errors. There is a risk of becoming. Therefore, when the power supply is started again by turning on the power, the memory inspection process shown in FIG. 40 is executed. If the data refresh condition is satisfied in step S452, the data refresh is executed by the control in step S453. If the data transfer condition is satisfied in step S454, the data transfer is executed by the control in step S455. In the effect control main process shown in FIG. 23, an interval for memory inspection is set in step S51C.

  In the in-control memory inspection process shown in FIG. 38, when the memory inspection interval has elapsed in step S1252, it is determined in step S1253 or step S1256 that the demonstration is being displayed, or in step S1255. On the condition that it is determined that the in-control inspection waiting time has elapsed, the control in step S1257 enables the memory inspection being controlled. In this way, data refresh and data transfer can be executed based on the elapse of the memory inspection interval not only when the power is turned on, but also during the control of the performance, so that the power since the power was turned on can be executed. Even when a long time has passed without the supply being stopped, the process for protecting the data stored in the CGROM 141 can be executed. In particular, since the alternative process of transferring data can be executed based on the elapse of the memory inspection interval, the storage data of the defective block that becomes a defective area in which an unrecoverable data error occurs even if the memory cell is refreshed, It can be appropriately transferred and stored in an alternative block serving as an alternative area.

  FIG. 41 shows a configuration example of the storage area in the CGROM 141. The storage area of the CGROM 141 has three areas: a data area, a control area, and a redundant area. A management table and various types of effect data can be stored in the data area and the redundant area. The effect data may be audio data, lamp drive data, motor drive data, etc., in addition to image data including still image data and moving image data. The data area is a normal use area used for normal access of the CGROM 141. The program for controlling the progress of the effect and the effect data used for executing the effect are written and stored in the data area as long as access is not hindered. The redundant area is an alternative use area that can be used in place of a defective area that hinders writing or reading in the data area. A defective area such as a defective block determined to have an access problem in the data area is prohibited from being used, and the storage data of the defective area is stored in a replacement area such as a replacement block in the redundant area. The control area is a control information area for storing correspondence information indicating the relationship between the defective area of the data area and the alternative area of the redundant area. As the correspondence information, for example, arrangement information indicating the correspondence between the address of the data area and the address of the redundant area is stored. The address of the data area and the address of the redundant area may be specified by a page number or a block number, or may be specified by a start address and an end address. The arrangement information indicating the correspondence between the address of the data area and the address of the redundant area may be stored together in the address conversion table. The address change table is composed of table data of arrangement information that can convert a logical block address specified when requesting access to the CGROM 141 from the CPU 120 for effect control to a physical block address assigned to an actual storage area. It only has to be done.

  In the data area shown in FIG. 41, there are three defective areas A, B, and D. In this case, replacement areas A, B, and D to which stored data of defective areas A, B, and D are transferred are provided in the redundant area. In the control area, arrangement information A, B, and D for specifying the correspondence relationship between the defective areas A, B, and D and the alternative areas A, B, and D are stored. History information may be written in the redundant area. The history information may be information indicating a history of data transfer in the CGROM 141, and may include, for example, date information on which data transfer has been performed. History information C is stored in the redundant area shown in FIG. Arrangement information C corresponding to the history information C is stored in the control area. Unlike the arrangement information indicating the correspondence between the defective area and the alternative area, the arrangement information C includes a history flag indicating that the arrangement information is related to history information, and address information of a redundant area storing the history information. It only has to be included. By reading the address information included in the arrangement information whose history flag is on, the history information stored in the redundant area can be read out. The number of times data transfer is performed in the CGROM 141 may be specified from the date information of data transfer included in the history information, and it may be determined whether the use of the CGROM 141 can be continued or discarded. In addition to the arrangement information, the control area includes various management information constituting status information, such as management information for erase unit blocks, management information for the number of error bits, management information for error correction, and management information for data refresh. It may be stored.

  FIG. 42A shows a configuration example of moving image data included in the image data among the effect data stored in the CGROM 141. FIG. 42B shows an operation example in which moving image data is separated into video data and audio data and decoded. FIG. 42C shows an execution example of moving image reproduction using moving image data. The moving image data may be configured by multiplexing video data and audio data, each of which is compression-encoded, in a predetermined container format. In moving image data, if header data is followed by a video data block storing packetized video data and an audio data block storing packetized audio data in a predetermined order Good. The moving image data read from the CGROM 141 is input to the demultiplexer and separated into video data and audio data. The video data output from the demultiplexer is supplied to the video decoder. The audio data output from the demultiplexer is supplied to the audio decoder. The video decoder decodes the video data supplied from the demultiplexer and outputs the decoded video data at a timing that matches the header information or the time stamp added to each packet. The audio decoder decodes the audio data supplied from the demultiplexer and outputs it at a timing that matches the header information or the time stamp added to each packet.

  In this way, video data and audio data are separated and decoded using moving image data configured by multiplexing video data and audio data, and then output according to a time stamp. Thereby, it is possible to reproduce a moving image in which the video output and the audio output are synchronized. In the CGROM 141, video data related to display control of the effect display device 5 and audio data related to output control of effect sound in the speakers 8L and 8R are stored as a series of moving image data. The CPU 120 for effect control and the sound processing circuit (not shown) of the sound control board 13 reproduce the moving image using the moving image data read from the CGROM 141, thereby controlling the display of the effect display device 5 and the speaker. The production sound output control in 8L and 8R can be executed synchronously.

  FIGS. 43 to 45 are sequence diagrams illustrating examples of moving image reproduction control in response to a case where a moving image reproduction command is supplied. FIG. 43 shows the case of the inspection OK in which the inspection result of the moving image data (read data) read from the CGROM 141 is normal. FIG. 44 shows a case where the data refresh is successful in the CGROM 141. FIG. 45 shows a case of defective block detection in which a defective block is detected in the CGROM 141. 43 to 45, the VDP and memory controller portions of the functions of the effect control CPU 120 are each shown as one block. In this embodiment, a case is shown in which a production control CPU 120 having a VDP function is used, but a VDP or a memory controller may be provided separately from the production control CPU 120.

  As shown in FIG. 43, in the VDP, when a moving image reproduction command is received from the effect control CPU 120, a moving image data read request for requesting reading of moving image data specified from a register value as a parameter is stored in the memory. Supply to the controller. In response to receiving the moving image data read request, the memory controller sets the read standby signal to be output to the effect control CPU 120 to ON. Thereafter, reading of moving image data is started. When the reading of the moving image data is completed, error detection and error correction are performed on the read moving image data. Thus, when the moving image data is completely read, the VDP starts to reproduce and display the moving image on the screen of the effect display device 5. The moving image data is not limited to the one in which the reproduction and display of the moving image is not started until the reading of all moving image data is completed. The read moving image data is used every time the moving image data of a predetermined unit is read. Thus, the playback and display of moving images may proceed sequentially. Also, as shown in FIGS. 42A to 42C, in the reproduction display of the moving image, the video output in the effect display device 5 and the audio output in the speakers 8L and 8R are executed in synchronization with each other. And then proceed.

  In the memory controller, the read data is inspected using the error detection and error correction execution results. For example, the inspection result of the read data is determined depending on whether or not the number of error bits specified by error detection exceeds an error threshold and whether or not there is sector data that cannot be corrected by error correction. At this time, if it is determined that the inspection result of the read data is normal, the data stored in the CGROM 141 has been normally read out, and the read standby signal output to the effect control CPU 120 is set to OFF. Thereafter, when the reproduction and display of the moving image by the control of VDP or the like is completed, the completion of moving image reproduction may be notified from the VDP to the CPU 120 for effect control.

  In the case shown in FIG. 44, the memory controller determines that the inspection result of the read data is abnormal. In this case, data refresh is started for the sector data stored in the CGROM 141. After that, when the data refresh ends normally, the data stored in the CGROM 141 can be newly read out. Therefore, the read standby signal output to the effect control CPU 120 is set to OFF. The data refresh based on the inspection result of the read data is executed according to the execution result of the error detection or error correction. Good. As a result, even when data refresh is performed on the data stored in the CGROM 141, it is possible to prevent a delay in the reproduction and display of the moving image, and to perform an effect by appropriate reproduction and display of the moving image. On the other hand, when the moving image reproduction display by the control of VDP or the like is not started until the data refresh is completed, the reproduction and display of the moving image is delayed.

  In the case shown in FIG. 45, after the data refresh is started by the memory controller, the data refresh is interrupted when a defective block that becomes a defective area is detected. In this case, data transfer is started with respect to the sector data of the erase unit block stored in the CGROM 141 in correspondence with the detection of the defective block. After that, in the CGROM 141, when the data transfer from the defective block that is the defective area in the data area to the alternative block that is the alternative area in the redundant area is completed and the stored data in the CGROM 141 can be newly read, the CPU 120 for effect control The read standby signal output toward is set to OFF. Note that the data transfer executed after the data refresh based on the detection result of the read data may be executed after the moving image reproduction display by the control of the VDP or the like is started, similarly to the data refresh. As a result, even when data transfer with respect to the data stored in the CGROM 141 is executed, it is possible to prevent a delay in the reproduction and display of the moving image, and to perform an effect by appropriate reproduction and display of the moving image. On the other hand, when waiting for the moving image playback and display under the control of VDP or the like to start until the data transfer from the defective area to the alternative area is completed, it is compared with the case where the data refresh is normally completed. As a result, a further delay occurs in the reproduction display of the moving image.

  In the cases shown in FIGS. 44 and 45, when it is determined that the inspection result of the read data is abnormal, the data refresh is subsequently started. In the case shown in FIG. 45, after data refresh is started, data transfer is started when a defective block that becomes a defective area is detected. As described above, data refresh or data transfer may be executed immediately after the reading is performed according to the inspection result for the read data of the CGROM 141. On the other hand, the error detection and error correction execution results for the read data of the CGROM 141 are stored in the CGROM 141. This corresponds to the fact that the data refresh condition and the data transfer condition are satisfied when the memory check interval elapses. Data refresh and data transfer may be executable.

  In the moving image reproduction control examples shown in FIG. 43 to FIG. 45, when a moving image reproduction command is supplied from the effect control CPU 120 to the VDP, the VDP supplies a moving image data read request to the memory controller. Reading of image data has started. On the other hand, a command corresponding to the moving image data read request may be supplied from the effect control CPU 120 to the memory controller. In the effect control CPU 120, when the start of moving image playback is determined from effect control execution data (display control execution data included in the process data) included in the effect control pattern, the in-control effect data transfer process shown in FIG. In step S272, it is determined that the effect data reading condition is satisfied. Therefore, an instruction corresponding to the moving image data read request may be supplied from the effect control CPU 120 to the memory controller under the control of step S274. However, in the case where the moving image playback command is supplied from the effect control CPU 120 to the VDP and the command corresponding to the moving image data read request is supplied from the effect control CPU 120 to the memory controller, the effect control CPU 120. May increase the processing load. On the other hand, when the VDP receives a moving image reproduction command supplied from the effect control CPU 120, as in the moving image reproduction control examples shown in FIGS. 43 to 45, the moving image data read request is sent from the VDP to the memory controller. Since the processing load for reading the moving image data is distributed, the processing load on the effect control CPU 120 can be reduced.

  When starting playback and display of a moving image, a delay may occur due to various factors. For example, as in the example of moving image reproduction control shown in FIGS. 44 and 45, there may be a delay due to data refresh or data transfer based on the inspection result of the read data. In addition, when the control to start the in-control memory check is performed in step 257 of the in-control memory check process shown in FIG. 38, the stored data in the CGROM 141 becomes unreadable, and the moving image is checked until the in-control memory check ends. There may be a delay in the reproduction and display of the image. Furthermore, in the CGROM 141 configured using a NAND flash memory, there may be a delay in the reproduction and display of moving images due to reading of stored data by random access. The CGROM 141 configured using a NAND flash memory reads stored data in units of sectors. Since moving image data tends to have a larger data capacity than other effect data, the CGROM 141 may store the data across a plurality of sectors. In the CGROM 141, when presentation data such as moving image data is stored across a plurality of sectors, the stored data must be read by accessing each sector. In this case, since random access to the CGROM 141 frequently occurs, a delay occurs in reading out stored data, and the influence of the delay also affects reproduction and display of moving images.

  Among the effects executed in the pachinko gaming machine 1, there are effects that are likely to cause a delay according to the read permission / refusal state of the CGROM 141, as in the case of playing and displaying moving images. On the other hand, there is an effect that can be executed without delay regardless of whether the CGROM 141 is read or not. For example, the effect control execution data (display control execution data) stored in the ROM 135 may include effect control execution data (display control execution data) for executing the start winning notification SH1. The start winning notification SH1 is a sound output from the speakers 8L, 8R, top frame LED 9a, left frame LED 9b, right frame LED 9c, board side LEDs 9d, 9e, etc. The occurrence of the start winning is notified by the lighting mode of the decorative LED, the operation of the effect movable member, or a combination of some or all of them. Further, the effect control execution data (display control execution data) stored in the ROM 135 may include effect control execution data (display control execution data) for executing the post-reach effect AR1 and the post-reach effect AR2. . The post-reach effect AR1 corresponds to the fact that the variable display state of the effect symbol has reached the reach state, for example, the audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R corresponding to the period when the playback display of the moving image is normally started. The start of reach production is notified by the lighting mode of the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, the right frame LED 9c, the panel side LEDs 9d, 9e, and other decorative LEDs, the operation of the movable movable member, or a combination thereof. To do. In addition, the presentation control execution data (display control execution data) stored in the ROM 135 may include presentation control execution data (display control execution data) for executing the error notification EH1. The error notification EH1 is a sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R when the various errors occur, a lighting mode of the ceiling LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, the right frame LED 9c, the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e, and other decorative LEDs, The occurrence of an abnormality is notified by a combination of some or all of them. Alternatively, the effect control execution data (display control execution data) stored in the ROM 135 may include effect control execution data (display control execution data) for executing the notice effect YA1. The notice effect YA1 is a sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, a ceiling frame LED 9a, a left frame LED 9b, a right frame LED 9c, a panel side LED 9d and 9e, and other decoration LEDs during the variable display of the effect symbol. This suggests that the operation of the movable member for use in the game, or a combination of some or all of them, can be controlled to the big hit gaming state as an advantageous state.

  46 and 47 are sequence diagrams illustrating a control example in the case of executing the start winning notification SH1. FIG. 46 shows a case where there is no reading delay in which no delay occurs in reading moving image data. FIG. 47 shows a case where there is a read delay that causes a delay in reading moving image data. In the control examples shown in FIGS. 46 and 47, the control up to the start of reach production is common. Specifically, a variable display start command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 when the special symbol variable display on the first special symbol display 4A or the second special symbol display 4B is started. Is done. For example, the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 performs settings for transmitting a variable display result notification command and a variation pattern designation command. In the effect control board 12, in response to receiving the variable display start command, the effect control CPU 120 executes an effect symbol variation start process and starts variable display of the effect symbols. Thus, in response to the start of variable display of the special symbol, the variable display start setting of the effect symbol is performed, and the variable display of the effect symbol is started. Thereafter, the pre-reach effect BR1 may be executed. The pre-reach effect BR1 may be an effect suggesting that the game state is controlled to the big hit gaming state by a variable display mode of the effect symbol such as a variable display effect of “sliding” or “pseudo ream”, for example. Alternatively, the pre-reach effect BR1 may be an effect suggesting that the game is controlled to the big hit game state, such as a notice effect, regardless of the variable display mode of the effect symbol. Thereafter, in response to reaching the reach establishment in which the variable display state of the effect symbol becomes the reach state, the reach effect starts where the execution of the reach effect is started.

  In the control example shown in FIG. 46, the playback and display of a moving image is started without delay as a reach effect. The start winning notification SH1 is executed at the time of the start winning when the first start winning or the second starting winning occurs after the reproduction display of the moving image is started. The start winning notification SH1 can be executed without delay at the time of starting winning by reading the effect control execution data (display control execution data) stored in the ROM 135 in response to the occurrence of the start winning. The start winning notification SH1 is a passing area (starting area) through which a game ball can pass, such as a first starting winning hole formed in the normal winning ball apparatus 6A or a second starting winning hole formed in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B. ) Is included in the passage assistance effect relating to the passing of the game ball. The reach effect by the reproduction display of the moving image includes an audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R that is executed in synchronization with the video output on the screen of the effect display device 5. This audio output is included in the display auxiliary effect relating to the display of the effect display device 5.

  After the execution of the reach effect is started in the control example shown in FIG. 46, the post-reach effect AR10 may be executed. The post-reach effect AR10 may be an effect suggesting that the game is controlled to the big hit gaming state, such as a cut-in display of an effect image prepared in advance. Alternatively, the post-reach effect AR10 may be an effect that does not suggest that the game is controlled to the big hit gaming state, such as video output or audio output explaining the content of the reach effect. In the control example shown in FIG. 46, after the playback and display of a moving image that has been started without delay ends, the display of the effect symbol is started. Next, the reach effect ends when execution of the reach effect ends, and in response to the variable display end when the variable symbol special display ends, the display result in the variable effect variable display is stopped (completely stopped) and confirmed. The production symbol is displayed.

  In the control example shown in FIG. 47, a delay occurs in the reading of moving image data used for executing the reproduction display of the moving image included in the reach effect, and the display is stopped without starting the reproduction display of the moving image. There is. When the first start prize or the second start prize occurs during the display stop period, the start prize notification SH1 is executed even during the display stop period. For example, the presentation control execution data (display control execution data) used for execution of the start winning notification SH1 includes part or all of the voice control data, the lamp control data, and the motor control data, but does not include the display control data. It suffices to be configured. Alternatively, the presentation control execution data (display control execution data) used for execution of the start winning notification SH1 includes presentation control execution data including part or all of voice control data, lamp control data, and motor control data, and display control data. Production control execution data including only the above may be prepared separately. The effect control CPU 120 does not use the effect control execution data including only the display control data, but uses the effect control execution data including part or all of the audio control data, the lamp control data, and the motor control data, to notify the start prize. SH1 may be executed. For example, the effect control CPU 120 reads from the ROM 135 effect control execution data prepared in response to occurrence of a first start prize or a second start prize. Since the start winning notification SH1 is executed using the effect control execution data read at this time, the start winning notification SH1 can be executed even during the display stop period without being affected by the delay in the reproduction and display of moving images.

  After the execution of the reach effect with a delay in the playback and display of moving images in the control example shown in FIG. 47, the post-reach effect AR10 may be executed. In this control example, the display of the effect symbol is started before the reproduction and display of the moving image with the delay ends. Regardless of whether or not there is a delay in the playback and display of the moving image, the timing at which the display of the effect symbol is displayed is the effect control process timer judgment value set in the effect control pattern (process data) read from the ROM 135, etc. Therefore, it may be determined in advance. In the production symbol display, the production symbols subject to final display in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” production symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are accompanied by slight fluctuations and expansion / contraction. Display until the display is stopped (complete stop display). The effect symbol that is the target of the final display is a final effect symbol derived as a display result in the variable display of the effect symbol, and may be the final stop symbol determined in step S201 of the variable display start setting process shown in FIG. That's fine. The shaking display period during which the effect symbol is displayed may be a period up to elapse of a preset time in the effect control pattern (process data), for example, 2 seconds. In this shaking display period, playback and display of a moving image with a delay is continuously performed. The reach effect by the reproduction display of the moving image includes an audio output executed in synchronism with the video output as a display assist effect related to the display on the screen of the effect display device 5. Therefore, when a delay occurs in the playback display of the moving image, the audio output serving as a display auxiliary effect can be delayed and executed according to the playback display stop period due to the delay. Control of audio output serving as a delayed display assist effect is executed. Thus, the shaking display period can be a period in which the control delayed by the occurrence of the read delay can be executed.

  For example, when the variable display time from when the variable display is started until the display result is derived becomes long, the moving image data used for executing the reach effect by the reproduction display of the moving image also has the data capacity. Tends to be big. For this reason, there is a high possibility that a delay occurs in the reproduction display of the moving image. Therefore, when variable display corresponding to a fluctuation pattern with a long variable display time is executed, the shaking display period is longer than when variable display corresponding to a fluctuation pattern with a short variable display time is executed. May be set. As a result, even when the playback and display of the moving image is likely to be delayed, the possibility of completing the reach effect by the playback and display of the delayed moving image can be improved, and the occurrence of a malfunction can be prevented by an appropriate effect without a sense of incongruity. .

  Note that when the execution of the reach effect in which a delay occurs in the playback and display of moving images in the control example shown in FIG. 47 is started, the video output by the playback and display of moving images may be faded in. For example, when starting playback and display of a delayed moving image, the moving image blend rate may be initially set to “0” and updated so as to increase the blend rate as time elapses. As described above, by fading in the video output by the reproduction display of the delayed moving image, when the reproduction of the moving image is delayed, it is possible to suppress the uncomfortable feeling of the display effect using the moving image.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the control means (the present display control function (the VDP function in this example)) that performs the display control of the effect display means (in this example, the effect display device 5). In the example, an effect control CPU 120) and temperature monitoring means (in this example, a temperature sensor 136) for monitoring the temperature of the control means are provided. In addition, the display control function can be limited in stages according to the temperature of the control means (in this example, when the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 reaches 60 ° C. to 70 ° C., the first limit mode is entered, and the effect control is performed. When the temperature of the CPU 120 for use reaches 71 ° C. to 94 ° C., the second restriction mode is entered, and when the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 becomes 95 ° C. or more, the third restriction mode is entered. For this reason, it is possible to realize a more appropriate heat countermeasure of the control means having the display control function. That is, if it is configured not to immediately display all the effects when the temperature abnormality of the effect control CPU 120 is detected, the interest in the game is greatly reduced. On the other hand, in this embodiment, not all the effects are displayed immediately, but the effects are controlled so as to limit the effects in stages. Can be prevented, and more appropriate heat countermeasures can be realized.

  In this embodiment, the production control CPU 120 determines the specific temperature of the production control CPU 120 based on the temperature information from the temperature sensor 136, and determines the temperature abnormality. It is not restricted to such an aspect. For example, instead of outputting temperature information that can specify a specific temperature from the temperature sensor 136, a predetermined interrupt signal is generated when a certain temperature is reached, and the interrupt signal is input. It may be configured to determine that a temperature abnormality has occurred based on the above. In this case, for example, the first limit mode is entered when the interrupt signal is input, and the second limit mode is entered when a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the input of the interrupt signal. You may comprise so that a display control function may be restrict | limited in steps according to the elapsed time after inputting an interrupt signal.

  In this embodiment, the background image is erased in the first restriction mode, the variation display of the effect design is erased in the second restriction mode, and the small figure, the hold image, and the active image are also erased in the third restriction mode. Although a case has been shown, it is not limited to such a restriction mode. For example, as a restriction mode of the display control function, it may be configured to restrict according to the type of effect, such as restricting a notice effect before reaching in a certain restriction mode. Further, for example, in a certain restriction mode, the display area unit may be restricted such that only the end portion of the display screen of the effect display device 5 is not displayed. Further, for example, when a plurality of display devices such as a main liquid crystal display device and a sub liquid crystal display device are provided, a display device such as continuing display only in the main liquid crystal display device without displaying the sub liquid crystal display device in a certain limited mode. You may comprise so that the restriction | limiting of a unit may be performed.

  Further, in this embodiment, the case where the display control function is limited to the three stages of the first restriction mode to the third control mode has been shown. You may comprise, and you may comprise so that restrictions of four steps or more may be performed.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the display control function can be restricted by a plurality of types of restriction modes including at least the first restriction mode and the second restriction mode having a higher degree of restriction than the first restriction mode (this example) Then, as shown in FIG. 32 (B), only the background image is erased on the display screen of the effect display device 5 in the first restriction mode, and as shown in FIG. 32 (C), the effect display device in the second restriction mode. In the display screen of 5, the effect symbol display in the symbol display areas of the left 5L, middle 5C and right 5R is also deleted). Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the interest of the game. For example, in this embodiment, only the display of the background image or the like is restricted in the first restriction mode, and the change display of the effect symbol and the simple notice display are continued, so that part of the effect display can be continued, A decrease in the interest of the game can be suppressed.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the display control function can be restricted by the first restriction mode in response to the temperature of the control means reaching a predetermined temperature (60 ° C. to 70 ° C. in this example). The display control function can be restricted by the second restriction mode in response to the temperature of the means reaching a specific temperature (71 ° C. to 94 ° C. in this example) higher than the predetermined temperature. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the interest of the game.

  Further, according to this embodiment, in response to the fact that the temperature of the control means has reached a special temperature higher than the specific temperature (95 ° C. or higher in this example), the display stop for stopping the display control of the effect display means The display control function can be limited by the mode (in this example, as shown in FIG. 32D, all the displays (except for the third temperature abnormality notification E1) in the effect display device 5 are erased. ). Further, the restriction of the display control function by the display stop mode can be released in accordance with the decrease in the temperature of the control means from the special temperature (in this example, the CPU 120 for effect control when shifting to the third restriction mode). When the temperature drops to 90 ° C. or lower, the second limit mode is entered). Therefore, it is possible to strengthen the heat countermeasure of the control means having the display control function, and to automatically recover from the display stop mode after shifting to the display stop mode.

  Further, according to this embodiment, when the display control function is restricted by the first restriction mode, control is performed so that some effects are not executed (in this example, the background image is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 5). Or display an image with the scaler function stopped.) Therefore, appropriate display control according to the temperature of the control means can be realized.

  In this embodiment, the case where the background image is deleted or the scaler function is stopped is shown in the first restriction mode. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode. For example, the production control microcomputer 120 </ b> A may be limited so as not to select or determine a part of the production such as a notice production.

  Further, according to this embodiment, it is possible to restrict the sound output according to the type of the restriction mode (in this example, in the first restriction mode, effects such as a part of the notice effect during the change display of the effect symbols are displayed. The sound output of sound and BGM is restricted, and no sound output related to the change display of the effect design is performed in the second restriction mode or the third restriction mode). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the display control and the sound output from being inconsistent.

  Note that it is desirable that the error sound be continuously output regardless of whether the display control function is being restricted. With such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately continue notification regarding errors.

  Further, according to this embodiment, display control of information related to the progress of the game is performed by causing the light emitters (in this example, the first decorative symbol display 5A and the second decorative symbol display 5B) to emit light. In addition, display control for causing the illuminant to emit light in common is possible regardless of the restriction mode (in this example, the first decorative symbol display is performed regardless of whether the mode is shifted to any one of the restriction modes based on the temperature abnormality). The display of the variation of the first decorative design on the device 5A and the display of the variation of the second decorative design on the second design display 5B are executed). Therefore, it is possible to appropriately notify the progress of the game.

  In this embodiment, whether or not the display control function is being limited for the first decorative symbol display 5A and the second decorative symbol display 5B as the light emitter that controls the light emission on the side of the effect control microcomputer 120A. Although the case where display control is continued regardless of whether or not is shown, it is not limited to such a mode. For example, as a light emitter that controls light emission on the production control microcomputer 120A side, a lamp (LED) for displaying a hold display, an error lamp (LED), and a right-handed display lamp (LED) for prompting a right-handed operation The display control may be continued regardless of whether or not the display control function is limited.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, when the display control is continued regardless of whether or not the display control function is limited for the light emitters such as the first decorative symbol display 5A and the second decorative symbol display 5B. However, the display control of these light emitters may also be stopped when the production control CPU 120 reaches or exceeds a certain temperature.

  Further, according to this embodiment, it is possible to report a temperature abnormality according to the temperature of the control means (in this example, as shown in FIGS. 32 (B) to (D), the first temperature abnormality notification E1 to E1. The third temperature abnormality notification E3 is displayed). Therefore, appropriate notification according to the temperature of the control means can be performed.

  In this embodiment, the first temperature abnormality notification E1 to the third temperature abnormality notification E3 are displayed step by step depending on whether the first restriction mode to the third restriction mode is selected. Regardless of the mode, for example, regardless of whether the mode is the first limit mode to the third limit mode, when the effect control CPU 120 reaches a certain temperature, a common mode temperature abnormality notification is displayed. You may comprise.

  In this embodiment, the third temperature abnormality notification E3 is displayed even in the third restriction mode (see FIG. 32D), but the temperature abnormality notification is not displayed in the third restriction mode. The display screen of the effect display device 5 may be configured not to display at all including the temperature abnormality notification.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the cooling means (in this example, the cooling fan 142) for cooling the control means is provided. In addition, the operation mode of the cooling unit can be changed according to the temperature of the control unit (in this example, the cooling fan 142 is operated at a low speed in the first limit mode, and the cooling fan 142 is operated at a medium speed in the second limit mode. In the third restriction mode, the cooling fan 142 is operated at a high speed). For this reason, it is possible to realize a more appropriate heat countermeasure of the control means having the display control function.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the first board (in this example, the production control board 12) provided with the control means (in this example, the production control CPU 120), and the production information related to the production control (this book) The example includes a second board (in this example, the effect control relay board 16A) provided with storage means (in this example, CGROM 141) for storing various image data. Also, authentication information is stored in advance in the storage means (in this example, authentication data is stored in the CGROM 141), and the control means performs authentication processing based on the authentication information stored in the storage means. (In this example, the production control CPU 120 performs authentication processing by comparing authentication data read from the CGROM 141 with authentication data stored in the ROM 135). Then, it is possible to execute the effect control based on the fact that the authentication is successful in the authentication process (in this example, the effect control CPU 120 performs the initial effect data transfer process (S51D) based on the successful authentication). The various effect control processes including are executed). Therefore, it is possible to ensure an appropriate connection relationship between the substrate provided with the control means and the substrate provided with the storage means.

  For example, when the production control microcomputer 120A having the VDP function is mounted on one board (in this example, the production control board 12) and distributed as one production control unit as in this embodiment, this production is performed. After the gaming machine equipped with the control unit is removed at the amusement store, the production control unit is removed from this gaming machine, and the production control unit is used in a gaming machine manufacturer other than the regular purchase manufacturer of the production control unit. Can be diverted. In this case, the quality of the gaming machine equipped with the used production control unit cannot be ensured, and the part cost increases as the regular distribution amount of the production control unit decreases. There is a problem that the manufacturing cost (expense) increases. Therefore, in this embodiment, the effect control board 12 performs an authentication process with another board (in this example, the effect control relay board 16A), thereby allowing other gaming machines other than the authorized purchase manufacturer. The diversion of the production control unit at the manufacturer can be suppressed. On the other hand, an authorized purchase maker can reduce the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine by reusing the effect control unit properly.

  As for the authentication data stored in the ROM 135 built in the production control microcomputer 120A and the authentication data stored in the CGROM 141 on the production control relay board 16A, a unique value for each ROM is used as the authentication data. You may make it comprise so that it may memorize | store, and you may comprise so that a specific value may be memorize | stored as authentication data for every model type of gaming machine. Furthermore, a unique value may be stored as authentication data for each gaming machine manufacturer.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the control means can execute the transfer process of the effect information stored in the storage means (in this example, the initial effect data transfer process (S51D)), and in the authentication process The transfer process can be executed based on the successful authentication (in this example, the effect control CPU 120 can execute the initial effect data transfer process (S51D) based on the successful authentication). . For this reason, it is possible to execute appropriate presentation information transfer processing.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the game control means (in this example, the game control microcomputer 100) for controlling the progress of the game is provided, and the game control means has started supplying power to the gaming machine. A power start command (in this example, a power-on designation command) and a power failure recovery command (in this example, a power failure restoration designation command) indicating recovery from the power interruption state can be output. Further, the control means can execute the authentication process based on the input of the power start command or the power failure recovery command (in this example, the effect control CPU 120 receives the power on specification command or the power failure recovery specification command). Authentication process can be executed based on the above). Therefore, the authentication process can be executed based on the normal activation of the game control means side.

  In this embodiment, the case where the authentication process is executed based on the reception of the power-on designation command or the power failure restoration designation command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 is shown. It cannot be caught. For example, the effect control microcomputer 120A (specifically, the effect control CPU 120) checks whether the power supply voltage has reached a predetermined value based on a detection signal from a power supply monitoring circuit (not shown). The authentication processing may be executed based on the power supply voltage reaching a predetermined value. FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a modification of the effect control main process when the power supply voltage is monitored on the effect control microcomputer 120A side.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 48, the effect control CPU 120 first checks whether or not the power supply voltage has reached a predetermined value based on a detection signal from a power supply monitoring circuit (not shown) (S50X). For example, when VCC (5V) is supplied as the power supply voltage to the CPU 120 for effect control, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the power supply voltage VCC has reached 4.5V. When the power supply voltage reaches a predetermined value, the effect control CPU 120 executes an authentication process (S50B). Note that the processes after step S50B are the same as those shown in FIG.

  According to the modification shown in FIG. 48, the control means can monitor the power supply voltage (in the modification shown in FIG. 48, the effect control CPU 120 is based on a detection signal from a power supply monitoring circuit (not shown). 48), the authentication process can be executed based on the fact that the power supply voltage has reached the predetermined value (in the modification shown in FIG. 48, the CPU 120 for effect control) The authentication process can be executed based on the fact that the power supply voltage has reached a predetermined value). Therefore, the authentication process can be executed based on the fact that the power supply voltage of the control means itself can be secured.

  Further, according to this embodiment, based on the fact that the authentication has failed in the authentication process, the effect display means is informed that the authentication has failed (in this example, the effect control CPU 120 has an authentication error. Notification processing (S50D) is executed). Therefore, it can be notified that the connection relationship between the substrate provided with the control means and the substrate provided with the storage means cannot be secured.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the game control means (in this example, the game control microcomputer 100) for controlling the progress of the game is provided, and the connection portion for connecting to the game control means is provided on the second substrate. (In this example, the connector 16Z) and a plurality of effect means (in this example, the effect display device 5, the first decorative symbol display 5A, the second decorative symbol display 5B, the LEDs 9a to 9e, the speakers 8L and 8R, A connecting portion (in this example, a connector 16S) for connecting the movable portion 302, the movable member 321 and the like) is provided. Therefore, since it is sufficient to design the second board for each model of the gaming machine, the first board can be shared among different models of the gaming machine, and the development cost and manufacturing cost of the gaming machine can be reduced. it can.

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, since the WDT clear setting during reading is performed in step S281 of the during-control effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 39, inappropriate reset of the effect control CPU 120 can be suppressed. The occurrence of defects can be prevented.

  In the in-control memory inspection process shown in FIG. 38, if it is determined in step S1252 that the memory inspection interval has elapsed, the memory inspection is executed by the control in step S1257, and the data transfer condition is satisfied. Since the substitute process for transferring the stored data of the defective area to the substitute area can be executed, the protection process for protecting the stored data can be appropriately executed.

  In the control example shown in FIG. 47, since the start winning notification SH1 can be executed even in the display stop period in which the playback display of the moving image is not started and the display is stopped, an effect can be appropriately executed.

  As shown in FIG. 41, since the storage area of the CGROM 141 includes a data area that is a normal use area and a redundant area that is an alternative use area, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems and protect the stored data. Protection processing can be appropriately executed.

  In step S455 of the memory inspection process shown in FIG. 40, the storage data of the defective block that becomes the defective area of the data area is controlled to be transferred to the alternative area that becomes the alternative area of the redundant area. In addition, protection processing for protecting stored data can be appropriately executed.

  In step S271 of the in-control effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 39, it is determined whether or not the effect data stored in the CGROM 141 is being read out.

  As shown in FIG. 42A, the moving image data is configured by multiplexing video data related to display control and audio data related to output control of effect sound as a series of data, and display control and output of effect sound. Since the control can be executed synchronously, the production can be executed appropriately.

  In the in-control effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 39, when the number of times of clearing during reading reaches the clear upper limit determination value in step S280, the clearing of the watchdog timer by the setting in step S281 is limited. Can be prevented.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention can be changed or added without departing from the scope of the present invention. include.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is illustrated as an example of the gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a gaming ball with a predetermined number of balls is a gaming machine. The number of loaned balls encapsulated inside and lent out in response to a player's loan request and the number of prize balls awarded in response to winnings are added, while the number of game balls used in the game is subtracted The present invention can also be applied to so-called enclosed game machines that are stored. In these enclosed game machines, not the game ball but points and points are given to the player, so these points and points assigned correspond to the game value. It can also be applied to slot machines.

  In the embodiment, the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B each variably display a plurality of types of special symbols including the final stop symbol that is the variation display result, and then display the final stop symbol. Although the display is stopped, the present invention is not limited to this, and after the variable display of multiple types of special symbols without including the final stop symbol that results in the variable display, the final stop symbol is stopped. It may be displayed. That is, the final stop symbol that is the variation display result may be a symbol different from the special symbol used for variation display.

  In the above embodiment, in order to notify the microcomputer for effect control of the change pattern indicating the change mode such as the change time, the type of reach effect, the presence / absence of the pseudo-ream, etc. Although an example in which the variation pattern command is transmitted has been shown, the variation pattern may be notified to the effect control microcomputer by two or more commands. Specifically, in the case of notifying by two commands, the game control microcomputer 100 uses the first command to indicate whether there is a pseudo-continuity, whether there is a slip effect, etc. before reaching reach (so-called if not reach). A command indicating the variation time and variation mode before the second stop) is transmitted, and the second command has reached the reach such as the type of reach and presence / absence of re-lottery effect (if the reach is not reach, so-called first) You may make it transmit the command which shows the fluctuation | variation time and fluctuation | variation aspect (after 2 stop). In this case, the effect control microcomputer may perform effect control in the change display based on the change time derived from the combination of the two commands. In the game control microcomputer 100, the change time is notified by each of the two commands, and the specific change mode executed at each timing is selected by the effect control microcomputer. May be. When sending two commands, two commands may be sent within the same timer interrupt. After sending the first command, a certain period of time has passed (for example, the next timer interrupt). The second command may be transmitted. Note that the variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to this example, and the order of transmission can be appropriately changed. In this way, by notifying the variation pattern by two or more commands, the amount of data that must be stored as the variation pattern command can be reduced.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, “the ratio is different” is not limited to only those having different ratios such as A: B = 70%: 30% or A: B = 30%: 70%, This is a concept including a ratio that is different in a relationship of A: B = 100%: 0% (that is, one with 100% allocation and the other with 0% allocation).

  Moreover, in said embodiment, the production control board 12, the audio | voice control board 13, the drive control board 16B, the light-emitting body control boards 16C-16F, etc. are provided as a board | substrate with which the circuit which controls an effect apparatus is mounted. However, a circuit for controlling the effect device may be mounted on one substrate. Furthermore, a first effect control board (display control board) on which a circuit for controlling the effect display device 5 and the like is mounted and a circuit for controlling other effect devices (movable body, light emitter, speaker, etc.) are mounted. You may make it provide two board | substrates with a 2nd production control board.

  In the above embodiment, the game control microcomputer 100 directly transmits a command to the effect control microcomputer, but the game control microcomputer 100 transmits an effect control command to another board. Then, it may be transmitted to the effect control microcomputer in the effect control board 12 via another board. In that case, the command may simply be passed through another substrate, or control related to the movable body, the light emitter, the speaker, etc. is executed, and the received command is used as it is or, for example, as a simplified command. You may make it change and you may make it transmit to the microcomputer for effect control which controls the effect display apparatus 5. FIG. Even in such a case, the display control microcomputer performs display control according to the received command, similarly to performing display control according to the display control command received directly from the game control microcomputer 100 in the above embodiment. It can be performed.

  Also, in the above embodiment, the gaming machine controlled to the probable change state after the big hit game is shown based on the fact that the big hit type is a probable big hit or a normal big hit and the big hit type is determined to be a promiscuous big hit. It is not limited to such a gaming machine. For example, a special variable winning ball apparatus in which a predetermined probability changing area is provided (a certain variable winning ball apparatus may be provided in a single special variable winning ball apparatus, or a plurality of special variable winning balls may be provided. A probability variation area may be provided in a part of the device), and the probability variation is determined based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the probability variation area in the special variable winning ball device during the big hit game. The configuration described in the above embodiment can also be applied to a gaming machine that is controlled to a certain change state after the completion.

  In the above embodiment, the game control microcomputer 100 performs a display result (whether it is a big hit) or a winning determination (pre-reading determination) of the variation pattern type, and a command (design) indicating the winning determination result. (Designation command, variable category command) is transmitted, and on the production control microcomputer side, the case where the pre-reading notice production is executed based on the command indicating the determination result at the time of winning is shown. For example, the winning control determination (prefetch determination) may be performed on the production control microcomputer side. In this case, for example, the game control microcomputer 100 transmits a command that specifies only the value of the random number extracted at the time of the start winning, and the effect control microcomputer side specifies the random number specified by those commands. The determination at the time of winning (pre-reading determination) may be performed based on the value of.

  It should be understood that the embodiment disclosed this time is illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  In the embodiment described above, characteristic configurations of gaming machines as shown in the following (1) to (7) are also shown.

(1) A gaming machine capable of playing a game (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1 or the like), and a storage means (for example, CGROM 141) capable of storing data relating to display control, and storage data of the storage means is read and displayed. Display control means (for example, CPU 120 for effect control) capable of controlling the means, and signal generation means (for example, watchdog timer) for generating a time lapse signal when the measurement time has passed the monitoring time. The means reads the first control for initializing the measurement time by the signal generation means before the monitoring time elapses (for example, control in step S273 of the during-control effect data transfer process) and the storage data of the storage means. When a predetermined event in which the first control is not executed during the reading period occurs, the signal generating means The second control (for example, control by the step S281 of the control in the presentation data transfer process) and the gaming machine is capable of executing to initialize the measurement time. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above, the storage means may include a normal use area (for example, a data area) and an alternative use area (for example, a redundant area) (see, for example, FIG. 41). In such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of defects.

(3) In the gaming machine of the above (1) or (2), as a predetermined event, a process for storing data stored in the normal use area of the storage means in the alternative use area of the storage means (for example, a step of memory inspection process) S455, etc.) may be executed. In such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of defects.

(4) In any of the above gaming machines (1) to (3), determination means for determining whether or not it is during the reading period (for example, the effect control CPU 120 that executes step S271 of the effect data transfer process during control). Etc.). In such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of defects.

(5) The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4) above includes voice control means (for example, a voice processing circuit) capable of controlling the output of the production sound, and the storage means includes data related to display control, The data related to the output control of the production sound may be stored as a series of data (for example, moving image data), and the control by the display control unit and the control by the audio control unit may be executed in synchronization ( For example, see FIG. In such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of defects.

(6) In any one of the above gaming machines (1) to (5), before the display result is derived after the variable display is started, a period during which control delayed by the occurrence of a predetermined event can be executed (for example, For example, a period during which the effect design is swayed may be provided. In such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of defects.

(7) In the gaming machine of any of (1) to (6) above, based on the fact that the number of times that the measurement time has been initialized by the second control has reached a predetermined number, initialization of the measurement time by the signal generating means (For example, Yes in step S280 of the effect data transfer process during control). In such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of defects.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 5 Production display device 5A 1st decoration design display 5B 2nd design display 12 Production control board 16A Production control relay board 100 Game control microcomputer 102 RAM
120 CPU for effect control
120 Production control microcomputer 126 VRAM
135 ROM
136 Temperature sensor 141 CGROM
142 Cooling Fan 321 Movable Member

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of playing a game,
A first substrate provided with a control means for effect control;
A second board provided with storage means for storing the production information related to the production control,
Authentication information is stored in advance in the storage means,
The control means includes
An authentication process can be executed based on the authentication information stored in the storage means,
Production control can be executed based on successful authentication in the authentication process,
The gaming machine, wherein the second board is provided with a connection portion for connecting a plurality of effect means.